Tondc
Fireheart
The kingdom of Izalta has existed in peace for many years. Known for its strength, few enemies dared to challenged the kingdom, and those who were foolish enough to were easily quelled. Yet, even Izalta was not immune to tragedies. Twelve years ago, an attack was made on the Royal capital, Irakora, by an unknown enemy. Fire reigned down upon the capital, shadows engulfing the streets, and screams clinging to the air, their despair lingering for all to hear. Yet, as quickly as the destruction arrived at Irakora's doorsteps, it disappeared, leaving the devastation in its wake. In the aftermath, citizens asked why? Why had this happened, and why did it just suddenly.. stop? What they were not aware is that their beloved Queen and Princess were slain. It was said that the King's and remaining child's cries could be heard throughout the kingdom upon learning what has happened to their family.
Over time, the people of Izalta moved past the tragedy, now dubbed the Day Izalta Went Dark by historians. Yet, the cause still remained a mystery. An uneasy peace returned to the kingdom, the uncertainty of the unknown enemy still haunting them. And the King never quite recovered from the lost of his beloved Queen and daughter. A light went out in him after that day, just as the light had gone out on the fateful day. Two years ago, the King passed in his sleep. It was surprising and not all at once. The people knew the lost weighed heavily on their King, but they did not think it would take him so soon. The Prince/Princess left alive was then crowned, uncontested for the throne with the death of their sibling all those years prior, much unlike every other ascension. In Izalta, birth order did not decide the heir to the throne. Instead, the throne was given to the Prince or Princess who was the strongest and most talented. The most capable to lead their kingdom. Upon the death of the previous monarch, a ceremony is held after the three day initial mourning period. The heirs and Inner Court of advisors are gathered, and an ancient tome, the Book of Ascension, brought before them. The life of the deceased monarch is read before the page turns itself. No one knows why, or how, but the name of the Prince or Princess, along with their birthdate and date of Ascension, who is to inherit the throne is magically inscribed upon the blank page, declaring the next King or Queen. As if the book itself decides.
As there were no other heirs, the previous King's history was read, but there was a moment of hesitation as the page was turned. The deceased Prince/Princess's name was written in gold lettering, though nothing more, before the page turned once more to name the surviving child the next Monarch. None of this was revealed outside of the Inner Court to prevent panic to the kingdom. Yet, two years into the new King/Queen's reign, they still face difficulties in leading the kingdom. A traveler comes to the Capital, seeking an audience with the King/Queen. It was not obvious at first, but this traveler reveals themselves as the deceased Princess, thought to have perished on the Day Izalta Went Dark. Will the King/Queen tell their sibling what occurred on their Ascension Day? Will they welcome them back with open arms? Will they spurn her to keep their throne and power? Do they even believe it's them? Does the Princess already know what happened on her sibling's Ascension Day? Will the secret come out to the Kingdom's citizens, leading to in-fighting on who should have the throne?
