Bloodlines of Archaea I. Afira
A Hero's Meeting

“Greetings,” I said, “My name is Afira, and I am Queen of the Island of Skyfire.”

Akuma looked at me, hesitantly, before saying, “and I am Akuma, loyal protector of Skyfire Royalty.” I stifled a laugh and remained serious as I waited for the others to introduce themselves.

A broad-shouldered young man with sky blue eyes stepped forward, he wore a nice deep blue coat with brass buttons and a long tail-like strip of cloth over a long-sleeved undershirt covered in patterns like waves. He also wore nice light blue trousers and brown boots. He was dirty, scarred deeply across his forehead. His curly brown hair was cut short and greased back along his scalp. He began to speak in a polite voice, “wonderful to meet you,” he said, sticking his hand gloved straight out towards me. He paused, waiting for me to do something. I was confused for a moment, before remembering reading about the way other cultures greeted one another. I hesitated for a moment, then curiously took his hand and began to shake it as naturally as possible. After a moment, he let go, placing his gloved hand by his side once more and continued to speak. “My name is Onde, first born son and King to be of my father, King Re.” He said, then politely stepped back for someone else to introduce themselves.

The young woman who stood beside him stepped forward, she wore what looked like it was once a long and very beautiful blue and white dress, but was now ripped up to her knees. “It is quite a pleasure to meet you both,” she said, putting her own skinny gloved hand out in front of her for me to shake. Pleased with herself, she then moved on to shake Akuma, putting her hand in front of him. Her long, dark brown hair was braided all the way down her back. She too was cut badly and had many deep scars on her open arms. She smiled warmly before continuing excitedly. “I’m the daughter of the royal knight, but just as fierce. My name is Mara, but you can call me Mare, we’re both from Verita,” she said, gesturing to Onde, “I look forward to getting to know you both better,” she finished, stepping back.

A short and skinny young man who wore a long-sleeved shirt with patterns of swirling wind all around. It had once been a nice white color but was now stained and ripped. The top went down to below his waist. Where baggy grey pants met underneath the shirt and covered all of his legs, revealing brown leather sandals on his calloused feet. His shaggy dark hair fell naturally around his head. His eyes were scared and foggy, as if hiding a deep secret. “It is great to meet you,” he said, almost wheezing as he spoke. “My royal guard, Hatya and I have traveled a long way from Svedesh to meet you, the pleasure is ours,” he said, gesturing at the similarly built young woman which stood closely behind him, who was covered in cloth over every inch of her body except for her face and hands.

“Greetings,” she said quietly. The two bowed simultaneously. Akuma and I did the same before turning to the last two who had not yet introduced themselves.

A young woman with shoulder length, straight, jet black hair and pale skin who wore a slightly translucent green silk textiled shawl over a calm, yet stained white long top and man’s trousers. I remembered seeing a picture of a Shen Zhen pirate who’s clothing seemed much like hers and wondered if she had modeled her look after such. “My name is Zanshi, the daughter of the emperor, sent here in place of my inexpendable brother,” she said, a slight bitterness to her otherwise sweet tone. “I look forward to furthering conversation with you, along with working with you,” she finished, before nudging the fairly sized muscular young man which stood behind her.

He looked up, surprised. After a moment, the absent-minded young man who wore a full traditional Shen Zhen armor set, decorated and painted in what looked like tales of their own prophecy. “Hello,” he stammered. “My name is Ditio, the son of the best Shen Zhen general in the empire,” he said, “great to meet you.”

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