King of Days: The Veiled Guardians

1. Of Earth and Men

Nestled within the region of Salvas, during the year 3089 on the outskirts of the city Trinita, lay a quaint cottage. It rested amongst a thicket of trees and surrounded by a wide open farmland. On a closer look, the cottage was truly unique. It was made out of Burspian wood which was a deeply dark wood. It was known by the people to be the most durable and rarest of all trees, since it only grew on a far off island.

Kris and Rebecca Vírlas had decided to settle in this home, as it was Kris' childhood home. To this day, no one could recall how Kris' family had come by this home; it would have been vastly expensive, and unheard of for common folk for it usually adorned places like a palace. To the Vírlas were born seven children: Hûstin, Pruä, Karíto, Tèrrìll, Fortìle, Crees and Hidía, who was their youngest. Each of the children was a blessing to the Vírlas family. Rebecca used to tell her children that they were blessed by The Ancient and that they each possessed a special gift from him.

Hûstin was particularly honorable, and tried to settle things in the most fair way. Pruä was sensible, she always seemed to know what to do and when to do it. Karíto was strong, he worked hard, greatly loved his family and was known for assisting whomever might be in need .

Tèrrìll was in love with life, yet she knew how to pace herself. Her mother called her moderate when she was younger - though she didn't understand what that meant. Fortìle was always ready to go on her next adventure. She had the courage of a lion and endurance like the mountains. Crees was devoted, he trusted greatly in his parents and family and had a unique understanding and confidence in the beliefs that were fostered in him.

Hildia would indeed seem bizarre to most, she always found the better side of things. Even when she was a toddler, the night never scared her. She used to giggle in her little way, "It isn't scary, there's still light!"

Kris and Rebecca loved their children dearly. They felt that it was as if they could never be broken, as long as they stayed together.

Karíto, Kari to his sisters, or Kar to his brothers and friends was a handsome lad. He had fair skin and wavy brown hair which was unusual for the region; though to him it seemed quite normal. As soon as he turned eight he was helping Hûstin and his father tend their various fields. He thought it was peculiar that they always had so much crop left over. He tended to ponder during harvest time where the excess would go.

One day when he was a young lad of about twelve, he was tending the fields admiring the forested hills; the snowy mountain ranges in front of him, and the lake and trees to his back. Gazing around he tried to remember in which direction the capital city Trinitas lay. He had been there once with his father.

"Hey dreamy!" Tèrrìll interrupted. "Have you been working at all today, or have you simply been day dreaming? Mom told me to come find you so you could play with me."

Karíto snapped out of his trance and looked at his sister. Tèrrìll had just turned ten and was in her typical pale blue and gray farmer dress. Her light blonde hair was dancing in the wind. Her smile and the mischievous glint in her hazel eyes could lift his heart. Karíto thought, 'She is up to no good.' then exclaimed "Alright, What is it that you want to do?"

She smiled again. "Follow me and find out!"

They both took to running down the green hill toward the old family barn. As they were getting closer, Karíto noticed the barn door was shut. He looked at his sister, narrowing his eyes and said, "What is in there huh?" smirking and nodding toward the barn door. He decided to go in. It was dark, which was to be expected, as there were only two light sources in the barn, one through the door, and through the window above the loft.

Luckily for him, he knew the barn very well. He had grown up there after all. He climbed the ladder to open the window's shutters. When he was nearing the top, he heard a noise. He thought, 'What can she be up to?' He reached out to open the shutters, when he heard quiet giggling. Opening the shutters, an array of colors danced into the room. Two of his sisters were perched on the edge next to him.