The dream she had last night was troubling, but she had to brush it off, as she stood by the closed double doors. She waited for her name to be called, seconds passing, her grip on her staff getting tighter and tighter. Then suddenly, the wooden double doors opened. "Lady Avianna of the First Circle," announced the man loudly, and as her name echoed through the room, everyone turned to see who it was. Avianna walked, or rather, glided down the carpeted path towards her king who sat upon a throne on the dais. Adorned with a gold grown, and fur robe. She walked with confidence, but a dark hollow stare in her eyes, a defense she uses whenever she is at court.<br/><br/>Her dark auburn hair was a contrast to her pale skin, framing her face with its curls. Her lips were soft looking and her nose was dainty. Avianna’s eyes were silver grey, bright and filled with a lot of secrets. Her clothing was simple, but the quality screamed of wealth, and she has a lot of it, despite being a daughter of a farmer. She wore an off the shoulder dress, lined with fur and made of vine velvet cloth that resembled the color of the calm blue sea. Her waist was cinched with a bodice made of leather, lined with silver studs. The smooth pale skin on her neck and shoulder laid exposed except for the choker necklace with a round amber stone in the middle. She was a young beauty, and a lot of high noble men waits to explore her naivete.<br/><br/>Avianna stopped on a decent distance from the dais and gave a graceful curtsy. "Your majesty," she said softly but didn't look up until she stood back up, chin up, back straight, unwavering unemotional stare at her king. "It's good to see you again Lady Avianna," said the king and waved his hand as he dismissed her with a nod. Avianna complied and glided away to the side of the room where the other magus sat. She was reserved a seat among the old men, gaining the attention of the white-furred fox. A magical pet of the gathered magus.<br/><br/><br/>When everyone was presented to the king he stood up from his throne and raised his hand, gaining the attention of all that was in the crowd. "My people, our land has been tormented my monsters of the Frost, a curse made by a jealous God. It is high time that we defeat this curse and gain back the lands and avenge the ones that were killed. Those who have fought and died will not die in vain. They will be remembered for the heroes that they are. Our only hope in this generation is our great Magi, men who were blessed by the great god Archalus. And the Knights of Alaris who raises their sword for our protection. But there is also another hope that lies in wait.<br/><br/><br/>The Sword of Astrid, lost in the great mountains of ice, was a gift from the great god Alaris. This sword will vanquish the evils of the Frost and will give us peace. Whoever retrieves it shall be our great hero and my heir. Let this be the driving force for our future, and the future of her descendants!” The king raised his fist and the whole room roared in agreement. Honor for some, selfishness for others. Who will gain the sword and the crown, only the trial of the mountains will tell. “Tonight we feast to our heart’s content, and tomorrow, all of you will start your journeys.” As the king said those words, the small door on the side of the hall opened and the servants rolled out tables of food and wine, and the cheering continued. The king walked down the dais and towards the high table that was pulled in by the servants at the bottom of the dais and he was served a similar but separately prepared meal.<br/><br/><br/>“Excuse me,” was the immediate words the left Avianna’s lips and the gathered old magus could only nod. She swiftly left the gathering at the hall and found herself in the gardens of the palace. She walked around idly, trying to calm the fast beating of her heart.