Thread: Light in Shadows (Fates and Flame)

Kaia had lived in the Mist for as long as she could remember. Of course, there was a time beyond her memory A time where she lived in a different land, far beyond the mists shed always known. Shed questioned her parents about the land of her birth once, and their answer had ended any further curiosity with absolute certainty. You must never ask about that place, child for if the people of Radiance learn you are here, you will be taken from us and locked away in some tower to never be seen again. They werent her real parents, but they were the only ones shed ever known and the best she could hope for. The idea of losing them was enough to keep Kaia from ever asking about Radiance and the people who lived there again. But that didnt stop her from wondering from dreaming. In her dreams, she saw the glorious city of light. The spires of Radiance called to her like a beacon, drawing her like a moth to flame. The answers to everything rested beyond the citys golden walls. She could feel it in her bones. But the closer she got to the city, the louder her parents warning became. But they werent her only parents. Before she was brought to the Mist, she had a different mother a different father. They too appeared in her dreams, and while she could not make out their shrouded faces, Kaia could feel that they loved her every bit as much as the ones she knew. On the subject of her birth parents, her adoptive ones were far more forthcoming. They were wonderful people, They would tell her, A shining light in a woefully dark world. And they loved you with all their hearts, Kaia. They died before you could speak your first words, but they trusted us to keep you safe, child. And we always will. If you asked her, Kai and Lena had kept their promise a little too well. She loved them dearly, but her parents had tendency of being over protective. Even from a young age, Kaia had been an adventurous soul. Life in the Mist seemed perfect for that, what with danger lurking behind every foggy corner. She quickly learned how to defend herself and live off the land along with the best of them. She may not have looked like a Mist native, with her long hair the color of moonlight, and her blue-green ocean eyes, but she could survive out here just as well. Despite such prowess, Kaias parents never let her venture too far from home. However, the older she grew, the better at sneaking away she became. She couldnt recall how many times shed nearly given her mother a heart attack showing up back home muddy and in tattered clothing. Kai would usually be away when she returned, out searching for her as he had been for hours. Kaia would always be in for a scolding when he returned, but it always ended in a warm embrace and a wave of relief for her safety. It left her feeling guilty every time, but never enough to keep her home for good. In recent years, Kai had taken to keeping as close an eye on their daughter as he could. He did his best to occupy Kaias time by having her help in the small shop they owned. As much as she hated to be tied down, working in her fathers shop really wasnt so bad. Shed always taken an interest in the different herbs and remedies they sold. Kaia adored learning from her father about the various ways nature could be used to heal a person, or even harm them. As an added bonus, Kai now trusted her to go out and gather ingredients on her own. Kaia cherished such errands always using them as an excuse to find some off-beaten track or new frontier she had not discovered before. It was on one such trip that she discovered not only was she from Radiance, but an Ascendant as well. Kaia could recall the incident as clear as day Trekking through the woods she slipped on a mossy stone and took a bad fall. She wasnt sure if her wrist was sprained or broken in the fall to catch herself, but she hadnt even gotten a chance to examine it before a ring of light appeared like a bracelet. It faded soon after, and her pain with it. Kaia thought her parents would be just as excited about the revelation as she was. Ascendants were powerful and respected, after all. But Kai and Lena recoiled in fear, dashing any hopeful prospect as they forbid her from ever using the power again. Kaia reluctantly agreed, but curiosity would get the better of her in secret. Not that her parents had anything to worry about. No matter what she tried, Kaia could not seem to tap into her abilities at will. She read every book she could find on ascendancy, but none of them offered anything useful. It seemed if she would have any chance of learning to harness the Light, she would have to talk to someone else like her. A Water Ascendant was known to visit her village every now and again, but Kaia wasnt sure it would be a good idea to ask him. No matter how badly she wanted answers, she could not shake Kai and Lenas words of warnings. You will be taken from us, locked away in some tower to never be seen again. Now going on 20 years of age, Kaia had finally learned what those words meant. Over 300 years ago, the Light Ascendants of Radiance saved the world from the brink of destruction. Following the events, the 6 provinces, which had remained independent, came together under the governing light of Radiance. The Light Ascendants were revered from then on regarded as holy figures and deigned to live a life ever within the walls of the golden city. Such was their grace that they were rarely even allowed out in public. The idea of never being free to follow her heart terrified her, but Kaia would certainly suffer the same fate if anyone from Radiance ever learned of her Ascendancy. So Kaia resigned herself to a quiet life, secretly studying her heritage whenever she got the chance. Those shelves will never get stocked if you keep daydreaming, Kai scolded his daughter, catching her off guard as he interrupted her thoughts. Sorry father I was just thinking. Kaia immediately went back to work, gathering a basket of bottled tinctures before climbing up the ladder to reach some of the highest shelves. She organized the different ingredients with a practiced hand knowing most of them by appearance before she even noticed the labels. Dare I ask what about? Kai questioned, sounding worried over what it might be. Oh nothing particular, she quickly lied, Do you know if we have anymore Myrrh? she asked, eager to change the subject. Ill check in the back. Kaia smiled as she watched him go before returning to her work. Her attention was stolen away again, however, when she heard the chime of a customer entering. Ill be with you in just a moment! she said cheerfully, her back still turned while she finished putting away the ingredients in their rightful place. Satisfied with her work, she climbed back down and turned to find herself face to face with a rather handsome looking fellow. Kaia couldnt explain why, but she suddenly felt very conscious of herself before him. She wore her long, flowing hair up in a high ponytail, while dressed in a sea-green, silk halter and matching harem pants that hugged just above her hips and showed off her slender belly. Kaia found herself smoothing out the fabric as she approached him at the counter. Hi, she greeted him with a cheerful smile, What can I help you with?