On a mythical island protected by a dome of clouds, eight species of creatures coexist in a realm ruled by Aleuta, a secluded city on the mountain. Bound by blood oaths, on the surface the creatures live peacefully, but underneath they scheme and pl...
Ailarin - The secluded island which is believed to be the last safe haven where life still exists. A dome of clouds protects the island from the dangers beyond, preventing the inhabitants from seeing the sun, the stars and the moon.
Aleuta - The capital city situated atop of Mountain Teiwaz, established over six-hundred years ago. Permanent seat of the Queen of Veilys, the ruler of the Realm of Ailarin. Its inhabitants are called Aleutans.
Dark Night - The last night of the year. Marks the shortest day and the longest night in the calendar when a frightening storm sweeps through the island. Anyone caught outside their dwelling, perishes.
Eternal Four - Worshipped as the creators of all life. Different creatures have one of the four as their patron.
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Aleuta
Once a year, there came about the misty island of Ailarin a night, longest and darkest of all. And it was known as the Dark Night.
The tormentors of the living descended with vengeance and fury. Frightening was the sight. The wind howled, the lightning burned the ground to ash and gloomy clouds shed black tears; no animal was seen and no bird was heard. The doors of every dwelling were locked and the windows were shut. Now and then, thunder cracked in anger threatening to split the sky into two.
Fear reigned the hearts and no one slept. And it was whispered among the living as they waited for the night to pass, that one day the enchantment that had protected the island for hundreds of years, would fade. And when that day came, the darkness would crash down on them and they would be no more.
But little did they know. This was not like any Dark Night before.
***
A young woman hurried through the empty corridors of the castle, her white dress rustling on the stony floor. Her face was calm and serene and her eyes bore coldness, giving slight grimness to her features. A plump, middle-aged woman, tiny in size, rushed behind her with swiftness unusual for her age. She held the folds of her skirt high and breathed heavily. The noises of the night swallowed their light steps, and as the women entered a large dimly lit hall, they started a group of men and women pacing under the tall arches. The burning wood in the fireplace threw stilts of light and the fickle shadows of people danced on the walls.
"The High Priestess!" voices rang through the hall, bouncing off corners and mingling with the humming outside.
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It belonging to a man, known as Minister Hybenlook. He was a man of ambition and his face beamed with overly inflated pride. He was one of the wealthiest men in Aleuta and nothing made him more pleased than seeing other's envy. Several chains of whitest pearls enlaced his thick neck. Ruby and diamond rings glittered on his fleshy fingers. His golden-rimmed tunic reached the floor and was of the finest quality coin could buy. Black pearls decorated its folds and made a soft clicking sound against the stony floor every time the Minister moved.
