Ashen Heart

- Chapter 1 -

- Chapter 1 -

Girl of the Coast

"Euphie." A woman's voice called out. The smell of the sea's breeze permeated in the air and the saltiness lingered.

A girl laid dormant, fast asleep in the comfort of a large bed, one suited for a capacity far larger than someone of her stature would ever provide. Her brown hair fell to the side past her shoulders and swung back covering her face. Her gentle breath pushed the hair back-and-forth, pushed away it revealed spotted freckles and a tint of red in her cheeks. She wore a pink nightgown, ornamental frills along the sleeves and the shoulders.

She was seemingly unperturbed by the calling of her name however, rolling over in her sleep, a cute, joyful grin etched across her face.

"Euphie." The voice called again, this time louder than the last. This time, the calling of her name triggered a response from the girl, who's eyes fluttered open as she yawned and stretched her arms out wide.

"Is it time to get up already?" She knew the answer, only asking in hopes of leniency. It was rare for Euphie to get to sleep in, but if an opportunity ever presented itself, she would take it.

"My lady, it is already half past 8:00. Do beg your pardon, but it is well past time we make our way. Today is a very big day and don't you forget it."

Euphie had forgotten all about it. Today was the big day, one she had been looking forward to all her life. Yet, now that it came, it didn't seem as grand. Whether it was her expectations, or stories of others who shared the experience, the day just felt the same as any other. But maybe that would change tonight. She hoped it would change that night.

After another yawn, Euphie got off the side of the bed and slid into a pair of slippers that lay comfortably to the side of her night stand. "Let me help you get changed, dearie." the voice called once again. It came from an older woman, good natured and happy to help with Euphie's endeavors.

"Elma, I am twenty winters past now. I can dress myself up now, mind you." Euphie laughed, as she walked behind a covered screen and began to change. She poked her head around the screen to meet Elma's eyes, "but I appreciate the offer. You are a gem, Elma."

Elma beamed at the girl. Her silver hair accentuated the rays of the morning sun that diffused softly through the linen shades that blew gently in the spring wind. To Euphie, she was beautiful. A wonderful being in every sense of the word.

Elma had been in Euphie's life for as long as she could remember. All her life, she treated Euphie like one would their own child. But Euphie was not Elma's daughter. Not by a long shot.

"Euphelia!" This voice came from afar. Once again, it belonged to that of a woman, and Euphie knew exactly who was calling for her.

Euphie's mother was Cloren V. Rysler, and to be a daughter of a Rysler was the biggest honor there could be. Euphelia Rysler hailed from an island known as Karn, south of the Imperial mainland. Karn was the largest of islands in the South Auryn Archipelago, and was the largest exporter of seafaring goods to the mainland. Separated from the rest of the Empire however, the royal Auyrn family gave sovereignty to the next closest royal lineage, the Ryslers. In Karn, the Rysler's ruled under the titles of monarchs, but to the residents that title was only there by name. Yet to the eyes of the empire, young Euphelia Rysler was a princess.

While one could say that Karn was an extension of the Empire's power, many residents would depict their lives as independent from that of the mainland. And just so, as the Rysler's would have it no other way.