As the journey to the Continent of Cascadia unfolded, Roman and Kelam, both only 9 years old, formed an unexpected friendship during the first and second months. One evening, as the stars adorned the night sky, Roman initiated a conversation.
-"What kind of dreams do you have in your heart?"
Kelam, the young elf, gazed into the horizon, lost in thought.
-"I dream of a world where the trees are so tall, and every creature is friends. What about you, Roman?" Softly replies Kelam.
-"My dreams? Well i guess just going back home for now." Says Roman with a warm smile on his face.
-"Shut up you two! We trying to get some sleep." Screams a sleepy and angry Dross while kicking their cage.
Their bond deepened, and as the third month approached, the group of bandits faced an unexpected challenge, a chaotic attack by monsters.
-"Hold tight! Protect the slaves!" Yells Karuk as he unsheathed his two swords while standing confidently in front of the two kids.
Amidst the confusion, Roman and Kelam clung to each other, their faces reflecting the fear of the onslaught.
-"Kelam, stay close!" Shouts Roman over the chaos.
The fierce assault claimed the lives of some prisoners, casting a somber shadow over the survivors.
Undeterred, the bandits pressed on, finally reaching Cascadia, a vast continent under the rule of the Scara-demon empire of Kinah.
Dross turns around and looks at the two children with a sinister smile on his face and says.-"Welcome to Cascadia! The slave market is ahead."
In the bustling slave market, Roman and Kelam were presented to potential buyers, along with the other people, catching the eye of Lucian, a wealthy Scara demon with beautiful tanned skin and dazzling purple eyes, he wore an elaborate magician's outfit. His attire included a tophat that added an extra layer of mystique to his presence.
-"Well what do we have here? Two interesting souls, it seems." Says Lucian with an intrigued look.
Roman and Kelam exchanged uncertain glances as their destinies took an unexpected turn.
-"I'll take these two. They seem charming and full of potential." Utters Lucian as he directly looks at roman's eyes seemingly gazing into the boy's soul.
-"what a weirdo." Mumbled Roman while lookin at the odd yet friendly man standing in front of him.
-"ahhh! How rude of you! How could one insult the strongest mage in all of the empire. Such a handsome and young face like mine does not deserve such insults!" Yells Lucian obnoxiously in a joking tone.
-"Lucian!" A small maid with long black hair, skin as pale as snow and beautiful almond shaped brown eyes appeared next to him and hits him in the back and Yells.-" You failure of a mage stop spewing bullshit! your going to scare these two."
-"Hey! Just because me and you are friends doesn't mean u can treat me like that I'm still a lord you know." he says in a childish and smug tone.
-"Roman these two scare Me...." Whispers Kelam in a worried way.
Victoria exasperated lets out a sigh -"I'm sorry about this kids, my name is Victoria and I regrettably work under this weirdo. His name is Lucian who funnily enough is the strongest mage in the empire can you believe that?" she says in a an almost condescending tone. "You will be in our care from now on."
-"Alright then let's take them in shall we I'm going to go sign the paper work for these two Victoria please prepare the coach! Farewell !" Exclaims Lucian while waving at the trio with a wide smile.
-"he is so loud! Gosh...." Says Roman while as he giggles with relief.
In the plush interior of the carriage, Victoria continued to share insights with Roman and Kelam, attempting to bridge the gap between the unfamiliarity of their circumstances and the mystique of Lucian's intentions.
-"Lucian, despite his eccentricities, is not like the other masters you might encounter," Victoria reiterated, her eyes reflecting a sincerity that transcended her role as a servant.
Roman, breaking the silence, ventured a question, "Why did he choose us? What does he want?"
Victoria's gaze shifted to the window, where The cityscape unfolded, rich with dreams and uncertainties. "Lucian has an eye for potential, for unique qualities that others might overlook. He believes that every individual, no matter their origin, possesses something special. It's... unusual, but that dumbass sees value in what others discard."
As the carriage continued its journey, the bustling streets of Cascadia transformed into avenues adorned with enchanting lights. The air within the coach became charged with a blend of trepidation and curiosity.
Kelam, still clinging to Roman, whispered, "Do you think we can trust him?"
Roman met Kelam's eyes, and in that shared uncertainty, they found a connection stronger than the chains that had bound them before.
-"I don't know, Kelam. But for now, let's hope there's more to Lucian than meets the eye," Roman replied, a mixture of hope and skepticism in his voice.
Victoria observed the exchange, her gaze softening. "Lucian's ways may seem peculiar, but there's a reason behind everything that clown does. Just be yourselves, and perhaps you'll find your place here."
The carriage finally reached the imposing gates of Lucian's estate, where magical wards shimmered in greeting. As the doors swung open, revealing the opulent mansion bathed in the soft glow of magical illumination, Roman and Kelam couldn't help but be awestruck.
Victoria gestured for them to follow as they stepped onto the grand entrance, the marble floors cool beneath their feet. The air held a hint of mystery, as if the walls whispered secrets of the estate's magical history.
Meanwhile, in a well-appointed study within the mansion, Lucian awaited their arrival. The quill in his hand danced across parchment as he penned down thoughts, his gaze momentarily drifting towards the door.
-"Ah, my young companions!, welcome to a realm where magic intertwines with the unexpected!. Your journey has only just begun," Lucian murmured to himself, a glint of anticipation in his eyes.
-"oh my god here we go again..." Murmured a tired Victoria
-"Welcome! To my humble Manor....Let me Reintroduce myself my name is Lucian Ordo...Nice to meet you!" Shouts an exited Lucian
As they were led into Lucian's estate, Roman and Kelam embarked on a new chapter of uncertainty, their friendship the only anchor in the unpredictable twists of Cascadia a continent shrouded in secrets and mysteries, all under the dominion of the empire of Kinah.