KIRAThe dark, violet canopy of night began its slow, majestic retreat, giving way to the pale, luminous pearl of an undisturbed mountain dawn. High above the jagged crests of the Eastern Range, the first thin ribbons of morning light broke through, painting the underbelly of the cirrus clouds in soft, glowing washes of rose gold, soft lavender, and warm apricot.A cool, invigorating alpine breeze flowed over the granite battlements of the Keep, carrying with it the pure, resinous scent of mountain pines, wet earth, and the faint, comforting aroma of woodsmoke rising from the waking valley below. Down in Sun Ridge, the sea of early morning mist lay silent and thick over the timber eaves and cobblestone courtyards, gradually parting to reveal a thriving realm of forty thousand free citizens. The soft, rhythmic sounds of early morning life began to echo up the canyon—the low chime of the valley clocktower, the muffled step of sentries completing their final watch, and the gentle creak o
Last Updated : 2026-09-23 Read more