XXII. A Fallen Protector

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The Acropolis of Moriath, a majestic sentinel carved from white marble, pierced Idilia's sky. It sat atop a colossal plateau, a watchful eye surveying the sprawling city nestled below. Moriath, the capital of the continent of Vana pulsed with life – merchants hawked their wares in bustling markets, children chased each other through cobbled streets, and the rhythmic clang of the blacksmith's hammer echoed through the air. Yet, a closer look revealed the subtle scars whispered on the city's face – the towering statues of ancient faeries, remnants of a bygone era, stood guard at the colossal gates, a somber reminder of past conflicts.

Today, however, a joyous anticipation crackled in the air. Whispers of Astra, the valiant warrior-counselor, returning alongside Queen Shonta, had ignited the city. Folks adorned windows with vibrant tapestries, children skipped with makeshift swords slung across their shoulders, and the elders, their faces etched with the wisdom of years, shuffled to vantage points eager to witness the heroes' arrival.

Suddenly, a shadow fell across the marketplace, momentarily eclipsing the sun's warm embrace. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Yet, it wasn't the fear of an approaching storm, but the sight that filled the sky above. Astra, astride his Cynderhawk, descended from the heavens. The majestic creature, its obsidian wings shimmering with otherworldly embers, dwarfed even the city's tallest towers. Beside him, Queen Shonta soared with wings of pure white, a testament to her lineage and the power coursing through her veins. Her presence commanded a reverent silence before the eruption of cheers that followed. Behind them, the Thornblades, an elite guard of Koriann warriors clad in gleaming silver armor, flew in disciplined formation, their blades reflecting the sunlight like a swarm of hungry stars.

The cheers reached a crescendo as Astra and Queen Shonta landed gracefully at the council square. A hush fell over the crowd as all eyes turned to the two figures. Councilor Alathor of the Morth-I-Zan race, his weathered face etched with the wisdom of years, stepped forward. His voice deep as a cavern, though aged, boomed with a practiced authority. "Welcome back, Astra," he intoned, a hint of relief lacing his words. "And greetings to you, Queen Shonta. Your presence here is both welcome and unexpected."

Shonta offered a curt nod, her regal bearing masking a flicker of unease in her eyes. 'The situation in Arborhaven demanded my presence here,' she replied, her voice laced with cool authority. 'Astra suggested I accompany him, in good faith of our agreement, as there are important matters to discuss with the authorities of Moriath.'"

Astra, his expression unreadable, inclined his head in silent agreement, but before Alathor could press for details, Shonta continued

"There are... larger concerns, Councilor. Reports of strange attacks across Idilia detail mysterious dark forces plaguing towns, whispers of creatures unlike any we've encountered before." Her gaze swept across the assembled council members, her voice dropping to a low, urgent tone. "Astra believes these attacks may be connected, and that a more unified front is necessary to address this growing threat. He suggests an alliance between my kingdom and the Council of Moriath, and I happen to agree with him."

A murmur of disquiet rippled through the council. The mention of a unified front fueled speculation about a rumored alliance with the Koirann. Councilor Kryos from the Lurothan, a man known for his sharp wit, cleared his throat. "An alliance with the Koirann, Your Majesty? Surely that's a drastic measure."

Shonta's gaze met Kryos unflinchingly. "Desperate times may call for desperate measures, Councilor. But for now, Astra has proposed a full briefing on the situation in Arborhaven and his assessment of the threat. I believe it would be prudent to hear him out before jumping to conclusions."

The Morth-I-Zan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. The weight of the Queen's words, coupled with the unsettling reports, seemed to tip the scales. With a nod, he addressed Astra. "Very well, Astra. The council is eager to hear your report. Explain the situation experienced in Arborhaven, and share your insights on this supposed threat plaguing Idilia."

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