Sheridril Arcelduin, Senior, a woman of regal lineage and mother to the Queen, found herself thrust into an extraordinary role during the tumultuous period of the Shadow War occupation by the Kardimal Shadow Elves. In a daring act of resilience and cunning, she assumed a covert identity as the royal chef, concealing her true lineage and becoming an integral part of the clandestine resistance against the oppressive rule of King Jairdren Kardimal. As the Kardimal forces dominated Arethane for an agonizing 57 years, Sheridril skillfully navigated the shadows, camouflaging herself as a mere culinary artisan while secretly aiding the remnants of the royal house. The once-proud lineage, either decimated or driven into the depths of hiding, found a hidden champion in the guise of their very own matriarch, now clad in the humble attire of a chef's whites. Amid the opulent backdrop of the palace, Ilthirial, the daughter of Sheridril, grew up blissfully unaware of her true heritage. Shielded from the harsh realities of the Shadow War and her family's plight, her childhood unfolded in the lap of regal luxury. Sheridril, now devoted to the culinary arts and the clandestine resistance, made a conscious choice to erase the memories of her daughter's pre-war life, sparing her from the haunting echoes of her father's fate. Kaerathal Arcelduin, Ilthirial's father, had become a specter of shadows, a legacy deemed too perilous for the innocent soul of a young child. The decision to erase the past was made out of maternal instinct, a desire to protect Ilthirial from the dark undercurrents that threatened to engulf her lineage. When Rhysanus, overthrew the Shadow elves and became king he was not aware of the situation but when he was finally made aware he endorsed this decision, understanding the importance of preserving the innocence of the child, and agreed to postponing telling her until she was of age. Despite being a member of the royal family and having the freedom to choose her path, Sheridril elected to continue her role as the royal chef even after the liberation from the Shadow Elves' rule. This position, once a means of survival, had grown into a vocation she cherished deeply. Not only did it allow her to continue contributing to the well-being of the royal family, but it also provided a unique avenue to exert influence on the stubborn King Rhysanus, ensuring he nourished himself even during moments of obstinacy. Sheridril Arcelduin, Senior, stands as a symbol of resilience, sacrifice, and maternal love, weaving her culinary skills into the fabric of Arethane's clandestine history. Her dual identity as both a royal matriarch and a master chef reflects the complexities of her character, embodying the strength required to endure and protect her family in the face of adversity. |
