In the far southern lands of the Lucrentian Empire, far beyond the great cities and the towns and villages that fed them. Further, beyond the great river, Slavakor ran its course north to south within the foothills of the Madrikal Mountains. It was nestled nicely at the base of Mount Gretalros, home to an ancient dragon. The lone peak far from the range was the small town of Lorenta.

The towering mountain stood guard in the east. As well as many small rivers, this place was beautiful and tranquil, far from the loud noises and machinations of the clans. It would not be a great while if one proceeded up the mountainside from the town. They would find the place where our story begins.

In one of the many homes of Nedral Frenost. The current head of the Frenost Clan. Servants were hurriedly preparing for a happily anticipated event.

A baby was coming. It had fallen on all the servants in the house working to move furniture around the estate. Everyone moved with purpose. Preparing the nursery had taken most of the day.

"UM, what is this sensation I feel."

Malic felt a sudden shift, almost like he had been moved instantly from his previous location with the six other entities to another place entirely. Wherever this place was, Malic had some sense of feeling. He felt contained in some small space. Again, there was no light in this place. To be sent from one darkness to another was not overly pleasing to him. Strangely, though, this place felt warm and comforting. It was nice to be in such a place.

Then, as soon as he had arrived where ever he had found himself. A feeling as if Malic was slowly but gently being moved, with a purpose he did not know. But how could one who was about to be born into a new world?

'It seems to me quite a few hours have passed since this movement began.' {Malic}

Malic lay comfortably in an unknown space. Nothing seemed wrong to him at present. This warmth he felt was so tender and comforting. Suddenly, without warning, he was moving again, but this time, he was not moving inside whatever this thing was but outside of it. For a time, Malic could feel an intense amount of pressure on his body. As he continued to move on, he saw something.

'Light, it feels so painful to my eyes. I don't know why. My eyes barely want to stay open. What is this place? Maybe it is the day or just a well-lit room? I have no idea.' {Malic}

Confusion raked Malic as he left the safe, closed space of his mother's womb to enter the world.

'I can hear voices when my eye stays open for a moment. I can see faces. There is so much information I can't take it all in. OW! What the hell was that pain just now?" {Malic}

Immediately, Malic felt a sharp pain from the location of his navel. The doctor had cut his umbilical cord, considering that for a time. It had been a part of him. Having it removed since it was part of him was painful. The doctor, however, seemed a little concerned. The child had not made a sound during the entire birth until now. With the umbilical cord removed, he wondered if something had gone awry at some point. Sadly, if anything had happened, it would not be until later in the child's life that he would be sure.

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Being handed to his mother, the newborn stopped crying instantly. The servants watched anxiously at the little boy before them.

'I'm still not able to see well. Everything is mostly still a blur. I don't know how, but I, a man of twelve seven years, am being held by someone now. When I look up, I can see a smile. However, I don't understand. Have I shrunk or something? I don't remember being so small because she holds me while it feels right. what does this mean?' {Malic}

The news of the birth of a son spread as fast as people who had mouths to speak it would carry. By morning, the whole town knew, and flowers of every description. Where sent for the lady of the house, honestly did they give congratulations for this most joyful time.

Litralia watched the boy sleep peacefully as the sun set high at midday. She was exhausted, but she liked to look at him. In her long life, this was her first son. His face was like his father's, his hair raven black. At his temples, a deep emerald green flowed peaceably down the sides from his ears forward like two small fangs.

He had all the Traits of the many generations that followed him. From his chin to his hands, even his eyes that spoke the most ancient truth. His mother's family line was as old if not older than his father's through her the blood of both the Haldrathin and Dragons. A mix that should not exist, but in the ancient world, even for a short time, there were such beings.

In a time of history long before, the world had been broken and then remade by the six True Magi some five thousand years ago. There were countless races of magical beings. Some weak but most strong stood the clans of the Dragons. Old and wise, and their powerful rivals, the Haldrathin. Human in form, they're almost angel-like wings and intelligence. Amongst any other race, they were more substantial than all other lessers. Such a difference would continually lead to misunderstandings and even the destruction of entire peoples.

Still looking at him, she wished to talk to him, and she allowed the child to understand her voice and the meaning of her words. Being an educator of young witches, she understood that things took time and would not come quickly. His growth would take years. Many other children she had before he came into the world. So, being patient was going to be easy. Soon, Lanthim would be taken to the nursery and cared for there.

Litralia had wanted to be with him always. However, many social obligations would require her attention in the coming months.

Soon, the nobles from the capital who owned villas in the south would leave the cold northern imperial winter, bringing their families with them. Around this time, Litralia opened her home to the children of these nobles for lessons and study during their stays in the southern regions.

This practice has become popular over the last few years. Litralia had previously taught at the Academy of Alistri, one of the nation's great Academies. The classes their daughters attended while they were young. Helped a great deal and moulded a strong character in each child. It also increased the possibility of being accepted into any of the Empire's many Magic Academy.

Litralia would search for young girls who desired to learn to manipulate mana well by giving basic instructions on its uses. A good number of them could perform a predetermined magical sequence. Then, she would send the required information to her superiors in the capital. Afterward, depending on their review, The children's parents would send the girls to an academy that would suit them.

Sadly, this would leave little time for her to see this little boy. With all that would unfold over the coming months, she would see less and less of him saddening her. However, it would likely displease her husband if she were to stop teaching. If her only reason were to be with her newborn son, it would cause problems.

If people in as high of society as the Frenost clan found themselves just leaving and doing whatever they pleased. Not thinking of how it affected others around them, there would be such a drop in their status that their clan could completely disintegrate, and all they knew would disappear into nothing.

Litralia would work to prevent such a situation. As long as her son was healthy and happy, so would she be? Just laying where she could look out the window. It was all so wonderful to feel a light breeze come through it, see the beautiful view of the town, and hear the celebrations of the people there.