Dynasty

1-Longing

A barren landscape. Rubble, debris, bodies. No survivors. You can't even hear the screams anymore. Only silence and the occasional gust of wind. What happened? No one knows because no one lived to tell the tale. At least, that's what you're supposed to believe.

---

A shadow passed overhead, and Rosemary couldn't resist looking up. Queen Ivy and her ariel fleet soared over the treetops. Rosemary quickly bowed her head, not wanting to embarrass herself again.

Even though it wasn't the first time, her heart sank when Queen Ivy flew on without even acknowledging Rosemary.

"Just like everyone else," she muttered, taking off from her branch. You'd think that after a few moons I would have gotten used to it.

A small smile crept onto Rosemary's face as her wings caught the crisp afternoon air. Flying always lessened the pain, even if almost everyone knew how. She couldn't imagine not flying.

Fifteen minutes and a snack break later, Rosemary was perched on her favorite branch in all Kryliva. She had a view of Loskinak and The Ruins from here. Loskinak was her purpose. One day she would understand The Ruins' secrets, but for now, they were off-limits. Only the queen and her closest followers were allowed to visit them.

All her life, Rosemary dreamed of finally exploring Loskinak. She longed to know what exactly was built there, who built it, and what it was used for. These questions had become her only friends.

Darkness was falling, and Rosemary knew she needed to get home soon, or her sister would worry. She looked back at Loskinak one last time before leaping off her branch and into the air.

Rosemary's nest wasn't too far away, but her wings were still aching by the time she reached the entry. In hopes of looking less disappointing, she quickly preened her black feathers before stepping into the hanging tangle of twigs she called home.

"Clover, I'm home," Rosemary called out, realizing her parents wouldn't be there.

"Rosy, I was starting to believe you weren't coming." Clover came forward and nudged Rosemary playfully with her beak.

"I'm sorry. I lost track of time at the library."

"I see you're still bad at lying. Tell me where you really were."

"But-"

"I'm your big sister. I deserve to know."

"Fine, you got me. I was looking at Loskinak." Seeing her sister's face, Rosemary quickly added, "From a distance!"

Clover sighed. "You know you're not supposed to go there. Even if it's from a distance."

Rosemary hung her head. Knowing she couldn't reason with her sister, she said, "I understand," and hopped onto her perch.

Kryliva (CRY-liv-a): Rosemary's hatching place. The forest region of Érthe. Known for their vast collection of scrolls and their extensive market.

Loskinak (LOSS-kin-awk): Directly translates to 'Lake of the Lost'. A massive lake on the edge of Kryliva. In the center is Ruin Island, also known as The Ruins.

Moon- Roughly one month, or nighttime