The light of day rose above the Galloway dukedom, which made up the larger west of the Malarian Kingdom.

It was home to a multitude of different cultures unlike the rest of the Kingdom, acting as a melting pot between Malarian, Celdonian, Sylvan cultures and non human races.

It's geography was equally varied, with plenty of fertile soil while the Grey Wardens, a mountain range, separated it from the neighbouring Kingdoms, an abundant land yet filled with as many dangers, dungeons and forests, monsters are found in rarely frequented areas willing to attack easily when their territory is being encroached upon.

Even then it wasthe most prosperous area within the Kingdom, being known for its wealth and military force.

Far west on the sea, on the outskirts of the Gray Wardens, laid it's capital Ka'en, a city bustling with hundreds of thousands of citizens, even more so for the last few weeks however.

The streets were decorated with cloth and crystals, magic was displayed at every corner and the city seemed to spark in anticipation and exhilaration.

The Duchess Vesela Galloway was expecting her first child and preparations had been made to fit the occasion.

Stepping into the room is a middle aged man, his hair deep brown with a strand of iron grey on his left and his similarly brown eyes carried a sharp glint, the pants appaeared slightly dirty and he didn't manage to keep a little exhaustion from creeping up on him.

He looked down towards a bed and fell on his knees right besides it, lifted his hand and placed it on a slender arm resting on top of the mattress.

Both the exhaustion and the sharpness in his eyes seemed to vanish momentarily, replaced by something more tender and warm he whispered.

"Dear, I told you I'd always be with you didn't I? I made it after all."

The warmth of his eyes spread to his mouth, lifting it up slightly.

In front of the bed was his, Albert Galloway's, wife Vesela, with slender neck, white skin, rosy lips and jet black hair she was a rare beauty, one that others might praise as blessed by the gods.

Yet it wasn't what had made the duke take a lowborn as his wife, weathering his advisors' requests and criticism from the outside.

"Remember, once our dear William is born, we can finally fight again."

The sleeping beauty seemed to react slightly as her eyelids fluttered a little.

Looking down Albert caressed her arm when suddenly he felt like he had been dropped into an ice cold bath.

"Grand words for someone who just barely came back for his sons birth wouldn't you say? You should first learn how to swing a sword properly before you talk about fighting me, even less to speak of your magic."

Smiling wryly he looked up into Vesela's face, attempting to respond but before he could...

"Yeah of course I know you have been improving and so on and forth, I have seen your improvement, your skills are horrid as always."

Grimacing the duke stood up.

"I still love you."

She said suddenly, with a tone of voice to melt the heart, and a smile from ear to ear, rather than a noble woman she seemed much more like a young girl in love.

The duke's face softened, looking directly at her he sighed and embraced her lightly.

"I love you as well, more than the gods or heavens."

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"I can't even tease you in return now, what a shame."

She responded while being drawn into the embrace and kissing him.

Hours seemed to pass between the two of them until he let her go and turned.

"I will ready myself, I cannot look like this on such a day can I? Excuse me dear, I have to hurry up, I won't miss anything now that I barely made it back in time, you did have a point about one thing at least."

A crystal clear laugh escaped her mouth at his attempt to get back at her, she waved childishly and giggled before turning around to rest.

Meanwhile Albert had left and servants were rushing to bring a new white uniform, fine embroidering could be seen along the sleeves and buttons.

"Milord," a particularly old servant started, "Duke Burrowsworth has asked for you to visit soon, for friendship of the dukedoms and economic ties."

"Hmmm yes, you can notify him I received the request and will think of it, let him know my son is to be born however, and that I shall not engage in too much politics for a short period of time, if it is urgent he should send message to Minister Gottlieb to take up negotiations prematurely."

"Yes, Milord, Dame Lithe has requested your visit as well."

The duke paused for a second while being dressed.

"No."

"Yes, Milord."

Leaving the room quickly after the servants had exited the duke entered the city, trying to ascertain that everything was done in order for the upcoming festivities.

The day passed quickly until a procession moved towards the bedchamber of her duchess, who had entered labour. Albert stopped in front of the door, waiting for the birth to finish.

At the start of evening, his heart finally eased up as the door opened and a mage led him into the room, pointing at a small bundle in Vesela's arms.

Seeing this his face lit up with a smile that none of the servants, including the mage, had seen on him in their time of service.

He turned to them.

"Even if it might be unbecoming of me, thank you. As much as it is selfish, would it be possible for you to leave? Let the city know, start the festivities on my behalf."

The mage nodded, she was more than a bit perplexed by how timid the duke seemed at the time, nontheless she did a small salute, as was practise for the servants in the Galloway household, and replied,

"Yes, Milord."

before leaving, Duke Albert in the meantime had already turned all his attention towards his wife and son and would not even have noticed if the mage had stayed.

"Look at him. He definitely takes after you, he definitely does, what a blessing."

"Well it's better for him if he does, otherwise he might end up like you in terms of martial ability"

His wife teased, then added,

"I disagree though, the more he has from you the better, if so he cannot be an ordinary man in this life."

"Ahahahahahahahaha."

Albert burst into laughter.

"I meant to say the same thing, isn't it ironic how we would disagree then? I will do what I have to for him to be happy, I will let him have hope to do as he wishes in life as much as I can. Although maybe you should be the one to train him with weapons."

"Dear, that wasn't up for debate. But I wonder if he has any magic talent? What school should we send him to? I hope he makes a lot of friends and can carry on our name proudly."

Albert looked at her and whispered,

"I dearly believe he will not only carry our name, I believe he will be the one to make our house even greater. Fathers always think big, so let us dream a bit about what he will reach. And how we will be able to walk along with him on his path."

Vesela smiled warmly at both William and Albert deciding to let him hold his child until darkness enveloped the city.