Icarus

Favored One

Overview

She is the uncrowned queen of the Zinew Archipelago and heir to the Shirre Treasury. Her wealthy family inspired her adventurous spirit that has guided her for many decades. She opened the door to the Golden Age, facilitating global exchange. She also boosted economic development and strengthened inter-racial communication through her control of maritime trade.

Chapter One

(11194–11237, Era of Frost Veil) Ica was born into the affluent Graud family of the Zinew Archipelago. Her father ruled the entire Western Coast unofficially.
The Grauds dominated trade along the Western Coast. Since birth, Ica was known as Ica the Goldenkey, marking the start of her many titles.
The Grauds ruled the Western Coast for ages, yet succession was a persistent concern.
The Grauds' ancestors sought refuge in this secluded paradise after the Blue War, yet their lineage seemed cursed, never producing more than two heirs per generation.
Every Graud heir carried the family's future. Ica absorbed tales of their ancestors and yearned to forge her own legend at sea.
Ica's timid father forbade her from sea adventures and frightened her with tales of sea monsters, much to her frustration.
Ica questioned if her father truly upheld the Graud legacy, always surrounded by at least 20 guards. Their honorable ancestors would be ashamed of Old Bayes' cowardice.
Old Bayes, despite Ica's objections, proudly praised his daughter, claiming, "Even the ancient prophet couldn't match my daughter's skill in wind magic."
Ica realized she needed to escape her father's control to pursue her dream of becoming a great explorer and navigator. Staying under his wing would only limit her.
She yearned for the open sea, sailing with the stars and wild winds. Hunting sea monsters was the most esteemed pursuit of the Grauds.
At eight, Ica sneaked onto a merchant ship bound for the southern port of Ciaran, eager to learn.
Thus began the epic legend of a hero. Icaruth, the Favored One, set sail on the sea.

Chapter Two

Little Ica is bubbling with excitement for her first voyage. As the sea breeze ruffles her hair, her nautical knowledge helps her detect something fishy immediately.
A gigantic three-headed sea monster, Palmyra, rises from the ocean, nearly capsizing Ica's small merchant ship and terrifying specialized hunting vessels.
Despite Icaruth's attempts to sever two heads with wind blades, Palmyra's regeneration allows it to sink the merchant ship, leaving Icaruth as the sole survivor.
When Icaruth awakens, she finds herself at home, silent about her trip. Her father, Bayes, doesn't inquire about it, as if the journey never occurred. After all, "failure" is not in the Grauds' dictionary.
After that, Bayes no longer restricts Icaruth. As a failure, she won't inherit the Shirre Treasury, and no one will trust their fortune to someone who lost lives on the merchant ship.
In eight years, Icaruth completes over 30 hunting voyages to Elgron and the Mountains of Madness, but never sees Palmyra again. Her successes earn her the title "Favored One" across Mirren.
Icaruth knows that as long as the sea beast lives, no one would truly recognize her as a Graud. With her father having one foot in the grave, she has to act quickly.
In 11210, the Era of Frost Veil, the butler reported Palmyra's sighting in the Sea of Mist. "This could be my only chance," Icaruth thought. "Not even the Sea of Mist can stop me."
After 8 years of adventure, Ica, the continent's top witch, will alone slay the sea beast that stained her family name, now that Palmyra is no longer a threat.
Icaruth, the Star of the North, swiftly locates the sea beast. Without grand proclamations, they engage in a ruthless battle.
Finally, she cut off Palmyra's last head, vanquishing the monster that has terrorized the sea for decades, gaining another glory for the Grauds.
Burned out, Icaruth falls into a deep sleep. When she awakes, she finds a Long Ear looking at her. The "young" elf's face shows naivety and innocence. "I used to be like this," Ica thinks.
At the time, she may not have realized that this youthful-looking elf was much older than her grandmother.
Weak from recovery in the Elves' territory, Icaruth pretends to have amnesia, mocking the fantasy-filled elf while getting her to fetch fruit.
While waiting for her father's rescue, Icaruth knows nothing from the sea can stay hidden from the Grauds. In mid-June, she is summoned by Enid, the Elf Queen.
Although prepared, Icaruth is caught off guard by Queen Enid, who is said to resemble a child. Icaruth doesn't expect her to look like a seven- or eight-year-old.
Enid, surrounded by a faint glow, has long hair that reaches the ground, causing Icaruth's eyes to ache when she looks at her.
Realizing her father has sent for her, Icaruth drops her act, thanks the queen, and prepares to return to the Zinew Archipelago.
Two hundred ships depart from Melaxi Port, heading north, half a month later.

Chapter Three

On the fifth day at sea, a sinister scent wafted over the calm waters, drawing countless sea creatures swiftly towards the fleet. It was clear someone was out to end Icaruth.
Whenever Gail sounded her horn, she, the ruling siren of the seas, could command all marine life.
The crew fell one by one. Unlike eight years ago, she was no longer merely Ica, the Goldenkey; she was the sovereign of Shirre, the arbiter of storms, the queen of the Western Coast.
Although weakened, Icaruth managed to severely injure the siren, using her remaining strength to keep the ship from sinking.
When Icaruth awoke five years later, the first thing she saw was a rather foolish-looking Long Ear expressing gratitude to the noble Forest Guardian.
The way she spoke... Could it be that she had saved Icaruth? Putting her questions aside, Icaruth's priority was to grasp what had happened during her five-year absence.
Icaruth awoke in time. Old Bayes was gravely ill, and his sole heir remained unconscious. The Shirre Treasury was filled with tension.
The Grauds, unlike other major factions, had managed their power transitions seamlessly for centuries.
Frail yet determined, Icaruth took on the mantle of leader beside old Bayes' sickbed.
A seasoned world traveler by nine and a slayer of sea beasts by sixteen, Icaruth, known for her generous nature, was already renowned as the "Favored One."
With her father gone, the weight of increasing responsibilities fell on her. She had planned to visit Elgron with the naive Elf, but that would have to wait.
"After I finish with these affairs, I'll come meet you in Elgron, young one."
"Why call me young? I am much older than you."

Historical Notes

Enid:
Known as the Pure One, Enid (11184–11635, Era of Frost Veil) became Elven Sovereign at 15, chosen by Karianthillae. Her reign reconnected the mainland and islands, fostering cultural and trade growth that led to the Golden Age. However, her weak governance fueled class tensions, leading to a Forest Elf purge by the Calrissians after her death.

Shirre Treasury:
Formed from the Velarras' pursuit of centralization after the Blue War. Nobles fled and attempted to manage their wealth collectively, but the Grauds eventually took over the Treasury for generations.

Gail:
An assassin working for the Grauds' steward, feared by sailors and known as a nightmare on the seas.

Zinew Archipelago:
Discovered by fleeing Velarra nobles after the defeat in the Pact of Jancis. It became a key maritime trade center.

Blue War:
After the death of Alei, Yetannia's brother, in battle, the Velarra nobles rebelled against Orccodro rule, sparking a war across Ciaran. Yetannia, with Agitas' help, triumphed. Both sides of the conflict bore the blue-haired Velarra lineage, hence the name.

Bayes Graud:
Bayes Graud (11171–11215, Era of Frost Veil), also known as Smiling Bayes, was a Nuheillu in charge of the Shirre Treasury. His insecurity about his looks led to a tragic love story orchestrated by his father. Bayes only later learned the girl's feelings had been genuine, but it was too late, leading to a life of regret.

The Great Prophet:
Refers to Saint Yetannia I, the Prophet, revered as the strongest mage in Mirren's history. The Grauds, who admire strength, honor Yetannia by featuring twin blades and treasures on their crest, symbolizing her weapons.