. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁ 𝔜𝔢𝔞𝔯𝔰 𝔏𝔞𝔱𝔢𝔯
Naseria spent many long years in exile, but she gradually adapted to life in the deep forest. Resourceful and resilient, she built herself a small treehouse shelter high among the branches, a safe haven from the dangers below. Every night, she activated a sprinkler system she ingeniously designed, using saltwater to keep the Harrowsouls at bay.
Harrowsouls, whose presence could corrupt and manipulate through fear and deceit. Staring at them or listening to their words could be perilous, potentially leading to her losing her sanity.
During her years in the forest, Naseria developed a routine of exploration and discovery. She roamed the woods, searching for new plants, gathering herbs, and collecting livestock to sustain herself. One day, she found a stray cat, a creature that proved to be more than just a companion. The cat had an uncanny ability to detect the presence of Harrowsouls, warning Naseria of any lurking danger before it could reach her.
In this secluded world, Naseria created a life of her own making. She was self-sufficient and independent, thriving in her solitude. She documented her findings in a journal, carefully recording the properties of each plant she encountered and sketching detailed drawings of those she found most useful. Her notes were a blend of science and art, capturing the beauty and utility of the natural world around her.
Despite the constant threat of the Harrowsouls, Naseria found a sense of peace in her exile. The forest, once a place of fear and danger, became her sanctuary. She took pride in her ability to survive and even flourish on her own terms.
One day, as Naseria was immersed in her work, planting and tending to her small garden, a group of soldiers from the Kingdom of Cascadea arrived at her secluded forest home. She was so absorbed in her task that she didn't initially notice their presence.
Suddenly, a voice called out, "Naseria Aelith Gaheris?"
Instinctively, Naseria's skin prickled with fear. She grabbed one of her knives and prepared to defend herself. In a swift motion, she sprayed them with saltwater, her only reliable defense against the Harrowsouls' influence.
"Naseria Aelith Gaheris, calm down. We are the Casca Forces of the Kingdom of Cascadea," one of the soldiers announced, trying to de-escalate the situation.
"Cascadea?" Naseria remained on high alert, her senses heightened. She was well aware of the dangers posed by the Harrowsouls,
"The new kingdom," one of the men said.
"I know what Cascadea Kingdom is. What I mean is, why would a Cascadea soldier come to my humble home?" Naseria's voice was sharp, her gaze steady.
Cascadea was a relatively new kingdom, formed after the Harrowsouls colonized and decimated the once-prosperous Aurea Kingdom. Naseria had witnessed the transformation of Aurea into Cascadea with her own eyes.
"You are being summoned by King Theon Caelestis Armisted himself," one of the soldiers explained.
Naseria scoffed at the mention of a king, slipping her knife back into its sheath. She returned to her planting, dismissing the soldiers with a cold response. "What would Theon want?" she asked, her voice laced with defiance.
"King Theon," one of the City Units corrected her.
Naseria shook her head. "I am not a citizen of Cascadea. I don't know Cascadea, and He is not my king. I will not come." She ignored them, suprise to Naseria they left without a word
A few days passed, and Naseria continued her life in solitude. The encounter with the Casca Forces lingered in her thoughts, but she chose to shrug it off as a strange and unwelcome intrusion.
