Ad Astra - The Alagore War

AA V0 Prolog, Chapter 4

2/06/2069 (military calendar)

Temple of Indolass, the former Confederacy of Daru'uie,

Nevali Region, Aldrida, Alagore

*****

Feeling the smooth, marble-like wall, Fraeya Holiadon searched for any clues to a secret passage, a door, or symbols that could help them fix the Bridge.

While the Palatini of Orias had been at the temple grounds far longer than expected, all efforts had been focused on investigating why the Bridge wouldn't open. This gave her time to study the structure's interior, realizing she would be the first in thousands of years. Based on the exterior side of the mountain, some formations could be closed-off balconies, making her conclude that there was more to this place than just this chamber.

To her surprise, time had not degraded the interior, unlike most structures that were left to decay. Everything looked fresh. Dusty but fresh, almost marble-like; however, she couldn't figure out what type of marble it was.

The Elf Girl stopped once she felt a slight bump within the wall. She carefully double-checked that she had indeed found something. When her fingers couldn't find a bump, she began to think it was her imagination playing tricks. However, with one last slow sweep of her hand, she found what she felt before. Confirming that there was a bump within the smooth wall, she noted it in her journal. "That makes three."

"Three of what?"

Her ears perked at the unknown feminine voice; she turned and saw a woman approaching. A Valkyrie.

This woman had soft, youthful features with long pale-blonde hair that fades into teal at the tips, bright, expressive eyes, and large, feathered wings that shift in gentle pastel hues, giving her a warm, approachable, almost radiant presence.

Clad in regal blue-and-black combat armor trimmed in gold, the polished plates fitted elegantly over her form, a crowned helm framing her face, and a finely crafted sword in hand—blending the gentle grace of an angelic figure with the disciplined authority of a battle-ready warrior.

The Valkyrie woman stopped, confused, and asked, "I am sorry if I scared you." Her words were gentle and restrained for a warrior.

"I..., I did not know we had a Valkyrie among us." Fraeya then got a better view of the woman's armor, noticing a plate with the Templar symbol. She quickly bowed to the woman. "You are a Templar. I apologize for not recognizing you. It is an honor to be in your presence."

She felt the woman place both hands on her shoulders and raise her back to eye level.

"Please," the Valkyrie said. "I never liked these types of formalities. Especially among friends."

Fraeya stared at the woman, confused. While she had never met a Templar, everyone at the academy talked about them almost religiously. They are the most elite warriors of Alagore, being considered the Heart of Tekali—maintainers of the peace and protectors of the common folk. So, the stories say.

"I am sorry. At the academy, we were taught the proper mannerisms around a Templar like yourself."

"I understand, but we are not at the academy," the Valkyrie said.

"A fact I keep learning."

The Valkyrie looked over and saw Fraeya's father sitting alone. "With your father sitting over there by that thing, you must be his daughter. It was..., Fraeya, correct?"