(Dorinthea Ironsong | Art by Alexander Mokhov)

Each living soul in Rathe has a family, a purpose, a story. And so do our heroes. Through Tales of Rathe, we’ll get to meet each hero again, through a story from their perspective. Let’s take a look at Dorinthea and her story.

It is funny how Sol changes your life course without you even knowing.

It is funny how the light of Sol reminds you of your mistakes even years after.

Yet Sol stands by your side, like a true ally, like a mentor wherever you go.

My path was never the one my parents set for me – the forge, the true meaning of the name Ironsong. I spent countless hours by my mother’s side asking this and that about my soon-to-be job, only taking breaks to visit the next door Golden Chariot and Minerva. Helping her and my parents was the good life, and a life I hoped I would have. But Sol had other plans for me.

My Awakening showed me not pliers or a smiths hammer, but blades that glistened like night stars, yet shone more strongly than the morning Sun. My Dawnblade. Pride was in my parents’ eyes as well as Minerva’s. I was chosen, a prodigy they said. And while it wasn’t what I expected, I was overrun with joy. The Solstice was a ceremony I looked forward to each year – it was a celebration to the Hand of Sol and a ceremony to the new members. I would be one of them soon enough, I thought, my heart filled with pride.

I remember those days, Valeria and Felix by my side, the three of us spending our days in studies and bonding in the Golden Chariot, listening to stories from foreigners from beyond the wall. Minerva’s gaze always following me, a stern yet motherly look gazing at me from across the bar.

Then we went to the field and I met her – Hala, a masked templar whose gaze pierced my very soul. She would be with us on our journeys while we helped villagers, returned runaway cattle, and took down bandits. Valeria was in my group and our friendship only grew stronger each day – until we went to the Savage Lands and I made my biggest mistake. We found a camp, vandalized and bloodied, with signs of the primal beasts we were longing to put a stop to. I begged to go find the survivors; surely Sol would not abandon the people of Solana.

But the decision was final. So I did what I thought was right. I snuck out under the cover of night, stole some weapons, and went to find them. Find them I did, but so did the primitive beasts. In a moment I thought we were done for, then Hala appeared with the rest of our group. We had the false sense of security, for our numbers would be too little for the oncoming wave of savages. We fled, the captured ones slain and Hala and many of my comrades wounded. There was a look of hatred in their eyes when we returned to camp.

I took my vow a long time after that; I became a true warrior for Sol. But in a fight against the forces of darkness, Sol again reminded me of my mistake. It was Minerva, twin blades in hand and a courage to beat anything and anyone standing in her way, that suggested we fall back. And again, I said no. We push on, we can do it.

I lost her that day. I lost my whole group.

Later, sitting next to Boltyn didn’t bring me hope. His words didn’t fill me with kindness. Yet Sol was with me, with us both.

We knew this bloodbath had to be stopped.

Further Reading:

Dorinthea – Fun or Competitive?

Improve Your Flesh and Blood Gameplay

The Competitive Edge of Specialists in Flesh and Blood

Valera

Valera tried Magic in highschool then forgot about it. Some years later, she fell in love with broken FaB heroes (like Data Doll MKII) and tribal commander MTG decks. A shapeshifter, collector, traveller, writer... Who needs free time?