The Legacy of Light (Chaelisa)

C1: the first encounter

The sun was low in the sky and bathed Roseanne's family estate in a warm, golden light. The old walls of the manor seemed almost alive in the light of the evening sun as Roseanne stood at the window of her room and gazed down into the garden, lost in thought. Her room was a retreat, full of canvases, paints and sketches documenting her artistic endeavors over the past few years. Roseanne loved the peace and quiet this place offered, away from the pressures and expectations of aristocratic life.

There was to be a big party at the house that evening. The king had announced his visit and preparations had been in full swing for days. Roseanne had always avoided such events as much as possible. She was introverted and felt uncomfortable in crowds, even though she was very popular with the people. Her artwork had gained her some notoriety and people appreciated her gentle, friendly manner.

Roseanne sighed and put on the emerald and gold dress that had been laid out for her on the bed. Her long, wavy blonde hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was taller than most women, which gave her a certain presence, but she often felt like a foreigner in her own skin.

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The party was already in full swing in the grand ballroom when Roseanne descended the stairs. Music filled the room and the voices of the guests mingled in a lively murmur. Roseanne politely greeted a few acquaintances before retreating unobtrusively to the edge of the room. She stood there, watching the dancing couples and letting her gaze wander around the room.

Then her eyes fell on a woman standing at the edge of the dance floor who clearly stood out from the other guests. She had shoulder-length black hair and a confident appearance that immediately caught Roseanne's attention. The woman radiated an aura of mystery and strength that had Roseanne staring in fascination. She had never met anyone like her before. Roseanne felt her heart beat faster and she couldn't take her eyes off the stranger.

It didn't take long for their eyes to meet. The woman smirked slightly and took long strides towards Roseanne. "Good evening," she said in a deep, melodic voice. "My name is Lalisa Manobal, but you can call me Lisa. And you must be Lady Roseanne Park."

Roseanne blushed slightly and nodded. "Yes, but please call me Roseanne. It's nice to meet you, Lisa."

"The pleasure is all mine," Lisa replied, scrutinizing Roseanne with a penetrating look. "You don't seem like the typical aristocrat. Your eyes tell a different story."

Roseanne felt a strange mixture of nervousness and excitement. "I'm more of an artist than an aristocrat," she confessed. "These events aren't really my thing, I prefer the quiet of my studio."

Lisa nodded understandingly. "I can understand that. Big gatherings are often overwhelming. Maybe we should go somewhere quieter."

Roseanne hesitated briefly, then nodded. "There's a garden behind the house. It's more peaceful there."

The two women made their way through the crowd and stepped out into the cool night air. The garden was bathed in the silvery light of the moon and seemed almost magical. Roseanne led Lisa to a small bench next to a babbling fountain. They sat down and a pleasant silence spread.

"Tell me about your artwork," Lisa finally asked gently. Roseanne began to speak, hesitantly at first, then more and more passionately as she talked about her paintings and sculptures. Lisa listened attentively, her dark braun eyes glistening in the moonlight.

With every minute that passed, Roseanne felt more comfortable in Lisa's presence. It was as if she had found a soulmate, someone who understood her without the need for many words. And yet she couldn't shake the confusion that raged inside her. She had never been so fascinated by a woman as she was now by Lisa. But she felt an inexplicable attraction to this mysterious woman that confused her more than she wanted to admit.

The night passed quickly, and when the first rays of sunlight lit up the horizon, Roseanne knew that this was the beginning of an unusual friendship. What she had no idea was how profoundly this encounter would change her life.