Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

The story opens with the mystical humanoid race known as the Iorph, who lead unique lives dedicated to crafting Hibiol, a special cloth that preserves historical records. These beings halt their aging at the age of 14, allowing them to live for centuries and earning the title 'Clan of the Separated.'

Maquia, a young Iorph orphan, serves as an assistant to her clan's chief, Rashine. Rashine cautions Maquia about forming emotional bonds with outsiders, warning her that such connections will ultimately lead to true loneliness.

A disaster strikes when the kingdom of Mezarte sends armed soldiers and flying dragons named Renato to attack the Iorph village, seeking the secret of their immortality. The chaos results in the tragic deaths of numerous Iorph and the abduction of Maquia's friend, Leilia.

Amidst the attack, Maquia is accidentally carried away by a Renato, entangled in the Hibiol, before being thrown into a forest where the creature crashes and dies. After waking up, she discovers an ambushed caravan and a newborn baby boy clinging to his deceased mother.

Choosing compassion, Maquia adopts the newborn boy, naming him Ariel. She heads to the village of Helm, where she is welcomed by Mido, a kind woman who helps raise Ariel along with her two sons, Lang and Deol.

Fast forward six years, Ariel has matured into a spirited child. During this time, the kingdom of Mezarte faces a crisis, with the Renato falling ill, leading the king to seek ways to integrate Iorph blood into the royal lineage.

Learning that Leilia is being forced into an arranged marriage with the prince of Mezarte, Maquia sets off with Ariel on a ship to rescue her friend. There, she meets Krim, an Iorph also intent on saving Leilia, forging an alliance.

The journey takes them to the capital of Mezarte, where they plan to ambush a royal parade. Maquia succeeds in freeing Leilia momentarily, only to find out that she is pregnant with the prince's child, and they must flee for safety.

Nine years later, Maquia and Ariel have relocated to Dorail, where Maquia works in a restaurant. Their diverging paths start to create a rift between mother and son, as Ariel enlists in the army of Mezarte, further complicating their relationship.

After six more years, Ariel returns to the capital, now married to Dita and expecting a child. Meanwhile, Krim rallies allies to overthrow Mezarte and takes Maquia with him to storm the palace, using the chaos of war as a backdrop.

During the clash, Maquia aids in the delivery of Dita's child while Ariel is injured in battle. They share an emotional farewell that encapsulates their deep bond and the struggles they have faced throughout their lives.

In a tense climax, Maquia reunites with Leilia as Krim confronts the royals for the last time. Tragically, Krim perishes in the conflict, leaving a sense of loss as the battle for their freedom concludes.

As Mezarte falls, Ariel meets his newborn daughter, Millia. Maquia departs with Leilia, who has a brief moment with her daughter Medmel before they part ways, symbolizing the bittersweet nature of their victories and losses.

Decades later, Maquia returns to Helm, encountering the descendants of Ariel. They share a heartfelt exchange as he nears the end of his life, marking the enduring connection despite the passage of time.

Overwhelmed by grief, Maquia breaks her promise of no tears as she cherishes her memories with Ariel. She joins the half-Iorph merchant on a new journey, emphasizing how love and its accompanying sorrow persist through time.