The Year: 1265 SR in the Era of Five Continents.
A millennium has passed since the cataclysmic event known as the Great Wrath, which irrevocably reshaped the realm. Once a harmonious expanse, the land fractured under chaos, giving rise to five distinct continents—each a testament to a tumultuous history marked by scars.
Vast and turbulent oceans stretch across the horizon, a relentless reminder of the divided fate. These deep and enigmatic waters carry echoes of an ancient time, their secrets whispered by the winds that sweep across the continents, weaving tales long forgotten.
Among these lands is the Erica continent, a mesmerizing mosaic of diverse landscapes on the western edge of the Teneria realm. At the northernmost point, the Land of Three Mountains towers above, its triple-peaked summit thrusting into the sky like shards of broken stone. This sacred region inspires awe and reverence, standing as a monumental presence in the northern sector of the continent.
Mount Hecia rises majestically in the northeast region, its immense granite slopes glistening with a blanket of perpetual ice and snow. Ancient ruins, shrouded in the whispers of time, stand as silent sentinels on its slopes, echoing the stories of a long-forgotten era. To the west, the tranquil Mount Yblev glows softly, its slopes adorned with lush emerald foliage. At its summit sit the fabled gates of dawn, the first to greet the warm rays as they break over the horizon.
Guarding the southern border is Mount Dwerap, a towering sentinel that watches over the mystical Cedarlore Forest. Its base is perpetually wrapped in a wispy veil of mist, while its slopes cradle towering ancient trees, their gnarled branches bending under the weight of ages. The southern fringes of the Forest curl protectively around the base, fostering a deep bond between the mountain and the thriving woodland.
Gracefully flowing through this enchanting landscape is the Pyrien River, renowned as the longest and most majestic of the three great rivers. It winds elegantly northwest, carving its path through the verdant expanse of the greenery Forest before snaking into the heart of the Land of Three Mountains. Its crystal-clear waters teem with life, reflecting the vibrant hues of the surroundings.
At the heart of the Erica continent, where the mighty Land of Three Mountains converges with the horizon, lies the Eaveton Valley. This enchanting oasis is a masterpiece of rugged beauty, shaped by ancient geological forces and nestled in the protective embrace of two majestic hills.
The valley appears as a lush paradise, evoking images of angelic wings in serene flight. The hillsides are adorned with a thick carpet of vibrant green, dotted with wildflowers that bloom in a riot of color. The valley floor offers a soft, inviting cushion of moisture-rich ground cover, enticing weary travelers to rest and find solace within its tranquil confines.
Within this sanctuary, architecture harmonizes seamlessly with nature, each structure a testament to the craftsmanship that honors the earth from sustainably sourced woods, plants, and minerals.
These buildings blend effortlessly into the landscape. At the heart of the sanctuary stands the magnificent Heartwood, an ancient tree whose gnarled, twisted trunk tells stories of its great age and pivotal role. This tree was revered as the spiritual epicenter of the sanctuary believed to house the collective wisdom of the caretakers—a living library of knowledge.
Delving deeper into the sanctuary reveals an intricate web of structures adorned with subtle patterns and symbols, echoing the ancient knowledge of the caregivers. Small pools of luminous water, infused with pulsating energy, are strategically placed throughout, surrounded by formations crafted from natural materials, embodying the fragile beauty of a nest.
The valley was a serene haven, providing a nurturing environment encapsulated by rolling hills and vibrant greenery. Here, flawless ellipses of eggs glimmer in the sunlight, some cradled snugly, others lined neatly, while a few dazzle with remarkable brilliance. Radiating warmth, they pulse with a light that seems to glow from within. The valley is imbued with a profound sense of safety and tranquility, fostering happiness and contentment among all who dwell within.
The eggs are placed within woven structures to find shelter—delicately suspended from ancient tree branches or cradled in the sheltered hollows of natural rock formations. These careful placements protect them against the unpredictable whims of the elements and evade the keen gaze of potential predators.
As twilight enveloped the oasis, the peaceful scene transformed; illuminated ponds emitted an ghostly glow that danced upon the surrounding structures, creating a dreamlike ambiance. The runes meticulously carved into the surfaces of the surroundings radiated with a mystical brightness, hinting at a profound connection to the very essence of the universe.
Lace-like threads wove between the nests, forming an almost whimsical network of swaying bridges that enhanced the beauty and served a crucial role in its ecosystem. In this serene haven, softly bathed in a gentle light, a devoted group of caretakers moved with purpose, dressed in gracefully flowing gray gowns that trailed with their every motion.
They tended to a remarkable collection of eggs, each imbued with significant potential. These guardians, embodying the wisdom of ages past and unwavering dedication, acted as protectors of the sanctuary, their expertise central to maintaining its balance.
Each caretaker adorned a finely crafted sapphire necklace that pulsed warmly, a testament to their deep-seated connection with the spirit of the sanctuary. The lines etched into their faces recounted tales of years spent in quiet reflection, and their warm brown eyes sparkled with profound understanding and insight into the nascent life housed within the eggs. As a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, a melodious hum rose from the air, intensifying the palpable sense of anticipation as the moment of hatching drew near.
Gathered closely around the nesting site, they synchronized their breaths, aligning with the natural rhythm surrounding the miracle of life about to unfold. Eliza, one of the caretakers, watched with eager eyes as the first hatchling, a diminutive Beeborn, emerged from the confines of its shell. Adorned in a soft, downy coat that parted to reveal a cascade of vibrant golden hair, the tiny creature mesmerized all who beheld it. Its delicate antennae moved animatedly with each breath as if sensing the world for the first time.
As more eggs cracked open, each revealed its unique blend of colors and traits, drawing gasps of admiration from the onlookers. However, one egg remained stubbornly uncracked, casting a shadow of concern over the caretakers. After like an eternity of anxious waiting, the egg finally fractured, revealing an extraordinary female Beeborn. Distinct from her siblings, she possessed elongated, luminous antennae and striking black hair that set her apart, a magnificent marvel among the recently hatched.
The newly hatched Beeborn desired to protect her siblings who shared in her new life. She observed closely as Eliza and Vonda entered, a warm and comforting atmosphere enveloping the hatchlings filled with kindness. The two caretakers lovingly nurtured her fellow Beeborns, their gentle movements showcasing the warmth and caring spirit they offered. This powerful experience filled her with a profound sense of connection and belonging, helping her understand her place in the vibrant community thriving within the sanctuary.