C7 The Child of The Light and the Mystery Girl
Up until eight years ago, the Wiel Shire was nothing more than an insignificant, little provincial territory which was usually overlooked and barely noticeable on any map … a place where no one would even give a first, let alone a second, thought to. But the situation changed drastically after Lady Katherine was born; and all of a sudden, the Wiel Shire … that once insignificant, little provincial territory … became the focused concerned of all the realms. Or, that is to say, Lady Katherine had.
Eight years ago, Lady Katherine became the next divinely chosen child born bearing The Light within her … the eternally reincarnating-like power passed along from the birth until death of those Godly chosen individuals … an omnipotent power that's sole purpose is to maintain all that's good in the world; and to keep evil from running amok. During its 'life-cycle' this time, it's Lady Katherine who carries The Light.
Although one day … when Lady Katherine becomes more mature … she will be able to freely summon and use these inherent, extraordinary powers herself; right now, they are lying dormant within her. And even though Lady Katherine has no direct control over this power, yet; The Light itself … being the omnipotent power that it is … remains a thriving force constantly emanating out from the human form housing it … aka Lady Katherine … and is always working to maintain a properly proportionate balance between Good and Evil.
Until that day arrives … it was decided that Lady Katherine wouldn't be informed about her unique ability and special powers until she started showing signs that she would be able to control and use them on her own accord.
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Back in the Wiel Shire … the day after that sudden, ferocious storm mercilessly ravaged their land...
Word of that freak, ominous storm spread like wildfire throughout the realms; being how the brunt of the storm clearly seemed to target Lady Katherine's family's estate … with Lady Katherine herself 'in the cross-hairs of its sight; and, kept in the line of fire'. And it's because of this bizarre circumstance that has many throughout the realms concerned for Lady Katherine's well-being … especially those who are familiar with the prophecy.
The end of the millennium is drawing near; along with the rising of an Aqua Moon in about two weeks … not to mention the forthcoming alignment between the Corellian and Sisterlinea stars. According to the prophecy, once these celestial events coincide; Evil will have the opportunity of defeating Good. The Dark One can accomplish this by having The Light vanquished into The Darkness by one of his loyal emissaries. … The Dark One may assist to a certain degree; but it may not directly cast The Light into The Darkness itself.
Because of the malevolent-like peculiarities of yesterday's storm, Lady Katherine's parents are on edge and feeling anxious over their daughter's safety. Therefore, impromptu arrangements have been made for Lady Katherine to go and stay with the queen, in Autisia. Currently, a small party of Autisian soldiers from the Autisia outskirts reserved forces are on their way to the Wiel Shire to escort Lady Katherine back to the castle.
In the meantime … while waiting for the escort's arrival … Lady Katherine and her parents are eating in the breakfast nook area of their chateau-style manor, when the young lady's curiosity gets the best of her. It was piqued yesterday afternoon when she was being temporary 'held captive' in the multi-purpose structure while taking refuge during the storm; and the young lady could no longer hold it in.
“Mother … I saw a portrait that was stored in the loft above the groundskeepers' storage area. I could see that the baby in the painting was me; but who was the girl holding me? When I asked Sylvia; all she would tell me was that she was someone who used to be close to our family long ago, but was separated from us.”
An uneasy silence quickly befalls the breakfast nook; as disconcerted expressions instantly appear upon both her parents' countenances, as they briefly stare at each other. Then her mother looks back at her; now displaying a somewhat grave expression...
“But … Sylvia didn't tell you who she was; did she?”
“No … she said that it should be you and Father who should tell me.”
The young lady's mother's expression slightly eases; looking more relieved...
“I see.”
Her parents remain quiet; so, after a brief lull, Lady Katherine … anxious for an answer; and tired of waiting for it … once again inquires...
“So … who is she?”
The girl in the portrait was Lady Katherine's older sister, Lady Patricia. When Lady Katherine was born, and it was discovered that she was the child divinely chosen to carry The Light … aware that the prophesy could possibly be carried out within Lady Katherine's lifetime … their parents decided that it would be prudent to separate the siblings as quickly as possible. They feared that if The Dark One, or any of his minions, were to find out who Lady Katherine's older sister was; they would try to eliminate Lady Patricia before the time came for them to attempt to send Lady Katherine into The Darkness.
Therefore, Lady Patricia was sent far away while Lady Katherine was still an infant. Since then, the family had no communication whatsoever with the basically excommunicated sister. Lady Patricia's existence was never acknowledged again; and her existence was never acknowledged or revealed to Lady Katherine.
Her father … still not willing to reveal the truth about her sister … takes it upon himself to answer...
“She was a distant cousin of yours … but we had a falling out with those relatives; so, you need not bother to concern yourself about her.”
A demonstratively melancholic expression suddenly overtakes her mother's countenance; which Lady Katherine quickly notices … and makes her wonder...
“But Father; Sylvia said that she was close to our family … what happened?”
Perturbed that the subject was brought up in the first place; her father curtly snaps...
“I said you don't need to concern yourself about her, Katherine … so speak no more about it!”
Lady Katherine's mother quickly reaches over and takes hold of her husband's hand...
“Dear, please; there's no need to be so cross and yell at the child. She was simply asking us about...”
He curtly interrupts his wife...
“I know what she was asking us about; and I clearly told her not to worry who she was, and to stop speaking of it. Yet still, she keeps insisting on bringing her up. … Honestly, Jocelyn; I believe our daughter's becoming a little too willful minded these days. You need to correct her ways; and soon.”
Seeing the angered expression etched upon his countenance … along with his now flushed complexion … Lady Katherine's mother tries to placate her husband...
“Yes; I understand what you're saying, dear … I will work on that as soon as she returns from Autisia. But please, for now, don't be so angry with her; and try to calm down … or we'll need to contact our family's apothecary to mix you up some nerve tonic, again.
Don't fret so much over this, Halcien … Katherine's merely being curious; which is normal for...”
He curtly interrupts her again...
“And curiosity killed the cat! … Jocelyn, stop defending her when she's being insolent; this is why she's become so willful minded. The child needs to be more obedient, and listen to what we tell her...”
He sternly looks at his daughter; then turns back to his wife...
“Especially now of all times … you know that; right?”
His wife slowly nods; and remains silent. … Shortly, Sylvia enters the breakfast nook...
“Pardon me my Lord … my Madame … Lady Katherine's escort has arrived.”
Lady Katherine's father huffs, “Well … it took them long enough...” then, once again, sternly looks at his daughter...
“Go … hurry up and get your baggage; then be off on your way.”
Lady Katherine immediately gets up and rushes out of the room. Sylvia announces...
“I'll go and help her. I'll be taking my leave, for now; my Lord … my Madame.”
Sylvia starts to leave; but is called back by Lady Katherine's father...
“Sylvia … a moment.”
Sylvia turns around and walks back over to the table...
“Yes, my Lord?”
While displaying a seriously grave expression on his visage; he instructs her...
“Once you send off Lady Katherine; go directly over to the groundskeepers' storage area's loft … and burn that damn portrait!”
Sylvia subserviently lowers her head; and meekly utters...
“Yes, my Lord.”
With her head still subserviently lowered; Sylvia slowly turns around, then scurries off to catch up with Lady Katherine.
There's another moment of uneasy silence between the couple; before Lady Katherine's mother finally points out...
“You know, dear … if the prophesy is correct; they're going to meet eventually, one of these days.”
And after another brief moment of silence; Lady Katherine's father responds, in a blasé manner...
“Then I suppose we'll just deal with it if and when that happens.”
