Pillars of Age

Second Dawn

RIVAR

Under the glow of two moons—one red, one blue—the night sky cast an ethereal light over the desert landscape. A breeze from the arid plains swept across the cliff, causing the fire atop the Parsha lighthouse to flicker and dance, its flame a vigilant guardian against the encroaching darkness.

Perched on the westernmost cliff of the RasParsha desert, the lighthouse stood as a beacon at the western gate of the KuvnarMal continent. Its light bathed the bustling harbor below, offering hope and guidance to those navigating the treacherous seas.

At the cliff's base, workers toiled despite the chill. Among them, a young man moved with effortless grace. His short brown hair fluttered in the wind, and his deep brown eyes, filled with determination, scanned the scene.

A ship approached the dock, its sails billowing in two moonlights. As the workers prepared the gangplank, a calm yet commanding voice rang out, "Rivar!"

Rivar turned to see a forest elf with long, greying hair that flowed like silver smoke. He respectfully replied, "Master Gaelin!"

"Could you grab that box for me?" Gaelin asked, pointing to a wooden crate.

Rivar lifted the box with ease. Gaelin watched, a proud smile on his lips.

"You're as nimble as ever," Gaelin remarked, leading Rivar toward the heart of Parsha.

Parsha, known as the Harbor of Two Seas, had been Rivar's refuge for five long years. Nestled between the RasParsha Desert Sea to the east and the vast Nehir Sea to the west, the city was a vibrant nexus of trade and culture, where the ordinary and extraordinary intertwined seamlessly.

As they approached the city port gate, tall torches illuminated their path. Banners fluttered above, casting playful shadows on the cobblestones.

"Master Gaelin, it's been a while," the guard leader greeted warmly, his rough voice softened by genuine affection.

"Indeed, it's good to see Parsha thriving," Gaelin replied, showing a metal badge that glinted in the torchlight.

The guard leader nodded and stepped aside. "Welcome back, Master."

Gaelin and Rivar climbed the grand stairs connecting the harbor to the city square. The steps were lined with torches, their light mingling with the festive banners draping the buildings.

The square buzzed with life. The aroma of exotic foods mingled with the sounds of laughter and music, creating a symphony of vibrant energy.

"Rivar, Parsha seems livelier than usual tonight," Gaelin observed, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.

Rivar nodded. "Yes, Master Gaelin. There's a celebration—Parsha's new agreement with Aurelia."

Gaelin's expression shifted subtly, a shadow of surprise crossing his face. "Ah, so Parsha has moved on from Baraq's sacrifices," he murmured, his voice tinged with a sorrowful emotion.

They entered one of the largest buildings in the city centre, marked by an emblem of a leaf shield with two crossed arrows. Inside, the hall was adorned with neatly planted trees and torch posts emitting cool, greenish flames, creating an ethereal indoor garden.

"Turvehdys, Gaelin," greeted a brown-haired forest elf, bowing and placing his right hand on his chest in their traditional greeting.

"Turvehdys, Tarvih," Gaelin replied. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, during your journey, all has been well. A few pirate skirmishes and the celebrations here have been our only troubles."

"We'll talk more later. I need to store this artifact first," Gaelin said, nodding for Rivar to follow him up the stairs to his office.