Every one hundred years a cycle takes place on the continent of Einix, two children are born marked as the Hero and the Demon Lord. The cycle has begun again and a young woman discovers that she is to play a part in it.
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It was a few days after returning from Vevell that Alistar approached Mira about her plans regarding the kingdom of Acorian. He did not seem enthused with the prospect of negotiating with them. Mira still felt ill at ease with that kingdom herself; whether it was magic or instinct, she knew they would refuse to broker peace.
"We will not be approaching Acorian or the two other kingdoms it borders," Mira said, and Alistar seemed to breathe easier. "I would like to turn our attention to the mountain range and the people beyond it." Not much was known about the people past the mountains, as the range itself stretches from one side of Einix to the other except for a small strip of coastline in Vevell.
"Of course, Lady Mira, I will begin gathering what information is available,"Alistar said. "If I might suggest, I know you have not long returned from Vevell, but it could be that they have had dealings with those past the mountains several years ago. I would suggest writing Vevell's King and asking if he has any records of trade with that region." Mira nodded and sent him to complete his own research.
She would wait a few more days before she wrote to Lysanthir; she wanted to see what Alistar could find first. Mira also needed to ensure that the food stores were well stocked as the winter months approached. She had to make sure all the people who lived on her land could eat and survive, even if those in the non-demon towns and villages still held some fear of her. Vane also informed her that during the winter solstice, other demons of high rank will finally be able to come to the surface. Mira worried they would not be as accepting of her and her plans.
"Do not fret, my Lady; while they are not currently on the surface, they are still made aware of the goings on up here. Just as we are aware of what happens down there, should any of them oppose you or are a threat, they will not be on the surface long." Vane said when she voiced her worries to him. Having been reassured, Mira thought it a good idea to hold a solstice ball, a way to welcome them and strengthen the relationships with her allies. Something else to plan.
Solinus continued her magic lessons, although he posits she won't need them soon. She had progressed very quickly, according to him. All of her generals are much more open with her now, and she would call all of them friends, but whether, due to their perceived closeness in age or some other factor, she was closest to Diomedes and Solinus. When she needed reassurance, she sought out Vane or Alistar, both having taken an almost fatherly role towards her; although they would never replace her true father, she just liked to think she had three now. If she needed distraction, she sought out Diomedes and Solinus; they would engage her in conversation on a number of topics to take her mind off whatever was worrying her. If they had remained distant from her, she may have broken from loneliness.
The days and weeks passed, and snow began to fall across the kingdoms of Einix. Alistar had found little information on those past the mountains, and so Mira had written to King Lysanthir, asking if Vevell had ever had dealings with them; she also informed him of her plans for a solstice ball. Swift Wing returned three days later with a reply. Lysanthir was unsure if Vevell had ever traded with those past the mountains but would have Vevell's records checked and have his sons bring her any news when they arrived for her solstice ball. Mira also wrote to Queen Róisín informing her of the ball; as far as anyone was aware, the Queen had yet to have an heir, and so Mira thought she would send dignitaries in her stead. The letter she received in return informed her that Róisín would be delighted to attend.
