Hunuki stepped onto the carriage, settling back down in his seat. He was quiet, head turned and looking out at the destruction he had just unleashed on the land. The black void carved through the ground where he had swung the Scythe, like spilled ink over parchment, blotting out and ruining everything it touched. Even the mountains on the horizon weren't spared. The tops simply absent, as though swallowed by the sky itself. He looked back to his arm, pulling the black sleeve up, staring at the black gemstone set in his wrist on his left arm. His fingers ran over it, feeling it's smooth surface. "I can't use it again.." He muttered under his breath. "What if there are people next time?? What kind of weapon is this?" His grip on his wrist tightened, squeezing it as he started to shake. Illiya's hand rested on his shoulder. "It's alright.." her voice gentle, comforting. He stopped, looking up to her. She was smiling, seating beside him, her arm snaking under his, wrapping around it and pulling him to her. He gave in, leaning against her, feeling her warmth against him. "I can't use it.." He said quietly to her. His head against her shoulder. "I'll try and make sure you never have to. Something like that should only be used against those who deserve it. Like that woman." She moved her other hand up, running it through his hair, rubbing one of his ears between her fingers. "You will use it again." A voice cut through the comfort. Grune turned his head back to them, looking at them from his seat at the from. "You will have to swing it and strike people down given your enemy boy." Grune's eyes focused on his wrist, a frown forming on his face. "Yer father thought the same damned thing. Always cursin' that weapon when he was younger. He always said it was a burden to wield and now you know why. It's weight and it's destruction will be with you on this journey and you'll have to learn to accept it." He gave a grunt is displeasure, turning back to the sable road ahead. Whistling, the Equids started up again, carrying the carriage forward. "Yer father had learn the weight of that blade all those years ago in Aslandus."

TEN YEARS EARLIER

Aslandus.

A massive port city located on Aslan, the eastern continent. Situated on the largest island on an archipelago. Aslandus stands as the main trading city in all of Varnalia. The city itself covers the entire island, housing nearly ten million citizens with almost another million merchants, workers, and visitors coming and going every single day.

The black and white painted airship slowly lowered into the port. Sails withdrawing by its crew. The Royal families crest painted on it's port. The twin scythes crossed, one black, the other white set on a checkerboard pattern. The port was alive with sounds and movement. Cargo and crews offloading while citizens and traders boarding. Maintenance workers tying down ships and bickering with captains over repair costs. A sea of people drifting in and out of the port in a non-stop back and forth. Hanamao stood in his room on the ship, examining his clothes lay across the bed. He scratched his beard in indecision. "Sernime would know what to pick. She's always better at making me look like a King." He muttered to himself before sighing in resignation. He picked up a simple long-sleeved white shirt, slipping his arm through. The silk material was soft against his gray skin. Sewn by the seamstresses in Belfeia it was as white as his beard, but far less prickly to the touch. He rolled the right sleeve up and over his shoulder, looking at the missing limb. A mechanical arm hung there, limp to it's elbow. He picked up the remaining piece off the bed. A metal forearm and hand, it's steel was tinted blue from forging. He set the forearm against the elbow joint, twisting the metal grooves against each other until they clicked, the arm suddenly being locked and pulled into place as it lit up. The dragon prose etched across the metal appendage glowing red. He winced as the entire arm came to life, unseen needles sinking into his shoulder, connecting to the nerves and tissue. He flexed the hand, the pain dying down quickly as he rolled the sleeve down, stopping at the elbow. "Gods above and below that will never not hurt." He cursed to himself as he buttoned up the shirt, adjusting the collar. He decided to keep things simple as he set the pauldron on his shoulder. The royal crest etched on it. He strapped it down across his chest, black leather with golden buckles. He pulled a simple pair of green trousers on and buttoned them before sitting on the bed, putting on his black leather shoes. He stood, looking at himself in the mirror hanging on the wall, moving over. He picked up a piece of blue cloth, decorated with red silken dragon prose. He tied his hair up and into a ponytail, tightening it in place. "Not bad. I'm sure she'd want me in full Regalia." He turned, looking at the sword resting against the wall. He lifted it up, fastening it against his hip, looping the leather strap through the loop on his trousers, shifting on his feet, feeling it's hefty but balanced weight. He turned and left his quarters, climbing the wooden steps onto the deck of the airship.

"Smooth flying as always Damion." He said, walking up to the captain. A short weathered man, dressed in a simple albeit dirty set of shirt and pants. Red cloth tied on his head. He had a long salt and peppered beard, the ends tied in braids with golden twine. "Hm.. of course tis my lord. It's the Pantara, best airship in the world!" He said with a bellowing laugh. Hanamao chuckled, placing his metal hand on the captain's shoulder. "That could be argued by some other ship masters. What about the Hilde?" The short man gave a yell of disgust, grimacing at the name. "That pile o wood that floats?! Never!" His arms crossed over his wide chest. "Why.. if I didn't know better Damion it sounds like you're jealous." He said with a laugh, stepping off the deck onto the shipyard before the captain could argue.

Grune was waiting, standing quietly and at attention. His spear standing straight up, clenched in his hand. Dressed in royal regalia, his helmet under his other arm. He bowed when Hanamao came up him, trying to ignore the heat of the port, already sweating in the heavy plate. "Yer Majesty we've arr-" Hanamao sighed, interrupting him. "Stop with the formalities. We are not in the castle, this is Aslandus, probably the furthest thing from there right now. Also I told you to dress lighter, you're sweating more than a Nobleman in court." Grune nodded slightly, lifting his head, feeling embarrassment run over him. "Yer Majesty I understand but your safety." The king flicked Grune on the forehead, silencing the young soldier. "My safety is guaranteed with you here. Go back on the Pantara and dress down a bit. You'll thank me later when we're drunk in the taverns. I'll wait here." He gave a light smirk, watching Grune sheepishly bow again and rush back on the ship to change. Hanamao looked around while he waited, metal hand resting on the pommel of his sword. He watched the waves of people moving about, taking in the unique and somewhat unpleasant smell of the port. "Metal, wood, spices and... sweat?" He thought to himself, watching a group of Dire children stealing a few Delapples from a merchants cargo, quickly running away as they were chased off. His attention was then drawn to a small black forms scurrying across the railings of a ship. Three of them, of various sizes, hurried along, carrying links of Sausages. Each one wearing a ramshackle of trinkets and bobbles. "Hm.. Mights seem to be in full force here." He said to himself, watching the mischievous trio. The Mights were usually found in areas with large groups of people. Small round creatures covered in frizzy black hairs, they had thin stick like arms and legs that came out of their bodies. Their eyes were mysterious glowing white swirls in the middle of their bodies. The three running with their score were quite small, the largest only seemed to be as big as a Delapple. The Mights jumped off the railing, vanishing into crowd.

Grune returned a few moments later, going back over to the king. He was dressed much lighter. A gray cottonile shirt, tucked neatly into black trousers, reinforced leather boots on his feet. The spear strapped to his back at an angle, letting his hands free, a pair of black leather gloves on them. "Yer Maj-" He corrected himself before the King could scold him yet again. "Hanamao is this better sir?" "Yes, Han is fine as well." He put his arm around his broad shoulder. "Let's get us a room eh? There's a lovely tavern in the market district called The Dandy Dire. Hell of a place!" He headed out before Grune could protest, the two heading out of the port into the city.

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Connected to the port was the Industrial District. The largest and most prominent part of the district was the Airship yard. Dozens of airships were in various stages of being built. A few only framework to some being painted and decorated. The massive ships each had their own flair or style. Workers constantly transporting wood and metal back and forth. While less crowded it was far louder. The constant sounds of hammering against wood and steel were like a heartbeat, making the yard feel alive. The two men stopped to watch and listen, looking at one ship in peticular, the largest in the yard. "Sir is that the Don Carlos?" Grune asked, staring at the crimson painted wood. "The largest warship in the world. Well when it's done at least." Hanamao smiled. The warship dwarfed the others, at least twice their size. It's hull was deep red, with black accents. A soldier holding a spear thrust to the sky as it's figurehead. "Should be finished by years end, then It'll be brought in to our military." Hanamao said while continuing to walk, heading down a stone walkway. Grune followed at his side, quiet a moment. "It was commissioned to celebrate yer eldest sons marriage correct?" "Indeed. The woman he married is a fierce scaleborn warrior. Queen Alexandriel of the north. So I decided why not give her a ship worthy of her strength and size." Hanamao gave Grune a pat on the shoulder before continuing down the stone pathway. Grune looked at the shipyard for another moment before following the King.

The pathway twisted and turned through district, which eventually separated by a small part of the forest. Each district was separated by an arboretum. The stone pathways wore down from the sheer volume of people traveling them over the decades. Hanamao looked around as they walked, even though it was a hot and humid afternoon the canopy overhead provided a respite. "Reminds me of the Royal gardens. I'll have to bring Hunuki here next time" he thought. Large scarlet oak ran parallel on either side of the path. Massive red trunks towered over the path with branches outstretch covered in leaves in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The little pieces of nature separating each district seemed to dull and quiet the chaos of the city itself. Eventually the peace gave way as the two came out, and into the cacophony of the Market District. The district was huge, separated into five roads that all met in the town center. "The hand of Aslandus" Hanamao said, whistling at the sight. Each road was it's own small town, specializing in its own type of goods and services. Each road also branched out to the other districts. They were on the first road. "The drunken finger" Hanamao said with a laugh, starting down it. Each side of the road were taverns, inns, and brothels. As the two moved through the crowd each building was filled with laughter, scrams, or singing. Hanamao stopped near the middle, pointing to a sign. "Here we are" Grune looked in the direction. A wooden sign hung above the door of a building. Two dancing figures were carved into the sign, each dressed in vibrant colors. "THE DANDY DIRE" Carved under it. The two headed inside. Music hit their ears as they pushed open the wooden doors. A group of sailors were at a corner table, bellowing a sky shanty. "The Heart of the Silver Sea?" Grune said, which surprised Hanamao. "Now how does a young Elium soldier know about that one?" He turned, looking to him. Grune smirked, gaining a bit of pride at the Kings surprise. "I was born in the Silver Sea yer lordlyship. I've met the Heart myself. Her family squired me." Hanamao laughed, walking them to a table, aitting down with him. "Well well young Grune. You are full of surprises. How is Teronia?" Grune set his spear against the table as he sat across from him. "As beautiful and full of energy as ever. Hasn't aged a day even though she's been around longer than all of us. Hair still golden and skin kissed by the Sol itself" Hanamao raised an eyebrow slightly. "My, sounds like someone's got a crush" Grune blinked, stammering a bit. "It's admiration, she's the literal heart of our land. Everyone loves her." The King smirked. "Good deflection" A woman came up to the table before they could continue. She held a round wooden tray under her arm, dressed in the taverns signature colors. A bright green skirt and black blouse, crimson hair tied up by green ribbons with gold embroidery. "Well well if it isn't his Majesty, back again are we?" She said. Her accent was heavy, typical for the people of Aslan. A harsh but sing songy tone to their speech. Her skin kissed by the Sol as most in Aslan were, dark and tanned olive. Hanamao grinned at the woman, giving a nod. "Indeed Fillia. We'd like two rooms for the week and two Dalapple Meads if you don't mind." The girl gave a bow before turning and skipping back to the bar, her black heeled boots clacking again the scarlet oak floor. Hanamao reached into his pocket, taking out five coins, running his fingers over them. They were gold, two dragons on the face of each. Fillia returned, two large cups made from Dox horns. Filled with a foamy golden mead. She set down the drinks as well as two keys for them. "All set, you have rooms six and seven." Hanamao handed her the coins, smiling. "Thank you darling." She bowed and left again, to tend to another table. Grune took a drink of the mead. Sweet, heavy, fruity with a bit of a nutty flavor, every Delapple Mead was different. In his travels from the Silver Sea he had learned that all to well. This one was fruit forward, but not unwelcome. He set the cup down, wiping the bubbly foam from his mouth, his mouth puckering and reflexively making a smack sound. Delapples were sour enough on their own. The Mead only intensified the taste. Hanamao slammed his now empty cup on the table, face a bit scrunched do to the sourness of drinking an entire mug of it. Grune laughed, watching this lord who he had only just been assigned to a few months ago acting so normal around him. "Always hits the spot." The King said, chuckling as well. "So I suppose we need to speak about the plan for the week, now that we're here.."

A meal of roasted Poltrio and a few more meads later the two were content. Hanamao finished the leg, setting the bone on his plate. "So we find this false King and speak with him." He looked to Grune, speaking in hushed tones. "Well considering the ship we arrived in Han. He prolly already knows we're here. So I imagine he'll be sendin some of his men to us." Grune said, more relaxed now thanks to the Mead. "Good point. We'll we could kick our feet up, relax here and wait for them then. But that's a bit boring.." Hanamao said, crossing his arms over his broad chest. Grune simply nodded. "I want to see this city, not wait fer a King who hides to send some two bit mercenaries paid in Gold dragons to find us." He replied, smirking a bit. Hanamao chuckled, punching him lightly on the arm. "I knew you were the right choice. I'm glad your with me friend, and not some stuck up soldier that wouldn't want to share a drink." Grune looked into his half empty mug, watching the foam bubbles of the mead popping. "I will be honest Han. I was a bit nervous, given this was my first assignment with you. But I'm glad I'm here as well." Hanamao patted his shoulder, standing up, scratching and yawning. "Good. No more of that nervousness with me soldier. Now I think it's time to turn in.." He scratched his beard. "Long day tomorrow I'm sure. The weather skryer said it'd be even hotter. No visits from Asu until weeks end." Grune stood up with a grunt, his belly full of food and mead. "Get some rest My Lord." The king waved as he headed up the steps to his room. Grune following a moment later, going to his own room. Hanamao kicked his shoes off, setting them aside, setting the sword against the wall next to the headboard. He lay back on the bed, the mead and food taking its effects as he quickly passed out.

That night, as the world slept, something strange happened.

A dream.

The entire world, every person on Varnalia dreamt of the same thing.

A woman spoke to them. Her voice calm and sweet. She stood in shadow, a singular light illuminating only her silhouette. Her eyes were glowing violet, shimmering and staring.

"Aslandus is the key to your happiness and dreams. Go there and you will be given a gift that your heart desires. In that city you will find peace." At the time the world did not realize it, but she then spoke to each person of their own desires. The only part of this shared dream that differed. The dream ended as the woman embraced those who dreamed.

Aslandus, and the world would change forever.