The Only Son Amongst The Daughters Of Eros

The Starlight Region was always beautiful in the morning.

Today, it was not any different. The first rays of dawn stretched over the endless sea of rolling hills, gilding the rooftops of the Royal Township in the beautiful colors of amber and soft gold.

The sky was a deep and endless blue, only now beginning to fade into the warm embrace of the rising sun. The aura of Divinity in the stars and the air was faint yet ever-present.

This aura had a quiet pulse that ran through the land, sustaining its people. It was like today was different. There was something in the air, an unspoken anticipation, like a shift in the usual order of things.

Even though the people of Starlight went about their duties as they did every morning, there was still a weight hanging over them. They could feel that atmosphere that something important was about to unfold. Even if they did not yet know why. Or even what it was.

Merchants arranged their wares in the marketplace, spreading silken cloths over their stalls, adjusting their shimmering gemstones, potions, and enchanted goods. Workers in the mills and forges set about their morning tasks, their hammers ringing against anvils, the rhythmic sound echoing through the streets.

The Players-in-training hurried to their designated stations, others excitedly made their way up the mountain to the Dungeon Entrances for their raids and Challenges.

And in the heart of it all, the Castle of Starlight stood tall and unwavering.

Within the courtyard, Mother Guinevere appeared in regality, her long crimson robes flowing in the wind as she prepared for departure.

Her expression was warm as she accepted greetings from the workers and maidens around her. The sunlight glowed against the dark braids woven into her hair, strands of gold adorning her beautiful face.

Before her, Yumi, her Lionhawk, stood poised for flight. It led an entourage of other beasts which were transports for knightguards, Jontel and the Queen's associates.

Mother Guinevere took one last glance at her son, Aeric, who was standing by the door waving at her.

She waved back then climbed onto Yumi's back. The beast let out a deep, rumbling call before ascending into the sky, its wings cutting through the morning air. The rest of the entourage followed her as they all headed to the Divine Court.

The moment she was gone, Aeric and Ilyon turned to each other. They didn't say anything, they only nodded and strode inside.

It was time.

"Misty! Come on, we don't have all day!" she snapped, adjusting her riding gloves impatiently.

Elsewhere in the castle, Rosette was in a hurry. She stood in the royal stables, already mounted on her Owlbear.

Misty huffed, fastening the straps on her boots as she climbed onto her own mount. "I still don't see why we have to leave so early."

Rosette scowled. "Because I refuse to spend my weekend trapped in this boring castle while he"—she gestured vaguely toward where Aeric had been—"is up to who-knows-what. Nyx and Nyssa invited us to the Twilight Region, and I intend to have fun."

Misty gave her a knowing look but said nothing as they rode out of the stables. The sound of their beasts' talons scraping against the stone pathway filled the air before they launched into the sky, heading toward the distant Twilight Region.

There were also some friends present. In the castle's training expanse, the rhythmic clash of steel on steel rang through the open air.

Alzera, dressed in her formidable battle leathers, twisted her blade with perfect form, parrying an incoming strike from Ryn.

Kael and Bel stood to the side, watching intently.

"Again," Alzera ordered.

Ryn wasted no time, lunging forward, his sword slicing toward her. Alzera stepped aside at the last moment, twisting her body skillfully and countering with a swift downward strike.

It stopped just before Ryn's throat.

He grinned. "You're terrifying."

"I know," she smirked.

She withdrew her blade and turned toward the others. "We need to be sharp. Son Aeric is going to need us in two days."

And then... beyond the castle walls, the Royal Township of Starlight had just begun to bear witness to a spectacle unlike any other.

Down the cobbled roads, luxurious carriages of unparalleled craftsmanship rolled steadily toward the castle gates. On these carriages were the distinct crests of the different branching families, their banners fluttering in the morning breeze.

The first of these families to arrive was the Archelin Family, known for their legendary architecture and construction power. Their carriage rode past the roads, engraved with golden embellishments.

Next came the Tavert Family, renowned for their expertise in etiquette and training of loyal workers such as butlers and maidens. Their snow-white carriage gleamed under the sunlight as they rode past.

Then arrived the Selvadez Family, whose presence alone sent a ripple through the watching crowds. They were known for their powerful and brave warriors with faces as hard as stone. Rumors of forbidden experiments used to forge their strength made them both feared and respected.

The Dravencourt Family followed, their carriage crafted from reinforced black iron — declaring to everyone of their great dominance over the blacksmithing business.

The Varnell Family's arrival was a sight to behold. They were the wealthiest, and they made sure everyone knew it. Their carriage was plated in actual gold, pulled by rare beasts whose armor alone could feed a hundred commoners for a year. The Varnells were experts in gold and other precious stones.

The Kytherson Family, famous for their timber and furniture business, arrived in a deep mahogany-carved carriage, polished to perfection.

Then came the Vale Family, whose entire empire was built on the Player Market. Their goods — divinity-embedded weapons, glyphs, enchanted tools — were the most sought after in the realm, mostly by Players desperately trying to level up.

Unforgettably, the Zorath Family arrived next. They were well known for their business in Beast Cores and body parts, and they rode in an expensive carriage pulled by a particularly rare, ancient beast, a Bonedrake.

And finally, the elegantly modest carriage of the Ivermere Family rode by. The Ivermeres were known to have the best trained courtesans known across the land.

The people in the streets stood and watched in silent reverence as these powerful families passed. Each was a pillar of Starlight's dominance, and today, they had all gathered for a single purpose.

As the gates of the Castle of Starlight opened, the carriages rolled in, one by one.

The heads of these families emerged, stepping onto the castle grounds. Some were chatty, engaging in quiet conversation. Others merely exchanged glances of silent contempt, their long-standing rivalries barely concealed beneath their fancy, exquisite exteriors.

At the castle's grand entrance, Ilyon stood, dressed in formal Starlight robes, bowing respectfully as he welcomed them inside.

It was all coming together now. The moment had arrived. They were all here.

And from a high window, Aeric stood and watched the scene unfold.