0 - Dawn Of Silver

1 - The Silver-haired Bundle

12th day of the fir season 2433

The cold was particularly cruel during this season which was iconic for its nature-celebrating festival. In Daigorn, the snow piled up in a heap on the roofs of the wood-burning dwellings or, for the poorest families, heat was created directly on an interior campfire. The wind was calm on this peaceful night, giving a bit of respite to the citizens who had come to face a winter storm that threatened to turn into a blizzard. There was still some damage to be repaired and behind the stone walls of the castle, the eldest son of the ruling lord ruminated on this tiresome task that his father had entrusted to him. He was sitting at the big wooden table in the dining room with some scrolls and a map of the city at his disposal.

The twenty-one-year-old sighed, unmotivated, then stood up to throw a new log into the greedy flames of the fireplace. He was wrapped in a thick coat whose shoulders and hood edges were covered with dire wolf fur. His freshly trimmed beard followed the curve of his prominent jaw. Thoughtful, he caressed it with a swift movement and already, his gaze was lost in the glowing beauty that danced before him. So much so that he did not notice the new presence in the room.

"Is everything well, my love?" asked a young woman who appeared in her late teens and was leading an advanced pregnancy. "You should be in bed... I was worried..."

Bayrne turned to her and admired her long brown hair that he loved so much. Besides, that was what attracted her when they met. Even after four years of marriage, a feeling of well-being settled in his belly when she offered him her warmest smile.

"I'm just a little impatient about not having to worry about the rest of Father's duties," he confessed. "What happens if the council judges me unworthy? I worked so hard to please them and my dad."

Unlike other human kingdoms relying on family dynasties, Daigorn let a council choose the next ruler. Often, since the children of the current ruling lord were well known to councilors and loyal to their parents, they were chosen as successors, but this was not guaranteed.

"You will succeed," encouraged Rivatha. "And... No matter what happens, you are and will remain a caring spouse, a respected representative of the citizens and a devoted father. You offer us so much, to me, to Serus, to Argent and soon, to a new addition."

Bayrne smiled, proud of his third offspring nestled in the belly of his beloved. Rivatha was maternal, loyal, fertile and strong, giving birth without complications every time. What else could he desire besides governing his people?

"If it's a boy, his name will be Gendrel."

"And if it's a girl?" teased the chestnut-haired.

"Mmmm... I always had a weakness for the name Tria. It's simple, short, but adorable."

Rivatha gave a contagious laugh. Chuckling too, he put a hand on the teenager's. He was happy that his father had approved his request to make her his wife. Their union was one of the few issued of both romance and nobility.

The clatter of a chain armor broke their intimacy.

"Forgive my intrusion," said a guard with a grizzled, thick beard. "Lord Kindirah does not want to be bothered by a disturbance at the main door... If you could..."

Bayrne nodded, accepting the task, repressing a snarl. He laid a soft kiss on his wife's thin lips and followed the soldier. At the entrance, he was greeted by a night lighted by an emerald moonlight and a wicker basket. Over some blankets there was a note.

Ruler of Daigorn,

You do not know us as we do not know who you are personally. This is our daughter. She is called Azena, a name that is dear to us. She was born on the 32nd night of the season of the moon that has just faded. It is with our heavy hearts that we humbly ask you to take care of her. Your kingdom is renowned for its peaceful life despite frequent natural disasters. We hope she will warm your home with her energetic and solid mind. She deserves a family that will cherish her and that, despite the sickly shade of her hair.