"My name is Neihil Loodus, and this is the story of how I became part of the Loodus family, my adventure, my days at the academy, and the moments that shaped me. But more than anything, it is the story of how I uncovered the truth about who I really am."
In the year 885, the people of the Loodus Kingdom are celebrating the birthday of the queen's brother, the hero who saved their kingdom. People are chattering, drinking, and illuminating the sky with their magic.
Unlike the kingdoms of the humans, Loodus was located within the woods. It was a haven for elves, dark elves, and fairies. These races are under the wise and gentle reign of Queen Kate Loodus.
"We are gathered here tonight to commemorate the birth of a man whose actions have influenced the destiny of our kingdom. To my brother, Andrew, brave in heart, unwavering in duty, you are the spark that illuminates the way when darkness falls and the shield that protects our kingdom. Your bravery has given hope and carved peace out of danger. May the winds of Loodus always carry you higher on this auspicious day of your birth, and may honor follow your name with the same fidelity as your sword follows justice. Happy birthday, my brother, our hero, our pride, our guardian. Long live the hero of Loodus!"
With joyful hearts and goblets held high, the crowd raised their drinks in unison. A single voice became many as they shouted, "Long live Andrew Loodus!"
Their cheers echoed through the enchanted halls.
"I am most grateful for your kind birthday wishes. The thoughtful gesture has truly honored me, everyone." Andrew smiled warmly.
As the melody rose into the air, anticipation swept over the crowd. Then, with cheerful eagerness, the people began to dance. Skirts swirling, and hands clapping in sync with the music. Laughter echoed through the rhythm of the night.
"So, how has life been with Leila in the forest?" Kate asked Andrew.
"It's peaceful, Your Majesty. Thank you for allowing me to take that land."
The queen let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head.
"Only you would find that forest peaceful," she said with amusement in her eyes.
"By the way, where are Leila and your daughters? I was expecting to meet your daughters tonight."
"It's not the right time for them to be known to the public. I will introduce them when they are of the right age and can protect themselves."
The queen, with her modestly downcast eyes, let out a sigh and said, "I see."
"I should go back, your majesty."
The queen walked closer to Andrew and then hugged him.
"Take care, brother."
While soaring through the sky on his way home, Andrew turned off course and descended toward a quiet spot deep within the forest.
"Where is the distorted energy I'm sensing?" Andrew muttered with a perplexed look.
Andrew's gaze swept across the quiet forest, but before he could take another step, a flash of light streaked across the sky. A meteorite plummeted from the heavens, crashing near the lake with a deafening roar. Without hesitation, he made his way toward the impact site, curiosity pulling him toward the mysterious object.
"Come forth, Sanguisveeni!"
A dark katana materialized in Andrew's hand, its blade coursing with crimson veins that seemed to pulse with a life of their own. His eyes narrowed as he assumed a defensive stance, slowly advancing, every muscle tense and ready.
Breath clutching in his chest, he lurched back as a wave of oppressive force swept over him.
"What is this?"
As he ventured deeper, he saw a giant lake and caught sight of a woman. Her clothes were torn and worn, clinging to her frail form, and in her arms, she held two babies. One nestled against her chest, the other cradled gently in her arm.
"Ho- how?" Andrew was astonished by what he saw.
A being that is commonly portrayed as a kind and benevolent being who serves God and guides every being in the universe. They are believed to act as intermediaries between the divine and mortal worlds, often fulfilling roles as guardians, helpers, and healers. She has big white wings and a halo. This woman is an angel.
"What is an angel doing here?"
The woman's gaze fell upon Andrew, and with a soft murmur, she uttered something under her breath.
"M- Mister elf, I beseech thee extend thy hand."
Andrew quickly went beside the angel and helped her.
"Let me heal you."
"Thou needst not trouble thyself, good elf, for only a kindred angel can mend my wounds."
The angel coughed up blood as she replied.
"You don't need to speak so formally," he said, his voice softening with concern.
"What happened to you? Are these your children?"
"Time is wearing thin! Heed my command without any question."
Andrew's mind buzzed with questions, but he held his tongue, allowing her to speak first before offering any words of his own.
"First, I ask that you promise to protect these children until they are capable of caring for themselves. Second, share your knowledge with them, teach them all that you can, and help them grow stronger. This girl is my daughter. Her name is Aisha, and this boy's name is Neihil. My master warned me that he may one day disrupt the balance of this world. Please guide him carefully and help him find a righteous path. Above all, care for them as if they were your own."
Her eyes filled with tears at that same instant. She gave the infants a final embrace before giving them to Andrew, her body shaking as she hugged them close. A final, heartbreaking moment of closeness before they were split up, the weight of the parting hung in the air.
Her shape gradually started to change, her body growing more transparent by the second. She changed gradually until she was only a tiny, ethereal mass of brilliant light.
Andrew's brow furrowed as he watched her.
His voice was filled with perplexity and worry as he mumbled under his breath, "What on earth is going on? Is the world about to face another threat?"
It was the middle of the night by the time the moon was high in the sky. Cradling the sleeping infants in his arms, Andrew went back home. He entered quietly and saw his wife waiting with a worried expression on her face. He started to gently describe everything that had transpired.
Morning light slowly crept into the room. My eyes opened, and I saw faces I had never seen before. Two identical girls gazed at me with wide, curious eyes, blinking in confusion. Even though they were unexpected, they had a strangely reassuring quality.
The golden-haired girl's eyes glowed with excitement as she suddenly cried out in joy.
"Mommy! Baby Neihil's awake!" she shouted, her voice sparkling with delight as she turned to share the news, unable to contain her happiness.
The black-haired girl looked over, her voice quiet and steady. "Slow down," she said softly. "You're going to wake baby Aisha."
With mischievous eyes, the golden-haired girl quickly covered her mouth with her hand. She laughed and tugged at her lips in a playful smile. "Oops, sorry," she said.
'Neihil... Is that my name? Who are these twins? What's going on here?'
I was unable to make sense of it, and my questions kept coming up faster. I was deep in contemplation as I lay in my crib, wondering what was going on around me, when the door slowly opened with a soft creak. Then she came, lighting up the room with an unearthly glow as she approached with grace that seemed to rival that of the moon.
With a graceful tone, she glanced at the two, her voice soft but firm.
"Ciana, Ciara, please keep it down. It's still early in the morning."
"Mommy!" Ciana and Ciara cried in unison, their voices filled with joy. Without hesitation, they rushed forward, their small arms wrapping tightly around her in a warm, affectionate embrace.
She shook her head with a soft sigh, watching the two of them continue their antics.
"Honestly, you two," she muttered, half exasperated and half amused. Then, unable to help herself, she let out a quiet giggle.
She gazed down at me with a soft smile before speaking gently,
"Hello, Neihil. My name is Leila Loodus, and from this day forward, I'm your mother."
After saying those words, she gently lifted me out of the crib and held me in her arms. She gave me a tender kiss on the forehead, her arms radiating love and concern.
I gave her a simple "Ga!" to let her know that I had heard and understood her, and I nodded in agreement.
Leila laughed softly and said,
"My, what an intelligent little one you are, Neihil."
Suddenly, baby Aisha let out a sharp, piercing cry, her tiny body trembling as though she had just awakened from a nightmare. Her eyes fluttered open, wide with fear, and her wails filled the room, breaking the calm like a sudden storm.
Leila leaned over the crib, her voice soft and sweet as she noticed the baby stirring.
"Awww, what's the matter, Aisha?"
"Did a bad dream find its way into your sleep?" Her fingers brushed lightly over the child's cheek, trying to soothe the whimpering little one back into comfort.
With kind and affectionate looks, Ciana and Ciara approached Aisha. They each took one of her hands without saying anything, their fingers wrapping around hers with quiet reassurance.
As all of this was going on around us, Andrew moved forward with a silent urgency. With a steady, protective touch, he took me from Leila's arms after giving her a quick, comforting hug.
Leila took Aisha out of her crib and held her lovingly in her arms.
"Mommy, Daddy, what about us?" Ciana and Ciara exclaimed together, their voices filled with playful laughter.
After Andrew used his magic, Ciana and Ciara rose slowly from the floor. He led them, one by one, and the two glided through the air with ease. With the gentle glow of his spell glimmering around them, he carefully set Ciana on top of her mother's head before directing her to rest on his own.
Andrew's voice was firm but gentle, and he gave Leila a serious look. His eyes lingered for a moment before he said,
"My dear, I must return to the kingdom and report everything that transpired."
"But there are certain details I will keep to myself, especially concerning Neihil and Aisha."
"Take care, honey," Leila murmured, her tone warm and tender.
"We must keep this between us, at least for now," he said, his voice low and steady.
"We have to protect them, no matter the cost." He turned to Leila, then kissed her.
"Thank you for standing by me, Leila."
With a warm smile, Leila placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You have my support, always, my dear," she said softly.
Andrew put me back in my crib.
"Okay, everyone, Daddy has something to do. I'll take care of this as soon as I can."
"Okay! Daddy!" the twins replied.
Andrew left the room and prepared to go to the kingdom.