A song of gods and spirits: The Targaryen story

Prologue

The vast expanse of the unknown world, where empires rise and fall like the tides, there exists a realm beyond the reach of mortals: the Spirit Realm. It is an expanse of untold mysteries, stretches far beyond the imagination of those in the material world. Here, empires rise and fall with the precision and rhythm of the tides, their legacies intertwined with the very fabric of the realm. Among these powerful nations, three great houses reign supreme, their influence stretching across every corner of this ethereal world: House Lethalis of Solaris, House Vitalis of Lunaris, and House Astris of Stellaris. These houses have ruled for centuries, their strength and wisdom etched into the history of the spirit realm as surely as the gods themselves.

In contrast to the familiar landscapes of Westeros and Essos in the material world, where human ambition and conquest dictate the rise of kingdoms, the spirit realm is shaped by forces far older, more primal. Spirits dwell in every corner of this world, from the serene shores to the darkest forests, and the balance between man and spirit defines the fate of all who live here. While the material realm is bound by time and the limitations of mortal life, the spirit realm is eternal—its landscapes shifting, its people connected to the unseen forces that surround them.

𖤓 House Lethalis of Solaris 𖤓
THE IRON SUN
"Iron-bound, battle-forged, Eternal-Might"

The vast empire of Solaris dominates the spirit realm. It is the largest and most diverse of the three empires, a realm of extremes where deserts of burning red sand stretch for miles, only to give way to lush, green forests where sunlight filters through the dense canopy, casting long shadows over the land. The people of Solaris are as varied as their landscape. From the southern deserts rise the noble House Siltos, their power forged in the unrelenting heat of the Stone Deserts. To the far north, where winter never loosens its icy grip, House Nivalos stands strong, their warriors hardened by the frigid cold of the Sea of Snow. Between them, the great Sea of Halos surges against the empire's shores, its waters teeming with life and mystery. And In the rugged and windswept Stonelands of Solaris, nestled within the towering peaks of the Stoneclaw Mountains, lies the stronghold of House Montaros. And at the very heart of this empire lies the stronghold of Iron Mount, a towering castle surrounded by the Mazda Forest, an ancient woodland as old as the empire itself. From Iron Mount, House Lethalis rules over Solaris, their command of spirit energy unmatched, their wisdom and strength feared by all. Their banners are seen from the farthest reaches of the empire, and their rule, though just, is absolute.

☾  House Vitalis of Lunaris ☽
THE BLACK MOON
"Darkness Knows No Bounds"

To the northeast, nestled within the high mountains and dormant volcanoes, lies the empire of Lunaris. The second-largest of the three empires, Lunaris is known for its harsh, rugged beauty. The land here is defined by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the ever-present hum of magic in the air. Lunaris is home to the most breathtaking cities in the spirit realm, where the very stones of the buildings seem to pulse with life. Nova and Nyx, the twin cities of Lunaris, are renowned for their architectural grandeur and magical enchantments. Visitors from across the spirit world flock to these cities, drawn by their beauty and the ancient wisdom hidden within their walls. But Lunaris is not just a land of beauty—it is a land of strength. The ruling house, House Vitalis, is known for its unwavering grip on power. With their night-dark skin, white hair, and piercing blue eyes, the Vitalis are a striking and formidable presence. The mountains and volcanoes of Lunaris serve as natural fortifications, making the empire nearly impossible to conquer. House Vitalis has ruled for generations, their reign marked by discipline, strict control, and an unparalleled mastery of sorcery. In their realm, power and beauty coexist, but only the strong survive.

✶  House Astris of Stellaris ✶
THE GOLDEN STAR
"In gold, We Shine; In Faith, We Trust."

Southward, along the sun-drenched shores and bustling trade routes, lies the smallest of the three empires: Stellaris. Though it may lack the vastness of Solaris or the indomitable terrain of Lunaris, Stellaris is by no means lesser. House Astris, the rulers of Stellaris, are as radiant as the empire they govern. Their golden hair, eyes, and skin seem to shimmer with the very light of the sun itself, and their people are known for their warmth and hospitality. Stellaris is the wealthiest of the three empires, its ports and cities alive with trade, wealth flowing in from across all over the spirit realm. The shores of Stellaris stretch far and wide, with peaceful waters welcoming ships from all over the realm. Here, trade thrives, and the people live in a constant state of prosperity. The capital, Astraelion, stands as a beacon of wealth and culture, a place where merchants, scholars, and nobles from across the realms gather to exchange not just goods, but ideas. The Astris prefer diplomacy and commerce over conflict, but their wealth gives them undeniable influence, and they are not above using it to bend others to their will.

Despite the beauty and power of the empires, the Spirit Realm is far from peaceful. Spirits, both benign and malevolent, lurk in every corner of this world. They inhabit the forests, the oceans, the mountains, and even the very air itself. Some spirits offer guidance and protection, while others bring only death and destruction. The people of the spirit realm live in constant awareness of these unseen forces, and their lives are shaped by their relationships with the spirits around them.

And yet, there are places in the Spirit Realm that even the bravest souls dare not venture. In the northern reaches of Solaris, hidden deep between Solaris and Lunaris, in their border lies the Sea of Trees—an ancient, dark forbidden forest said to be home to the most dangerous and vengeful spirits in the realm. The trees here are massive, their roots winding through the earth like the veins of a living thing. Legends speak of gods and demons who roam the shadows of this forest, their power unmatched, their motives unknowable. No army has ever dared to conquer this land, and no ruler has ever claimed dominion over it. It is a place beyond the reach of mortals, a place where even the gods tread carefully.

At the very heart of the Spirit Realm, stands the Time Tree. Ancient beyond comprehension, the Time Tree is the source of all spirit energy in the realm. Its massive branches stretch across the sky, casting a shadow over the land that shifts with the passage of time. The tree is sacred to all who dwell in the Spirit Realm, and it is said that the spirits of the dead return to the tree to be reborn. At its base lie two great portals—gateways between the Material Realm and the Spirit Realm. These portals have remained open for centuries, allowing a tenuous connection between the two worlds. But the balance between these realms is fragile, and as forces stir in both the material and spirit worlds, the portals may soon close, sealing the realms apart once more.

The Spirit Realm, with its beauty, danger, and mystery, is a place where the destinies of mortals and spirits are intertwined. As the tides of fate shift, the empires of Solaris, Lunaris, and Stellaris stand on the brink of change. And as new threats arise from the shadows, the people of both realms must decide whether to stand together or fall alone.

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A/N: This chapter might seem a bit slow, but it's essential for laying the groundwork and building the world for everything that's to come in the story.