The Legend of Ithran

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PROLOGUE: Sunlight and happiness radiated through the city of Trelan, home of the elin. It was in the middle of spring. The trees were growing their vibrant colored leaves and flowers, and it was as if the whole land was coming back to life from a world of eternal ice.

But this was no ordinary spring morning. Everyone around the city was preparing for the Arlan's Day celebration. Arlan's Day was an elvish holiday that only came once every 5 years. Both elin and elves, though their customs are slightly different, celebrated it to promote the growth and health of the forest they called home.

Everywhere hedges and bushes were being trimmed to border the pathways of the magnificent city. When this was completed the most valuable part was set into place. In the center of the city, which was highly guarded, sat the magical Orb of Ithran. This orb had the power to destroy whole cities in seconds, control an entire army of soldiers, or keep a whole forest well protected. It was one of the most powerful magic sources in the world.

After it was placed gently on a sculpted pedestal by the elin leader, Ilaria, the celebration began. The orb was so powerful that only beings born of the strongest magic were able to wield its powers and use it for good or evil. If the person were any weaker, it could slowly corrupt their mind, or even lead to death. In this case the orb was used to protect the life of the forest.

Ilaria was definitely a creature of supreme powers, and it was shown because of her snowy owl wings which no other person in Trelan has been born with. Some people believed it was a magical accident, but others saw it as a sign that she was meant to rule. She wore a long, wavy gown that was white with green and blue markings that seemed to look like vines growing around her sleeves. Her long, white, silky hair flowed down to the middle of her back and it shimmered like freshly fallen snow. Her daughter, who was around seventeen at the time, wore similar clothing with her blond hair in an elegant waterfall braid and her wings folded behind her back. Her name was Evangeline.

The moon had risen to its full point and the celebration was at its peak. Until the noise came. And what a terrible noise it was. The thumping of large wings beating against the wind and screeching and snarling came from the distance. Almost the whole city went silent. Ilaria called for guards to gather and prepare for battle, for she had predicted what would soon come. Then the army came and busted through the watch towers and walls that surrounded the vast city with their devilish looking steeds. They were called the Nazra. They pushed their way through killing anyone who got in their way. Warriors flying in the air on their mounts destroyed and burned the majority of the city. The creatures they road were unimaginably horrid and distasteful to the eye. They had short, leathery necks that were covered in spines and scars. Their heads had horns like that of a ram and beaks that could break stone apart. They glided on wings made of smoke as they destroyed everything in their path. Tales of old called them the Varez, or creatures of shadow. Elin warriors fought, though over half of them died in battle. There were blood chilling screams coming from all directions. But then slowly, things subsided and the Nazra were on there way once more, still killing as they left the scene with out a care in the world.

As ashes settled and smoke cleared, young Evangeline searched desperately for her mother. She managed to find some survivors. One of them being a young chipmunk elin at the age of two, who she found almost lifeless in a pile of rubble. They searched until at the center of the used to be city, they found the near-dead body of Ilaria. Evangeline ran over to her mother's side, while other survivors gathered around her. There was a large wound that pierced the queen's stomach.

"Mother you're going to be alright," Evangeline managed to say, tears rolling down her cheeks.

" I wan..... I need you to take over Eve..." The queen gasped as she tried to fit in the words.

"Mother?"

"I lo.. ve you with..... all my heart.."

And with that said, Ilaria took her final breath.

With the small things they had left, Evangeline made a burial for her mother and had a small ceremony in her honor. It was then that they noticed one thing was missing....... The Orb of Ithran.

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