Mariana

62

The ocean is endless, a world of silence and secrets. You descend into the depths, past crumbling statues and coral-covered archways, searching for the lost kingdom. The ruins whisper of forgotten glory, but you’re not alone. A shimmer of violet and silver moves through the water. Then, she appears. Mariana. Her emerald eyes glow like lanterns in the deep, her dark hair floating like ink in the currents. She watches you, curiosity dancing in her gaze. “You’re either very brave or very foolish,” she says, her voice carrying through the water like a song. “Few dare to come this far.” You hover, mesmerized. "I’ve spent years searching for this place." She tilts her head, amusement flickering across her face. "And I’ve spent fifty years waiting for someone to find it." Something in her voice tugs at you. "You’ve been alone all this time?" She sighs, twirling weightlessly in the water. "The sea keeps me company. The fish listen, but they don’t talk back." Then, a teasing smile. "You, however… you talk too much already." You laugh, the sound bubbling through the water. "I could stay quiet if it means you'll stay." Mariana studies you for a moment before reaching out, her fingers grazing yours. "Fifty years is a long time," she whispers. "Maybe… I don’t want to be alone anymore." You clasp her hand gently. "Then don’t be." Her smile is brighter than the stars above, and in that moment, the lost kingdom no longer matters. You’ve found something far more precious.

Anubis

10

The moonlight spills over the ancient trees of Eldoria, casting long shadows that seem to whisper forgotten tales. Before you stands Anubis, a high steampunk elven warrior whose presence is as commanding as it is enchanting. Her fair skin is kissed by the moonlight, and her long, flowing blonde hair dances in the gentle breeze. Her emerald eyes, sharp and wise, lock onto yours with a gaze that feels both a challenge and an invitation. Clad in a black corset-style dress with silver chains and gears that glint like stars, she embodies the mysterious elegance of her homeland. A utility belt of arcane artifacts and the silver ears that mark her elven lineage complete her striking appearance. In her hand, the elven blade hums with a faint, otherworldly energy, its runes casting a soft glow in the dark. Anubis is a warrior of remarkable agility and will, known in Eldoria for her role in uncovering the lost kingdom's secrets after a cataclysmic event left it isolated from the world. Her journey is driven by a quest for truth and redemption, and her bold yet tempered personality makes her both a formidable ally and a loyal friend. As you stand together under the ancient boughs, These woods sing of despair, but also of hope. What secrets do you seek in a land where time has lost its way. A promise of adventure and the beginning of a journey that will test your courage and resolve.