Asher

Shadow Nightshade

Overview

Despite her family's opposition, she went out in search of the fabled land of aspirations. However, she was cruelly awakened from such dreams by the harshness of reality. In order to survive, she established a team called Ashenwind. Together with Katherine and Countric of Melidie, the three are revered as the jewels adorning Queen Melidie's crown.

Chapter One

(17881–18189, Era of Frost Veil) Born into a high elf noble family, she was five when her father answered the Queen's call to enlist, heading to Ciaran.
Little Asher, misunderstanding war as a trip, felt deeply hurt for not being included, even resorting to shaving her father's eyebrows in frustration.
Even at the deployment ceremony, the sulking child was absent. Their bond after his father's departure relied on letters.
Her father's letters seldom touched on the war, instead emphasizing his yearning for Little Asher and her mother, and sharing tales from Ciaran.
He described Wyverns the size of small mountains, vastly different from imagined monsters. These creatures were even more intelligent than Orccodros.
He also noted that although both were dwarves, the Sugeth and Ezagel Dwarves had very different lifestyles and would even argue over whose fish gelatin tasted better.
These stories sparked Asher's interest in Ciaran, a land of diverse races, changing seasons, and vast icy landscapes unimaginable to a Yarve elf.
"Don't listen to your father's nonsense. Time for lunch now, little Ashy."
"If it were as good as he says, there wouldn't be any war. The fighting never stops."
"Stop wasting time on those useless books. Since you're in the reconnaissance department, focus on the prince's training materials; they're much more practical."
Her mother's efforts to curb her enthusiasm were in vain. After graduating with top honors, Asher smoothly reached her coming-of-age ceremony, where she received her Locke, Greywind, symbolizing breaking free from restraints, in the presence of the Elven Heartwood.
Disregarding her mother's and teachers' objections, Asher applied to the High Commander for deployment to the northwest frontline. The night before leaving, she couldn't sleep, knowing she would finally set foot on Ciaran's land.
In 17951, the Era of Frost Veil, Asher came of age. The young elf passed the ultimate trial, Happiness, and was ready to be sent to the frontline.
Years later, as Asher looked back at that night, she saw her stubborn younger self. We don't know what she would say, but it certainly wouldn't be regret.

Chapter Two

The Azure Queen Grishelda had ruled the dragons for a hundred years, fostering better relations with allies and maintaining peace throughout the Ciaran region.
Asher's arrival on the main continent revealed a level of destruction beyond her wildest expectations.
As Asher disembarked at the port, she saw dragon silhouettes above, the air thick with gunpowder and weary sighs.
Without lingering at the port, Asher and the Elves pressed on to the City of Twilight, now the main defense hub of the western war zone.
Arriving late at the City of Twilight, Asher witnessed guards burying civilians lost to dragonfire.
Dozens of charred bodies lay scattered, mostly Dwarves and Elves, the air heavy with the stench of burnt flesh.
Asher vomited her illusions that night, forced to swallow the bitter truth of survival.
Queen Maiyee's Yarve provided a serene refuge, allowing her people to enjoy life's beauty despite the world's brutality.
Comfort-raised pets cannot match their wild counterparts unless they pass the ultimate test of happiness.
In two years, Asher evolved into a top warrior, aiding demon hunting squads in dragon hunts.
Some are born for greatness; unlike others shaped by struggle, Asher appeared destined for this role.
She employed efficient tactics for victory, including poisoning, cursing, and trampling over fallen foes.
Her ruthless tactics earned her infamy, and the honor-bound Calrissians despised her actions.
Asher didn't care about others' opinions. The members of the Greywind often heard their captain say,
"No matter how elegant an elf is, when they turn into a stinking corpse, no fly respects their elegance."

Chapter Three

Asher and her Ashenwind group have always remained on the fringe. They only cautiously enroll warriors who share their beliefs.
Joining the Ashenwind, whether human, elf, or Orccodro, means earning the trust and camaraderie of all members.
This group is full of jerks. However, under Asher's leadership, they often catch the dragons off guard and land them in big trouble.
But when forced out of the shadows, can Ashenwind operate freely on this continent? The answer is no.
The Western War Zone's supreme commander, High Commander Doron, finds Asher.
"I'm not here to reminisce or discuss ideals. Just take your team and eliminate Stewart. No one does it better than you. I'll handle your retreat."
"That's a Glorrian, sir. Are you sure you're not overestimating us? And are you really entrusting the Elves' future to the one who least resembles an elf?"
"Haha, I don't care. I only know he must die. We have no choice. But after all, everyone will die ten years later. We die sooner or later, why not try?"
"Remember, we only have one chance."
In 18064, the Era of Frost Veil, the Azure Queen's husband, Stewart of Storm City, was assassinated on his way back to Hiliyath, causing a huge upheaval in Mirren.
"I will make those dirty worms pay!"
The Azure Queen's scream echoes through the North as the instigator escapes south under the alliance's cover. Asher must send her Ashenwind comrades to the front lines.
Their once-effective survival tactics crumble against organized armies. Mirren trembles under the Azure Queen's wrath.
High Commander Doron sacrifices himself to the Frost Dragon, plunging morale in the Western War Zone. The Azure Queen commands the elimination of the assassin at all costs.
After Doron's death, Asher loses her most important umbrella. Some high-ranking officers in the alliance suggest handing over Asher to negotiate a truce.
Asher and her team are besieged at Emerald Lake, aware that reinforcements may never arrive. They accepted their fate when they agreed to Doron's plan, knowing they would die sooner or later.
Now, Asher faces enemies among her supposed allies, who contemplate a truce. They've ruined the dragons' future, and the Azure Queen will seek vengeance.
As the frost breath approaches, mingling with a disdain for life, a meteor streaks across the death-shadowed sky.
Melidie arrives, all the way from across the sea.
The legendary princess, with her sword, defends her people and the alliance's last dignity.
History rarely mentions Asher. People only know she became Melidie's most loyal servant, living in the princess's shadow.
Some say she was destined to live in the shadows. Others say she's too steeped in shadow to ever blend into the light.
But how many of those who judge Asher have experienced the dark moments she has been through?

Historical Notes

Ashenwind:
Asher's Locke is a long whip made from Heartwood Karianthillae branches. Its name, "Ashenwind," comes from the wind blades it creates when swung. Asher also named his squad after this weapon.

Dark Elves:
Dark Elves emerged after Melidie was blessed by Lord Deity. Free from the Elven Heartwood, they became distinct from traditional Elves, leading some to call them "Toya," meaning traitors.

Phylicia:
Phylicia (17742–18187, Era of Frost Veil), known as the "Last Child of the Forest," was the only Forest Elf commander and served as Princess Melidie's weapons instructor. In the City of Twilight, she opposed Melidie's plan to rescue Asher, believing it wasn't worth risking Melidie's life for dishonorable Elves. Later, her advice persuaded Melidie to return to Yarve when ordered to retreat from Ciaran.

Calrissian:
The High Elf nobility on the main island of Yarve, Aishimia, have been blessed by the Heartwood for generations, calling themselves "Calrissian," meaning noble and pure. They are the ruling class of Elves, with every Elven Sovereign coming from their ranks.

Queen's Southern Tour:
In 17888, Dragon Queen Parrel (17830–17930, Era of Frost Veil) united the northern lands and marched south for the "Battle of the Lamb." During this critical time, Maiyee began a southern tour in 17890 to rally young adults for the army and defend the western front. Her status made the tour a success, drawing many young Elves to the battlefield and strengthening the northwest front. Their involvement helped suppress the dragon forces, aiding Carlotte in defending Cariblue. This tour was historically significant for stabilizing the northwestern front; without it, the valley terrain and the Dwarves couldn't have resisted the Parthen Legion.

Melidie:
(Era of Frost Veil 17824–Era of Eternal Flame 24). Adopted by Elf Queen Maiyee, Melidie's life is controversial. Her military skills made her an idol for young Elves, but some argue that killing the queen with her own hands is an irredeemable stain on her legacy.

The City of Twilight:
A vital stronghold in the southwest at the Gavin Mountains pass, linking the valleys and northwest. It was the second-largest economic center during the Golden Age but shifted to a militarized state after the Sacred Dragon War. It remains a key transport hub connecting central plains and valleys.

Stewart:
Stewart (17915–18064, Era of Frost Veil), known as the "City of Storms." Typically, dragon offspring absorb power only from their mothers, but "Blood Princess" Alexia created magic that allows power absorption from all relatives, making Stewart a prime target for allied forces.

Doron:
Doron (17493–18066, Era of Frost Veil), the "Leader of the Great Eagles," was the heroic commander of Yarve and High Commander of the Western War Zone. He was fond of Dwarf liquor, earning the nickname "Drunkard Doron" among dragons.

Katherine:
Katherine (Era of Frost Veil 17826–Era of Eternal Flame 24), known as the "Gift of the Stars," was the daughter of High Commander Doron and celebrated alongside Asher and Countric as one of Melidie's crown jewels.

Countric:
Countric (Era of Frost Veil 17724–Era of Frost Veil 18166), "Moon Bead," was one of Melidie's crown jewels alongside Asher and Katherine. As a High Commander, she was Melidie's trusted military ally and a strong advocate for war. In 18165, she rebelled against Queen Maiyee, but Melidie quelled the uprising by the following March, leading to Countric's suicide.

Frost Dragon:
Frederica (18017–18091, Era of Frost Veil), known as the "Azure Sea," was the third Dragon Guard and Supreme Commander of the Dragon's Western War Zone. Orphaned early, she was adopted by the Azure Queen. With the queen busy with state affairs, Frederica was mostly raised by the queen's consort, Stewart, fostering a father-daughter bond. This connection was key to her deployment on the western front. Frederica's strength as a Frost Dragon was immense, even surpassing the second Dragon Guard, Dysmona. Severely wounded in battle against Melidie, she later assisted Danni in intercepting pursuers from Dorsk despite her injuries. Frederica achieved remarkable military success, making her one of the most decorated warriors of the Grishelda and Danni eras.