The Queen's Advance

[Swift!]

The dark of Asphodel looms over Vanir. Once allies, the coming attack casts it shadow potently. Night after night the civilians and fighters of the desert city are prepared for death, ready to fight for their country without aid.

The shimmering city remains quiet for months in regards to the threat from the queen. No words from the Radiant, Lightbearer, nor the Arch-Magi. The council remains just as still. No official word has been spoken in favor or against the defense of Aesirheim. Rumors spread of the involvement of a certain pair of blue-haired nobles. Then of a lone Knight speaking with the Jarl.

Another period of silence passes, then on the rising sun of one morning, a trail of Knights and non-magi militia are spotted. They bear no insignias of the Faith, nor of the Second Dawn, yet all of them come from the city of light. Resources, food, gear, training, and many other supplies are brought, and refuge is offered to those unable to fight, back in Osrona.

At the head of this trail is the same Knight who spoke to the Jarl. Aeliana, Knight-Keeper and freshly seated member of the Osronan council. Still bravely covered in her sigils of Faith and the Order. She speaks a simple and blunt declaration to the desert city on arrival, her voice booming over the dunes. A series of letters sent out not long after, quoting the speech.

Through the darkest night and strongest storm!

The children of Eternia are of one.

Whether graced by the stars or by the tales of the Vanir, we are of one blood, of one continent.

The blood we spill from each other, we do from love, whether retribution or tradition.

In this coming storm, know that Osrona does not stand behind Aesirheim. There is no alliance or future promised to either side.

The light is not here to protect the ways or culture of the Vanir. We are not here to make peace or mend wrong doings.

When the dark seeps into this land, no matter where it's shadows reach, we will be there. Nothing of true evil shall touch this sacred ground.

The day of the Vanir's reckoning will come, but not of this raid.

We, the might of Osrona and the people of Esshar are here for one reason,-

-to destroy this filth.