Post by Admin on Aug 17, 2021 0:08:16 GMT
The Kingdom of Valera was a young but inspiring kingdom. What was once a displaced, impoverished people thrived under the guidance of their beloved lord Rellan. He was wise and capable, and his words brought prosperity to Valera as it never had before. He taxed lightly to endear the merchant and peasant classes, and he utilized negotiation and a sharp diplomacy to protect the kingdom from war. Towns were not full of widows and orphans during his rule and the many races found it a place welcoming to all.
However like any kingdom there were always a contingent of those who disliked the king's actions. Among these was first and foremost the king's own younger brother Elias. Elias disputed the policies of his older brother, and he disagreed with what he saw as a weakening kingdom. After all, their house was built on the old traditions and ways of conquest and battle - and yet the kingdom of Valera was no longer mighty. The Kingdom no longer struck fear in the hearts of every lesser tribe of savagery that dwelled outside Valeria's borders - and the noble houses who had earned their honor through battle years to generations prior agreed. With each year their influence would dwindle, and their need for battle grew.
The king suspected his brother of attempting to Garner support from these lord's, and imprisoned Elias in his own home - a house arrest, only lifted at the request of his dearest younger sister, Arewyn. Instead, he took steps to make amends, hosting a midsummer festival in order to bring his family together.
On the night of the banquet, as Elias stood to make a toast, the staff drew blades, and pandemonium erupted. Within a few seconds, the royal guard and most of the top officials lay dead upon the floor. Even lady Arewyn, whose kindness and naivety brought this coup to fruition, lay wounded by an errant blade, with her last breaths and vision fading, to witness as the younger Elias slit the King's throat. In his mind Elias, believed he had executed a plan to save his kingdom, yet he never could have known what he brought upon Valera. He never could have expected that he was part of someone else's plan.
Before Elias could revel in victory the king rose back to his feet, his visage had turned pale and ghostly, the blood flowing from his neck turned to blackened bile, and his eyes were no longer the bright blue they were before. King Rellan cut Elias' celebration short, and removed Elias' head from his shoulders. King Rellan had resurrected before the court, and yet it was not King Rellan that had returned. The kind peacemaker was no more, what stood in his place was a cold hearted conqueror of the dark.
However like any kingdom there were always a contingent of those who disliked the king's actions. Among these was first and foremost the king's own younger brother Elias. Elias disputed the policies of his older brother, and he disagreed with what he saw as a weakening kingdom. After all, their house was built on the old traditions and ways of conquest and battle - and yet the kingdom of Valera was no longer mighty. The Kingdom no longer struck fear in the hearts of every lesser tribe of savagery that dwelled outside Valeria's borders - and the noble houses who had earned their honor through battle years to generations prior agreed. With each year their influence would dwindle, and their need for battle grew.
The king suspected his brother of attempting to Garner support from these lord's, and imprisoned Elias in his own home - a house arrest, only lifted at the request of his dearest younger sister, Arewyn. Instead, he took steps to make amends, hosting a midsummer festival in order to bring his family together.
On the night of the banquet, as Elias stood to make a toast, the staff drew blades, and pandemonium erupted. Within a few seconds, the royal guard and most of the top officials lay dead upon the floor. Even lady Arewyn, whose kindness and naivety brought this coup to fruition, lay wounded by an errant blade, with her last breaths and vision fading, to witness as the younger Elias slit the King's throat. In his mind Elias, believed he had executed a plan to save his kingdom, yet he never could have known what he brought upon Valera. He never could have expected that he was part of someone else's plan.
Before Elias could revel in victory the king rose back to his feet, his visage had turned pale and ghostly, the blood flowing from his neck turned to blackened bile, and his eyes were no longer the bright blue they were before. King Rellan cut Elias' celebration short, and removed Elias' head from his shoulders. King Rellan had resurrected before the court, and yet it was not King Rellan that had returned. The kind peacemaker was no more, what stood in his place was a cold hearted conqueror of the dark.