Chapter 1:
“When people shut their ears, they unsheathe their blades.”
Glyph of Power: The first dance, the song of war
The Heavenly Sage: The Holy Glyph
Cryptial City, the land of the lingering souls
The young lady of the Revelzeir household watched in amazement and child-like wonder as her father and brother danced with the rhythm of their clashing swords. The Lord of the house chuckled in excitement as he watched his son charge forth toward him in sheer concentration and feistiness.
He countered his blow with his own sword, and exerted more force. Carefully but not weakly, he threw his son back to the ground. The boy stood up, panting; he was already covered with dirt and sweat, but not once did he allow it to extinguish the burning resolve alive in his heart.
Lord Arzein laughed at Aldraic’s expression. He sheathed his sword, and leaned it against the nearby rock, before gesturing for his son to come closer. Aldraic appeared confused at his actions, but obeyed nonetheless.
He approached his father slowly, his eyes wavering with caution and wariness. When he was already a mere foot away, Lord Arzein flicked his forehead, leaving a mark of red. Xeara, the mother, shook her head in disapproval, but the fondness displaying in her eyes conveyed her happiness.
Xanielle clapped her hands joyfully, standing up from the stone bench situated beside the waterfalls fountain. She ran to her father, her golden red hair swaying behind her as she dashed toward him. Lord Arzein caught her, and spun her around.
“How’s my little Xana? Did you enjoy watching us, darling?” he asked, smiling fondly.
Xanielle nodded her head enthusiastically, then grinned. “You always defeat Arc, father.”
Aldraic went red, and turned his head away with a scowl. “That’s because he’s older. Don’t say things you don’t understand, Xana.”
Xanielle laughed, and stuck her tongue out. “Meanie!”
“Now, now. No fighting,” their mother –Xeara –said as she joined them in the courtyard. She gave Aldraic a light kiss in the head, before walking to Lord Arzein and Xanielle, and giving them a kiss as well. “Your father always win, my angel, because he’s already used to it. Your brother, however, still has a lot to learn. But I’m sure he’ll be as good as your father when he grows up.”
Xanielle pouted. “Will I be as good as them too?”
Lord Arzein chuckled heartily, placing a hand atop her head. “You want to wield a sword, darling? But you’re a lady. You’re expected elsewhere. Just like your mother.”
Aldraic exhaled sharply, mocking. Xanielle threw him an innocent glare, before facing her father. “But father, I want to fight too. I want to protect everyone.”
Lord Arzein looked at her fondly, then nodded. He kissed her forehead lovingly, then said, his eyes directed at Xeara knowingly. “You’re still young, Xana. You’ll know exactly what you want when you grow up. For now, just be our angel, okay?”
