"This world is beautiful but cruel, we look at it as if we're claiming a prize. A prize that is too vast, beautiful, and cruel for us to understand or hold within our grasp..."

Screams echoed from all around, like that of hundreds of small whispering voices speaking all at once while the crackling sound of fire was not too far off.

The heat burning and sizzling against the only standing white flower within the chaos.

Footsteps of a large looming black beast quaked the earth as it walked while burning everything in its path as it's great scaly wings uncurled, taking to the skies as it's shadow consumed everything below.

It's fire reaching the grounds where men in iron suits screamed and ran as the heat of the beast's fire cooked them alive within their iron suits.

Ash and smoke rose high into the sky, blackening the once ocean blue sky.

Choking the life that roamed the sky as it too began to fall.

All the while a single white flower lay within ruin of the fires, echoing screams, and the army's that had begun to clash...

March 30th, 5600

A new Dawn

People both low and high-born bustled about within the City walls of the Capital, slowly gathering at the Church of the Capital where the Omens and Heirs were said to announce the new Dawn of the years to come.

It had been a long enduring summer, the summer of which had spanned six years and was said to end within the next few months.

Bringing with it a chilling winter that would consume the land and lay waste to those unfortunately not well prepared.

However the Kingdoms, the People, and the great Lords and Kings and Queens alike had pushed through and now approached the new Dawn with open arms.

Leaving behind the Dawn of Sin, a Dawn riddled with the crusades of the Church and opposing religion.

A series of battles that lead to the hundreds of thousands of deaths from all around Korcina.

Leaving the great Kingdons to deal with the collateral damage...

For the blood of the Church and Faith had been spilled, leaving a nasty wound had just begun to heal.

A wound that could quickly grow into a rebellious infection, one that could swallow the entirety of the Church and Faith alone.

Although today was not the day for such thoughts as today marked the beginning of a new thought to be prosperous and just Dawn, the Dawn of the 7 Kingdoms.

And with the arrival of a new Dawn, a celebration would be expected.

A great Royal and expensive Celebration.

A celebration that would be seen within every kingdom.

From the frozen lands of the North of the Wight Kingdom to the Mourning RiverLands of the Mirai's to the outreaching mountains of Lorian and the Rhinebeck Kingdom to the Twin Isles of the Harbingers and Lakai's, and of course the lands of summer of the SummerSet's and that of the Springli woods of the House Springli.

The Great Seven Noble Ruling Houses of Korcina, the seven Kingdoms.

Whispering voices boomed loudly within the great gathering of the citizens as hundreds of thousands of eyes moved about staring at the Omens and Heirs who were seated within their Royal chairs.

Little Children clutched to their mothers legs while others were put atop their fathers shoulders as their eyes roamed about what looked like a sea of faces.

Dogs barked wildly at the huge gathering of people as cats warily approached the children offering food.

Men clad in iron suits stood like great sentry's at the ready should battle or riots ensue, their respective Knights Legion Commander stood perched by the Omens and Heirs.

"Never knew how many damn people lived in this shit hole of a city. They're like a flock of birds answering to our calling."

The Protector of the Realm rasped as he stirred, looking out at the overwhelming amount of faces staring back at him.

His hand tighten around the Grip of his great Lorian Steel Sword to remind himself of who he was and just what he could do not only with a single command but with his sword alone.

"Relax Rickon, pay them no mind. Soon enough you'll be back training recruits, shouting orders or in a Brothel drunk."

Darvin assured him in a comforting yet insulting way as Commander Rickon turned sharply to him.

His Grey eyes piercing the Blue orbs of Darvin, the Omen of War.

"You best hold your tongue less you want to lose it."

"Oh? A threat to the Omen of War, what shall do I do. Shall I run and hide and send for a small company of knights?"

A light laugh erupted from the Omen of Coin, Felix Vosan.

A grotesque man with a slightly swelled stomach and the face of a Giant, with eyes too small for his face, a nose too large and swelled reddened cheeks.

Time and age had not been kind to him as his hair lessened every year and it seemed his belly grew every month.

He pinched the long strands of brown braided hair between his fingers as he turned to Darvin and spoke.

"This celebration will not be easy to accomplish, and it will do more harm than good to the vault of the Capital."

Darvin looked at him as his mouth contorted in disgust, the pungent aroma of perfumes nearly suffocating him with every breath he took as Felix leaned in close.

The sweat glistening off of his cheeks and his small beady eyes piercing Darvin's.

"The Crusades of Sin have ended, but not without a massive amount of bloodshed and horrific acts. The people need this, we, need it.

Especially with the fact that it's the beginning of a new Dawn. The Dawn of Kingdoms."

Reclining back into his seat he then spoke a final word.

"And if your appetite matches your greed then I'm sure the vault will be back to its original amount."

Darvin caught the white cloth of the Omen of the Faith rising up as the frail like man climbed up the steps of the stage, the crowd falling silent as both the Heirs and Omens watched the frail like man walk along the stage.

Two priest walked alongside him, both clad in brown robe like clothing with brown sandals while the Pope wore pure white clothing with a Sigil of the cross lacing his chest and back.

The Heirs and Omens alike stood, showing their sign of respectt D.C. towards the church.

Although not all of the kingdoms or Heirs were of the Faith...

"Hear all and see all, for God is good and has blessed us with the birth of a new Dawn. Dawn of Kingdom's!"

The roaring of cheering erupted and racked the ears of the Pope, his smile never fading as he lowered his hands and with it.

The roaring of the people ceased, the people shifting eagerly for what was next to come.

"May God bless his children and let this Dawn be a prosperous and justly one. And in up holding the tradition, a celebration will be held within a fortnight and with it will it mark the beginning of the Dawn of Kingdoms!!"

The cheering once again erupted as the Heirs then took their seats.

"Ah yes, the birth of a new Dawn. Let's hope this Dawn is not one of bloodshed like the previous."

Robb spoke his thoughts, the Heir of the Rhinebeck Kingdom and Lorian.

Robb was by far the most handsome man and most skilled knight in all of the seven kingdoms.

With twenty three years of many accomplished feats and tourneys and battles he had grown to be known as the 'Young Knight' and 'The Uncrowned'.

A life as a Rhinebeck had made him lean and toned with muscle, his arms toned from years of training with swordsmen.

A Bastard Sword rested in its black leather sheath at his waist, 'Uncrowned Bane'.

Was it's name, for it had been the sword of a Rhinebeck Heir who was passed over in spite of his foolish older brother.

His mind sharp and quick while his sword

hand was quicker and his blade sharper than his words.

With his sword alone he could cut down ten men at a time, and could easily speak a quick witty remark.

Black hair ensued his head as well as black stubble coating his lower jaw and cheeks, his eyes were as black as midnight.

And yet they offered a comfort that could not be found in others, his voice soft but yet firm.

A man of Midnight they called him for his armor too was of a dark grey.

Ruther, Heir of the Springli kingdom turned to face him.

His bright blood red eyes piercing the black orbs of Robb, a trait that all Rhinebeck's possessed.

"We all need a little relaxation after the Dawn of Sin. Perhaps I'll visit my family and see my little sisters once again."

Ruther looked out at the crowd of people, his eyes trailing over to the Pope who had ceased his speech that seemed to carry on for eternity.

Turning, the Omen of the Faithful, looked at the Heir of both the North and the Wight Kingdom.

His eyes both studying and roaming the body of the Northern Heir, a forbidden fruit that which no one could take a bite of.

But his mind made up for that in which reality could not.

His eyes roamed her toned body, her perky breasts and the curves of her hips along with the exposed skin of her back.

His eyes meeting the face of Teresia, her long curly hair was the color of snow and frost and reached down to her shoulders.

While her eyes were of a dark blue while her skin was pale as white cream, a trait nearly all Northern's possessed.

'Beauty of the North', she was named as she was perhaps the most beautiful women in all of the seven kingdoms.

Some even dared to name her after the goddess of beauty.

Both men and women desired her, alas, an Heir within the Capital was forbidden from fathering or birthing children.

'The Forbidden Fruits', a name given to the Heirs of the Capital.

"May I present to you fine people, the Heir of the Wight Kingdom and the North.

Teresia of House Wight!"

He called out as Teresia rose with the sudden roaring of the citizens, walking along the creeping steps she made her way to the Popes side.

The Pope then turned to her and said a final word, his pale eyes meeting the dark and yet vibrant blue eyes of hers.

"There all yours now, M'Lady."

With a slight nod she stepped forward turning her attention from the balding man and to the seemingly endless crowd that had grown silent.

Awaiting her words as she scanned the crowd, her mouth opening as she then spoke.

"A new Dawn has made its approach, and may the God's give their blessings and make this Dawn not one of bloodshed but rather a prosperous and one of justice."

Her words held the weight of a feather and yet had a firmness to them, her voice was quickly lost among the sudden cheering of the people.

Her nose wrinkled at the awful scent at the scent that hung over many of the people, for her nose was more accustomed to Northern smells.

"Ser Vikrum of House Harren was a greatly noble and loyal knight, but atlas his body and condition had not been kind to him in the last few months of his life.

With his passing a tourney will be held tonight, a Battle of Nobles for the White Cloak as my Royal Knight.

May your skill be in my favor."

Whispers and murmurs quickly enveloped the crowd as Knights and Nobles perked up, looking at one another.

Teresia only looked on, uneasiness dwelling within her.

Her eyes rapidly moving to and fro as she began to realize just how many people were before her, but she only saw a sea of faces.

"Teresia, if you'd done then you can take your seat again."

Robb spoke up as Teresia quickly turned, forcing her quivering legs to obey her as she walked over to her seat.

The spot next to it, empty.

Unlike the other spots beside the heirs where a Royal knight stood, a knight with a white cloak resting on their shoulders.

Darvin stood up, walking along the creaking boards as he took the place where Teresia had previously stood.

The sun gleamed down on his black but grey streaked hair, the sun tiring him and his muscles.

He was a hardened man with fifty seven years on his name, but time and age had neither weakened nor softened his body or mind as he stood well over most men.

At his belt resting in its leather sheath was a Longsword, 'Ru Notosh'.

A Longsword that which had been forged during the founding of House Talister and Willow's Walls, it's name was of the language known as 'Korina'.

The common tongue for the people of 'The Reich', which was home to Willow's Walls and where majority of the food came from.

The City and or Fortress that supplied the rest of the Continent with food.

"Only Knights of true profession will be welcomed at the Battle of the Nobles while both peasants and Knights will be able to participate in the tourney before the Battle of the Nobles takes place.

Miss Teresia is looking for a true Knight, not a peasant who doesn't know two things about swinging a sword.

May the Gods bless and give you fortune in the Tourney's to come!"

Darvin paid the people no mind as he turned away, beginning the walk back to his seat as the Omen of War.

The pope taking note of his walk back to his seat turned to the people, preparing to end the announcement.

"May God give his blessings to all of his beloved children! That is all for today!"

"There are no Gods here."

The Heir of both the Mirai Kingdom and RiverLands quietly spoke her thoughts, Rai Mirai.

As old as the Pope was, time and age had only sharpened his hearing in exchange for his eyes.

He sharply turned to her, a fire burning within his eyes as they caught the Dark Blue Orbs.

"I'll have your head on a spike if you dare to speak any more blasphemy in my presence!"

He raged as his eyebrows furrowed, holding a pointing finger to Rai who stood along with the other Heirs as she faced him.

Her eyes holding a coldness and Hardness that the North did not hold.

"Then you'll have the RiverLands at your neck."

She paid the Popes rage no mind as she walked down the steps, the other Heirs following behind as they entered the street of the City.

"Holding the Celebration within a Fortnight, I suppose I'll have a hunt or two or three to provide for all of the Lords and Ladies coming to the Capital."

Darvin said as he walked beside Robb, turning to him his eyes locked within the green orbs of Darvin's.

"Well considering all of the damn boars plaguing Capital Grounds you shouldn't have a problem."

"I think a more appropriate word would be 'we'."

Robb stopped and turned to Darvin, the smell of pig shit invading both of their noses as the pigs within the pen on the side of the street squealed.

Their owner calling out offers as citizens both marveled at the Pigs size and the Omen of War, Darvin Talister and Robb Rhinebeck, 'The Uncrowned' standing before them.

A rare sight to behold as Robb began to shift uncomfortably as the poor ogled him in admiration and envy.

"You don't think I haven't noticed how stressed you've been lately. You overwork yourself, you need to relax. Let's go for a hunt and then visit a brothel!"

Robb shook his head uncertain of Darvin's offer, he slightly looked up at Darvin.

Robb was one of the few people who nearly matched Darvin's height, his height ending at the forehead.

"You know how I take my vows, especially how I feel about brothels. Let's continue walking."

Robb's hand itched to cover his nose as he and Darvin passed the peasants, the smell of them brought water to Robb's eyes as his nose stung.

"So your telling me you don't want to feel a breast between your fingers or in your mouth, to be inside a women?"

"I want to Darvin, believe me when I say I do. But I have to Honor my vows as an Heir of the Capital."

Robb countered Darvin's question as they continued their walk to Capital grounds, people both poor and rich ogling and admiring the two.

Robb shifted uncomfortably, but hope appeared in his eyes as the Capital Keep and grounds came into view.

"What's the saying you Rhinebeck's always say. Fury and Honor over All?"

Darvin lightly chuckled at the words but a smile came afterwards.

"Honor and Fury above all."

"Your vows are to never father children, release yourself of all inheritance, same as mine. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying myself to a few women of Brothels. And neither should it hold you from enjoying yourself."

Robb let out a breath as they began up the steps that lead up to a black steel gate, one of the only few entrances of the Capital Grounds.

"I'll think on it, no promises though. After all, there's a lot to be prepared in the coming Fortnight."

"I'll take that as a yes. Lords reaching from the Trident to the Neck and to the Springli Woods will be coming!"

Teresia looked down at the body that lay before her, the body of her previous Royal Knight.

Ser Vikrum Harren, a skilled and noble knight of House Harren.

Time and age had not been kind to him and his body, born weakly and sickly and yet strong.

His lungs had suddenly given out after enduring a sickness, and soon his heart followed too.

For Death had taken him in his sleep.

A kind and yet sad death, Teresia had wept for days reported by her hand maidens.

He had been by her side since birth, her parents had chosen him for her.

"Vikrum of House Harren, a noble and blessed man. Shame God had freed him of this world, still so much he could've done."

Teresia turned to the voice that called out, the Pope.

"Omen of the Faithful."

The smell of the incense candles surrounding Vikrum's body covered the smell of the Popes dying like body, his eyes roaming Teresia's.

An annoyance that seemed to plague every man she met.

Putting his frail wrinkled hands on the stone table holding the body that laid on it, his eyes staring at the lifeless body that laid before him.

"You hate the Raven, do you not."

"I'm not familiar with the Gods of the Faith, only the Northern Gods. All that I know is that Death is Death. It comes and Goes..."

With her cream skinned hand Teresia gently stroked the cold hardened cheek of her fallen Knight, her Hero, Protector.

"Death comes to all. Yes, that much is true. But the Raven, the man of Death. Death is the only way to the arms of our Father, God, and the Mother, Mary. Death is scary, yes, but comforting in a way. The Raven relieves you of all of your burdens, pain, and regrets.

Leaving your soul pure and yet empty."

Teresia turned to him unassured, her voice was like a knife to the Pope.

"And how do you know the Father and Mother exist?"

"We all must hold faith in something M'Lady, for without faith death is the perishing of life without meaning. With faith, death is given a somewhat comforting meaning."

Teresia nodded, her eyes softening now understanding the reason of Faith.

Her eyes soon became blurred with tears, blinking rapidly she fought against the tears.

"Death comes to all, while all come to Faith of their own."

Offering a comforting hand he rested his frail hand on Teresia's shoulder as her soft cries filled the void of the Church.

Her soft cries heard throughout the church.

Red flushed and embarrassed she quickly turned away, feeling small.

She wanted nothing more than to be in the arms of her lover...

The sound of footsteps echoed throughout the halls of the Capital building, Robb turned entering the Council Chamber of the Capital Keep.

A massive circular table spanned across the room, seven chairs for each Heir of a kingdom and four chairs for the Omens.

The Omens of War, Coin, Faith, and Whispers.

And a single chair for the Protector of the Realm, Rickon.

Rather than a King or Queen, an Heir of every Kingdom would be seated at the Capital to represent that Kingdom and their House.

The Heir would be charged to bring up or look over any problems and bring them to the attention of the Council.

The Omens represent the impassable Laws of Man, or rather what's to come.

Robb walked along the table until he found his seat, pulling it out from under the table and seating himself.

"Now that you are here, we may begin. Now, Felix, what of the expenses for this Celebration?"

Darvin turned to the Omen of Coin, a seat away from him.

"As every celebration this will be quite expensive, just paying the Building Guild is quite a lot for all of the decorations and the other things.

And with how things are looking right now in the vault, I'd say it will eat up 1/3 of the Capitals Gold."

"I thought a man with your appetite would be the same as your greed."

Felix turned to the voice, Yona SummerSet of the SummerSet Kingdom and Suona.

Her eyes were small and sharp, her brown eyes stared sharply at the fat man before her

"Why not speak to the Bank of Alhold, the High Lords have always been there for us in our time of need."

"That may be true but they were there in our time of war, this is not War. This is a celebration."

Darvin countered as he looked at Yona who shrugged her dark tanned shoulders, her skin bare along the shoulders and her stomach.

"Then perhaps the Church can help, you priest do have a vault of your own?"

The pope shifted uncomfortably, suddenly being the center of attention.

"The Church has matters of its own to attain to , I'm afraid I will not be able to partake in the funding."

Robb sighed as he spoke up, everyone's eyes catching him in their own stare.

"Then that leaves the Bank of Alhold or leaving our bank lesser than it already is. Perhaps the Omen of Coin could impose a new tax."

"The people are the blood of Korcina, not to mention they just survived a war or Religion. This will not do well with them."

The Omen of Whispers, Cornelius Troph.

The Whisperer they called him, for he had Ears in every corner of the world.

A secret nor rumor never escaped the range of his ears.

"A sacrifice we must make if we want to fill the vault back to its original hold."

Rai said as Teresia who was seated next to her nodded, giving her a quick glance as Felix confirmed the notion.

Robb caught the glance as Teresia's eyes met his, a feeling of something greater burning within them.

Robb was one seat away from Teresia but from there he could see that she had a gentle grip on Rai's hand.

"I suspect the Lords Tullen of Trident's Point, Ladies of Ilain Port, Salinger of SpringSteen and the Lords of Talis will be visiting and taking part in the Celebration."

All eyes turned to Darvin at the mention of the Lords of the island of Talis, the Home of Darvin.

"My brother and sister will be joining the Celebration?"

"It's only been a day since the announcement but my ears hear of the potential of them joining. And there have been reports of movement of the Elfs from Elandic."

Robb looked at Cornelius sharply, staring into the brown eyes of a slightly pudgy face.

His body was much less fit rather than chunky, and yet powder consumed his hands and nearly all exposed skin while he wore a simple grey robe.

A robe with black patterns of a sort, his silver hairs gleamed in the daylight.

Casting a shadow that covered his face and intentions...

"I shouldn't be surprised by that, you are the Omen of Whispers after all. And yes, there have been some raids by the Elfs."

"Devils you mean!"

Rickon barked as the room held its silence, a storm brewing.

His fist tightened as his nails began to draw blood, rage kindling within him.

A rage born from what the Elfs had done to not only his House but so many others.

"The Elfs are the same as us Rickon, they are of Flesh and Blood."

Rai spoke up as Teresia squeezed her hand, a worrying and tension filled squeeze.

"I beg to differ M'Lady, Devils are not of Flesh and Blood but rather sin! The Elfs are an abomination!"

The pope argued as his brow furrowed as a fire began to kindle within him, along with Rickon too.

"They are just the same as us! They conquered Korcina just as the Runica' and Korui's did! They breath and eat the same as us!"

Robb shouted as Rickon suddenly stood, his hand on his sword, his face red with angry as a rage burned within him.

"Your ancestors didn't lay waste to the land, they didn't make Houses go extinct, they didn't burn babes and their mothers alive!"

"That is enough! Both of you are acting like petulant children, I will not have this!!"

Darvin shouted enraged as he quickly stood, Rickon fuming turned to him and then back to Robb.

His grip on his sword never relaxed, he turned away and stormed out enraged.

His steel plated armor clanking echoed within the distant halls as Darvin turned to the rest of the Heirs and Omens.

"We're done here."