The beginning

                                        

                                              
Chapter 1

                                
                                  
                                    
                                    
                                  
                                
                                
                              
Alone figure stand at the edge of the grand hall, surrounded by the eerie silence of the elf queen's castle. The flickering torches cast an otherworldly glow on the ornate tapestries, making him feel like an outsider in this alien world. His wife, the Queen, sits upon her throne, her piercing emerald eyes fixed on him as she speaks: "Attend to our son, Jaron, for he requires your presence now."
Jaron hurries through the winding corridors, passing by the queen's guards who watch him with an air of curiosity. As he approach the nursery, jaron hear the soft murmur of a gentle voice, belonging to the elf maid, Elara, who is tasked with caring for his child. Jaron push open the door and step inside, where Elara turns to face him, a look of concern etched on her face. "Ah, Jaron, thank the gods you've arrived, the young prince has been... restless."
Elara's expression turns grave as she says, "He's been having dark visions, Jaron, and his behavior has become increasingly erratic. The queen's healers have been unable to determine the cause, and I've grown worried for his safety." She glances around the room, ensuring they are alone, before adding, "I've seen him speaking to shadows, and he's begun to exhibit... unusual abilities."
Elara's voice drops to a whisper as she says, "The prince speaks of a great darkness that threatens to consume our world, and of a figure in black who whispers terrible things in his ear. He's seen glimpses of a destroyed castle, and of the queen's own downfall. The visions leave him shaken and disturbed." She hands you a small, leather-bound book, "I've been recording his episodes, and the things he says during them. Perhaps you can find some meaning in his words."
Jaron asks to see the prince .
Elara nods and steps aside, revealing a small, ornate bed where the young prince lies, his eyes closed. She whispers, "Be gentle, he's been through a lot." As you approach, the prince's eyes flicker open, and he looks up at you with an unnerving intensity. The queen's voice comes from the doorway, "Jaron, I see you're attending to our son. I expect you to uncover the source of his visions and put an end to it."
Jaron asks his baby what he sees and is amazed of the intelligence of a young child.
The prince's gaze drifts off, and he says, "I see a castle in ruins, and the queen's crown broken. A figure in black speaks to me, saying 'the time of darkness is near'." He pauses, then adds, "I see you, Father, standing alone, with no escape from the shadows." Elara's eyes widen, and she whispers, "That's new, he's never mentioned you before." The queen's voice interrupts, "Enough, we don't need to hear more of this nonsense."
The queen's expression turns cold, and she says, "I've already told you, Jaron, the healers have found nothing. There's no need to pursue this further." Elara steps forward, handing you a small, rolled-up parchment, "I've made a note of the symbols the prince draws after his visions. Maybe you can find some meaning in them." The parchment contains crude drawings of a broken crown, a black tree, and a symbol that looks like a cross with an arrow pointing downwards. The prince's voice interrupts, "Father, I remember something else. The figure in black said 'the keystone is hidden where shadows fall'."
The queen's eyes narrow as she takes the parchment from Jaron, her gaze scanning the symbols. After a moment, she hands it back, her voice firm, "These are nothing but the ramblings of a child. I will not have you wasting your time on this, Jaron. You have duties to attend to." She turns to Elara, "See that the prince is prepared for the evening's festivities. We will not let his... episodes disrupt our plans." Elara nods, but her eyes seem uncertain as she glances at you, then back at the queen. The queen's guard, a tall elf named Thalion, steps forward, "Your Majesty, shall I escort the prince to his quarters?"
Jaron pulls the queen closer for a kiss, as well as asking for them to spend the night together. 
The queen's expression remains cold, unyielding to your gesture. She does not return your kiss, instead, she pushes you away, her voice firm, "We have duties to attend to, Jaron. The evening's festivities will not wait." She turns to leave, expecting you to follow. Thalion steps forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword, "You will accompany the queen to the grand hall, Jaron." Elara's eyes meet yours, a fleeting glance, before she turns to tend to the prince. The queen's voice echoes from the corridor, "Come, Jaron, we have guests to attend to."
Jaron follows the queen, Thalion walking beside him, his eyes fixed on jaron. The grand hall is filled with elf nobles, their faces turned towards the queen as she enters. The queen takes her place at the head of the table, motioning for you to sit beside her. The feast begins, with servants bringing out dishes of roasted meats and steaming vegetables. The queen's advisor, a tall, thin elf named Lyrien, speaks up, "Tonight, we celebrate the prince's naming day, and the upcoming harvest festival." The queen raises her cup, "Let us toast to our son's health, and the prosperity of our realm." The nobles echo her toast, their eyes watching Jaron.
Lyrien turns to Jaron, his voice low, "The prince's naming day is a significant occasion, Jaron. It marks his transition from infancy to childhood. The queen has chosen a name that reflects our realm's hi온라인카지노게임 and power." He glances at the queen, before continuing, "I have prepared a ceremony to take place during the harvest festival, it will solidify the prince's position as heir." The queen interrupts, "Lyrien, tell Jaron about the guest we will be hosting during the festival." Lyrien's expression becomes guarded, "We will be hosting the dwarven ambassador, Kragnir, he brings gifts and proposals for our realm's consideration."