Our story begins in the main building in the House of Green. A large, stone mansion, deep in the heart of a forest of ancient trees, it has sat here for a long, long time -- some would say forever.
The house has seen generations of great leaders born and grow old. Their portraits hang in the Great Hall, silently standing as a reminder -- and perhaps on watch. Great leaders, artists, wizards, warriors, and scholars all, except for few of the last of those, nearest the door. It seems as if the figures in the portraits are wilted, stooped, weakened versions of their ancestors. Less kind souls might even label them caricatures of their former glory.
A gloom has fallen over the house, one heightened by recent events. David, the son of the current Lord Underwood, has gone missing. The boy displayed the grace and wit that was seen in days gone by. He would be the return to the strength the family has been missing. In him, all hopes were placed.
He was last seen in the city of Port Des Armes. He had travelled with his father to the King's city of Bran; James was preoccupied with meetings with the King over an outbreak of war on the East coast between the Du Sith and the Sidhe. David wasn't allowed in on the meetings anyway, so he spent his time exploring the city. The meetings dragged on and on, and David grew bored.
One of the children of the governer of Port Des Armes bewitched young David with tales of the exotic harbour, so much so that on one of his infrequent breaks James found himself overwhelmed with requests that David be allowed to visit it.
James had never been able to deny David anything. Not that he was a spoiled child, for David had never asked for much. It would be good for him to see more of the world, he thought. After all, that's why I brought him with me.
So he sent his son with six of his guards, on the promise that he would travel straight back the House of Green in three weeks.
The discussions continued on, as Mannan moved closer and closer to mounting a force to face off against the Du Sith -- or perhaps the Sidhe, this was part of the debate -- and James set out for home nearly three weeks later, after word of an uneasy truce between the two forces had reached Bran.
After a week's travel over the broad country of Mannan back to his Ulsterian homeland, James was relieved to finally arrive home. He inquired after David, but was surprised that none had seen him. His ancient chamberlain, the venerable Urqhart, had assumed that David would be returning with him. James half-daughter, Abigail, had sequestered herself in her room, and responded hollowly that she had not seen David for a couple of months, not since they had left for Bran.
James hurriedly ran to his office, locking his door behind him. A half-hour later, he burst into the hallway screaming, tears streaming down his face. "Someone has taken him!" he yelled. "Someone has taken my son!"
That was one week ago.
* * *
A word of background, before I say any more....
The Kingdom of Mannan is the largest country in all of Elysia. The position of King is actually an elected one, chosen by a vote between the ruling city-states.
Ulster is one of those city-states, far to the West in ancient forest. The Ulsterian Council is made up of the heads of all the Houses. Nestled in the heart of the oldest forest is the House of Green, whose head is called the Lord or Lady Underwood. The current head is James O'Malley, a competent if undistinguished heir, married to the once-beautiful Helen.
James has two children: his daughter, Serafina Abigail, was not born to his wife, but to his lover Anna. Anna died in childbirth, and James adopted Abby as a ward. It was believed, due to a terrible curse, that the Lady Underwood could not have her own children, until one day a strange Green Lady arrived. Serena is her name. Her skin is of a delicate green, her hair of forest silk. She seems to be of Sidhe heritage, but has an air of mystery about her.
Shortly after Serena arrived, Helen became pregnant. This impossible event thrilled James immensely. When David was born, Abby was nearly forgotten; the House of Green had a true heir, now.
Abby has remained as a part of the House, and has grown to love her little brother, but has remained somewhat bitter.