It all began with a stone, or so the legend says.

In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled with world with life and brought forth mighty gods.

Bathed in that life, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel.

Although the Crystal War had ended, the long-suffering nations of Vana'diel pledged to maintain their alliance. Each nation built a consulate in their sister countries. The Duchy of Jeuno refitted the airships of war for travel, opening the air travel agency between itself and Bastok. Upon witnessing the successful operation of the Bastokan airship service, the previously skeptical nations of Sandoria and Windurst raced to refit their own ports for airship use. These developments led to the birth of a new large-scale, high-speed transportation service for each country. Also consulates were placed by each nation in the others and communication between the kingdoms was at an all time high. It was a time for the nations of Vana'diel to be brought closer together, and a promising new era of peace and prosperity was at hand.

Still, the three great nations continued to mistrust one another. Keeping their few soldiers left from the war in their capitals, they sought new ways to counter the beastmen. It was at this time they began employing a new generation of independent youth to deal with the situation on an individual level. They were intrepid souls who followed their own beliefs, moving freely from city to city in spite of their own national allegiances…

It was a fine morning in city of Sandoria. The sun was shinning brightly to East and a cool breeze came from the North. The day could not get any better. Waveren, a young Sandorian recruit thought to himself. Today he was going out into the world as a Black Mage. He walked briskly by the airship port of his hometown. Waveren was an adventurer; much to his younger step brother's displeasure, for his step brother wasn't old enough to become one. Waveren was 13, the age at which each child in Vana'diel can choose if they want to stay home or become an adventurer. If they chose to become an adventurer the could chose to become a Warrior, Monk, White Mage, Black Mage, Red Mage, or Thief. Then the young recruit could chose to either stay in their hometown or go to another one of the 3 nations; Republic of Bastok, Kingdom of Sandoria or The Federation of Windurst.

Waveren had chosen to stay in his hometown of Sandoria and chose the job class Black Mage. Waveren watched some new recruits nervously get off the airship and step onto the dock as Sandorians.

"I remember when I first came off that ship…though I was far younger than these recruits." A voice came from beside him.

"You were what…10"

"I was closer to 8 when I left home and came here.

Waveren turned to his right and looked at the Mithran girl beside him. Her blue eyes were still fixed on the passengers coming from the ship. She was about a third height, only coming to his midsection. Her past is always a touchy subject. "So what job did you chose by the way, Evalyne?" He said quickly changing the subject.

Evalyne finally turned her face towards him, her face have full of happiness. "You'll never guess"

"What, was it Warrior"

"Nope it's a mage class" She smiled at him.

"What Black Mage?" She shook her head "I dunno Red Mage, come one Evalyne tell me"

"You were close, it's White Mage"

"You got the opposite of what I chose, Black Mage" Waveren pulled on her ear.

"Did not, we're both mages, but I heal things while you blow them up."

"Right" Waveren happened to glance at his watch. "Shit"

"What, what are you cursing about" Evalyne questioned. Waveren on the other hand quickly grabbed her hand and started dragging her along as he started running.

"We're late for our coronation; man I hope we haven't missed the royal speech yet." He heard Evalyne gasp and started running faster behind her best friend.

OoOoOo

The duo skidded to a halt just in front of the cathedral. They poked their heads inside and saw that the priest was giving a speech to the recruits.

"Come on we can slip in the back and not be noticed" Waveren whispered.

They quickly ducked behind some tapestries and took their place among their fellow adventurers. The priest finished his speech and made way for King Destin. They had never seen the King because young children and recruits whom hadn't proven themselves where not allowed with the chateau which the royal family resided. The king spoke briefly about their duties and responsibilities now that they were of "Recruit" status. He then proceeded to introduce his children, Prince Trion, whom one day who rule over the Royal Knights; Prince Pieuje, whom one day will rule over the Temple Knights, and finally Princess Claidie.

Waveren took note that the eldest son, Trion, looked to be about 15 years old and had shaggy silver hair much like his own. The middle son, Pieuje, on the other hand had bright blond hair. Waveren couldn't shake the feeling of annoyance when he looked at Pieuje. He judged the younger prince to about 14. The youngest child, Claidie, looked to be around 12 but Waveren could barley see her for she hid behind the older priest's robes.

"Now" Destin's voice boomed over the crowd. "Come when your name is called and speak what job class you have chosen so that Halver may write it down."

A few names were called and Evalyne grew nervous. Most of the recruits were Elvaan or Hume and she was a Mithra, and not only that but she was choosing a mage class.

"Evalyne" Destin boomed. Evalyne swallowed hard and made her way up to the front. When she got there she kneeled respectfully before the king and his royal family. Destin nodded.

"White Mage" Evalyne spoke clearly.

"Odd choice for a Mithra" Pieuje murmured.

Trion had heard his younger brother and silently stomped his foot then turned back to Evalyne. "Excellent choice, we need more healers in this world."

"I agree" Destin spoke calmly

"You my step down Evalyne" Halver spoke softly to her so that she could move and allow the next recruit come forward.

With in a few minutes Evalyne's long time friend's name was called. "Posh" The Mithra girl bounced happily to the front and loudly stated her job class.

"Monk"

"Fine choice, those Mithran agilities will come in handy" Destin commented

"Vryraven"

A shaggy ebony haired Elvaan boy, about the same height and build as Waveren came to the front. "Warrior"

"Very good"

"And lastly, Waveren"

Waveren strolled to the front. "Black Mage"

Destin's eyebrow arched for a moment. "All right" He waited until Waveren walked back to join the rest of his fellow adventurers. "You have now passed the first test, but many more trails will come. Some of you will become famous adventurers that wonder Vana'diel in search of great new places while others may choose to leave this life and let your name fade with history. Which ever life you decide to lead know this, it your path and only you can walk it.

OoOoOo

The new recruits cheer loudly as King Destin finished his speech. Waveren made his way over his two feline friends who were already making plans to take out the Orc Outpost, Ghelsba.

"Then we take down the war chief and bam the orcs become our slaves" Posh laughed manically.

"Posh you're a monk not a death dealer. Anyway we couldn't kill an Orc if we tried." Waveren laughed.

"So, you damage dealers, do we want to go solo or party up?" Evalyne pondered.

"I've heard from some more experienced adventurers that you should solo first. You can move to harder areas as needed then you go into a party." Posh readjusted her tunic so that the claw-like weapons she uses wouldn't tear anything.

"That sounds like good advice." Evalyne was helping Posh tie her sash.

"Posh stop fiddling with that and let's go. I wanna blow some bunnies sky high" Waveren dashed for the nearest exit. The girls exchanged a knowing look then quickly chased after him.

First chapter of many finished. This story is going to mainly focus on how Waveren's and Evalyne's relationship came to be. It'll also focus on the unbreakable bonds that are made when you're fumbling thru something dangerous, new and fun and then make it out together.

Please R&R