Painting by Robert Roth
Isabella remembers the day she lost her best friend, the only friend in a cruel and unforgiving world that she was born in. Throughout her time spent wandering the lands of her homeland and seeing the vacant destruction, limbs and flesh being torn asunder to make way for the idea of 'progress', she remained in the home she was gifted by her adopted father. Her mind spun with the tragedy of it all, what could she have done differently? Perhaps she could have convinced him to not follow her down that dark corridor, with the promises of a treasure that could never be found. The sharp rumbles of their collapsing world assaulted her ears, as within a lifetime, a brief moment, she watched as he fell backwards, away from her and into the void that the ground split open. There was nothing but shock, a silence that echoed despite the sands that now caved in at an alarming speed.
Years later she would meet a nice Kathar, a handsome man that spent his time fighting not in wars, but on pen and paper. Diplomatic yet a man of culture, she spent her days laughing and talking to him, her mind gradually eased from the burdens of her past. Days followed with their fingers intertwined, of gifts shared and new memories made. Of a boat ride to a new world and a tearful farewell as he landed in Regalia, only to be whisked away as a Guard, fighting against the demons that threatened their new found peace.
Throughout the weeks she would get letters of his happenings, daily letters of love and admiration, to which she always penned back in reply, this time sporting a ring on her finger. The ring he bought with his hard earnings, his dreams of being in the Council and writing new laws and declarations to make things smoother for the people of the Shining City, and always, his humor and keen wit, meeting up with her when his work was slow. Laughter and love. She didn't think she would ever get here, but now she has.
