In the heart of the continent of Ocoris, thousands of miles from Cassandra's castle, the Capital city of Ziolis stood proudly, adorned with an extravagant castle nestled deep within its protective walls.
Ziolis, a thriving nation, had basked in peace and prosperity ever since the end of the Great Mage War. The city itself was a spectacle, resembling a picture-perfect fantasy setting brought to life.
The streets of Ziolis were alive with activity, each corner telling a tale of enchantment. Weapon merchants, skilled blacksmiths, potion makers, and spell book stores were scattered throughout the city, their presence emphasizing the rich magical heritage ingrained in the nation.
Civilians bustled through the cobblestone streets, immersed in their daily routines, contributing to the thriving ambiance encapsulated within the city's formidable walls. The echoes of life reverberated through the air, creating a vivid tapestry of magic, commerce, and the harmonious existence of the citizens of Ziolis.
The sweet aroma of freshly baked bread from nearby bakeries mingled with the cheerful sounds of laughter and revelry emanating from the bustling taverns, creating a rich tapestry of scents and sounds that permeated the air.
Within the confines of the royal castle, a messenger dashed through the grand halls, panting as he burst through the colossal doors that led to the throne room.
Stepping into the throne room was like stepping into a realm of opulence and grandeur. The walls were adorned with vibrant and bright gold, contrasting with the deep turquoise of Mythril and the rich pink glow of Orichalcum. These precious metals were not just mere decorations; they were intricately etched into every facet of the room, leaving any spectator in awe of the craftsmanship that surrounded them.
The ceilings reached an imposing height, inducing a sense of vertigo if one dared to gaze upward for too long. A rich red carpet, velvety underfoot, stretched majestically toward the grand thrones, adding a regal touch to the already awe-inspiring scene.
Above, three resplendent diamond chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a glittering dance of lights across the room. Their dazzling brilliance illuminated the entire expanse, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled majesty within the throne room.
Four individuals stood at the far left of the room, each skillfully playing an instrument, the royal musicians. The soft, soothing sounds of music enveloped the throne room, with the harp's ethereal melody standing out most prominently.
To the far right, a distinguished assembly of ministers, dukes, and bishops, numbering roughly eight, stood in a neat line facing the thrones. As the king's court, they offered advice and counsel when the situation demanded it.
At the far end of the room, two imposing figures occupied immense thrones, side by side — the esteemed King and Queen of Ocoris.
The King, a robust and muscular figure, radiated an air of strength and wisdom that spoke of decades spent in sovereign rule. His well-groomed beard, thick and imposing, complemented the aura of authority that surrounded him.
Despite being of Caucasian descent, the King's hair defied conventional expectations. Neatly and elegantly twisted into dreadlocks, the blonde strands cascaded gracefully down to his shoulders. These golden locks shimmered, echoing the radiant glow of the room's gold accents.
Cloaked in regal attire, the king wore a flowing cape that extended from his shoulders to his ankles, shrouding his attire underneath in mystery. Adorned with white fur wrapped around his shoulders, the cape added an element of opulence to his kingly presence.
It was abundantly clear that this monarch wasn't merely a ruler in title alone, but a sovereign whose actions mirrored the weight of his regal position. The room itself seemed to bow to the authority of the King and Queen, creating an atmosphere of majesty that surrounded the royal couple.
Seated beside the king, the Queen commanded attention with an undeniable air of elegance. Her Snow White hair, a cascade of purity, added a regal touch to her presence. The Queen's allure was undeniable — a woman of striking beauty, her physique boasted a slender grace, and her features exuded a captivating voluptuousness.
Drifting down to her toes, the Queen's attire was a silky red garment of exquisite craftsmanship. The fabric bore intricate patterns, woven with precision and care, hinting at the considerable fortune encapsulated in her clothing alone.
Despite her attire, she didn't appear overtly aged or exceedingly young. Instead, her face carried an unmistakable air of sophistication and diligence, signifying the wisdom inherent in her role as Queen.
Adorned with opulent accessories, the Queen's fingers sparkled with golden rings, each one a testament to her royal status. A prominent orichalcum necklace, with a bright pink hue that glistened in the ambient light, hung gracefully from her neck.
These embellishments only served to accentuate her regal bearing, casting an aura of majesty that befitted her station as the wise and discerning Queen of Ocoris.
Resting upon both of their heads were golden crowns, adorned with gemstones that glimmered with a lustrous brilliance. Each crown bore intricate patterns, expertly engraved to reflect the regality of the monarchs who wore them. The gemstones sparkled like stars in the royal firmament, a testament to the wealth and splendor of Ocoris.
The messenger hurried across the vast expanse of the throne room, his footsteps echoing against the grandeur of the walls. As he approached the towering thrones, he knelt down on one knee, a symbol of reverence and submission.
The velvety red carpet beneath him provided a soft cushion against the unyielding marble floor, ensuring his gesture retained a degree of comfort amid the grandiosity of the royal court. Bowing his head in deference, he awaited permission to deliver the urgent message to the monarchs who ruled from their elevated seats.
The king raised a commanding hand, and the messenger, having received unspoken approval, rose to his feet. Positioned to the side, an usher with arms discreetly behind his back assumed the role of herald, ready to announce arrivals with an authoritative voice.
With a resonant spike, he declared, "The Royal messenger has arrived, bearing news from the south after his six month voyage."
The announcement rippled through the expansive throne room, capturing the attention of all in attendance.
"Your majesties, forgive my impertinence, but I have acquired new information on the Sorceress of the South."
The king jolted upright, his regal demeanor replaced by urgency at the mention of Cassandra. "Well? Spit it out won't you?" His voice, deep and sophisticated, echoed through the throne room, demanding answers.
The messenger relayed the unsettling news, "The spy we sent to infiltrate her hidden domain has just sent word that she is no longer in this realm. It seems she has cast a forbidden spell that has sent her very soul to another dimension."
"WHAT?" The king's thunderous voice reverberated through the space. "When did she depart? How long has she been gone for?" he pressed.
"Only two days, your majesty. Word is, her castle is in complete disarray in an attempt to find any means to summon her back," responded the messenger.
The king's frustration erupted as he struck his fist down on the arm of the throne. "That woman! We offer her glory and riches, she refuses. We offer her land and power, she refuses. I even offered her my first born son's hand in marriage; she refuses. She would've been Ocoris royalty, yet she throws my goodwill back in my face. Now she just leaves for another dimension without so much as a word? This is completely unacceptable!" he shouted.
"Micah darling, calm down, don't overexert yourself," the Queen soothed, placing her hand on his chest.
As if by magic, his temper subsided. "You're right Lisbeth, I thank you," he acknowledged.
Despite being a mighty ruler, the king grappled with a terminal illness, and the only salvation lay in Cassandra, the most powerful sorceress in all the lands.
"We must find her; it's of the utmost importance," declared the king.
"Of course, your majesty," replied the messenger.
At that moment, the giant doors burst open, revealing Caspian, the king's oldest son. Caspian, with a regular build but remarkably toned muscles, entered the room. His long golden hair flowed past his ears, and his eyes bore a rich purple hue, clearly inherited from his mother.
Caspian wore only trousers and armour shoes, with a longsword that clung to his waist in its sheath. His top half remained bare for all to see, displaying beads of sweat glistening off his muscular chest, a testament to years of rigorous training. He was clearly a very attractive man.
"Prince Caspian has arrived your maj-" the announcer was abruptly cut off.
"Yes yes, I can see that" said the King.
Caspian approached the thrones and knelt before his father and mother.
"Many apologies for my appearance father, I was in the process of training when I heard the news about the Sorceress of the south" Caspian rose and looked at his father awaiting a response.
"It seems word has spread rather quickly." Replied the King.
"So it's true, she's no longer in this realm." Said Caspian.
"It seems so, but I do not plan to sit idly by. I will be constructing a voyager platoon to embark on a quest to find her and bring her back." explained the King.
"Father, you must let me lead this platoon. If she is to be my future bride then I must be the one to find and retrieve her safely." said Caspian.
There was a moment of silence as the king, wise in his years, came to a decision. Nobody dared say a word or break the silence. After a minute passed the king rose from his throne and spoke in an authoritative tone.
"Caspian, my son, go forth and venture into the unknown. Bring back the woman they call the Sorceress of the South. You will be granted a powerful sorcerer, soldiers, and all the supplies necessary to embark on this journey. Most important of all, you are to come back alive and in one piece. This, is a royal decree, and it shall be obeyed." Declared the King
Upon hearing this everybody who wasn't the king or queen knelt on one knee and bowed their heads. Hearing a royal decree was like hearing a new law being passed down, it held significant value.
"I will not fail you father, I swear it on my honour as the Prince of this land" replied Caspian.