HOUSE LYSIA VAELOR
House Vaelor stood proud in the heart of Virelia, its walls painted in soft hues of gold and cream, giving it the look of a palace made for queens. The scent of incense floated through every hall, mingling with the laughter and whispers of young women who lived within. House Vaelor wasn't like any other house. It was a place where women who felt ignored or looked down upon found purpose, pride, and power.
Inside, the chambers were decorated with colorful robes, books stacked neatly on wooden shelves, mirrors trimmed in gold, and soft rugs that muffled every step. It was more than a home—it was a sanctuary. At the center of it all stood the tall tower where Lady Lysia herself resided.
The bell rang in harmony, three deep gongs that echoed across the entire estate. As soon as the last sound faded, every maiden hurried to the grand chamber. They came from the reading rooms, the training halls, the practice chambers where they learned poise, voice, and presence. Clad in white robes that flowed like water, the maidens gathered with heads bowed and hearts eager.
Lady Lysia appeared at the top of the staircase that led to the center of the chamber, her steps measured and full of grace. Her robe was a deep burgundy, embroidered with the golden symbol of their house—a blooming flower wrapped in thorns. Behind her walked Sister Ariel, her closest adviser and second in command. Ariel wore soft linen the color of sand and held a tall silver staff that sparkled under the chamber light.
As Lady Lysia stepped onto the elevated platform, every maiden bowed low, their eyes focused on the polished stone floor.
"I welcome you, daughters of honor and strength," Lady Lysia began, her voice soft but full of command. She sat in a chair that stood taller than the rest, carved with symbols of power and motherhood.
She looked across the room, her eyes sharp but warm.
"House Vaelor has always stood for something greater than beauty or charm. We are not simply women trained to smile and serve. We are women who seek purpose in every step, who take power from those who cannot wield it, and who build our own path toward victory."
The maidens remained silent, listening, taking in every word.
"One of our own," Lady Lysia continued, her voice carrying a touch of pride, "has risen higher than most could imagine. Sister Duchen, born and raised within these very walls, now stands as one of the king's wives. But more than that—she has given birth to the flame reborn. The child of prophecy. The one we have dreamed about for many years."
A deep hush fell over the chamber. Then Lady Lysia clapped her hands gently, and the maidens lifted their eyes with pride shining in them.
"Gratitude to the birth giver," the maidens said together, their voices rising in unison. "She has favored the House of Vaelor beyond limits."
Among the crowd, some eyes flickered with envy. But as they had been taught, they did not let it turn to hate. House Vaelor believed every woman had her time, and jealousy only delayed destiny.
Lady Lysia stood again, a young girl rushing to hand her a goblet of wine. She took it with a nod and slowly walked among the maidens, examining them, nodding in approval at some, adjusting the posture of others.
"Each of you is special," she said. "You stand here now, but one day you will stand elsewhere—in courts, in council, perhaps beside kings. You have seen those who came before you. You have seen what is possible. Now, I expect you to walk the same path with pride."
She returned to the front, her robe trailing softly behind her, and clapped her hands three times. The grand doors opened.
Three women walked in, each wearing veils over their faces and thin, plain robes. House guards escorted them, then left as the doors shut again.
Sister Ariel stepped forward, pointing her staff at them.
"What lies in the shadows, ladies of Vaelor?"
The three answered together, voices strong. "Power. Power lies in the shadow of every successful woman."
Lady Lysia smiled. "Good. Now state your names and show yourselves. Let your mother know you. Let your sisters be inspired."
"Yes, Mother," the three said in unison.
Sister Ariel nodded. "Unveil your hearts and your robes. Let Mother see through you."
With slow, graceful hands, the three women pulled off their veils and opened their robes, standing tall and unashamed. Their bodies were bare, curves smooth and posture proud. It was not about shame or lust. It was about confidence—a lesson they had learned from the first day they arrived.
The first stepped forward. "I am Sister Vira. A proud daughter of Vaelor, ready to fulfill my purpose."
The second followed. "I am Sister Diana. A proud daughter of Vaelor, ready to fulfill my purpose."
The third spoke. "I am Sister Avilone. A proud daughter of Vaelor, ready to fulfill my purpose."
The other maidens watched with wide eyes, admiration filling their hearts. One day, they too would stand on that platform. One day, they too would be named sisters.
Lady Lysia looked toward Sister Ariel. "The mothers of Vaelor have shaped them well. Don't you agree?"
Ariel nodded. "A woman's body never fails her when her heart is determined."
"True," Lysia said. "Give them the mark of the house. Let them carry our pride wherever they go."
Sister Ariel walked to the large furnace at the edge of the room. She dipped the head of her staff into the flames. The metal glowed red.
"Stretch forth your hands," she commanded.
One by one, the three women stepped forward and offered their palms. The hot metal seared their skin, burning the mark of House Vaelor into them. They winced but didn't scream. Pain was part of purpose.
"You have been trained in the art of stealth, in how to move, speak, and influence without force. Now, go into the world. Serve our house. Do not fail us."
"We will not, Mother," the three said, bowing.
"Good. You are free to leave. Show your mark to the soldiers outside. Take what you need. Go with grace, and may you bring warmth to House Vaelor as much as the flame."
The three sisters bowed again and turned. All eyes followed them as they left the chamber, the heavy doors closing behind them.
Lady Lysia turned back to the rest. "Now, return to your lessons. Learn how to walk, how to speak, how to influence. Learn how to be the kind of woman who changes her world."
The room slowly emptied as the maidens filed out through four different doors, their white robes flowing like waves. Some returned to reading, others to voice practice, and a few to the art of writing letters that made men bend.
Lady Lysia and Sister Ariel stepped through the grand door that led to the private halls. As they walked, their conversation continued.
"When the flame is of age," Lady Lysia said, "he will choose. And he must choose one of ours."
"He will," Sister Ariel agreed. "We raised the mother. We will raise the bride."
Lady Lysia's eyes sparkled. "And when that day comes, House Vaelor will not just be beside the throne. We will be the throne."
They disappeared down the hall, the sound of their sandals soft against the marble floor, but their intentions sharp and clear as ever.
House Vaelor would wait. And when the time came, it would rise.