Year 1531 A.F. | Late Summer
Central Plains — Eldric Hold
Eldric Hold rose like a fortress on the central plains, gray stone weathered by centuries of northern storms. Its towers, uneven from renovations, reflected both the might of the Eldric name and the imperfections of its household.
For Duke Severus Eldric, life was never quiet. Peace was a stranger. Here, family bonds were forged in fire, authority, and constant negotiation.
....
Duke Severus Eldric and Household Structure
Duke Severus Eldric, age 55, sat at the head of the long oak table in the Grand Hall, a scowl softened by the presence of children and concubines alike.
He had two wives:
Duchess Lyria Eldric — Age 48, his first wife, mother of Octavia Eldric and Marcus Eldric
Duchess Seraphine Eldric — Age 42, second wife, mother of Julian Eldric and two younger daughters
And four concubines:
Lady Maris — Age 36, mother of two sons
Lady Felora — Age 33, mother of one daughter
Lady Thessal — Age 30, mother of one son
Lady Corinne — Age 28, mother of youngest children
....
Heir — Lady Octavia Eldric — Age 21 | Lightning Spellblade
Octavia moved through the hall like a storm contained. Lightning crackled faintly around her gauntlets as she approached her father.
Lady Octavia Eldric
"Father, the northern patrols return tomorrow. Shall I oversee their drills?"
Duke Severus Eldric
"Of course. And do not let them see hesitation. You are the heir—they must fear your precision as much as they respect your skill."
Octavia smirked, the hint of electricity dancing between her fingers.
Lady Octavia Eldric
"Fear keeps them alert. Respect keeps them alive. Understood."
....
Lord Marcus Eldric — Age 19 | Inquisitorial Attache
Marcus, ever the serious-minded second son, approached with ledgers and reports.
Lord Marcus Eldric
"Father. Reports from the southern vassals indicate minor unrest among minor noble houses."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Minor unrest? Or disobedience dressed as minor unrest?"
Marcus raised a brow.
Lord Marcus Eldric
"Difficult to say. I recommend observation and subtle measures. Nothing overt yet."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Good. You take after your mother's temper, but I trust your restraint."
....
Lord Julian Eldric — Age 16 | Clerical Track
Julian, pale and contemplative, entered with a prayer scroll in hand.
Lord Julian Eldric
"Father, I practiced rites in the east chapel. The clerics suggest minor adjustments to ritual alignment."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Always the scholar, Julian. Remember—the world is changed by action, not just prayer."
Julian inclined his head.
Lord Julian Eldric
"I know, Father. But power without understanding is dangerous."
Severus gave a short, approving nod.
....
Other Children
Lady Selene Eldric — Age 18, studying espionage and courtcraft
Lord Thorne Eldric — Age 14, rudimentary spellblade training
Lady Marielle Eldric — Age 12, learning etiquette and minor healing arts
Lord Roderick Eldric — Age 10, fascination with beasts and military formations
Lady Selene Eldric
"Father, Octavia leaves sparks everywhere. I fear the halls will sing of her power alone."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Then let them sing. Power must be seen to be respected."
....
Concubines' Influence
Lady Maris brought tea to the table.
Lady Maris
"Your Grace, the children grow restless. Perhaps a game?"
Duke Severus Eldric
"Restless is useful. Discipline is more so. Arrange the tables in the courtyard. Let them practice negotiation through mock councils."
Lady Felora interjected softly.
Lady Felora
"And the younger ones? Shall we watch over them?"
Duke Severus Eldric
"Yes, Felora. No chaos this evening."
Lady Thessal muttered to herself, eyeing Octavia.
Lady Thessal
"Chaos will find its own way."
....
Gathering in the Courtyard
By late afternoon, the family spilled into the central courtyard, a mix of sparring, study, and intrigue.
Octavia practiced spellblade maneuvers, sparks illuminating the cobblestones.
Marcus oversaw a mock tribunal, quills and scrolls in hand.
Julian offered prayers for safe practice, his soft chants drifting above the clang of blades.
Selene tested loyalty among younger children, small intrigues of deception and counter-deception.
Thorne ran laps with a wooden sword.
Marielle and Roderick observed, taking notes of both magic and military formations.
....
Tensions and Conversations
Duke Severus Eldric strode among them.
Duke Severus Eldric
"Octavia, your hand is too eager. Marcus, remember mercy has weight."
Octavia Eldric
"I do not seek mercy, Father. Only precision."
Marcus Eldric
"Mercy teaches lessons, Octavia. Precision alone breeds arrogance."
Duke Severus Eldric
"Both are needed. That is the Eldric way."
....
Family Dialogue and Banter
Lady Maris
"Julian, your prayers disturb the spell practice."
Lord Julian Eldric
"And yet, your smoke of incense enhances it."
Lady Felora
"Do we balance the chaos with tea, or with another duel?"
Lady Thessal
"Neither. We watch them learn."
Duke Severus Eldric
"And I will watch, as ever. But remember—there is no perfection, only survival and progress."
Octavia laughed, sparks flying into the courtyard air.
Lady Octavia Eldric
"Then let us survive, Father. And progress loudly."
....
Closing Moments
Evening descended. Lanterns were lit along the courtyard walls, casting long shadows. The children slowly gathered, some exhausted, some exhilarated. The concubines guided the youngest toward warm baths.
Duke Severus Eldric, though never relaxed, allowed himself a rare satisfaction.
Duke Severus Eldric
"Not a peaceful home. Never will be. But strong. Alive. And, for tonight, together. That is enough."
Octavia and Marcus nodded in unison. Julian, Selene, Thorne, and the others gathered closer, laughter mixing with the last flickers of sparks and sunlight.
Outside, the wind rattled the towers. Inside, the House of Eldric endured, sharp as stone and wild as lightning.