Year 1531 A.F. | Early Autumn
Kaelthorn Hold — Central Highlands
The Kaelthorn Hold rose high on jagged cliffs overlooking the Central Highlands. Mist swirled like restless spirits around the towers, and the sound of wind across stone walls carried whispers of history, power, and temperaments.
For Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn, now 78, these cliffs had witnessed decades of blood, fire, and politics. He had long since retired from governance, leaving the title and responsibility to his son, Duke Tharion Kaelthorn, though his influence still lingered, like the embers of a fire that refused to die.
....
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn and Wife
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn reclined in the eastern solar, a cup of aged wine in hand, and watched his grandchildren practice on the courtyard below.
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn
"They fight as if the wind itself is a rival."
His wife, Lady Amara Kaelthorn, smiled, knitting quietly.
Lady Amara Kaelthorn
"It is a windy day. They should know how to endure."
Malrec chuckled.
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn
"Endure, yes. But they'll need more than endurance. Fire and lightning wait for no one."
....
Current Duke Tharion Kaelthorn — Age 48
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn entered with his three wives:
Duchess Selene Kaelthorn, mother of Lady Lysandra and Lord Aethon
Duchess Mariveth Kaelthorn, mother of two younger sons
Duchess Lyssandra Kaelthorn, mother of one son and one daughter
And six concubines, each managing parts of the household, training, or managing estates.
....
The Children of Kaelthorn
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn — Age 21 | Fire Mage Prodigy
Lord Aethon Kaelthorn — Age 19 | Lightning-Fire Spellblade
Lord Corvin Kaelthorn — Age 16 | Knight Aura
Rhett Kaelthorn — Age 17 | Acknowledged illegitimate son, Imperial Academy friend of Prince Darius
Additional younger sons and daughters ranging from 14 to 6, in various stages of education, magic, and etiquette
....
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn — Fire Mage Prodigy
Lysandra's hair glinted like embers as she moved gracefully across the courtyard, manipulating flames into spirals and arcs.
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn
"Aethon! Focus! The flames follow your intent, not your strength."
Lord Aethon Kaelthorn
"I am focused!"
She waved her hands, sending a controlled fireball toward him, which he deflected with a small lightning spark.
Lord Aethon Kaelthorn
"And lightning teaches fire humility, apparently!"
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn, watching, shook his head with amusement.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"The heirs of Kaelthorn will set the Highlands ablaze before they settle a single dispute."
....
Lord Corvin Kaelthorn — Knight Aura, 16
Corvin, calm but precise, approached with his sword glowing faintly with aura.
Lord Corvin Kaelthorn
"Father, shall I spar with Aethon or stand guard for Lysandra?"
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Do both. And do not fail either. Remember: discipline shapes power, not raw strength."
Corvin inclined his head and nodded. Aethon smirked.
Lord Aethon Kaelthorn
"Spare me, Knight Aura. Or I'll roast your armor first."
Corvin smiled faintly.
Lord Corvin Kaelthorn
"Then I'll stand ready, as always."
....
Rhett Kaelthorn — Illegitimate Son, 17
Rhett lounged against the courtyard wall, quietly observing the sparring. His attention shifted as his friend Prince Darius arrived in a brief messenger visit.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"You're late, Prince."
Prince Darius
"I had to navigate politics before I could navigate cliffs."
Rhett smirked.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"Same difference. Care to join the heirs in sparring?"
Prince Darius
"I'll watch. You, however…"
He gestured at Aethon and Lysandra.
Rhett laughed.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"They'll forgive me if I dodge fire and lightning."
....
Duke Tharion's Wives and Concubines
Duchess Selene Kaelthorn observed Lysandra's spellcasting closely.
Duchess Selene Kaelthorn
"Lysandra, do not overextend. Your fire must serve your control, not your ego."
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn
"Mother, fire is alive—it will follow where I lead."
Duchess Mariveth Kaelthorn
"Aethon, remember the lightning is as dangerous to your own limbs as to your opponent."
Lord Aethon Kaelthorn
"I know. I am the heir after all."
Lady Thessal, one of the concubines, muttered to herself as she arranged the younger children for magic practice.
Lady Thessal
"Chaos, sparks, and pride… a perfect Kaelthorn morning."
....
Family Interactions
The family gathered for afternoon tea in the eastern courtyard, a rare calm punctuated by laughter, teasing, and minor debates.
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn
"Rhett, you've grown lazy since the academy training began."
Rhett Kaelthorn
"And yet, still faster than half this courtyard."
Lord Corvin Kaelthorn
"Careful, bastard. Precision beats speed."
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Enough. All of you—sit, eat, and speak without crossing blades or insults. Family first, Kaelthorn pride second."
Rhett muttered under his breath, amused.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"Family… and fire."
Lysandra laughed, clapping her hands.
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn
"Exactly. Fire and family. The Kaelthorn way."
....
Evening Reflections
As the sun dipped below the cliffs, lanterns flickered along the hold walls. Children practiced spells, sword forms, or quietly discussed academy lessons. The concubines oversaw younger children. The wives exchanged careful glances, keeping the household balanced despite tensions.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn watched from the central balcony.
Duke Tharion Kaelthorn
"Not a peaceful home… and it never will be. But we endure, we grow stronger, and together we remain Kaelthorn."
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn, sitting nearby, chuckled softly.
Old Duke Malrec Kaelthorn
"Storms within stone, Tharion. That is the legacy of Kaelthorn blood."
Rhett, leaning casually against the railing, nodded.
Rhett Kaelthorn
"And friends outside the blood keep us grounded. Even princes."
Lysandra smiled at him, sparks dancing in her palms.
Lady Lysandra Kaelthorn
"Then let the fire guide, and the lightning protect. We are Kaelthorn."
Even as tension hummed faintly through the hold, the family—legitimate, illegitimate, married, unmarried, children, and heirs—shared a rare evening of unity. The Kaelthorn Hold endured, fierce, untamed, and alive.