Kaladan, A world so wide and vast, stretches from the cold and harsh terrain in the north, to the scorching heat in the Shazrain desert in the south, With the thunderous roars of the sea in the east. In the west, where lands remain forever green, where life flourishes under the Ancient families that rule it. In the heart of the west lies the Kingdom of Valence dominated by its capital, the Iron Citadel Nairon, A mighty City built to accommodate the ever busy streets for commerce and a fortress meant to withstand a long lasting siege, some say the fortress city is impregnable, a testament to the Valence family who has watched over its Iron walls for centuries, never failing to defend it. Yet, shadows gather, and forces both known and hidden vie to seize the throne, threatening to tear down the dynasty and erase the family's legacy, one by one...
A bird comes into view flying over the lands of the west, where a massive forest can be seen and two rivers connected, and at the center of the river, a mighty fortress with walls so high even birds would bump into it. with the fortress having three walls, with each wall having different buildings and different purpose and at the inner most wall lies the hearth of the nairon...
Iron Citadel courtyard
*clang* * clang*
the clashing of swords can be heard, grunts and wailing of the soldiers are always present here,
A sword swiftly moves through the air, *clang* "You blocked that one, impressive young prince." said Dane the current Master at arms of the castle, but a kick to the knees toppled the young prince to the ground. "Remember, any part of the body can be used as a weapon, young prince." with a lending hand, Dane helped the young prince back on his feet, "Did you have to do that?, I have to meet with Nobles later on and I really don't want my face to be bruised up." As Dane was just laughing the complaints of the young prince, Claude Tariel Valence, the prince eventually went to his chambers a bit annoyed at the master at arms.
The Prince's Chambers
As the prince went to his chambers, he was greeted with his servant Essil, a man in his mid twenties, loyal to his lord. Essil was over by his bed carrying a bathing cloth. "should I draw you a bath sire?, you seem rather... filthy, if I may." said Essil. "Well Essil, I'll have you know that I sparred with Dane earlier and was improving bit by bit." said the ever enthusiastic Claude. Essil simply sighed at the remark. "That much is true sire, but as you know you should also be improving in your etiquette, it is rather lacking sire, and your liege father has insisted that it is best you learn, with post haste sire." As Essil keeps going on and on, Claude was just leaning on the window of his room, longing for adventures out there... "Sire? is something on your mind?" asked Essil who was worried. "Nothing of importance Essil, I'll take that bath now if you don't mind, and leave after your done, I would like to be alone for a while." Said Claude, Essil followed his lord's request. "I will leave you to it sire, if you need something I will be at the door." Essil bowed and closed the door shut, As Claude went into his bath longingly gazing at his ceiling he closed his eyes and slowly slept....
As the sun rises Claude eventually woke up.... in the bath tub, where he fell asleep. he eventually got dressed, gettig ready to meet his father. As Claude opens the door he is met with Essil who was standing still like a stone statue, " As stiff as ever eh Essil?" said Claude with half his eyes open. as Essil bowed he said, "Sire, your liege father is waiting in the audience chamber". Claude simply waved at Essil and eventually made his way into the audience chamber.
Audience chamber
*Knock knock*. as Claude enters the room, there he sees his father sitting on the throne like chair, his father sat rigidly on the high-backed wooden chair, his presence as imposing as the throne-like seat beneath him. His posture was flawless, shoulders squared and spine straight, as if even the chair itself dared not allow him to relax. His hands rested lightly on the armrests, fingers curled with quiet authority, while his sharp, regal features remained stern and unreadable. The carved wood seemed an extension of his own commanding nature, and though the room was still, the air around him buzzed with an unspoken tension. In that moment, he looked every bit the ruler—unyielding, immovable, and unquestionable. As Claude seems to have grasped that his father was in a sullen mood, he bowed and then he spoke with an inquisitive tone, "Father, you called for me?". as he met eyes with his father, he stood up and went to the window to see the people under his domain, "Son, as the family that rules these lands we have an obligation to protect its border, as well as its people" said his Father, as Claude was simply staring in confusion at his father's word, he again spoke. "As such with our duty comes our burden, that being which I can no longer keep from you, A few days from now guests and nobles from our kingdom will come here, you along with your brothers will mingle with the nobles and seeing as you are the only one left without a wife, I shall find you one." As Claude was about to open his mouth to argue the doors suddenly opened with a guardsman rushing in and kneeling in front of the King, "My lord, his Highness prince Osferth has been injured!" the King clenching his fist asked loudly "What happened to my son!" the guard being overwhelmed said nervously " The castle on the southern border has been attacked!".