Aquaica: From the Depths(Teaser)

Prologue

Long ago, there was a magnificent kingdom called Aquaica. Home to a unique race of waterbenders, the great castle was built upon a towering cliff as the crown jewel of two twin waterfalls. Under the rule of Queen Vapora, the kingdom thrived in a great time of peace and prosperity. But one day, the Queen fell ill, and the kingdom was left in the care of her husband, King Azul, and her only daughter, Princess Serenity.

As the years passed, the young princess grew to a fine young lady under the guidance of her father, and was showing great promise as the future monarch of Aquaica. But that day would never come.

On the night of the Water Festival, a hardened and bitter traitor lay siege to the castle. At the hand of Dewen, the King was slain before the horrified eyes of his entire kingdom. Heartbroken, Serenity could only watch as her father lay dying in her arms. In an attempt to save her life, a young man named Aqualic dragged the grieving princess to safety, but at the cost of his own life. Alone, the Princess Serenity hid away in a cave, ashamed for not being able to help her people.

Three years passed before she was found by two lost hunters, Gale Leighton and Hamilton Durand. Deciding it was time to move on and start a new life, she joined the two friends on their return to Lorinthia. But she kept her true identity to herself, afraid of what her new companions might think of her if they knew her past.

But, alas, the promise of a fresh start would be nothing more than a fleeting dream, as the kingdom of Lorinthia was at war with the mysterious Queen of Levany. After a minor skirmish with Shadowlings guarding the enemy camp, it was discovered that the strange, primitive creatures were weak to Serenity's watery assault. With the Shadowlings making up a vast portion of her army, Serenity knew how valuable her abilities could be on the battlefield. She started training with Gale, and then joined a small band of eleven skilled men and women sent on the King's special missions. Among them was Gale, Hamilton, Sir Michael Ayers, Sir Don Ayers, Gennora Eaton, Sir Vince Goddard, Lacy Nunnally, Bruce Helton, Ikan Eneko, and myself included.

It was on one of these missions that Serenity's attempts to hide her past would fail, as the Queen's War Lord turned out to be none other than Dewen himself! In an effort to distract the crowd from the effects of a poison in Serenity's blood, he revealed her true identity as the long lost Princess of Aquaica. Assuming his victory was assured, the War Lord Dewen left the Princess to die, but thanks to the Sungai medicine, and a desperate attempt by Gale, Serenity was able to regain consciousness and flush the poisons from her veins.

With a new determination, Serenity set forth to embrace her true title, and stand against the tyrannical Queen of Levany. As an ally of Lorinthia, she joined Samarian's forces, and battled against the War Lord! Serenity dealt the final blow that would force the War Lord to retreat, the day ending in a blood bought victory. It was on this day that we lost our dear friend, Michael Ayers. May his soul rest in peace.

With Gale gravely injured, we said our goodbyes, and set forth on our long trip back to Aquaica. I can still remember her mournful face, as she glanced back one last time at the castle. Her eye's seemed so sad, and if she was crying, you wouldn't know from the rain that trickled down her face. Her uncovered head matted in saturated white strands.

Even now, as I write this, there is a sense of sorrowfulness about her. Perhaps it is the heaviness of a fallen friend, a missing comrade, and a wounded leader? Although, I have a feeling it might be mainly the latter. I can't help but wonder, is there more than just friendship here?

With our band scattered and broken, I can only ponder what the future might hold for us, and hope we will all be united once again.

- Colton Milward III