As the Sun began to rise and brought colors to the countryside of Sano, it's bright, yellow beams began to shine through Josh's window. After a couple seconds of feeling the heat on his face, Josh slightly opened his eyes. He blew air through his mouth and turned around. Now with his back to the shining light, he was able to zone off again.
"Josh, wake up!", said a tired voice. Josh turned around and opened his eyes in surprise. The bright Sun that was shining through his window beamed straight in his eyes. He let out a quiet scream, as tears flowed from his eyes, down his cheek.
"Crying first thing in the morning? This is why you still don't have a girlfriend", said the boy with a laugh. "Shut up Danny! Like you have one", Josh replied. When vision came back to him he looked at the doorway and there he was standing. Danny was Josh's older brother. He was only older by a month, but he acted like Josh was a new born baby. Danny wasn't originally born in the family.
Danny was found when he was three years old by Josh's father Brock on a Spring evening. Apparently Danny was spotted walking alone on a dirt road near the border with the Empire. Brock brought him home with him, because he was almost on the verge of death. Brock was an established Runner. Runners are a type of postmen who take on jobs common people wouldn't be able to complete. Runners also help everywhere they go and protect communities from danger. Brock was very popular in the Kingdom and even twice delivered packages for the king.
Being a Runner was one of the most dangerous and honorable jobs at these times. They are very limited in Bellaria. It is said that there are only around fifty of them in the continent. Runners require skill, strength, speed, and ability to blend in. They are especially hated by the Empire, because people would pay for a Runner rather than their railroad service. You could die any minute, especially when crossing a border. Only some Runners like Brock are qualified to do it. They could either get caught in a trap, or a battle. There are even organizations that hunt them for money. Especially in the Empire. So Runners attend years of training before they are sent on their first mission. While they are not on a mission they do quests that people requested on their town board.
Because of that, Brock is hardly ever home. When Josh looked at Danny, he first saw his black, almost dark blue hair, with dark purple highlights. His eyes were scarlet red. He was standing 190cm tall with a muscular physique. Josh had similar black hair. His eyes were brown, the same color of the dirt that Danny walked before he met his new family. Josh was smaller, being 180cm. However he was really agile and could do whatever he wanted with his body. Despite their slight differences, Josh saw him as his partner, his Brother.
"Should I drag you out of the bed, or can you get up alone?", asked Danny. "Why are you in such a haste?", Josh replied. However he quickly got up as he felt Danny's intense stare. Josh was really great at sensing things. He learned at a very young age how to track animals in the forest. Brock took him hunting a lot, so Josh knew everything about survival. Danny on the other hand couldn't even find the keys from the house that he left on the table in his room the night before. However, he was great at judging people. He could tell if they were strong, or weak. Danny could guess a person's personality by just looking at them.
"Get up Josh! We still need to train before heading to the ceremony in the capital", Danny said. "Ceremony?"Josh questioned. "Don't tell me you don't know which day it is today. I know we didn't have school for ten days, but you should at least remember that today is the last day."
Josh looked with excitement across the room and spotted a new calendar that was hanging on the wooden wall of his room. January 10, 1510. The day of their graduation from high school. It was held in the capital city and the whole royal family was in attendance. Having a second education was rare in the Kingdom of Sano. There were five high schools scattered across the whole country. Together they produced around one hundred graduates each year. Many of them would become successful doctors, teachers, or politicians. Some even travelled to other nations.
Josh sprung up from bed and headed out of the room. He hugged his brother who was still standing in the doorway to greet him. They walked together through the hallway that led to the kitchen. The hallway was small, but it was filled with many achievements. Most of the trophies belonged their father. "Brock Fray, The Divine Blade of Sano", was written on one of the silver plates. Divine was a title given to the best fighters in the continent. They are very rare. There are Divine Blades, Mages, Healers, Daggers and many more. Earning this title means you mastered your weapon so well, you become undefeatable in battle.
As they cleared the wooden hallway full of fame. They arrived at a lighter area where the kitchen was located. Danny stopped at the window and looked outside. The Sun was coloring the green countryside. He could see a sparkling blue river that was running close to their house. It was only six in the morning, but the river was already surrounded by fishermen. A new morning began in the village called Vudan.