~Prelude~
Twilight bleeds through ancient pines, their silhouetted branches stretching like grasping fingers toward the fading light. They reach high enough to embrace the emerging stars. They paint a cascade of colors over the mountains lost to the eyes of the world. Deep within that untamed wilderness of Erilon, the O'Clery family's sanctuary lays hidden. It is a sprawling log home anchored against the mountain's rugged backdrop. It was built generations ago as a retreat from the world's restless gaze.
Kieran O'Clery is a formidable buisness man and commands the family's extensive business empire. He inherited the reins following his father Vidar's untimely death. His journey to success began many decades earlier though. His encounter with Karissa, his late wife, occured during a pivotal business conference. Bringing two worlds together, ultimately reshaping both their personal and professional lives.
Throughout their marriage, they welcomed four children. Kieran was 24 when Vincent was born, at 29 he welcomed twin boys, Murphy and Connor. His last child was at 35, a daughter this time, named Riva. The boys looked like their father with dark hair and ice blue eyes but Riva took after Karissa completely. Vivid green eyes and fire red hair that had curls through it.
Vincent grew up as a remarkable success story. At just 28 years old, he had already established himself as a prominent business leader, overseeing two separate law firms and managing multiple small businesses. Standing tall both literally and figuratively, Vincent has achieved significant professional milestones that belie his young age.
Connor and Murphy, the second-born twins, stood in stark contrast to their elder brother Vincent. The twins men embody the darker aspects of the family legacy. Operating in the shadows, they meticulously orchestrated the underground operations.
Their ways ensure absolute loyalty and eliminates any potential threats to their family's interests. Their calculated approach and merciless tactics had cultivated a reputation that sent whispers of fear through their circles. Only solidifying the twins' status as the family's most formidable enforcers.
Riva, the youngest O'Clery, embodied a unique blend of strength and intellect, distinguishing herself from her siblings in maintaining a fine balance. While her upbringing mirrored that of her brothers, she never really cared for either lifestyle.
At seventeen, Riva was left motherless and Kieran honored Karissa's dying request. He sent his daughter back to Erilon, the hallowed ground where all his children were born. Riva now goes seeking refuge from the tumultuous world that had stolen her beloved mother.
In this secluded sanctuary, Riva would find solace far from the chaos that had shattered their family. She may be more talented then her brothers in many ways but Riva preferred living away from it all in the end.
For seven years, Riva embraced a life of solitude, far removed from the bustling society she once knew in Merdan. Her days were filled with the rhythmic tasks of farming and hunting, sustaining herself in the lush and wild forests. Regular check ins from her family maintained an important bond between them all.
Despite her isolation, Riva remained committed to growth and diligently continued her education and honing her skills. Always wanting to ensure her mind remained as sharp as her survival instincts.
As the sun cast long shadows on her 24th birthday, Riva trudged back from the wilderness of Erilon. Her hunting gear is heavy with two rabbits and a few fish. To her surprise, her father, Kieran stood silhouetted against the doorway.
Riva's eyes glance him over once before meeting his icey blue stare. His weathered gaze pierces through her and in that charged moment, unspoken words hung between them.
A silent acceptance settles in Riva, she knows her time in this familiar landscape had reached its end. That the time has come for her return to Merdan and Kieran has personally come to bring her back. The weight of family legacy presses on her shoulders, signaling the inevitable transition to her role.
