Sunshine and Stormheart
Sunshine and Stormheart tells the orgin story of Taskin Dal and Kevian Spelloyal. It is a prequel to the main stories of The Luthien Chronicles, where Taskin and Kevian become allies and mentors of Luthien Seawolf. Unlike some of the other stories in the series, S&S is intended to be a romance, though of course with adventure and magic thrown in for good measure.
The Story Outline
Act 1 - First Meetings
Chapter 1 - Taskin's POV
Taskin arrives in the Empire by ship, and decides to begin his journey by going into the nearest town, Nightpoint. He is finding out that it is a highly xenophobic place and having trouble find a room for the night when he meets friendly and curious cleric Kevian. They hit it off, with Kevian offering to share his room for the night if Taskin will tell him about his homeland of Mare'n. They part ways at the end of the chapter.Chapter 2 - Kevian's POV
The second chapter opens with Kevian attending a ball at the Mythlight College of Magic, where he is tired and frustrated. Just as he is about to leave, having not been able to make any of the connections he'd hoped, he spots Taskin dancing in the crowd. He remembers Taskin fondly and is enjoying watching him dance. He chooses to find him after the dance, they flirt, and they go back to Taskin's lodgings together for exactly what you'd expect. In the morning, they discuss what they are both doing in Mythlight and decide to keep seeing each other.Chapter 3 - Taskin's POV
By chapter 3, it is established that Taskin and Kevian have continued on in a relationship. Taskin can't find Kevian and tracks him down working in the stable, frustrated about not getting anywhere in his research. Taskin offers to ask his colleagues, but finds them unwilling to share or answer. Kevian makes him promise not to track down the person he wants to meet with, Desily Treethistle, because he is worried about it being dangerous for Taskin.Chapter 4 - Taskin's POV
Through a series of unfortunate choices, Taskin ends up in the archives doing exactly what he promised Kevian he wouldn't do. He meets Desily and convinces her to talk to Kevian, though not without cost. Emerging from the archives, he goes to Kevian and admits what he's done. After they come to a consensus about that, Kevian points out that at some point, he'll have to leave; whether because he is successful or unsuccessful, eventually the Temple will recall him. They agree they want to be in a relationship anyway, and discuss the parameters of an open relationship.Act 2 - Saving a Life
Chapter 5 - Kevian's POV
While traveling on Temple business, Kevian hears of a threat to Taskin's life. He rushes to warn him, and they talk about the Marquise who is threatening Taskin and how to prevent him from being in danger. Kevian is stressed about having to leave Taskin in the dangerous situation.Chapter 6 - Taskin's POV
In a life-threatening encounter, Taskin is attacked by someone presumably hired by the Marquis. Kevian is not able to get to him in time, but he is able to get a message to Desily, who helps save Taskin's life. The danger shakes them both, forcing them to confront their strong feelings directly.Chapter 7
Kevian realizes that his commitment to Taskin outweighs his dedication to his clerical duties, leading him to declare his willingness to abandon the Senary to be with Taskin. Taskin, moved by this declaration, admits he feels the same. They both agree to sacrifice other loyalties to be together.Chapter 8
Kevian and Taskin are married in a quiet, personal ceremony, blending Eschien and Mare’n traditions. They vow to support each other’s journeys and embrace the challenges they’ll face together.Act 3 - Traveling...Soldiers?
Chapter 9
Chapter 9 explores that as a married couple, Kevian and Taskin travel together, navigating Kevian’s magical and clerical duties and Taskin’s field research. The “honeymoon phase” is both exhilarating and exhausting, but they find strength in each other.Chapter 10
Their shared journey proves challenging, as Kevian’s responsibilities clash with Taskin’s political mission. Tensions rise as they struggle to balance their ambitions and commitments to each other.Chapter 11
After a heated argument, they reaffirm their devotion, realizing they’re stronger as a unit. Taskin suggests settling in one place, and Kevian agrees, sensing it might be best for them both. They make the choice to prioritize their relationship over other duties.Chapter 12
Taskin accepts a teaching position at the Lastar Temple of the Senary, providing stability and a chance for both of them to contribute meaningfully. Kevian takes on a role that lets him stay close, ready for a new chapter together.Epilogue - Happy Endings
Chapter 13
Chapter 13 shows Kevian and Taskin, now a respected couple in their community, finding fulfillment in their shared home. Taskin becomes a cohort parent, nurturing a new generation, while Kevian continues his scholarly pursuits. They are living peacefully, content with the choices that brought them together and shaped their lives.Components
Goals
Taskin's original goal is to find out as much as he can about the Empire and take it back to his people to help protect them from Empire if they try to annex Mare'n the way the have other countries and peoples. Kevian's original goal is simply good service to Sekhay, his deity, and to the Temple. Both of their goals change as they fall in love to supporting and protecting each other.
Hooks
Taskin knows that the Empire has annexed and subjugated a few different countries, and the rest of the world is waiting with baited breath to see who might be next. Kevian has lived in the Empire his whole life and is pretty happy there, except the more he researches the more he's wondering what is being kept from the Eschiens.
Moral Quandaries
The main moral dilemma for Taskin and Kevian is, as they fall in love, what is more important? The vows they have already taken and goals they have already set, or the bonds they are finding wih each other?
Relations
Protagonists
The protagonists of this story are:
Taskin Dal, recently arrived in The Brilliant Empire from his homeland of the United Tribes of Mare'n and determined to learn all he can about the Empire and its people. Taskin is out of his depth but perseveres. He is a scholar of people and cultures.
Kevian Spelloyal, a Sekhaim cleric who is trying to do research on lost or forbidden magics. He is a strong mage and sent different places around the Empire by The Senary, to whom he has sworn his allegiance.
Allies
Adversaries
Eliana of Rone, a rich Marquise who doesn't like what Taskin is teaching her heirs and wants him to disappear.
Sunshine and Stormheart
A Luthien Chronicles Prequel
Plot type
Chaptered Story
Related Characters
Related Organizations
Related Locations
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