The blessed child

It was a late night in the town of Arthuria, a city known for its graceful architecture and beautiful nature. Located close to the Feywild Jungle, it wasn't unusual for the citizens to experience magical events more than other lands in the world of Emteria. However, this night had people out of their beds and into the cobbled streets, gazing up at the dark sky.

Millions of stars were falling and shooting across the heavens, almost as if they were dancing in tumultuous joy. The lights glimmered all around, creating a blazing curtain that slowly fell behind the horizon. It was as if even the three moons had come in for a closer look. The red, blue and white spheres which always seemed so far away now had people gasping at their gargantuan size, illuminating all of the land.

City guards marched through the city, trying to not be affected by the various chatter that spread amongst the people, a mixture of fear and excitement in their voices. At the lead in this group of guards rode a young, elven man. He had long, bright blonde hair with equally bright blue eyes that were staring straight ahead. Unlike his fellow guards he wasn't wearing his helmet but kept it at the crook of his arm as he ushered his horse forward in a hasty trot. People quickly moved out of the way as they came along and bowed at the elf. He simply responded in the slightest of nods before resetting his gaze straight ahead once more.

"Brother!" A voice exclaimed. The high-elf stopped his steed and turned to the source of the voice. Another horse cantered its way next to him, ridden by yet another elf. He had slightly darker hair and skin as a result of his lifestyle in the outdoors, wearing green and rugged clothing that still looked proper due to its quality. Anyone could tell that these two were indeed siblings. The ranger continued, "What is happening? Is mother alright?"

"Easy, Rhangyl. Our father and sisters are with her." He spurred his horse onward and his brother followed, along with the group of guards. Rhangyl kept looking at the sky in awe, "Have you ever heard of something like this before?"

"You already know the answer to that, little brother." He answered coldy.

"Navarre, I can tell you are just as worried as I am."

The high-elf sighed, "Worrying does not help our mother. You will have to save your questions for Ameria."

Frustrated, Rhangyl set off in a canter towards the main building at the center of town. Navarre had no choice but to follow along.

"Keep the citizens calm, there is nothing to be worried about." He shouted to his group of guards as he left them in a hail of dust.

"Yes, my lord!"

The brothers arrived at the gates of the building, a tall castle made out of white stone that reached higher than any other building in Arthuria. Two elven guards were stationed on each side of the large door but didn't interfere as the brothers passed them and entered. Rhangyl was the first to step inside. In the great hall stood a woman and a small girl with similar features as that of the two brothers. The youngest one perked up as her eyes fell upon the ranger and rushed towards him.

"Rhangyl!"

He picked her up in his arms and hugged her, "Oh, Kaylin! You have grown so much!"

She giggled, "Father says that too."

The other woman approached and gave him a gentle embrace, "It is good to see you again, brother. Part of me feared you were not going to be here for this."

"Seeing what is happening outside there is no way I would not."

She smiled at him before turning to Navarre, "How are the people, brother?"

"Distressed. What is happening, Ameria?"

The sister looked at each of them and sighed in relief, "You know how much mother and father has longed for this child. Our goddess has decided to rejoice with us in celebration!"

"Was it not Luna'Celesia that gave mother and father the baby?" Nine year old Kaylin seemed a bit confused. She was still too young to understand the ways of magic and deities. Rhangyl looked at her and laughed, "That is right, little one. Our moon goddess gifted them this baby after hearing their prayers. It is not every family that gets such blessings from our gods. We should be proud."

"How is mother?" Navarre interrupted. Ameria turned around waved them along, "Come, she will want to see us all."

They joined her up the big staircase at the center of the hall and took right towards their parents' bed chamber. What followed was a long corridor with huge portraits hanging on the walls. They pictured every member of their family line. Their mother, Elora Lathalas, was a mix of high and moon elf blood, whilst their father, Tasar Reygolor, had sun and high elf blood instead. It was an interesting combination and many had thought that their parents' relationship wouldn't last when Tasar married into the Lathalas family, but their love proved to be strong and now the Lathalas name was known across the land of Zeppala for their knowledge and devotion to the church of Luna'Celesia. The moon goddess stands for life and purity. She helps to guide both lovers and wanderers with her stars and wisdom.

It was a goddess the family was proud to serve and in turn they had been greatly rewarded.

The four siblings now stood in front of the tall wooden door. A single guard had been placed outside and he bowed his head to Ameria as she approached, "My lieges, I believe congratulations are in order."

"At ease, sir Curtis. You may rest now. Please get something to eat for yourself. You have done well." Ameria patted his shoulder.

"Thank you, my lady." He extolled and scurried off down the corridor.

Not being able to contain himself any longer, Navarre pushed past his siblings and opened the door. The room was modest in its size, filled with a bed, a desk and a fireplace. At the other end of the door was the balcony that gazed upon the woods just outside the city and the starfall was still ravaging across the night sky. The moonlight perfectly lit up the room through the windows and Navarre saw his mother on the bed. Her long white hair was a bit out of place and her blue eyes that usually glowed just as strong as the stars now looked weary and tired, but she smiled the warmest of smiles when she noticed them enter. At her side sat their father, an older image of Navarre and Rhangyl. He stood up and embraced all four of his children in his strong arms. He let go, resting his arm on Rhangyl's shoulder, looking at him, "I am glad you are here, son."

"I am sorry I was not here sooner, father."

"Never mind that. You all know your mother and I are proud of each and everyone of you. Yet, tonight is special."

"My love." Elora's warm voice filled the room, "Do not hold my children from me any longer." She gave all of them a little wink. Navarre felt himself relax slightly, there was his mother he recognized.

Their father chuckled, "My apologies, my lady. What was I thinking?"

She reached out one of her hands and welcomed them forward. As they approached, a small newborn baby could be seen in her arms. Kaylin, who had been carried in Rhangyl's arms up to this point, jumped down and sat next to her mother. The baby's eyes were wide open and looked around curiously as new faces came into view. "Hello, baby. I'm your big sister." Kaylin whispered. The newborn smiled the way an infant does as they see something they like.

Rhangyl leaned in, "Can I hold…. uh…." He stuttered. Their mother smiled once more, "Her name is Trisphyra and yes, you may hold her." She handed the tiny baby to her brother and Rhangyl cradled her carefully. Up close he could see that there was something special about her. Her eyes were bright blue just as one could expect but unlike the rest of them she had a slight purplish hue to her skin tone just like a pure moon elf would have, and it was almost as if… the child was glowing. "Trisphyra, you are going to be something special. Even a blind man could tell."

"I am so happy for you, mother. Are you feeling alright? Perhaps I can heal you?" Ameria pleaded. Elora laid her hand upon her eldest daughter, "I am alright, darling. Lord Thurian made sure I was taken care of."

She frowned and grumbled, "My magic would have been better." Her mother simply giggled at her comment and looked over to her oldest child Navarre, who stood frozen in place looking at baby Trisphyra. The tiny infant had found a piece of Rhangyl's hair and proceeded to play with it.

"Has the church said anything yet?" Navarre asked his father.

Tasar patted his son on the back, "You worry too much, my son. The priestesses have only sent their kind regards."

"Despite all of that?" He pointed out at the sky, "You mean to tell me they have not sensed anything?"

"What do you worry about, brother?" Ameria intervened, "We have all the protection we need."

He looked to Rhangyl, "Tell them."

The brother hesitated, looking down at his baby sister in his arms. He felt his father's eyes on him and sighed. Why did Navarre always have to ruin the mood?

"I have sensed the shadows of Aiselec'Anul growing more active in the wilds."

Ameria scoffed, "So? Aiselec'Anul will always be around as long as Luna'Celesia is. That is nothing new."

"As a sorcerer of the Silver Hands, that is a very naive thing for you to say." He lectured. Ameria rose from her seat at the bed and stared down her brother, "Do not dare to scold me, Navi. You may be older but I have read far more on the ways of our gods than you have."

He took a step towards her and yelled, "But only I have trained to protect us!"

The sudden outburst caused Trisphyra to start crying. Rhangyl handed her back to their mother, who was giving Navarre a stern look. He looked down in shame, "I am sorry."

She sighed, "My son. My firstborn. Come sit by me."

Ameria glared at him angrily as he walked past to sit down by the bed. Elora caressed his cheek, "Your sense of duty to protect this family is admirable, Navarre. I do not fear any threat with you and your father by my side. However, there are times when we simply cannot prepare for every threat that may cross our path. I just need you here, all of you."

He grabbed her hand, "I am sorry. I did not mean to put more stress on you."

"Navi, with you around, nothing can hurt us!" Kaylin exclaimed in an attempt to ease the mood. He smiled at her, "Thank you, sister. Your words warm my soul."

"Does that mean you will play swords with me now?"

Navarre laughed, "Only if father allows it."

She looked at Tasar, who answered by looking at his wife. Elora rolled her eyes, "While I had hoped for you to follow in your sister's footsteps, I suppose it can not be helped."

"Yes!" Kaylin leaped up on the bed and landed on her back on the soft mattress. All in the family laughed in unison.

Tasar looked outside, the magical event was still going. He wondered when it was going to ease down. His son was right, this could draw unwanted attention to his family. However it was also the work of his goddess, so a part of him was at ease.

"Alright, my children. It has been a long evening and your mother needs to rest. You will get to see more of your sister in the morning."

All of the Lathalas children kissed their mother goodnight and left. Tasar gently grabbed his newborn daughter. She cooed in delight as she looked at him, bringing a smile to his face. "I am so proud of you, my love." He turned to Elora.

"And I of you."

He placed Trisphyra in her cradle at the other end of the room, facing the balcony.

"Will your family come visit tomorrow? He asked and placed himself next to his wife in the bed.

"That is what they said. Everyone except for Cyran, but Viessa, Idril, Lixiss and Zaos will come. What about your family?"

He scoffed, "You know they are far too busy for me."

"Not even Lian?"

"He had to cancel. Apparently Myrin has trouble with some traders in their town so he had to step in."

"And what of Quildor?"

He stayed silent for a while. Elora knew it was a sensitive subject but even after all these years a part of her held on to her hope.

"Father has not been around since my mother died, Elora. You know this."

"Yes but you have said he was always around when you most needed him."

"Only when one of us was in danger. The birth of a fifth grandchild does not concern him."

"I see." She conceded, looking out the window. Tasar grabbed her check and gave her a kiss, "We do not need him, Elora. Your family is more than enough for me and our children. You need not to worry."

She kissed him back, "I know. Sometimes I cannot help myself."

He smiled, "Your sense of duty to protect this family is one of the many things I love about you." Repeating what she had just told their eldest son.

Elora smirked at his remark.

"I love you too."