Letia Michelle Ames
The City of Light, Altia
The country of Altia, the largest of the Crystal Isles located in the center of the known world, is a land of rich resources. Centrally, the country is full of rich agricultural lands and fresh water, making settlements prosperous and bountiful. The City of Light is set on the edge of a small mountain range where mining provides much of the country’s metals and gems. All along the coast are rich trading posts, fishing harbors, and tourist cities.
Altia was founded by the Lady of Light herself, who granted the care and nurturing of the new land to Ten Paladins, known as The Lady's Own. The First of these Ten Paladins line has become the monarchy known as House LaCorselle.
Princess AnyaBella
Watercolor on paper. Created 2022, maybe, by the author Letia Ames.
Infamous
Altians
As the series chronicles the turning point of Altia, there are quite a few persons of interest for our readers. Shall I expound upon our main character, Princess AnyaBella LaCorselle, the youngest daughter of King Arthon? Or would Orion Ruisseau, who was sold into slavery and cursed by a weredragon, nearly destroyed by grief and trauma be of more interest? Or perhaps his younger brother, Ashton Ruisseau, the first divine seer known in the past three hundred years and a favored character amongst my beta readers. Or perhaps Prince Darrius, who was whisked to safety by his elder sister and has known life only on the run from orcs and who's "too dang cute" amongst readers. Or perhaps Lady Talaina Kamai, the Countess of Basste, who survived the war through slavery? A dozen names could be listed here, each with exciting stories--but, alas, spoilers!
Something of
Note
Though most of the world thinks magic is a myth these days, Altians, historically, have kept many ceremonies and magics in place.
For example, a person may venture to the Lady’s Temple, set upon a tiny island off the northern shore, and receive a Destiny Stone to guide their path.
For another example, when a Crown Prince or Princess receives the crown, they are expected to have a twenty-four hour meditation to commune with the former rulers of Altia.
Farewell Life by Arn Andersson was one of the first songs to make my playlist for writing An Uncharted Destiny. The depth of it, the sorrow, the promise of hope. It embodies Altia, the War, and much of my characters in such a beautifully melodic way.
Letia does not own any part of the music.
Capital
The City of Light
Ruler
House LaCorselle
Peoples
Those that resided here before the war are called Altians. Most are human, though halflings reside in the City of Light and have made several villages on the western edge. In addition, normally, the land, government, and resources are so bountiful and peaceful, foreigners often come to live and enjoy the peace and prosperity, so there are a smattering of most of the humanities.
It should be noted, however, this country is currently occupied by Isriathon orcs. Altians have been slaughtered or sold into slavery.
Languages
Primarily Altian, but Common has gained ground since the war. There are few who do not speak both at this point.
Trade
"Before the war, Altia was a land of boundless rich resources, everything from lumber and metals to textiles and gemstones.
"Since the war, orcs have limited all trade to the buying and selling of its people. Whether the Isriathons shipping the resources home or are simply neglecting them is unknown," as marked by Vena’Sati Covisia R’jala Correr, in service to renowned BaShea The Trader.
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History
Founded almost a thousand years ago by The Lady of Light, Sahlore, Herself, Altia has long been a peaceful nation. Most of the country worships The Lady and her lover Conal, the Father of Dragons.
Stories say Sahlore raised the Altia from The Crystal Sea. Most Altians, even those residing in the center of the isle, find peace and celebration at the coast. Weddings, births, and funerals often take place on the coast as well. In general, Altians harbor a general sensitivity to magic, and its very likely, they can sense those magics harbored within the sea.