Lyra, The Daughter of Erindore

    “There exists a legend, one more common than that of Jira.” The old man sat in front of the fire, the warm hearth of the childhood home and began his story. The same way he had done time and time before. “The story is that of fantasy, a princess, and love.” Findahl sat with his legs crossed as he had always done. Waiting for his father to tell another legend.
   “This is the tale of Lyra. The daughter of Erindore.”
   “The Erindore? The god among men Erindore?” Findahl’s father looked at him with stern eyes. “Sorry father.” Findahl knew his father hated being interrupted, but he couldn’t always control his curiosity.
   “Erindore settled in after his adventures and married an elf. This was not unusual for the race of man. Then the two led a happy life. Erindore’s fame and status gave them a beautiful life with some land to call their own. A small manor and some farmland. Then his wife Rin found herself to be with child.
   It was a happy occasion. For our Erindore believed he was not fit for happiness. The deeds and actions he took during his campaigns and life, he openly expressed to the world that he did not see happiness in his life. The two were overjoyed. They celebrated for months.
   The pregnancy was not without its challenges. Rin fell sick often. She fell ill of simple colds, and more severe ones. She always seemed to pull out of them when they seemed to be getting to an unmanageable level. Erindore grew his first gray hairs during this time. He was proud of them though, not ashamed. He famously called them his badges of honor, the first strides of fatherhood.
   The land was not sure who was more excited for their baby to arrive, Rin or Erindore. The two were overjoyed at the coming days of their child’s arrival. Then the night came, the night of birth. A night of joy, sorrow, and much more than the Erindore had expected.” Findahl’s father took in a deep labored breath.
   “The birth was long and hard. The hand maidens spent so much time washing towels and working with Rin. By day’s arrival their child was brought into the world. It was to Erindore’s shock, dfismay, and horror, none of which more than the other. He saw his baby girl, all covered in crimson fur, with hooves for feet. His daughter, was not his.” Findahl’s eyes grew wide.
   “So it was that Erindore banished his new child Lyra and his love Rin. He banished them both away to a keep hidden in the mountains of their land. It is said, that there is a valley where no men must go. For they will be enchanted by the charms of Rin and eaten by their daughter, the demon child. This valley holds apples of sin and corruption. Over time people forgot of this valley. After a decade, no one spoke of it in Erindore’s land. When he passed, no one spoke of his love and daughter then either. And so they were lost to time, and some say they live on. Cursed to reside in that valley, that valley of despair.”