1 Deceit

Perched on the outskirts of a land name Sahorey, there lay a colossus building.

It's silhouette was that of a pyramid, which had it's outer casing plated in pallid white stones. It reflected the sunlight around it like a pure white mist, like existing ethereally in the celestial light.

It's figure represented an ancient massive construction with a square or rectangular base and four triangular sides meeting in an apex.. or it would be, if an apex could be seen; as the apex seems to be so high, it could pierce the sky and the whole pyramid has a length of each side at the base averaging 50 miles.

Sahorey is a barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and consequently living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. Therefore, there are little to no habitants living on the desert making it utterly desolate.

The pyramid looked to be a solitary existence, so isolated that even the mighty time had no marking on it

"Lofty, towering and maybe even reaching the heaven itself- The elisian" these words would loom in their mind to those whoever witnesses the monumental building.

The Elisian(pyramid) is located on a rocky plateau, near Faer city in northern kingdom of Fallore.

Faer is a beautiful city managed by a noble household. It is built around a large oasis spanning hundreds of miles surrounded by sand dunes. What holds most beauty in this place is a beautiful lagoon.

Legend holds that the lagoon was created when a beautiful native princess removed her clothes to bathe, but looking into a mirror, she saw a male hunter approaching her from behind. Startled at the intrusion, she fled the area leaving behind her mirror which turned into a lake.Other versions hold that she fled, leaving the pool of water she had been bathing in to become the lagoon. The folds of her mantle, streaming behind her as she ran, became the surrounding sand dunes. And the woman herself is rumored to still live in the oasis as a mermaid.

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In the Kingdom of Fallore, the crowned King - Elios Fallore sat on his throne, his golden crown resting neatly on his hair. His dark straight hair unwavering, touched his shoulder. His tanned complexion and brown eyes fit well together. He wore a silk red tunic with the royal emblem for Fallore, a golden lion. The tunic had a dark green sleeves and a dark black cape wrapped around the King. Besides the King sat his Queen, Rose Fallore; who had a beautiful mature face, like an aged wine. In between the King and the Queen sat the King's sword, Bolt, a dwarvish blade rumored to be forged by the strongest of fire.

His nature was bland and genial; but whenever there was a little hitch, he was blander and more genial still, for nothing pleased him so much as to make the crooked straight, and crush down uneven places.

His figure represents that of the lion who resides calmly until something occurs to upset him. Then, the regal animal, who lies most of the day, becomes the threatening predator who proves that he is the "king of the beasts".

A young man was kneeling in front of the king, wearing a heavy silver - plated armor, enamored with beautiful golden lines and patterns making his body glow even in the brightest of sunlight.

He had aqua blue eyes, skin was a rich brown, doubly dramatic against the white of his white and golden armor, and the sun picked out copper highlights along high cheekbones, a stern forehead, a strong jawline. His features were broad and well-formed and his black hair, closely cropped, did nothing to distract from them. Overall he looked like a disciplined noble who put on a air of righteousness. He was Leo Ferell, a son of a somewhat accomplished noble.

"Oh, Leo, join us for now in the great hall for dinner and we will discuss about our matters at hand after that"

Leo was honored to share the meal with the King and the Queen of Fallore. It was even more joyous that the Queen was smiling and told him that she made some food herself.

The sun was setting, so it was getting somewhat darker.

The dinner was a small feast of beans and chicken sandwich, a sweet and spicy streak that could make anyone drool with the fragrance it was emitting.

After a sumptuous meal, King Elios invited Leo to the balcony. He had a loose smile when he was with the Queen but after dinner he had an abrupt change on his expression, he had a stern expression on his face, indicating how grave the matter was.

" The Elisian will be opening it's gate soon after 40 years of indolence." said the king with deep frown on his face.

"S-sire.... The Elisian? Even if it does open up, does that make any difference to our livelihood?" asked Leo with a confused face seeing how the grave the king looked to be.

"Of course, it concerns us. Do you know how much mana that thing emits while opening it's gate? My father told me, when he first perceived the gate, it emitted so much mana that all the beast surrounding thousand miles of the Elisian went insane.... destroying couple villages and massacring thousands of men. It was a bloodbath straight from hell... Those were the exact same words from my father. So do you understand what I am saying Leo?" asked the king with a solemn face. There was an unnoticeable flicker in his eyes that he hid with his dignified presence.

"I-I am sorry Sire, I didn't know that the catastrophe was caused by the emission of mana. I read in an opus, that it was simply a horde of hungry monsters that happened to chance upon some villagers and caused mayhem... If it's true that the monsters may attack us once again, we should safeguard our lands and people. Is it why you have called for me Sire?" Leo asked with an adamant face that showed his perseverance attitude to defend his humble abode with all his might.

"Good, I did call you for that, but the avenue is somewhat different. Have you ever thought how long will that gigantic pyramid endure and for what reason it subsist. As long as it does, we won't have a moment of peace! What if the doors opens up at controversial time? Unaware of any assault, when that does happen, won't we suffer an incalculable loss? So I have thought of mobilizing you with a simple notion of mine.

And hence, I mandate you by my name, Elios Fallore, to undertake the task of breaking into Elisian with your men, do a reconnaissance on the upheaval that causes the outpouring of mana and untether all of us with the shackle that we have been bound of. I have already provided your clan with land and mansion adjacent to my castle, they are already here and enjoying good wine and food. You shouldn't worry about them as I have ordered few of my strongest men to take care of any annoying nobles that came questioning their sudden increase in wealth. So, Leo, feel free and accomplish the hope that I have hinged on you"

After saying these words, Elios patted his shoulders like dusting out some soot; his face filled with anticipation and hope. But nobody knew that there was deep derision and contempt veiled deep in his eyes.

With an ashen white face, Leo started to brood over the matter.

Reconnaissance into Elisian?

What is the King saying?

Isn't he commanding me to go to a martyr's operation? And what about my men?

And why does he make it sound like it is my chore to go.... to go and perish?

What if I just refuse him?

Yes, I could do that! W-wait....

Provided with land and mansion?

Enjoying food and wine? Powerful soldiers attending their needs? Is he threatening me?

Father, mother and my big brother... they are the only kin I have. Can I abandon them? No, a knight should not be cold or callous to those in need. Do I really have no way out?

But what is the basis for the King to command me to do so? There must be something...

Wait.. ... Is it?

Rylai! Is it her? Did the king know about her and my affair. Its the only impetus that I can think of.

Rylai is the only daughter of the King Elios and Queen Rose. She is a crown princess and as beautiful as an angel in a reverie that mesmerizes you. Her pretty, oval face was a sight for sore eyes; her eyes a pure brown, like the mahogany behind her. Thinly plucked eyebrows that were shaped into a deceivingly perfect arch that followed the slight curve of her eye and long golden curls makes her impeccable.

The first time I saw her, I felt a sea of anxiety deep down. I sucked in a shaky breath, feeling my throat constrict with panic all over my body. I suddenly didn't know how to speak. I just stood blankly, staring up at the terror before me. My palms were sweaty, and it was all I could do not to knot my fingers together. "Hello." I managed, the word rolling out of my mouth like tumbleweed.

The most beautiful part of her was her smile, she smiled at me seeing a knight, who walks undaunted, bringing about bloodshed in the midst of enemies , ablaze with gore and death to act so.... enthralled and idiotic.

I didn't know what to do but as luck would have it, she took the initiative and proceeded towards me.

I still remember the first words she told me "Do you have anemia? You look so white and confused?" saying that she hollered her palms infront of my eyes, I was flabbergasted by her beauty and once again showed her a silly smile. I somehow managed to redeem my lost valor and charged into the lovely battlefield again. Let me tell you, this was the most joyful battle of my life....

And slowly but surely we began to fall in love.

*sigh*

Rylai.... What would you do if you knew about my expedition? Would you ask me if I had some illness again?

*sigh*

I kept sighing for the umpteenth time, reminiscing those beautiful memories, small talks but tremendous happiness...

Elisian...

I won't be forlorn... I promise I won't despair no matter what the circumstances are.,,

No matter what!

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At the castle of Fallore, on one of the chambers garnered with lotus flowers and golden statues of various beasts, engraved with beautiful pattern of lines; the decoration of this chamber would enrapture the hearts of all, whose sight befall on them. But what would spellbind them was not these decorations but a beautiful girl laying on a smooth bed, covered in silk and expensive animal furs.

She was staring up at the beautiful glistening chandelier that was reflecting enthralling rays of light. Her face showed myriad of expressions but mostly of an anticipation for something or somebody. She was Rylai, the crown princess of Fallore who could topple kingdoms with her beauty alone.

*knock* *knock*

Suddenly a loud knocking came, waking up her from trance. She threw her blankets, and what little heat it had disappeared in an instant. She set both her jade like feet onto the wooden floorboards and went towards the door. The knocking continued, testing her temper, she shuffled clumsily reaching towards the door, groping the handle and swung the door open.

"Wh-" Without even letting her finish her words, her bright red lips were brush against by a somewhat manly lip. She was smooched at the door, the person came aggressively and pushed her against the bed.

Surprised and startled, she looked over and came to see the face of the person.

The person had long curly black hair, strong jawline and sharp green eyes that stared at her, exhibiting naked lust. The most surprising thing was he looked somewhat similar to Leo.

Seeing him an unnatural smile filled with affection and love came to the princess which she rarely showed, even to her beloved Leo.

And this man was none other than Leo's older brother, Lionell Ferell.