Mia opened her eyes slowly, her gaze meeting that of her boyfriend, Heya.
"What did you see?" Heya asked, his curiosity evident.
Mia had just completed her daily meditation, a unique practice that allowed her to communicate with the non-living and catch glimpses of the future. She had been attempting to delve into the creature Heya had encountered the day before.
"They aren't ghosts, that's for sure," Mia stated. "Remember my prophecy? The one where I foresaw a calamity greater than the past war striking Antara?"
Heya nodded, his attention fully captured by Mia's words.
"What you saw was the beginning of that," Mia explained, concern washing over her face. Her family held a prominent position in Antara's government, and the thought of impending chaos weighed heavily on her.
"The war ended twenty years ago, right?" Mia questioned Heya, seeking confirmation.
Heya nodded again.
Mia continue her words, "This is crucial. Do you recall the names of the clans my father eradicated during the war?"
Heya, with his wealth of knowledge about Antara, gained from days spent immersed in books, took a moment to reflect before responding, "The Demon Water clan, The Azure clan, and The Crystal Rose clan. Although, no one knows if those clans truly vanished, their government systems were dismantled. There might still be survivors living in secrecy. I suspect these survivors, labeled refugees, entered Antara years ago and have been dwelling here ever since."
Mia's eyes gleamed with a mix of realization and concern. "Exactly. I believe those beings you encountered are connected to the remnants of these clans. They might have harbored resentment and sought revenge against Antara for the atrocities committed during the war. What are these clans known for?"
Heya, deep in thought, responded, "None of them are remarkable enough based on books; they are just known for rejecting modernity and living in secluded places like forests, mountains, or the coast. What is your prediction, Mia?"
"I just had a vision that the creature you saw has a connection to the remnants of survivors from the lost clans who harbor resentment for Antara," Mia explained. "We have to talk to father about this and find those survivors."
Heya's expression shifted, "By 'we,' do you mean us?"
"Of course, who else?" Mia asked, confused by the question.
"But, Mia, you are pregnant," Heya sighed.
Mia understood his worries and nodded, "I can't go anywhere too. I have to guard the Night's Edge, remember?"
Heya's expression improved, and he reached out to pat his girlfriend's head, "Let's just send him a letter, yeah?"
Mia obediently listened to his words.
That day, Mia penned a lengthy 5-page letter to her father. In addition to sharing the news about her vision, she inquired about the well-being of her twin brother and mom. The letter was a mixture of concern, updates, and the pressing issue at hand.
Not only that, she also shared details about her pregnancy, expressing her desire for her family to visit at the Blood Drops Clan. She extended an invitation, eager to reunite and share the joyous news with her loved ones.
-
My Dearest Father,
I trust this letter finds you in good health and spirits. It has been too long since our last exchange, and I find myself compelled to reach out, not only with familial updates but also with news of great importance that weighs heavily on my heart.
In the time we haven't seen each other, I've found a life partner who has been taking excellent care of me. I've been longing to introduce him to you, but my duty to guard the Night's Edge has kept me here.
A few days ago, my partner, Heya, had intended to come to you with some news, but the guards stopped him and threw him into the eastern forest. There, he witnessed something horrifying: a creature that would harm itself to inflict terror upon anyone who witnessed it.
In my recent meditation, I delved into the mysteries surrounding the creature Heya encountered during that previous day. The visions were unsettling, and I felt compelled to share them with you, given the gravity of their implications for Antara.
As you know, my daily meditation serves as a conduit to the unseen, allowing me glimpses into both the future. The creature Heya encountered is not a mere specter; it is the harbinger of a dire prophecy. Do you recall my earlier vision, the one foretelling a calamity greater than the past war befalling our beloved Antara? What I witnessed is the inception of that impending catastrophe.
The clans you bravely eradicated during the war – The Demon Water clan, The Azure clan, and The Crystal Rose clan – may not have been entirely extinguished. I fear that remnants of these clans, disguised as refugees, have been living in secrecy within our borders. The creature Heya encountered seems to be linked to these survivors, who, fueled by resentment, may seek revenge for the past atrocities committed during the war.
I feel a deep sense of responsibility to investigate this matter further, for the sake of our homeland and its people. Heya and I are prepared to assist in any way possible. However, I must acknowledge a concern – as you may already be aware if the guards have given you a notice from Heya, I am with a child. The impending arrival prevents me from undertaking physical journeys, and my duty to guard the Night's Edge binds me to our current location.
Heya and I have discussed the best course of action, and we propose sending this letter as our initial communication on the matter. We trust in your wisdom and leadership to guide us in unraveling this impending calamity.
On a personal note, I yearn to hear about the well-being of Mother and my twin brother. Please share with me the latest news of their lives, and let them know they are in my thoughts and prayers. Moreover, I have exciting news to share – Heya and I would be delighted if you could visit us at the Blood Drops Clan. The joy of the impending addition to our family would be complete with the presence of our beloved relatives.
With profound love, concern, and unwavering loyalty,
Mia.