June 29th, 1251 KE
Age: 3
At last, I'm finally leaving this estate and heading out into Sunrest. Over the past three years I was never allowed outside, or at least out of the estate grounds. I don't know if it was fear for their first child getting into trouble, or worse, kidnapped, but my parents wouldn't let me until now. These past few years I've learned to speak, write, and what this world is called. Vareth, a world of only one continent of mostly forest, mountains, and other environments. There are three kingdoms, the human one, Virelia, it sits in between the other two kingdoms and it's the one I was born in. The elven kingdom to the west, Sylvanthar, known for its magical forests. And the dwarven kingdom to the east, Stoneforge, built into a mountain range. These three kingdoms make up only 30% of the continent while the rest remains mostly unexplored.
"Let's go dear, you are going to meet another boy your age today". My mother calls for me to get into the carriage along with my father. It gleamed gold and blue, polished with wheels that shine in the sun. The animals pulling it were two majestic beasts that looked like a mix between a lion and horse, gold fur and the head of a lion but the body looked like a horse, it looked weird and beautiful at the same time.
"Someone my age? Who is it?" I'm very curious to know who this child is, I've yet to meet someone who was even close to their teenage years.
"His name is Cedric Elowen, he's the young lord of ducal House Elowen, the true leader of this city. Though we are friendly houses I wanted you to meet Cedric so you could have a friend" My father replies.
Neither of my parents have changed much over these years besides treating me like I'm older than a toddler. I was finally able to begin speaking and walking around nine months old and was able to speak complete sentences, without raising too much attention, by a year and a half. Ever since I was able to run I've been getting into some trouble. I've stolen pie, deserts, and snuck into the library numerous times only to be caught by my mother. The woman never let me wonder and somehow always knew where I was.
My father lifted me up into the carriage and sat me next to my mother. We all wore clothes that fit the gathering, my mother in a deep blue dress with golden embroidery stitched into the seams. My father, a dark blue coat with gold buttons, a soft golden shirt under it, blue trousers and boots, also he has attached to his right side a beautiful sword, probably only used for decoration. I'm wearing similar clothes to my father except smaller and no accessory.
The carriage starts moving and I've finally left the estate for the first time. I'm also told we have to travel across half the city to arrive at the Elowen estate. I stand on my seat to get a better look at my home. My first glimpse of Sunrest surprises me, clean brick roads, a variety of buildings, stalls, and shops. All of it is well maintained and it feels like the merchant hub it's described as in the books from the library. Street vendors line the sidewalks with their stalls calling out what their selling and prices of their goods.The street is filled with people but they make way for our carriage as we push through the sea of people shopping, and eating.
We go through the city filled with good smells, noise, and people who all look different. Another thing I've discovered is that people here are born with any hair color. Cyan, purple, blue any color really all of its natural!
I also manage to glimpse what looks like a elemental demonstration. A young man no older than twenty stands in front of a crowd showing off his control of fire. I only catch two things he makes, a turtle and bird but it fills me with wonder and excites me even more for when I get my element.
Finally, after about half an hour of traveling and going through the sea of city goers, we arrive at House Elowen, the leader of this city. Standing in front of the manor steps is an older man wearing a tuxedo, he must be their butler. We also have one but I don't see him that often, he mostly manages the other house servants.
The clops of hooves from the beasts pulling the carriage slow as the driver comes to a stop and we all get out and are greeted by the old man.
"Greetings Baron Orion, and Baroness Valentine. And of course young lord Kade. It is always welcome to have you here for the yearly meeting". He greets us and gives a bow then turns to go inside the manor and we follow him.
The manor itself is a giant building easily double the size of my family's. It's completely white with royal blue pillars and many windows. The inside is just as impressive with dark marble flooring filled with paintings, and enchanted weapons on display.
After a short walk we are led inside a room with multiple pieces of furniture, like couches, chairs, and small tables. Also inside is who I can only guess is the Elowen family.
Three people sit in front of us as we take our seats. A man, woman, and boy who looks to be my age all wearing similar clothes to us but with a white base color and blue accent stitched into it. The man was tall and lean with an easy going look on his face, bronze colored hair paired with sharp eyes. The woman, average height with blonde sun like hair, she was what you imagine a noble looks like. And lastly a young boy who looked my age, had dirty blonde hair with golden/hazel eyes that would flicker with mischief.
"It's wonderful to have you, Orion, Valentine, for this years city meeting. And how could I forget young Kade". My parents give a nod of their head to the Duke in response I quickly follow in my parents steps.
"It's always a pleasure to be here, Duke Thalen, Duchess Miriel. It's also nice to meet you to lord Cedric". The family smiles in return to the greeting.
"I've known you long enough Orion, you don't have to adrees us with our titles". The Duke and my father laugh and I relax my posture. Knowing we are this close to the Elowen House doesn't bring me so much stress about it anymore.
"That we have Thalen, say how about us adults get this meeting started while our sons explore your estate?" Me and Cedric both visibly brighten at not having to stay for the meeting and our gazes meet, we both nod acknowledging the other.
"Yes of course. Talon, please bring the boys to the backyard while we start things here".
"It will be done Lord Thalen. Young lord Cedric, young lord Kade, please follow me". The butler from earlier waits for me and Cedric to get up and we follow him to the backyard.
"So when's your birthday?" Cedric asks
"February twelfth, 1248 KE, when's yours?"
"Aw man you're a couple months older than me. Mines June twenty second, 1248 KE". Ha, I've won!
"That means you are going to have to follow my lead from now on since I'm older!"
"No, I alone outrank your whole family, hmph!"
We both laugh, it seems he was also missing someone his age.
"Alright we'll be equals then how about it?" I say and stick my hand out.
"I can live with that."He reaches out and shakes my hand.
We discuss various things on our way outside. Our families are the main focus, as we compare and find out his family is just that much richer than mine. Can't win them all I guess. Finally after many halls we arrive in the back yard. And safe to say in disappointed, yes it's big but the only thing in it is pathways and a huge flower garden, while yes it's pretty it's not exactly what most 3 year old boys care about.
"Hey, do you want to sneak away and go through the gate and into the training yard where our family guards are?" The young noble asks me.
"Sneak out?" I ask
"Yea you know, get on your tip toes and stealthily get away."
"I know what sneaking out is, I just didn't expect you to mention it. What would we do at the training grounds though?"
"We could watch the guards spar! That's always interesting. I mean if we can't start training until six and not get mana until twelve we might as well watch."
"Oh right! Let's go!"
"Shh, we must be quiet or else Talon will catch us." He whispers.
"Your butler?" I whisper back.
"Yea, he always watches me like a hawk but I don't see him anywhere right now."
I glance around and don't see the old man so we agree to sneak away to the training grounds. We silently walk across the backyard to a side gate and go onto the path outside it. I follow Cedric for a couple minutes until I hear the sound of fighting. Metal hitting metal and yells from just over a wall. Cedric points in a direction off the path and leads me to a stepping stool big enough for us to see over the wall together. Climbing up the stool and looking over the wall I see about 30 men and women standing in a circle as two large guys in armor fight. One uses only his hands while the other a spear. They seem to be equal in skill and physical prowess, neither able to get the upper hand. My eyes are drawn to the hand to hand fighting guard. The punches, kicks, feints, movement all enter my eyes. I'm enraptured in this fighting style, I keep my eyes focused on the man and take a glance at Cedric, he appears to be locked onto the spear wielder equally as concentrated as I am.
"Come on Daniel! I got money on this, you better win against that spear using pussy". Another large man says while pointing at the hand to hand combatant.
"Don't listen to him Tristan! It's his fault he decides to fight with his body and not a weapon, though it may as well count as one!" Yet another guard calls out.
Smiling Daniel and Tristan face each other, one fists raised, right foot in front and left behind with his knees bent waiting. The other, spear poised back aiming it towards the man, with the same leg positioning. They both lunge at the same time, but now it appears Tristan has the upper hand since his spear has the reach in this fight. Tristan attempts to pierce through Daniel's chest but he dodges just in time and moves out the way. Tristan, attempting to follow up after Daniel's dodge swings the spear at him but Danie catches the body of it and yanks Tristan towards him. Tristan tries to let go but stumbles right into Daniel's gut punch knocking the wind out of him, he falls to the ground holding where he got hit and gasping for air and finally recovers.
Cheers and boos go throughout the guards and money is shuffled to the winners. Daniel helps Tristan up while the other complains.
"I would have won if not for that damn trait of yours. Not very fair when you can just dodge out of the way of my attacks." Wow what a sore loser.
"Oh come on you know my trait isn't very powerful compared to some others. Also it is fair, everyone knows traits are random and unique, it's not my fault mine just so happens to be better than yours" Daniel floats over the mopping man celebrating his victory.
What are these 'traits' they kept mentioning? I remember my mother mentioning something about telling me what they were but she never did. Are they secondary powers? Do you awaken one? There's still so much I don't know about this world.
"I think that's enough fun for you tsk boy eh?" I hear an old voice call out. Turning around I see the butler, Talon, from earlier looking at us.
"Ohhh heyy Talon…". Cedric, my friend, there isn't any getting out of this. Saying a silent prayer for him we both get off the stool and head back to where our parents are waiting.
"Cedric we told you not to sneak off like that anymore". Sighing his mother scolds him and says he knows he can't be by himself outside the manor without Talon watching him.
My mother turns to me with a fiery look in her gaze and I know I'm in just as much trouble for when we get home. My eyes and Cedric's meet and we nod, finding brotherhood in our shared fate.