A/N: Yes, another story! No, I'm not abandoning the others. I just wanted to get the Prologue (and maybe the first chapter later since this is short) out so that everyone could get a feel for what's in store. I plan to finish a couple of my others first (Hellbound included) before I give this one my full attention. I hope you enjoy! P.S. it will not be in this style the entire story. Next chapter goes back to third person.
You want to know about the war between the four rulers, do you?
Listen closely, because I have told this story many times before. I can't seem to turn down a curious child though. Any chance to pass down what wisdom I have left is too good to pass up. Not to mention I saw you fighting with your little sister over there. Such a young boy shouldn't be so quick to spar with his own blood. And would you believe that's how such a dark time in our land started? Four siblings fighting between each other…that's all it took. They were very powerful siblings…but family nonetheless.
It's been a long time since the flames of war spread across this land. I bet you weren't even a thought to your parents yet. The war was long before your time, and started much longer still. I don't know if your parents have told you the details or not, but it was quite a devastating period for us all. We had suffered the consequences of what years of fighting did. What a centuries old dispute managed to do.
Oh, well aren't you funny. No, I'm not centuries old. Now do you want to hear this story or not?
That's what I thought.
Anyway…to understand this story, you must first know some of the land's history. Since I doubt you pay attention in your schooling, allow me to fill you in on what you slept through.
I'm sure you're aware of the creatures that live out in the forest, the seas, the mountains, and so on? Good, at least I won't have to fill you in on the supernatural that live among us. That should be common knowledge, as should the fact that our great rulers are vampires. The most powerful of vampires, even. They are the very first vampires in existent, and from them, all other vampires were made.
The feud between the four siblings was long, and it was gruesome. For the longest time, no one knew why the war had started in the first place. Blood was shed; the number of dead rose at an alarming rate, and the towns were burnt to a crisp. All because our leaders couldn't solve their family issues.
Elijah, the ruler of the North, is a noble man. He…
I do not care if you've heard this before. I'm going to repeat it. Now pay attention. It's part of the story.
As I was saying…Elijah is a noble man. A family man to the core, he is the eldest of the Mikaelson siblings. His word is law, and he would never break it. My guess would be he is the most respected of our four rulers, for his fair judgment, and calm demeanor. Do not take him for a fool, however, because he is anything but. He has a temper that is much more contained compared to his brothers and sister. He will know if you are lying before the words leave your mouth, and his intelligence is not to be matched.
To the East is where Rebekah watches us all. The blonde hair is not to be mistaken for weakness though. She will rule with an iron fist, and demand she get what she wants. You don't see her as such? Well you are sadly mistaken if you don't think she'll take off your head. She has a quick temper that one. But she secretly possesses a heart. Tell no one I told you though. She might not like me saying such blasphemous words.
To the West, Kol sits on his throne, causing mayhem amongst his people. No matter how many years pass, he will always love wielding that godforsaken battle-axe. We should be thankful he doesn't just ignore the wishes of his people like he used to. His joy for creating his own entertainment will never cease, but at least he can pretend to be a ruler long enough to keep his land from imploding.
And finally, the ruler of the very South we live in, Klaus. What a beast he had been so long ago. His brutality and wrath were notorious throughout all four corners of the kingdom. He took pleasure in the tears he created, and the blood he smeared. Reasoning with him wasn't a plausible option, and mercy wasn't a word he knew the meaning of. Not until years later, at least. But even now, he is the toughest of all the leaders. Do not pick a fight with him. You will lose.
Now, the siblings fought a grueling war. It was unrelenting, and many creatures and humans alike suffered. It would have probably continued on this way, had one brave woman not stepped up to the task. A girl who wanted adventure, much like you. Sword fights, horse back riding, and all while keeping every strand of her pretty hair in place. She had big dreams for sure.
You don't know this woman? You mean to say…that my story will teach you something? Well…who would have thought?
The lady I speak of goes by the name of Caroline Forbes.
She embarked on a journey that would change not only her life, but also the life of the whole kingdom. It was because of her the pointless war ceased. It was because of this journey that Caroline got the adventure she always wanted, the love she never expected, and friendship from those who would gladly die for her. What I'm about to tell you is the very story of how she came to acquire them all, and save our land in the process…
So pay attention.
A/N: Gotta love a good tavern tale. Also, you will be getting the full story throughout these chapters. It won't be through just this tavern goers perspective. I thought it would be interesting to look at it as though we're now in the present, and this story has already happened. It's going to be a fun ride, and like I said, I might post the first chapter later to give you all a better feel for it. Let me know what you think so far!
Also, a huge thank you to Leah for the beautiful cover! It inspired me so much.
