~ Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. ~

I met these characters years before I ever wrote anything about them. In fact, my sister introduced me to one of them—thanks again, Aria, for letting me steal all your best people. They are some of my favorite fictional beings I've had the pleasure of getting to know firsthand: passionate and icy in turn, geniuses and idiots all at once, unbendingly sure they must be right even though they both can't be right about everything—

I love them dearly, and I hope you'll grow to love them too.

The narration is meant to pay homage to older high fantasy stories: the Terry Brooks and R.A. Salvatores and Orson Scott Cards of the world. That comfortable, lulling feel you might get if someone was reading you the story on a rainy afternoon. Until, at least, something emerges from the darkness and grabs you. It's not flashy; it's lyrical when it needs to be and straightforward when it doesn't. You might, at times, even find it a little stuffy, or distant. 

But since Rivien is sort of a stuffy, distant fellow, I couldn't imagine telling it any differently. 

✵ Neurodivergent characters: No particular diagnoses are made, but the divides in the way people relate and communicate because of difference in thought patterns, aptitudes, and upbringing are a big theme. Some characters are understanding; some less so.

✵ Slavery & Imperialism: Rivien's family owns slaves, as is a common practice in their empire. And that empire is ever growing. The costs and effects of both these elements will be a source of tension as we go on.

✵ Violence: Typical PG-13 fantasy violence. Rivien is a soldier; he fights like one.

✵ Monsters: Though of what kind, my lips are sealed. Expect some creepiness though.

✵ Magic: A structured, rune-based system and a... much less structured system. You'll see.

✵ Romance: Slowburn, more emotional than physical, and nothing past kissing. I don't know who falls first, but try not to yell at him too hard. It's not his fault he has the EQ of a rock.

✵ Worldbuilding, politics, adventure, and... Well, why are you still reading this? Don't you know this is where all the spoilers are? Just turn the page. =D