Ok so basically I have been working on building the world for this like fantasy novel I want to write, and I have been doing this by writing prologue as a way to just get some of baseline lore of this world down. I decided it might be fun to put it out there and possibly get feedback on it.
A soft breeze blew through spring’s misty air whistling through the trees, rustling through Milo’s rich brown hair making it appear messy, something he couldn’t mind as it’d give Lorena an excuse to run her fingers through it later. It had been a while since he’d seen her, but he had written her everyday, each of her letters still laid on his desk, he thought of them higher than any jewel or any medal, their own special treasure.
He smiled to himself as he headed toward his stable where his stallion Barnabee stood strong and tall, just as he was.
“Hey there girl” Milo cooed at her running his hands through he main before he saddled her up to prepare for the day. He had many plans for later, he would try and get King Antonio to let him off early so he could go to the Midinite Forest and hunt for Borphis, that would allow him to make Borphida a dish used to show love or adoration.
It wouldn’t be easy to get the king’s approval, not because he was particularly strict in nature, in fact he and Milo were much more than just the roles they held within the castle. They were in fact best friends ever since they were school boys. Milo’s family had a long history of being loyal servants to the throne, his father had been Antonio’s tutor so they were able to built a friendship that survived till he followed in his fathers footsteps and decided to dedicate his life to protect the throne. Only recent tensions were driving a wedge between the two friends.
Antonio along with most of the village folk spoke down on Milo and Lorena’s relationship, Lorena took most of the harsher lashes. Rumors that she was merrily using Milo to exceed her certain status as a commoner. Milo knew better than to listen to these false narratives, Lorena’s love for the knight was the realest thing he had ever felt. There was no opinion in the world that could make him doubt that.
Soon Milo arrived at the castle where he stood in his post for the day until he was alerted by a servant that Queen Calliope had needed him.
“My Lady? You called?” Milo said entering her chambers bowing once he was in her presence.
“Sir Milo, I thank you so much for coming. I am in need of your assistance.” Calliope responded with a fragile voice Milo could tell she was distressed.
“Of course your highness, it is my pleasure.” he said bowing once again.
“Oh Milo, please give me a break with the pleasantries you know they’re quite unnecessary.” Calliope paused to allow Milo to stand tall once again.
“I am worried about Antonio, he seems to not be his usual self.” Calliope informed him twiddling with her fingers and motioning him to a seat.
“How so?” Milo queried, becoming increasing concerned by observing her mannerism.
“Locking him in his study for hours at a time, secretly sending letters back and forth.” she answered.
“How has he been delivering them?” Milo asked.
“By Harthwool Swallow” she answered looking down.
This caused Milo’s already growing worry to skyrocket as it was common knowledge that letters delivered by Harthwool Swallows were of not only dire importance but secrecy. He wondered how Calliope even managed to find out about them.
“I do not wish you to spy on him, I just want to know if he’s alright, I’m sure there’s reasons for his secrecy but I just must know if he’s ok…will you please do this for me?” Calliope begged tears welling in her gorgeous amber eyes.
“You have my word Madame” he said once again without a bow this time.
“I infinitely thank you Milo, you’re truly the best among me. I wish to excuse you from your post today. I know there’s a special lady you’d rather be seeing right now. I know Antonio has been quite disapproving of the two of you but I’m sure if you think highly of her she must be quite the lady.” Calliope said, looking at him sympathetically.
“Thank you my Lady, have a great night. I shall see you in the morrow.” Milo said, trying not to rush out back to Barnabee with excitement.
His feet carried him at a speed that can only be compared to light. He mounted his steed with great haste and carried himself off into the night. He cut through the forest of Niteshade.
There could be found the Brandile, a species comparable to that of a hog, known amongst the kingdom as a delicacy of great romance. Although it is deterred to seek them out as they inhabit the same forest as the night feeders. Inhumane creatures that resemble that of humans but lack the souls of the species they imitate. They’re known for feeding on the flesh and blood of those who are lucky, the others are left half-dead and infected.
This didn’t stop Milo, he was knight afterall. Bravery pumped through his veins like the women and men before him. He unsheathed his blade and walked into the forest with his head held high. He is hyper aware of his surroundings, a predator. His eyes hooded and blood hungry as he observes the terrain, the moonlight paints the green fauna a navy blue, it would be beautiful if one wasn’t aware of what lurked in the shadows.
He crept through the forest, steps soft as to not be detected by anything that lurked in those behind those trees.
