Mystara, a stunning region nestled within the borders of the Republic of Acuna, is an idyllic land that seems to be straight out of a storybook. This picturesque land is renowned for its vast and sprawling fields that yield bountiful crops of wheat and rice, which play a significant role in contributing to the Republic's economy.
The breathtaking beauty of Mystara has often captivated the hearts of many, leaving them in awe of its serene landscapes and stunning vistas. Legend has it that Mystara is also the land where many legendary heroes once resided before embarking on their perilous journey to vanquish the dreaded demon army.
The bustling city of Mystara is a hive of activity, with a myriad of people going about their daily lives. It is a place where all are welcome, and where the locals do not discriminate against demi-humans, making it a stark contrast to the neighboring capital city, Lumina. Despite being just three dragons-length away from Lumina, Mystara has its unique charm and character, which sets it apart from its neighbor.
***
As we rode in the carriage, the vehicle jostled along the uneven terrain, making the journey challenging for both the horse and ourselves.The sound of our horse's hooves echoed through the quiet countryside, the only sound amidst the peaceful winter landscape.
As we ventured further, the terrain grew increasingly uneven, causing the carriage to jostle back and forth with every bump and dip. The snow, now piled high and seemingly never-ending, made the journey all the more challenging for our trusty steed. Its breaths grew labored as it struggled to move forward, the carriage shaking with every step.
I found myself huddled in a corner, trembling not because of the temperature or the shaking of the carriage but because of the outside world itself.
"H-have we arrived yet?" I stammered, my voice barely audible over the carriage's rattling.
"Keep it together, Leon," my father replied, casting a concerned glance in my direction through the window in the front. "We're still a dragon-length away from Mystara. Hold on tight, and we'll be there soon enough."
As we rode towards our destination, my father and the horseman at the front kept a watchful eye for any potential dangers that may come our way. Meanwhile, my mother stood ready near the entrance of the carriage, her senses heightened in case of any unexpected threats.
"Don't worry, Leon," my mother chimed in, sensing my apprehension. "We'll be there before you know it."
However, the repeated reassurances failed to ease my nerves as we continued on our journey.
As I huddled myself into a ball, shaking uncontrollably in the corner, my mind wandered back to the girl I had met just six days ago. She had been so sad because of her grandfather's passing, and I couldn't bear to leave her alone out in the cold.
So, I had stayed there for a while until she had finally calmed down. During our time together, we didn't talk much—not at all, in fact. We just sat there in silence, but it wasn't an awkward silence. It was the kind of silence that we both needed at that moment.
Being a socially-deprived person, I struggled to communicate effectively, and given her emotional state, it was understandable that she wasn't much of a conversationalist at the time.
However, despite our lack of communication, that brief encounter had left us both feeling better. She had been able to release some of her pent-up emotions and had finally found some comfort, and I had taken a step forward in overcoming my social anxiety.
After we had said our goodbyes to each other, we had parted ways and headed towards the hospital. Unfortunately, that feeling of relief didn't last long for either of us. She would have to face the side of her grandfather's passing that she didn't want to look at—the sadness, the pain, the grief. And I, too, was back at my starting point, grappling with my own struggles once again.
It had now been six days since the last time I saw her, and my mind couldn't help but wonder how she was doing. Two days ago, her grandfather had been brought to the cemetery, and I could only imagine how much harder that must have been for her. Was she coping okay? Was she surrounded by loved ones who were helping her through this difficult time? These thoughts consumed me as the carriage carried us towards the bustling city of Mystara.
After what felt like an eternity of journey, we finally arrived at Mystara, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the grand estate that was given to us by my grandfather. The size of the estate was larger than the house that my grandfather had previously given us, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and amazement as I looked at it.
As we climbed down from the carriage, my little sister Tessia's eyes widened in excitement as she exclaimed, "Wooow! What a huge house! Are we going to stay here, Mama?!".
My mother, taken aback by the grandeur of the estate, found herself at a loss for words. She could only manage a stiff smile in response to Tessia's question.
Fortunately, my father was quick to respond. "Yes, Tessia," he said, gently helping the horseman to unload our baggage. "This will be our new home."
Tessia's eyes gleamed with excitement as she looked at the large, looming structure in front of us. "Can I go inside now? I want to see what it looks like in there!" she exclaimed, her pointed ears perking up.
Mother, however, shook her head. "No, not yet," she replied firmly.
Tessia's pointed ears drooped in disappointment. "Eh? Why not?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.
Mother placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Because this is our new home, Tessia. It's only natural that we take the first step inside it together as a family. After all, this is where we will be building our future and making memories that will last a lifetime," she explained gently. "Or would you rather not join us in entering it together, Tessia?"
Tessia's drooped ears suddenly perked up, and her eyes widened with renewed excitement. "I want to! I want to do that too!" she exclaimed with a broad smile.
Mother smiled at Tessia's eagerness. "I'm glad to hear that," she said warmly. "In that case, we'll have to wait until we can all enter our new home together. It'll be a special moment for all of us."
After all of the cumbersome baggage had been carried out of the carriage, we made our way to the entrance of the sprawling estate. As we approached the door, I was taken aback by its size; it was much larger than I had anticipated, and to my surprise, it was a set of grand double doors. As my hand traced over the surface, I was struck by how immaculately clean it was, despite my initial assumption that it would be covered in a thick layer of dust.
"There's a caretaker who regularly maintains this place," my father informed me, noting my surprise at the pristine condition of the door.
As he inserted the key into the doorknob and turned it, the sound of the lock clicking echoed through the silent air. With a firm grip, he turned the door, and with a barely audible creak, the double doors slowly swung open to reveal the interior of the house.
"Woah!" Tessia exclaimed as she took in the sight before her.
The spacious room was filled with numerous items of luxurious furniture, each one more impressive than the last. The chandelier in the center of the room sparkled with a thousand crystals, casting a warm glow throughout the space. The walls were adorned with paintings. The plush carpets beneath our feet were made of the finest materials, and the curtains draped over the large windows were of the softest silk. The sight before us was truly breathtaking, with lavish decor and elegant furnishings, creating an aura of opulence and grandeur.
"Is this...truly going to be our home?" inquired Mother with a hint of disbelief, her expression betraying a hint of surprise at the size of the property before us.
My father, noticing her reaction, stepped forward to explain. "Well, you see, this was originally intended to be my personal abode," he said, gesturing towards the sprawling estate in front of us. "However, due to certain circumstances—namely, being disinherited by my father—the property was taken back from me. But now, it seems that my father has had a change of heart and is willing to gift it back to me."
Turning to Tessia and me, he asked, "Are you ready to enter it?"
We both nodded eagerly, our eyes shining with excitement and anticipation.
"In that case," my father said, a smile spreading across his face, "let's enter it."
With that, we stepped forward and crossed the threshold into our new home.