Aldoursaea: A Journey Within

Chapter II: Arch Thedo

Arch Thedo stands tall at an imposing six wand lengths, his broad shoulders giving him a formidable presence that commands attention. Weighing one orespan and 5 loads, he embodies strength and agility, clad in striking military regalia of deep forest green with rich brown accents that reflect the vibrant Elysian environment. The fabric is durable yet flexible, designed for quick dispatch and reaction missions, perfectly tailored to suit his dynamic fighting style. His uniform features a high collar and fitted sleeves, adorned with intricate brown stitching that evokes the rugged terrain of Elysia, symbolizing his connection to the land he serves. Strapped securely to the backside of his hips are his preferred weapons: a pair of double short swords, their polished blades glinting like shards of emerald in the sunlight.

Arch's serious face is framed by medium-length hair, brushed up and catching the light with hues of chestnut and gold, contrasting sharply with his earthy attire. His pronounced jawline, an inherited feature from his father, adds to his intense demeanor, often betraying the weight of unspoken expectations resting on his shoulders. The shadows under his sharp cheekbones emphasize his determination, while his deep brown eyes—rich and warm like dark chocolate—reveal the turbulence of emotions beneath the surface, reflecting both his resolve and his inner struggles.

As the second son of a renowned self-made diplomat, Arch feels the relentless pressure of familial legacy, navigating the complex duality of admiration and resentment that defines his relationship with his father. Despite his exceptional skills as an all-rounder and a genius tactician, he grapples with deep-seated impostor syndrome, born from his father's lack of emotional support and encouragement throughout his upbringing. The echoes of his father’s disapproval haunt him, compelling him to push harder, to excel beyond measure.

His relentless training and quest for self-improvement are driven by a fervent desire for validation from the very man whose praise seems perpetually elusive. The comparisons to his older brother, whose achievements shine brightly and effortlessly, deepen Arch's internal struggles, often leaving him feeling like a shadow cast by a brighter light.

Though he accomplishes much, Arch finds it increasingly difficult to savor his victories, treating each achievement as merely another task completed rather than a genuine reflection of his capabilities. The vibrant greens and browns of his uniform echo the lush landscapes of Elysia, yet the colors of his accomplishments are often dulled by the gray tones of self-doubt and the fear that his success is merely a byproduct of nepotism. In the quiet moments between battles, as the colors of sunset bleed across the horizon, Arch grapples with these conflicting emotions, striving to carve out his own legacy amid the shadows of expectation and the vibrance of his aspirations.

Arch Thedo grew up in the fertile fields of Elysia, a land of rolling hills and abundant rivers, known throughout the Arcanum Empire as its "breadbasket." From a young age, he was steeped in Elysian ideals: loyalty, strength, and an unyielding work ethic. The second son of Ren Thedo, one of Elysia’s most celebrated diplomats, Arch was raised to believe that every action must serve a purpose, every skill sharpened to perfection. Ren had risen not by noble blood but through sheer grit, and he expected nothing less from his sons, often reminding Arch that a legacy as unbreakable as their family’s required sacrifice, focus, and above all, results.

While his older brother seemed to effortlessly meet Ren's exacting standards, Arch was more complex—a quiet, calculating presence who felt the weight of expectation more acutely. Unlike his brother, who relished each victory, Arch rarely celebrated his own achievements. His victories always felt overshadowed by the larger specter of his father’s approval, a goal that loomed just out of reach. And it was this need for validation that became both his drive and his burden. Under Ren's watchful eye, Arch trained relentlessly, mastering everything from hand-to-hand combat to the intricacies of military strategy, all while feeling the constant pressure to live up to his father’s legacy.