DaydreamChronicles

World at Large

Four months have passed. The threat of the arrival of humans weighs heavily on everyone’s mind. Corvo’s survey team spent many days watching as the construction of the tower continued without delay. When the second tower was finally completed, the humans built scaffolding to reach the small floating mountain. Once there they began to mine into it. In a matter of a few weeks they had acquired rare and mysterious glowing blue stones from the core. Days later, some of their spell weavers had learned to levitate. Humans were on the verge of discovering magical flight.

At the Crowmaran city, training had not yet paid off fully. Most trainees were clumsy but many had the determination to continue to try their best. Magic was not easy to grasp either. Elder Kallis was patient and taught as best he could. Thankfully the group learning magic had greater skill and thus made progress to being able to mount a sustainable defense. A small few, still worried about a conflict they did not desire, decided to leave. Although it was a painful choice, they would rather avoid fighting.

One day, shortly after returning from an early morning survey flight, Corvo reported in with the elders.

“They’re headed this way. It’s a large convoy. Their army was holding a sort of defensive position protecting some central figures. From the looks of it they don’t seem prepared for an invasion”

“Thank you Corvo. We cannot let our guard down regardless. Tell Acarius to hurry and prepare a contingent of the best trained warriors. After you are done with that, find Elder Kallis and tell him the same. We need to prepare a defense”, said Elder Cairos.

“Got it, I’ll head out immediately”

Corvo flew around the city and found Acarius in a large plaza still teaching one of his defense classes.

“Why this interruption Corvo?”

“Elder Cairos requests a contingent of warriors. He says it’s time to prepare a defense”

“The humans are near then?”

“Yes, I saw a convoy not too far from here and headed in our direction”

“I did not expect them to move so quickly. Fine then, I’ll gather those most capable and send them to the meeting hall”

“Alright, I’m off to find Elder Kallis”

“Wait Corvo. I must apologize”

“What for?”

“For too long I have seen you as a reckless, ignorant child. The truth is, you are probably the bravest of us all”

“I have been as scared as many of us Acarius, but I do what I feel is right. It was that recklessness that initially led me to discover that tower”

“And for that we thank you. You even took some of the defense classes”

“With the other instructors, because I still thought you hated me”

“No, no hatred from this old fool. Go, Vala should be with Elder Kallis”

Another flight through the city. Even with some crows leaving, the city still bustled as they prepared to receive the coming visitors. Close to the western edge of the city, on another of the great floating mountains, was Elder Kallis and Vala. They practiced ancient spells and magical enchantments. Strange glowing symbols floated around them. Small flames erupted from some of those and danced around at the command of Vala.

“You seem to have gotten the hang of that”

“Corvo! I’m so glad to see you!”, said Vala.

“You come with news for us?”, Elder Kallis questioned, seemingly knowing what Corvo was about to say.

“Yes, Elder Cairos has asked for a contingent of crows adept with magic to mount a defense. The humans draw near”

“Understood, I will gather those I can. Vala, go with Corvo to receive our group at the meeting hall.”

“Alright. Let’s go, Corvo.”

Around midday alarms sounded throughout the city. The humans had arrived at the area below the great floating mountains. Most elders waited at the meeting hall preparing the defense groups for the worst.

To the utter astonishment of the elder crows and just about everyone only three humans arrived using a magical bridge. Not even proper flight magic was used. The elders were confused. For the longest time humans had been thought of as savages, but here was evidence that things had changed dramatically.

“Greetings. People of the Crowmaran. We have been aware of your presence for nearly a century now. We are also aware that our continuous conflict has set a terrible example of who we are. I am Queen Amelie, and these two are my retainers. To my left is our court wizard, Elena. To my right is Knight Captain Juliana”

“Greetings Queen Amelie, I am Elder Cairos. I will be direct with you, you have surprised all of us with your presence here. Please, tell us, why have you come here?”

“I am here to assure you that we have no hostile intentions toward you and that we wish to connect with the rest of the beings of this world. You are the closest neighbors to my kingdom and thus I wish to extend an invitation for your people to feel free to visit. We wish to promote trade of knowledge and materials. En fin, we wish to come to an understanding”

“What guarantees do we have that your people will not be aggressive towards us?”

“This is why I have come here myself. I am their leader. It is my responsibility to keep them in line. Rather than just tell you, your people should experience this themselves. For now, I know you are apprehensive about all this, so I ask that you merely assign an observer. Afterwards we can talk about commerce. What I offer you today has been the same I have said for others. Even the stubborn Wolven kingdom started trade with us recently”

“The Wolven?! That is indeed a surprise. Well then, you have convinced me Queen Amelie. I will assign someone to go to your kingdom. May this be a step towards continued peace”

“Indeed. With that I consider my task complete, I will head back to our city. I await your envoy. Farewell!”

And just like that the humans left. Corvo watched as the caravan moved away. He questioned why the need for so many forces for one person, but the elders reminded him that, despite those humans being peaceful it didn’t mean that they were naïve enough to let their guard down. In the same way the Crowmaran suspected aggression, they too could suspect them of being violent. Though their own conflicts had happened decades ago, the scars were still fresh.

“We are as split as they are Corvo. For example, long ago we had to split our people because of near constant aggression. Today, our yellow spotted cousins remain in control of the floating mountains far south”, said Elder Cairos. “If we can continue to have peace, then I will take it. Would you be bothered too much if we chose you to represent us?”

“Of course not Elder Cairos. I would be delighted. I am a curious crow to both my benefit and detriment, ha!”

“Just remember to report in regularly”

Peace remains in the city of the Crowmaran. Their fears about the humans had been relieved. Commerce eventually bloomed between them. Corvo was delighted with learning about the traditions held by the humans. Eventually all trade broadened to include the Wolven and even the yellow spotted crows from the south. Some areas of conflict remained, as with such a diverse world it was inevitable. The new alliance tried to deal with these as best they could. To soften old hatreds and eventually reach a peaceful resolution for them. Finally at the end of this road, Corvo was happy one day when he discovered that his parents were alive and well. They had traveled so far they lost their way, but with the new roads and flight corridors set up by the alliance they rediscovered the great Crowmaran city. His family reunited, now he had to contend with having two sisters and a brother. As for Vala, she continued at Corvo’s side for years to come.

The Meeting

Vala and Corvo made it safely back to the Crowmaran city. By now it was early morning. The elders had just awakened to find the two adventurers waiting in the meeting hall. Both seemed exhausted from the long flight. They brought the news of the towers being built by humans. The elders were not surprised, for some time they suspected that humans would eventually try to reach their lands.

“Our suspicions are proven true. We held back on investigating previous rumors and now the humans are closer than ever”, said elder Cairos. “We will have to keep an eye on them. If they discover a method of flight, they will surely come for us and our lands. Corvo, since you were the first to find this tower you will lead the survey team to where it is located. Starting tomorrow night and continuing for the next few months”, he continued.

“Yes, Elder Cairos. Vala, what will you do?”, asked Corvo.

“Whatever I can to help”

“We must convene with the rest of the Crowmaran. They must know and must prepare for what may come”, said elder Villia, her voice conveyed determination. “Although conflict has avoided us for many years, I feel it is time to return some of the old sparring traditions and combat training.”

“The old magic will be important as well”, elder Kallis mentioned. He is the oldest of the elders and also the wisest. His skill with magic is unparalleled among the Crowmaran. He continued, “Find those who are skilled and disciplined and I will teach them to wield the elements.”

“I can gather the people and help with those preparations”, Vala was excited to see the Crowmaran working for such an important task, but also worried of the possible conflict looming over the horizon.

Elder Villia stepped close to Vala and reassured her, “Our city has been here for centuries. We have seen conflict many times before and still it stands. Do not worry dear Vala.”

Corvo and Vala left the meeting hall. They talked for a while before splitting up to prepare for their tasks.

“Can you believe this? It has been so long, the city will be bustling with movement”, said Corvo.

“Yes, it will be an interesting sight. Elder Villia mentioned past conflicts and I’m reminded of that time when half the city burned”

“Those events were truly horrid, but the Crowmaran rose to be better people from it. We learned to appreciate our peace and our freedom more than anything”

“I should get going, father will want to hear everything”

“Alright, I’ll begin preparations for the flight tomorrow. I should also pick who is coming with me, can’t say that will be easy”

“Hah, well, you can always count on Lenna or Galli. You are aware that you’re one of the most popular crows in the city?”

“Am I really? Regardless, good luck with everything”

“You too, and be careful, humans are not to be trusted”

“I’ll keep it in mind, see you later!”

The two parted ways. Corvo flew off back to his home to rest for a while. Meanwhile Vala remained thoughtful while gliding her way to meet with her father, Acarius. Corvo and Vala’s friendship had withstood the test of time. They have known each other since they were hatchlings. Sadly for Corvo he never met his parents. The elders say they left the city to far off regions and never returned. It is said that this is the reason why Corvo was so adventurous, it was in his blood. Despite not having a direct family to call his own, the crows around him were always supportive. Corvo’s teachers were particularly kind to him. He learned about bravery and trust from them. In one of the conflicts of old, part of the city was set aflame. The young crow risked his life to save a number of hatchlings trapped in a cavern. He managed to fly around and find an escape route. While Corvo was adventurous and sometimes mischievous, Vala was disciplined and reserved. Acarius was overprotective of her, she was his only daughter. Her mother passed away some years ago and old Acarius tried his best to keep his daughter safe. This is why he would sometimes resent Corvo’s risk taking and adventurous spirit. In the old crow’s eyes he was a danger to everyone around him.

Acarius was perched on the branch of his favorite tree, overlooking the valley below. His daughter arrived and landed on a branch near him.

“Hello father. It seems you were right to worry. Looks like the humans are seeking to learn about the floating mountains”

“I knew it! Did you inform the elders?”

“I did. Corvo was tasked to lead a survey team tomorrow night, while I was tasked with other preparations.”

“I see. Is there anything I can help you with, my dear?”

“Yes, the elders mentioned we would have to return to practicing old combat routines and even magic”

“Ah, I know some combat myself. As for magic, your mother kept a book with her. It teaches almost everything you would need to command the elements. Elder Kallis knows much, he can help”

“I need to find others who are skilled with magic and disciplined to learn it. He said he would help train those I found”

“Then let us depart, a quick flight around the city will help to find what you seek”

Despite Acarius’ age he could still help teach some old combat techniques. Thankfully he was not the only instructor left in the city, so he gathered those he remembered from previous years and asked for their aid. They all answered the call. Acarius is highly respected. It was well known that he once fought in the wars of ages past. With the groups assembled into practice and study groups, preparations for the eventual meeting with humans have commenced.

(Part 3)

The Tower

“Oh Corvo, shut your beak, you know nothing of the lands beyond. No one is brave enough to venture there”, said the old, hobbling figure.

“Please Acarius, I don’t need your approval of such a thing. I was there, flew for hours and I saw a human tower”, Corvo responded.

“A tower?! You must be lying. None of the crow folk have ever seen human constructions. The ones we have heard of are mere legend”

The two crows continued their argument until another intervened and calmed them. Corvo was an adventurous young crow. In this world humans were a rare sight. The floating lands where these crows made their homes were far above and hidden in mist. From time to time, stories of human settlements would pop up, but later disappear. Humans were prone to conflict over territory or resources. The crows, in contrast, are a tight knit tribe that values exploration and exchange. They flew through the skies merely to appreciate the freedom that flight gave them. Magic and sword were things more favored by humans, but every now and then a crow would pick up something of interest, be it material or knowledge, and bring it for study. A group of elders studied human or other ancient artifacts to understand more about their world. It was always a wonderful mystery to study their home. The floating lands were perfect for their survival, especially since it kept them far from conflicts. As the elders widened their knowledge, they sought to teach others and keep most of their kind informed.

Acarius was worried. Although he was not entirely trusting of Corvo, the sighting of a human tower close to their home was troublesome. So he enlisted the help of his daughter, Vala.

“And you believed him?”, asked Vala. She knew Corvo since childhood and was aware that he could be a prankster sometimes.

“No, but he is both brave and foolish. If he did indeed find a human tower, then there is cause for concern. They might be drawing closer and I do not want to contend with those violent beasts”, Acarius said, his voice full of worry.

“Then I’ll set out at once. I’ll see you in a few days, father.”

History taught the crows that humans, descendants of the ancient apes, were very violent. Indeed, there was some truth to this. They were also ingenious and talented with the mystic arts. Magic in this world was accessible to all, but a disciplined mind was necessary to fully access the entirety of this skill. 

The crows, also known as the Crowmaran tribe, had some similarities with the humans. Their lower limbs had grown longer, could walk upright and their upper limbs were, of course, wings but with feathered hands that allowed them to grasp objects more easily. Indeed this was a common occurrence for all the beast folk. All of them retained most of the defining aspects of their race, but converged towards a specific form. The elders often expressed how this was deliberately done by the gods as a sign that they should get along. Sadly for the Crowmaran, the humans did not believe in the same deities.

Vala flew south of their beloved home in search of the tower mentioned by Corvo. Little did she know that in the distance Corvo was following her. He flew up high and then swooped down to startle her. Afterwards he settled to fly beside her.

“You jerk! I could have fallen you know”

“Doubting my abilities eh? Oh c’mon Vala, you know I wouldn’t risk hurting you. The wrath of Acarius is legendary”

“And now you make fun of father”

“I am guessing that he told you about the tower, is that why you’re heading south in a hurry?”

“Yeah, you know he’s worried about the humans finding us one day. They are aware of our existence, someday they might try to conquer us, the same way they try to conquer each other.”

“The elders would protect us, and besides, humans have yet to conquer flight the way we have.”

“Only a matter of time before they discover some new magic.”

“ I guess. Well, I’m not about to let you go see humans on your own, so I will accompany you to the place. That way I can guide you exactly to where I saw the tower.”

“Fine, but no shenanigans! Father will be worried knowing you’re not home.”

A small floating mountain was their refuge for the night. It was the closest place to the tower. Vala was impressed. Humans had been able to build this thing in a matter of months. She knew that the elders would put their city on high alert. As for the tower, its height was on par with the very mountain they had stopped at. Vala realized that the humans might be trying to reach that place. When the clouds cleared they noticed the foundation of another tower opposite of the one Corvo discovered. This placed the floating mountain right between them.

“So they are trying to reach this place. I wonder what they hope to find.”

“I would guess they are after the secret of what makes it float.”

“That would put them much closer to…”

The realization of what the humans were attempting ruffled Vala’s feathers. She looked larger, and slowly returned to normal when she calmed.

“We must go now. Come daytime they will be able to see us.”

“You’re not afraid of them, right?”

“No, but we have to inform the elders”

Without a second thought Vala took flight. Corvo followed not too far behind. He looked back and noticed torches moving inside the tower. The humans were there, actively working in the dead of night.

A threat was seemingly rising. The two adventurous crows hurried in the night to reach their great city in the sky. Learning that the humans might have access to their beloved home was a heavy burden, especially knowing that many of those humans were violent. Only the elders would know exactly what to do and how to prepare for the eventual meeting.

(Part 2)

This dark, water-like fluid has seemingly swallowed the world around me. I float in it, trying to keep both my strength and my sanity. At times most of my body is safely above it, at others I can barely keep my face above. It can only be described as exhausting. Like a battle everyday to maintain a sense of self. The sky provides no clues as to my whereabouts. Even the stars themselves do not show anymore. A spell like no other, or perhaps a disease? Both mind and spirit are assailed by unknown forces seeking to break the walls that protect them.

In the farthest distance a single speck of light. A remainder of the hope that once flourished. Perhaps it could offer an escape someday. In the meantime I continue to float here. The body numbs at times, as if giving up during short moments. After countless days of this I begin to hear a voice. Could it be the very void calling for my demise? Or maybe the voice of a friend trying to reach out? If the possibility exists then I should take it. Where to begin though? A swim in any direction seems pointless and the voice is too faint to make a distinction. My very will seemed to falter against the odds before me. This strange darkness that surrounded me robbed me of everything I might have had. I can’t even remember things from my own past.

That voice still echoed. A scream that conveyed the hope that I could escape this predicament. With it a memory reached my mind. I am a mage of the highest order in a court I do not recognize. A small wave moved me. Something was changing, the light brightened. Then, in a moment’s notice, I heard it more clearly. “Dad, wake up!”, my son, my son was calling to me. A loud rumble began to crack away the darkness. The fluid that entrapped me drained away. Memories of a life lived flooded back with great force.

I could still not move but I was conscious once again. Another mage was chanting a spell, while three soldiers closed in on me. They had not noticed that my mind was free. Slowly I prepared a counter spell. A magic so powerful it blows them away, and protects my son. The might of the magic was rarely seen, but I, Athuriel would not be taken lightly anymore. My dear Ethan, I will protect you no matter what.

Freedom has such a sweet taste. I remember it all now. We have been at war with the neighboring kingdom for almost a decade now. Their most recent attempt at conquering ours was to use the foulest of spells to corrupt our minds. It almost succeeded, if it were not for our strong family ties. Ethan was close to me as I looked out one of the windows. We were near the top of one of the tallest towers in the castle. King Gallard had ordered me here to perform a counterspell but I was ambushed before I could reach my destination. According to Ethan I was frozen by the spell for mere moments, but within the illusion it felt like years had passed. As soon as I reached the top I lifted my hands to the sky and chanted the counterspell. Within minutes many of the soldiers that had become incapacitated rose to fight. Their renewed will and determination was no match for the invaders and drove them away.

When I returned to the courtroom the king greeted me with much enthusiasm. He mentioned how I was in high spirits. I told him that it was because of my son, and how great it was to see him beside me. To this he said, “But Athuriel, your son has been gone for more than a year.” Another flood of memories reached my mind again. When I looked back the little boy that had accompanied me had vanished. It was incredibly painful to realize, but much like before I had learned to live with the pain. Perhaps this is why that darkness felt like it lasted so long. I will see you again someday, Ethan.