Gortius, Elysia's Crown

Crown Prince Gortius, though eldest son of King Radmuhl and next in line for the Elysian throne, much preferred running drills in the courtyard with his men than debate nobles in court. Where his younger sister Estia studied the comforting mystique of the Light, Gortius spent his formative years chasing dreams of gallant heroism. Upon his twenty-fifth summer, Gortius personally mounted a bold offensive against the Northern pirates. Though the Northern Campaign was a resounding success, it was said to have cost Gortius his life, forever lost beneath the waves. All Elysia mourned their Crown Prince, but none was more aggrieved than his father—the sorrow of which would eventually claim the old king's life. In truth, Gortius had secretly fled from the burdens of eventual kingship with Miriam, his half-Alethi second in command. The frozen steppes of Eiros served as the backdrop of their idyllic life for some five winters—as well as the birthplace of their daughter, Evgenia. Fate would soon catch up with the prince, however, when troubles at home forced Gortius to return to Elysia. Reasonably just toward friend and foe alike, Gortius's kindness was a liability in the mire of his court, a shortcoming that Miriam was eager to compensate with lethal judgement. As much as Gortius loved his family, the stresses of rulership caught up with them, forever changing the once-happy family—and culminating in his quiet demise. Though detractors declare him the end of House Valen, others agree Gortius's spirit still lives on in Evgenia, whose burning resolve shines through her defiant eyes and carries the torch of her father for the long years ahead.