[b]Chapter One - Intersecting Paths & Extending Goals[/b] - - - Summer was close to ending across the land of [url=http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Genkai001/Settings/34849197_zpsd36f80f4.jpg]Hullen[/url]. In the capital, Aria, rays of sunlight cast a shadow on half of the majestic city. The largest and longest mountain range in Hullen, Shadow's Peak, lay in the background while a vast oceanfront lay beyond the cliffs surrounding Aria. It was a bustling city where many sought guidance from King and Queen of the land. Traders set up shop near the port and framers often commuted by horse or wagon to do business in Aria. It was a large place where something was always going on. Someone always had some story to share and the sun and clouds often frolicked with one another in the sky above. Hullen was known for its weather of wind and rain but also sunlight and clouds. It was a country where the weather ruled over the people just as much as the King and Queen did. And the gem that lay in the grand castle, matching the alluring gray tones of the city that, protected it. While Jak Willows or as he was more formally known as, Sir Jak of the Willows, could call Aria his home, he knew very little of the real world outside the steep walls of the tall city around him. His family was tied very close to the King and Queen by very distant but still valued blood relations. Jak was an only child and since birth, his mother and father raised him and taught him themselves. Perhaps it would have been more beneficial for him to go out into the public eye and associate with others his age, because he couldn't grasp concepts very well. Maybe it was the constant stress. He wasn't mentally slow or dimwitted but his memory often failed him when it came to taking tests about the astrology or history of the world. Whenever Jak would get angry at himself, he would turn to magic for guidance. If he couldn't remember the lore of the world or how to deal with the bitter mistress known as mathematics, he was determined to least become skilled at magic and hopefully no one would notice his appalling education. For several years Jak taught himself how to harness magic and when he turned eighteen, his parents bestowed upon him a spell book which had been in their family for generations. Jak was happy to finally get real guidance. He poured over the book containing family spells while his parents taught them the flair that was associated with the name and crest: Willows. His parents were well known for conjuring breathtaking spells which were made famous across the land. While many of the Willows' spells were more aesthetically pleasing than useful, Jak wanted to take them to the next level. He saw no reason why a spell couldn't be beautiful and still hold purpose. At the age of twenty-one, he began to sneak out of the manor and head down to the beach to help fend off those from Syrro and Lella who threatened their fishermen. Enemies from the other two countries rarely made it to their shores thanks to the wild waves but if Jak ever heard about trouble, he was quick to run to the aid of someone in peril. Leaning backwards on a ship, Jak now a decade past his young bright eyed self, the blue haired male couldn't help but feel a bundle of anxiety well up inside his chest. He had just gotten out of a meeting with the King of Hullen. In attendance was another by the name of Oliver R. Jewelson who Jak already knew from just making idle chit chat around the shopping district. The man's hair was almost as striking as his own after all. Sir Jak of the Willows wasn't too sure what to make of his new companion. The other was a female with striking red hair, Noelle Celair. The King and Queen of Hullen had spoken to the three of them, saying they were to go to Lella and began to search for the gem that had been broken. While fragments remained in the castle, there were surely more around the world itself. Jak, Oliver and Noelle were given a ship and a hefty amount of gold to begin their quest. They were informed that other small groups would be formed and jettisoned into the unknown but that three of them must work together and send word if any shards should be found. The task given to them was immense and Jak was excited to get moving. The ocean proved to be on their side, though that came as no surprise to the crew amongst them. A week passed as the ship started to sail towards the country known as Lella. Jak recalled the books he used to struggle reading, Lella was a bountiful place like Hullen but Lella was depicted as a very sophisticated place where people danced and wasted time with books and thought they were far superior than those of Hullen or Syrro. It made Jak a bit physically ill to have to go to Lella or even Syrro. The people of Hullen knew they were the best, were leaded by the best and were fostered and protected by the best God. As the ship pulled up to the beach, Jack couldn't help but look to Oliver. "I guess this is the beginning." He put on a smile and jumped off the ship, his feet sinking into the soft sand. "Let's stay close for now." He advise them. In front of them was a lush green forest. At the King and Queen's instruction, Jak, Noelle, and Oliver were to make the journey alone so they parted from the ship and set off into the forest with whatever they could carry, wits and all. - - - "This is no longer Plazza." Querene muttered to herself as she gazed up at [url=http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Genkai001/Settings/1686499_m.jpg]Syrro's[/url] meeting hall in the capital, Ty Brix. She had gotten a letter while vague, had summoned her to the large stone walled city. While Querene was an avid traveler ever since leaving her home in Plazza, she hadn't spent much time in Ty Brix. Ty Brix was where the Queen and King resided. It was perched on a large mountain which had a series of desserts beneath it. Ty Brix was hard to access and proved a good niche for the rulers over the rough country of Syrro. Those in Ty Brix made their living by making weapons and stone. It was common knowledge, at least to those of Syrro, that they could craft beautiful structures. That they didn't just throw rocks at one another. Syrro may be harsh to live in but it was by no means uninhabitable and those blessed to live in Syrro knew the value of hard work and self tutelage. Querene was no exception to that. She grew up in a small village in the mountains on the other side of Syrro. Her community was close knit but the men were too rash and often banged themselves up. It was at a young age that the pink haired girl thought that her purpose could be and should be, fixing people. Many fixed tools but in Syrro people were just as much fighters as the knives they wielded, and Querene wanted to ensure the health of her people. So she did her best to teach herself magic that would be of use in the world. And in order to do so, she left her home at age sixteen and roamed the wilderness, learning wherever she could. Since she came from such a small home, she was using to sharing and acting with her heart more so than her head. This lesson was learned when she realized that she had given up all of her food to those she had met on the road. And she had been left with nothing. She was seventeen at the time and soon discovered that while she could help others, she needed to keep herself in good health and protection as well. So she got better at foraging for food, even if it meant dealing with the bugs of the forest. Querene was determined to keep going until she knew as much as her brain could handle. When she was twenty-two, she settled down in a large city called Astra. Astra was her home for three years. It was there that she met a wonderful healer by the name of Angie. Angie taught Querene how to heal burns and how harness lightning. Her only spell she had practiced thus far as shooting rocks out of her mouth. After three years in Astra, Querene moved on and continued to travel, helping those who sought her skills. While she only had three mediocre spells, it was common for people to spend years perfecting one spell before moving on so she didn't feel too troubled. She could defend herself as well as fix herself whenever needed. And she had first aid skills beyond those relying on magic. Overall, the woman was happy with who she was becoming. But when word of the gem in Ty Brix being shattered got out, Querene was quick to raise her hand and declare her loyalty to Syrro, saying that she would do anything to return her home to its proper glory. After seeing so much hunger and violence breaking out, she knew it was only a matter of time before Lella and Hullen attacked. It seemed her insistence on helping reached Ty Brix because her letter had now brought her face to face with the King and Queen of Syrro. The meeting was brief and Querene was introduced to someone older by the name of Rilvaugh Fanalid. The two were then instructed to venture to Lella first and find their gems and bring them back to Syrro. Querene was so thrilled to be aiding Syrro. She would do her best to bring back peace to it. After being lent a ship and given some coin for their quest, the duo headed off to sail towards their enemy, Lella. The time spent on water was a bit unpleasant for Querene but a week later, they finally docked on land, or in their case, sand. Querene got off the ship and waited for Rilvaugh to join her. She looked up and down the coastline, spotting a ship in the distance leaving. A knot of uneasiness welled up inside of her and she began to fidget, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "Alright let's do this! If I were a shard, lost in a scary country where would I be?" She began to ponder. There was a forest in front of them and part of her hoped they'd have luck there, since there didn't seem much else they could do. She wasn't much of a leader, she enjoyed following as long as everyone got along. She was hoping Rilvaugh Fanalid would take the lead. He seemed to agree that the forest was the way to go. "I wonder if there is anyone living there..." She muttered thoughtfully. While they were sort of invading Lella, Querene was sure the pushover natives would be okay. But at the same time, part of her felt weird about just waltzing into the unknown. This wasn't her home and she didn't feel safe and the cracks were beginning to show already. That was too soon. Much too soon. The pink haired woman swallowed and followed the long haired man through the trees. Her eyes swept around, keeping her guard up, as well as an eye out for anything that shined or glinted. - - - Heartstone was beautiful as it was vast, the center of [url=http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c260/Genkai001/Settings/14196787_m.jpg]Lella[/url]. Heartstone was often basked in colorful sunrises and sunsets. It was peaceful while at the same time, lively. Music filled the streets, along with scents of fresh herbs and stews. Lella was full of energy and individualism. It had farms and valleys and meadows and rivers. Agriculture was a main staple of one's livelihood. Alongside that, cows, chickens, pigs, deer, bears, fish and rabbits are a main source of protein. Lella is proud of its emphasis on free spirit and education. Many of those in Lella are well read and generous. The King and Queen take turns going around, ensuring everyone is happy and working hard. Urkwia was surely one of the happy citizens who was very happy with her life. Urkwia was from Heartstone and often enjoyed taking walks around the massive city in the heart of Lella. Urkwia would often roam into the woods around the city and practice her archery. To her, it was more of an art than a skill of aggression. She wasn't too creative like those around her and that often ate at her. She knew she could be free and easy going but it was hard at times. She was raised by her parents but the rules of her childhood were hardly enforced. Even so, Urkwia learned how to do most things on her own. The few friends that she did make, were often more thrilled by the idea of dancing and singing, rather than going to the countless libraries in Heartstone. But still, there were those who she could connect with and she found them in books. Thanks to the plentiful books all around her, Urkwia never felt lonely. She loved ready and loved the songs that would pour into the library through the windows at dusk. She loved the healthy food and positive outlook people had but she still felt something was amiss. When she turned nineteen, she began to look into spells and enchantments. The white haired girl wondered if there was a way to feel more free through the use of magic. Many people used it in jest, unlike those in Syrro who surely bullied everyone around them, rather than for attacking or killing anyone. Urkwia was determined to keep to nature though. It was beautiful and therefore shouldn't be harmed. As she taught herself, she began to lose friends around her. Even so, that didn't stop Urkwia's progress from moving forward. By the age of twenty-nine, she was able to use all four spells with fairly good confidence. But it was then that horrible news spread through the city and soon the country, their lovely gem had been broken and now it was likely that Lella would collapse if things weren't restored. Animals were getting sick and dying and people are beginning to lose to will to put on plays and look on the bright side of things. So the King and Queen decided to act quickly. They sent out summons for anyone willing to fight for their country. Urkwia was unsure if she should volunteer. She was sure others would be better skilled than herself but as the people muttered in dismay, she figured it may be an adventure without having turn the pages of a book. So she raised her hand and soon a trio was gathered in the court of Heartstone. She, Alive and Sir Rofield Crowfis Townspoke the 3rd were told to spread out, together, and comb Lella for any gems. The idea was that the gems could be best located first and foremost in their own country. And once they had more luck on their side, they could try to tackle Hullen and Syrro. After the ceremony had concluded, it was decided they would go west and check out some of the beaches there. Urkwia was keen to get to know her new companions. She already knew of Sir Rofield, somewhat, but not of Alice. So Urkwia hoped to get to know the girl who also shared her hair color, which wasn't uncommon in such a warm country. "Your village is nearby isn't it?" Urkwia spoke up as they began to move through the woods. "We must visit it and assure your people that you're doing quite a service in the name of Lella's happiness." Urkwia noted. The journey took several hours. They had to cross several rivers and make their way through towns. Along the way, people did their best to show support. As they stopped, the sun was beginning to sink into the trees. "How about we make camp for the night and spend the time getting to know one another?" Urkwia suggested. She wanted to make Alice feel included since Urkwia and Rofield were both natives of the capital. In the woods, a fire was made and a strew was being prepared. They had water, herbs and some vegetables some locals from a town had given them. It would simmer over the fire and in the meantime, they could talk and take stock of who had what to offer on their long quest together. As the sun started to fall, a bit of rustling was heard. Urkwia cautiously grabbed her weapon and soon two people emerged from the brush. "Hello. I'm sorry. I'm sorry! We just smelled something good and we've been walking for hours..." Querene raised her hands and looked to her companion. "We're not enemies." She said, unsure if it was wise to outright proclaim they were from Syrro. Of course if she was asked directly, she would have to tell the truth, lying wasn't something she did often, or well for that matter. Then more rustling followed and eyes turned to see three more had wandered into the makeshift camp. "Hi there. We heard uh noises and had to check it out. My name is Jak." The blue haired man flashed them a smile and a wave. "I hope we're not intruding." He said cheerfully. "If I could strike up an offer, how about we contribute to your dinner and protection tonight and in turn, get to stay?" He offered, wanting to get right to the point. So far, Lella was just a bunch of green to Sir Jak and he knew they had to rest up soon. Urkwia looked at the five new people and then back at Alice and Rofield. She really wasn't sure if they could be trusted. But she also wasn't one to be cruel. She looked at the five strangers carefully, unsure if they were from around the area. "My name is Urkwia." She bowed her head. "You may all stay for the night." She said carefully and backed up to sit back down on the log. A small bluejay flew overhead and Jak bowed his head to her in graciousness and looked to Noelle and then back towards his other mate, Oliver. Small talk was bound to commence.