Merek Tetorak: Difference between revisions

Merek Tetorak was born into the prestigious [[House Tetorak]], tasked with the safety and well-being of the [[Kûlaron Dynasty]]. By age sixteen ([[Lethurèan Standard Calendar]]), he was chosen to guard [[Princess Míra Kûlaron]].

He grew very close to [[Princess Míra]]. Though Merek was not permitted to leave her side—even while she dressed, bathed, or slept—he scrupulously honored the customs of [[High Valorèin]] culture, which forbade all physical contact between unmarried pairs. He slept on the floor, on a rug she had knit for him. Although [[Princess Míra]] offered to let him sleep with her, Merek insisted on following tradition, demonstrating both his restraint and loyalty.

One day, after [[Merek Tetorak]] had severely injured his back in the sparring yard, he finally submitted to [[Princess Míra]]’s request. Little did he know that this would be the night he became her mate. In a fit of passion, they performed [[The Ûlèum]]. Through this consummation, Merek and Míra were bound together forever as [[Lifemates (Valorèin)]], forming an unbreakable bond at the very heart of their people’s tradition.

Later, [[Princess Míra]] disclosed to [[Merek Tetorak]] that she had been trying to persuade him to perform the [[Ûlèum]] for a quarter of a [[Lethurèan Standard Calendar|Lethurèan Century]]. This union was not looked down on by [[High Valorèin]] society; rather, it was seen as both natural and sacred, especially with the blessing of her parents. Sadly, Míra admitted she had been too shy to confess her love until that moment.

War broke out, and with it, most of the [[Noble Houses (Valorèin)|Noble Houses]] fled to the [[Cities in the Stars]]. Amid the tragedy of [[The Curse (Valorèin)|The Curse]], the [[First-Flames]]—albeit too late—realized the magnitude of their error. Seeking to right their wrongs, they found [[Queen Míra]] and [[Merek Tetorak]], revealing that both had been chosen in the [[Pre-Existence (Lethurèa)|Pre-Existence]] to rule over their fellow spirits and lead the forces of light against [[Malis|Malis']] growing darkness.

Merek and Míra then united the [[Free Species]] and set forth to destroy the [[Malisik Horde]] and [[Malismorâ]]. In the climactic confrontation, they proved themselves superior. At the final moment, atop the [[Gozog'nokan Observation Platform]], as they prepared to smite [[Malismorâ]]’s head from his shoulders, their foe begged for mercy. Instead of exacting vengeance, Merek Tetorak and Queen Míra showed pity, casting him into the [[Depths of Gozog'nok]] and sealing the Rift.

Their reign lasted for more than eighty millennia, and their lives became the standard by which all future generations measured greatness. In the end, they did not die, but answered the sacred [[Call of It'slâmwâ]], ascending peacefully beyond the mortal plane.

Merek and Míra’s story is central to Valorèin spirituality and folklore. Their names—and many variations—are given to descendants as a mark of reverence, much as humans name children after saints or prophets. Their deeds are recited at festivals and woven into lullabies, and their crypt—where their bodies and the [[Blades of Evil’s Bane]] rest—is said to have been discovered only by [[King Zûrik Ûrlek]], [[Mêra Ûrlek Teslek]], and [[Merik Teslek]].

The Curse reduced the Valorèin lifespan from an ancient 3,000 years to an average of 1,200, but Merek and Míra’s reign of 100,000 years is mythically unique. The [[Heroine’s Dynasty]] is remembered as the first and greatest dynasty; its descendants number in the billions, with no direct claim to divinity, but all sharing in its legacy.

The Ûlèum, the act that bonded Merek and Míra, is now taboo, seen as both sacred and dangerous.