Fantasy For Astoria! - CS (Reboot)

Aurelia's story started with her parents. An elven noble woman named Shantel, a human commoner named William, and the one river that connected them both. William Barrows lived in Antiva his entire life, he was born there, and at the young age of 21 she came into his life. Returning from a successful hunt, bow on one shoulder, a bundle of hares slung over the other, she paused next to the river to watch the passing boats. On one stood...here. An elven woman of pale skin and dark hair, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his entire life. He ran to the river's edge, but was too late to call out to her. The boats had floated past, taking their goods and his dream out of Antiva. Everyday for a month, he'd watch the river for a few moments, hoping to see her floating back through. Just as he was about to give up, convinced she has moved somewhere further into Liomura...he saw her. William dropped what he was doing and ran to the river, a smile on his face. He slammed into an old fence. Which immediately gave way and sent him tumbling into the river.

That didn't stop him, Willam quickly surfacing he found that the boats had stopped, if only momentarily to ensure they wouldn't hit him. He called to her, "What's your name?!" And the elf replied.

"Shantel."

"I'm William!" With the water in his face, he couldn't see that she had smiled in return. The boats know knowing he was fine, pushed off again, leaving Antiva behind. William wondered about that elf. And he'd be pleased to learn she was thinking about him. The silly human who fell into the river just to meet her. Shantel thought it was cute. But as fate would have it, a year would pass before she made it out of Eve Thelmar again. During that year, William had become a fairly well known hunter in Antiva with a small but successful farm. While working one day in his home, a soft knock came from his door. Upon answering, he found Shantel. The surge of emotion he felt just from seeing her face...despite not knowing each other at all, the two shared a loving embrace. It's true what they say about soulmates. When you know...you know.

Over the next three years, they would spend a week together each month. Shantel found it hard to balance her duties at home and her love for William. And he couldn't move to the elven capital...but they made it work. It wasn't a paradise, but love made everything work. After three years together, Willam would propose with a modest ring he hand carved. Shantel would accept, and the two held a small ceremony in the Antivan Apple Orchards. The locals all came, as did two of her closest friends. But she still couldn't stay there with him. For a short while, their monthly visits dwindled to every three months, stress of family pressure and the responsibilities of her job were, at the time, running her ragged. At least that's what William assumed.

Until one night, there was a rushed knock on his door. When he opened, he would find his wife. Panicked, exhausted, with a small bundle in her arms. She shared a kiss, pressing the bundle into his arms. Shantel couldn't stay. She couldn't explain. She had to trust her husband. William was of course confused...but even more so when he unwrapped the bundle and in the warm blankets and blessed herbs...was a small babe. William didn't even know Shantel had been pregnant! He didn't know why she had left their daughter with him, why she couldn't be with her mother. But questions would need to wait for answers, as William had a new life goal.

And so, Aurelia's life finally begins. The beginning a bit of a struggle, as her father lived alone and his parents had long since passed. Not that she remembers her infant days, the local midwives like to relive the stories of her father coming to them in the dead of night for help through telling her the stories. Aurelia, as she grew, would become a staple around town. Always following her father around on his deliveries, being strapped to his back when hunting, doing her best to help him farm with that tiny shovel. She would, once getting a bit older, begin to join the other children in town at the town hall. There, a local scholar would teach them all how to read and write, how to count and about history. William hoped this would spark a desire for greater learning in Aurelia, but he'd be wrong. Shantel's visits were rare now, once every few months, Aurelia hardly knew her mother. But on one of these visits, when Aurelia was about 6 or so, Shantel gave her a small toy bow. It was of course, supposed to distract her while Shantel and William spent their limited time together. It did more than that.

Aurelia loved that thing. It was nothing like a real bow, but she took it everywhere. With her father hunting, farming,bro school. It got to the point that William decided he should teach her to use it. Yes, it was a toy. But it still worked. William set up bottles as targets, making her practice arrows while Aurelia watched over his shoulder. Every evening, for maybe an hour or so, he'd show her how to use a bow. If you're expecting her to become and orphan in some tragic way at such a young age, you'll be disappointed. Life in a small town like Antiva falls into routine even if you don't want it to. In fact, the first major hurdle of her life would be when Aurelia was 10. Unknown to the citizens of Antiva, the main well they used for their water supply was tainted. As was their portion of the river, an outbreak of cholera ran through the town. Aurelia was among those affected by it.

Confined to her bed, William who was also ill, did his best to care for her. Most of the children in Antiva fell sick, and desperate for help, the citizens reached out to a number of different people. At first a cleric, who, after two weeks of payment and empty promises, skipped town. They learned he was a fake. Next, a team of doctors who attempted to make a cure for what was going on. They succeeded somewhat, but their cure only helped with their symptoms. Antiva was getting desperate, there had been three deaths overall. And after contacting the military for help and getting nothing in response, the people of Antiva had lost hope. Until help came barreling into one of the orchards on a bear. Specifically, stuck to the bear. An adventurer named Sir Reginald Afton was in the area hunting a great bear and had unintentionally landed in Antiva. He expected a place he could re-supply before leaving to get his reward. Instead, they wanted him to leave as soon as possible, only giving him a brief explanation as to why.

Sir Reginald didn't much explanation, and before anyone could stop him, this insane man stripped out of his armor and went diving into the river. It took him a few hours, but he eventually found the source of the infection, and from just a little up river, he pulled three bodies. They looked like they had been killed and dumped there, though the culprits were definitely an unknown. Bandits were the most likely reason...anyway, he'd next check the well. From there he pulled a few different plants and a a few rats. He could have left them. He could have just apologized for the bear and left them to their fates. But he didn't. Sir Reginald put his own bounty on hold for a few days in order to help the citizens of Antiva, and one of the lucky few who got to meet him was Aurelia. By the time Reginald had shown up, William's own symptoms had progressed to the point he found it difficult to do more than was necessary to keep them both alive. So they were part of the few that Reginald helped directly. As he did, he would tell the young Aurelia stories about his adventures, and she hung onto every word. Aurelia would recover before her father did, but for a while was left reliant on a mixture of immune boosting herbs and a lot of rest. Sir Reginald moved on eventually, but he would forever be a hero in Antiva.

Shortly after the cholera crisis, Shantel was finally able to make it back to Antiva, and only then learned of what had happened. William was still suffering from the after math of the illness, so Aurelia had taken it upon herself to keep up the small farm and hunting that allowed them to live. It seemed to be an...awakening to the elf. Shantel had almost lost her husband and daughter...she was suddenly once again coming to visit once a month. William had his suspicions as to why, but Aurelia couldn't be happier. Going from maybe four visits a year to twelve? Who wouldn't want that? Shantel would expand Aurelia's education, at least she would try, with a more noble etiquette, and she would attempt to teach Aurelia elvish. But the girl only picked up on a few phrases. And Shantel's attempt to get her to be more...refined... didn't stick well either. So once again, Aurelia's life would fall into a routine. It wasn't a bad thing, but life in Antiva was simple. Easy. Not much happened there.

At 15, Shantel arrived in Antiva much earlier than than William and Aurelia expected. Shantel had a few surprises for Aurelia. The first of which, was that Aurelia had reached a special milestone in elven culture. Despite their long lives, at the age of 15, elves would receive their first tattoos in Cyenhona. The thought excited Aurelia...until she learned William couldn't come too. He had to maintain their small farm, and Shantel explained that Cyenhona was sacred ground. Humans we're allowed. But Shantel promised that Aurelia would be home before they knew it. So the young girl packed up what she needed and said goodbye to her father. And for the first time in her life, left Antiva. It only took a few days to reach Eve Thelmar, and Aurelia thought it was breath taking. Tall tree with golden leaves as far as the eye could see, flower and plants she had never seen before, ethereal creatures Aurelia could hardly take her eyes off. Once they had crossed the border, Shantel informed Aurelia that they had two stops to make before Cyenhona. But she wouldn't bell her daughter where they were going.

Their first stop ended up being Alvahil. It was a long trek, taking almost a week and three days with mounts. Aurelia was kept in the dark the entire time, it was her birthday surprise after all. When they arrived, Aurelia was finally let in the fact Shantel was buying her a mount. Her options as a Half-Elf we're limited of course, Aurelia would be unable to bond with a Roc or Shedu. But that didn't matter. Aurelia was brought to a new litter of pups who had just finished their training. And she was immediately drawn to one of them. A small pup with dark fur being ignored by it's siblings immediately ran to her side. He tipped a few times, nuzzling against her leg... Aurelia immediately fell in love with him. He was the smallest of his litter, but she didn't care. Him being a 'runt' would mean he would likely have been ignored by the elves looking for mounts to bond with, so he was sold to Shantel and Aurelia for half what they would normally pay. Once he was registered, and Aurelia had his papers in hand, they were off to their second location. Toumur.

Once again, Aureli was kept in the dark about their final destination, using the four day trip to bond with Magni, her new best friend. But the closer they got to Toumur, the more Aurelia noticed the trees were changing. But still, as they reached the city Shantel wouldn't tell her what was going on until they reached one of bowyers. Shantel, in preparation, had put in an order for a custom break down bow made of White Elderwood. Aurelia would be given a two hour class on how to care for her bow, how to make arrows, and what to do if the bow ever needed repairs. But if she listened to the care guide, that wouldn't be needed for years. Aurelia would also be given an hour to get use to her new bow there in Toumur so any adjustments needed could be made before they would finally move on to the final stop in their trip. Which would turn out to be harder one. Cyenhona.

Aurelia was aware that Half-Elves such as herself were not welcome everywhere. But the reality didn't dawn on her completely until they had reached Cyenhona. In the entire place, there was only one artist who was willing to work on half-elves. And Shantel...hid her appearance. Aurelia heard elven words she had never heard before, obviously slurs. Some weren't so secretive, spitting toward them as she passed. A part of her wanted to leave, but Shantel wouldn't allow that. The artist they were seeing was hidden in one of the deeper parts of Cyenhona, tucked away in a little shack. Aurelia would be asked a few questions about her life, what she wanted. And her first thought was to get her mother's family crest. It was apperantly a common practice. But Shantel flat our refused. Her father didn't have a family crest...so Aurelia decided to get a wolf in honor of her new companion Magni. On her arm, after a four hour session, Aurelia had a swirling minimalist elven design wolf tattoo. After paying, Shantel and Aurelia left Cyenhona as fast as possible. So, after about a month of traveling, Aurelia would return home to and Antiva with her gifts and a new outlook. An outlook that would quench her thirst of adventure.

Over the next five years, Aurelia nwould once again fall into the routine of her youth. Hunting with her father, maintaining the farm, practicing with her bow. Of course, with Magni around, things were a little more interesting. He made a great hunting companion and guard wolf for her and her father. And the big softly would be a favorite in Antiva, befriending the locals in one way or another. Aurelia and her father began to branch out as well, adding fishing and whittling to their skills. Aurelia didn't care much about fishing. She learned how since it was definitely a valuable skill, but she grew fond of whittling. Making small charms of various animals, she'd sell them for cheap for extra pocket change. She began to help in the Orchards as well, growing too old for school, she would learn how to bake simple things, how to properly smoke meat. Aurelia was gearing up for a simple life there in Antiva. And she was fine with that. But one day, shortly after she turned 20, Aurelia returned from an early morning run into the fields with Magni to discover her father was gone. Not dead. He didn't leave for the store either, Aurelia checked. He was just...gone. It didn't appear that any of his belongings were missing, there was also no note...Aurelia assumed he had maybe gone hunting, and decided to just continue with her duties for the day.

She did that for three months. Aurelia had grown increasingly worried, going out into the woods everyday to search for him, she had those working in the orchards to comb it for his body. But nobody knew anything. There was a rumor that he abandoned her. THere was a rumor Shantel had come to get him in the middle of the night. There was a rumor that the royal military had come to take him for speaking out against the king. Aurelia didn't know if anything of it was true, but after three months, she was confident William was no longer in Antiva. So she began and campaign, looking for someone to be a guide, to help her travel outside of Antiva. None of the locals seemed to want to help in spite of liking Aurelia. So what a stroke of luck it was that she met the one and only, Roman Durant. He listened to her story, to her plea. And he agreed to help Aurelia. The girl had a few things to handle there, asking a family friend to watch over her home before she packed up her belongings...and headed out of Antiva.

The past two years have been an adventure. They've traveled from city to city looking for clues, but at the same time, acting as swords for hire. They've done everything from ruin diving to goblin hunting, to calming a heart-broken griffon. Which was not easy, by the way. They've made a name for themselves as a competent duo, and Aurelia knows that only more adventure awaits them. And she can't wait.

Roman was born in Raeycaster, the youngest of three sons to the Durant house. The story of his parents, Cyprian Durant and Lillian Ead, two young nobles who’s families held little power. They also both happened to be the oldest children of their respective houses, and so their parents agreed upon an arranged marriage. Cyprian and Lillian were married when they were 20 and 17, and immediately despised each other. The first few years of their marriage was rather rocky…but they slowly grew to tolerate each other and even, a small love bloomed between them. They had to make the best of a bad situation. What made it easier was that Cyprian had joined the Liomuran Military. His misplaced anger and resentment could be worked out during training, and it was almost a guaranteed way for their status to improve beyond what even their own parents expected of them. Lillian found a passion for making jewelry, and even opened a small store to sell her wares. It was a decent start to their long life together. Lillian and Cyprian would have their first son, Florian, when they were 23 and 20. Their second son, Edmund, was born four years later. Five years after that, Roman himself was born, followed quickly by the only girl, Winifred. It was clear at a young age where each child was headed. Florian showed a great interest in old ruins and history, Edmund was engrossed by the process of smithing, and Winifred would be taught by Lillian to make jewelry. The only son who seemed to want to follow in their father’s footsteps was Roman.

His training would begin when he was about four. Cyprian was not irresponsible enough to give a child as young as him a weapon, but Roman would be taught military discipline his siblings wouldn’t. He could only address Cyprian as sir, he’d wake at dawn to run around the outside of their Manor three times, and then he would be tutored along side his siblings to learn the basics about the world and skills he would need to learn. But when his siblings were released to follow their various passions, Roman would join how father who would teach him military codes, how to use maps, and the more…private history of the Liomuran expansion. His father is the main reason why Roman, as an adult, struggles to accept the non-human inhabitants of Astoria. This routine would persist during his younger years, until Roman turned ten. That was when he got to us his first practice sword. Roman would now wake at dawn, run around the Manor, immediately join his father to train for two hours every morning. Once he was done, he would eat breakfast, and would join his father again for training again. His training would vary between swordplay, defense, and the basics of survival. Which Roman didn’t understand the use for just yet…until for his 11th birthday, Cyprian dumped him in the middle of a forest during the middle of the night.

That was…unexpected to say the very least. Roman was confused, and scared. But his father didn’t leave him completely helpless. Nearby to where he woke up, Roman had been left a dagger, a water skin, and a fire starter kit. Everything else he would have to source himself. Roman expected it to be a few days at most, so to begin with, he went say by day, only getting what little he needed. But after a week…Roman began to realize that nobody was coming to get him. It caused him to panic, which in turned, caused him to gain a few minor injuries as he rushed to collect supplies. A month would pass of Roman having to survive on his own before his father would finally return. Seeing that his son was still alive and having gained some skills, Cyprian expressed the fact he was proud. Roman was given a fresh change of clothes and a rare hug from his father…one he hardly returned. The experience might have increased Roman’s survival skills and granted him a new burst of confidence, it also sparked some resentment for his father. What man would dump his child in the middle of the woods for a month? Cyprian apparently. For the first time in his life, Roman realized he couldn’t trust his father.

When they returned home, Roman was expected to continue life as normal. Training, school, training, sleep. The repetitive routine he had to suffer from that his siblings were spared from. And his mother did little to stop his father’s rough treatment of him. His resentment of not only his father but his family quickly grew. And Roman couldn’t contain it forever. One day during training with his father, the old man said something infuriating. Years later, Roman can’t remember what it was, but he remembers the sudden surge of red hot anger and shot from like him a fireball. Quite literally. Roman had awakened his magical ability at the young age of 11 and a half, a surprise to everyone. Especially since magic was a rare skill in both Cyprian and Lillian’s family lines. He father, despite having his trousers burned off, let off a triumphant yell. “You’ll be a great warrior my boy!” He said, slapping Roman on the back. He still remembers that to this day.

His father quickly sat to working getting Roman into the Lucien Academy, knowing that magical skills at that age was something special. He was accepted quickly, thanks to his father’s military rank and long service history. Of course Roman couldn’t begin until half a year later when he turned 12. Thankfully, being born in Raeycaster, Roman didn’t have to make a long journey by himself like many other students. And yet, once again, his life would fall into a predictable routine of sleep, training, taking care of his needs, training and sleep. While learning magic is certainly interesting, Roman learning to refine his control of fireball and a small collection of new spells, his life was really just a boring routine. During the winter, he would return home, but would spend the rest of the year at the Academy until he was 17.

At 17, Roman would graduate from the academy and immediately enlist into the Liomuran Military and was placed under his father’s command. For the first few years of his military service, Roman was tasked with various patrol routes, a few times dispatched to the defense of small towns. During one of these defense posts, Roman gained the moniker, The Lion of Raeycaster. It was supposed to be a normal day, patrol for a while then go home when suddenly a flaming arrow arched over the walls of Grayport. Then another. And another until the sky was raining fire. Roman was 22, one of the youngest soldiers there. Panic set in immediately, the citizens of Grayport running for their lives as arrows continued to rain down over the walls. His commanding officer had appeared to take control of the situation, when an arrow pierced his throat and caused the man to fall. The others scattered, fleeing to barracks as fast as possible leaving only Roman and few other brave souls behind. They had to defend the city, no matter what. The arrows stopped raining shortly before a large number of bandits and mercenaries began to scale the walls with makeshift climbing gear, they flooded the city and quickly began to overwhelm what little remained of the soldiers who hadn’t fled. It would be Roman who turned the tide.

With a bellowing warcry, the man send fire into the bulk of the assailants, charging in with sword and shield right after. He called out the living soldiers, insulting their very lives for their cowardice. Roman obviously would not have lasted long against such a large number of attackers…but his show of bravery inspired some back up. But not in the form of his fellow soldiers, but the common folk of Grayport. With another bellowing cry, he took command and with the help of the citizens who refused to let their homes burn any longer, took back the streets of Grayport. Once the smoke had cleared and the dust had settled, Roman emerged scarred and exhausted, but as a hero. The soldiers who ran from the battle to hide were all relived of their duties and Roman was promoted to an officer. He would spend two more years in the military before deciding that his life needed a change. Roman wanted to see what Astoria had to offer, what else there could be for his life. He was summoned to the castle once before this to work out a deal. He would be allowed to step down and return should he wish, so long as he remain available to the crown should they need him. Those were terms Roman could agree to, and he soon set off on his own. His original plan was to explore Astoria for four years and then return to his place in the military. However, his plans changed one day while in Antiva.

Drinking at the local tavern while enjoying a fresh apple pie, a young woman with light approached. She asked him a sleep of questions, which Roman begrudgingly answered. The woman revealed that she was looking for someone to travel with outside of Antiva. And after listening to her reason why…Roman agreed. Usually, how wouldn’t, but Aurelia was a special circumstance. They’ve been on the road for together for two years now…and he’s not more happy about it now than he was when they started.