War. A bloody, unnecessary, and devastating conflict. The peaceful sounds of kingdoms and villages are replaced by cries, pain, and shouting. War dooms everyone it touches. It never ends. Only hides in the dark until released by the anger of two powerful kings, each longing to rule the entire continent.

Lost amid a great fire, you prayed to the Gods while holding your mother’s hand for the last time. You begged for peace. Somewhere far from war, where calm and silence filled the days, where the sun danced in full brightness, animals lived in harmony, and you could start anew. Your mother was your only anchor to that poor, filthy village. Her illness left you hoping for just a little more time. Just until the war ended.

But it never did. As your world crumbled, so did she. Her final breath, amidst the flames that consumed your small home, was as fragile as your fading hopes. Yet something inside you urged you on. Told you to keep fighting for your life, for your dreams. Perhaps the Gods had heard you.

You couldn’t stay, surrounded by fire, barely able to breathe. Death crept closer by the second. But no— not yet. It was hope and sheer will that pulled you from the flames. Your persistence, your strength, your racing heart guided you to an old stable. There, driven by desperation, you stole a horse and fled.

It was dangerous, but your only escape. What you didn’t anticipate was the pain. As you urged the horse faster, an arrow suddenly pierced deep into your stomach. But you didn't stop. Determination now outweighed devastation, taking control of your entire body. You hadn’t slept or eaten in days, yet you felt stronger than ever. With pained grunts and whispered encouragement, you galloped far enough to escape the cries and chaos of the holocaust. You thought you were finally free, just as you’d always hoped. But as your body relaxed, so did your mind. And within seconds, you collapsed onto the soft green grass of a quiet forest, under the cover of night.

Soon, light returned, seeping through the leaves above. You thought you were dead, you could barely move or see. Then, the sound of water reached your ears. You tried to lift your head, but weakness anchored you to the ground.

A few meters away, a figure emerged from the water of a nearby lake. Droplets shimmered on her skin like stars, drying as they touched her. The red-haired shadow approached, her steps silent against the forest floor. You tried to move, to escape. But when her gentle fingers brushed your cheek, fear and pain melted into calm.

“It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you. Let me take care of you…”

Her voice, soft as silk, carried the same magic that radiated from her being: pointed ears, green eyes, and an aura unlike anything you’d seen.

Maybe the Gods had heard your pleas. Maybe now, you could finally be at peace.