The Lost City of Zhyroha
Deep in the heart of the impenetrable forests of Zhyria, that were renowned for untouched beauty and perilous beasts, lay an age-old city of Zhyroha. The city had become a legend, a mere myth in the minds of the people. They whispered tales of the city that was once a symbol of prosperity and triumph, now lying forgotten and abandoned.
Once upon a time, the city was home to the most skillful artisans, learned scholars, courageous warriors, and a respected King, named Thedarus. Thedarus was a wise and just King, loved by all his people. During his reign, Zhyroha flourished and was celebrated far and wide.
Despite the indomitable glory, King Thedarus was sad, for he had no heir to the throne. Until one day, a son was born, Prince Fareon. The city rejoiced with the arrival of their future king.
Years rolled by as Fareon grew into a handsome, brave, and wise prince. The city's future seemed radiant until the arrival of a stranger. A wanderer named Lithos, seeking shelter and warmth.
What seemed like a petty request would be a catalyst to a tragic future. King Thedarus, a man of relentless benevolence, welcomed Lithos into his court. Unbeknownst to all, Lithos was a sorcerer, consumed by greed and a ravenous desire for power.
Enthralled by the city's riches, Lithos enchanted the King and the court, claiming he could make Zhyroha more magnificent. Blinded by his charm, King Thedarus began relying on Lithos too much, ignoring the whispers of unease among his people.
Lithos persuaded Thedarus to construct an eternal flame he claimed would protect the city forever. In reality, it was a device that would drain the city of its splendor, transferring it to Lithos, increasing his power channeling to dark realms.
On the day of its completion, an eclipse masked the sun, and the city found itself sinking into darkness. As the flame ignited, it drained life from everything around. Slowly, the city of Zhyroha started crumbling, its vibrance fading and people turning to stone. The only unaffected person was Prince Fareon, who was away hunting.
Upon his return, Fareon was devastated. With heavy heart and a rage-filled mind, he confronted Lithos, challenging him to a duel. A battle of epic proportions ensued. Despite Fareon's courage and strength, he couldn't defeat the empowered Lithos.
Fareon, remembering the wisdom imparted by his father, realized brute force was not the answer. He used his intelligence and cleverly lured Lithos towards the eternal flame - the source of Lithos' power.
With a swift move, Fareon pushed Lithos into the eternal flame, causing an explosion of magical energy. The resulting shockwave destroyed the flame, releasing the absorbed life back to the city. Lithos was reduced to dust, and the spell upon the city was broken.
The people turned back into flesh, and life spiraled back as the city began to glow again. The joy of their resurrection turned into mourning as they found their King still between the realms of stone and flesh. Fareon took his father's place, promising to lead with wisdom and never fall prey to greed. Zhyroha, the city once lost, rose again in its old splendor, filled with the wisdom born out of a great tragedy.
From then on, the city thrived, and tales of its fall and rise were echoed beyond centuries, turning it into the legend that is the City of Zhyroha.