Aethara - The King's Path (Prelude & Chapter 1)

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I've just released the first chapter of Aethara: The King's Path today, so here's the discussion thread for it.
I would like to note though, that the Prelude and Chapter 1 are meant to be read together, so if you haven't read the prelude yet, please give it a quick run-through first.
Otherwise, open-floor. Any topic related to the story is fair game here.

As for me, personally, I'd say my favorite character to write for so far is definitely a toss-up between Rubedo and Lucretia; but the dynamic between Brynja and Rubedo also promises be fun when the sparks start flying (Not talking about romantic sparks here. Those are reserved for a few other dynamics in the story).

 

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I noticed earlier that Aethara: The King's Path received its first rating.
So this is a little thank-you message for whoever rated it. Thank you.
I've got a little surprise for the end of the year, to coincide with Chapter 2's release as a way of showing my thanks for the first rating on the book.
Can't say too much about it yet, beyond that it is the same thing that I use when designing my own characters in all of my stories.