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Description
The sun beat down on the inhabitants of Thialdr, as it took its place in the sky and rose to the peak of its height, directly above the rich merchant city. A crowd of people walked down the busy street, with wooden stores built to the sides of it, bargaining and yelling at the merchants who sold things in their expensive stalls and stores. The buildings were short and maybe just eight feet tall with signs posted in bolded letters atop them, atop some of them musicians played music and sung, adding onto the noise of the buyers and bidders who shouted out into and through the crowd, drawing everyone's attention. The road continued for nearly half a mile until it ended and broke off into other roads and so on until finely ending at the stone walls and gates which protected the village from unwanted animals.

Roughly pushing through the crowds of people who filled the dirt road, Ryan preceded from shop to shop getting things his grandmother had sent him out into the city to retrieve for her. He held the small piece of parchment, with the list of needing material, in his hands which he held high above his head so no one accidently knocked it out of hands. He wore a navy blue vest, which was being pulled back by his pack, and brown leather pants which to Ryan's dismay, were not doing well with the clingy and dusty dirt which produced a small cloud at the people's feet. Warm sweat beaded from his head, a reaction only from being out for so long and trying to get to his mentors home so that he could take his test. He had only learned of it the day before and could barely keep still for long when thinking about it, which was the main reason his grandmother, Madeline, had sent him about to do such work, while she tended to their garden.

Wild thoughts buzzed around Ryan's head as he wondered how the life of a knight or even a Council Member may be., they probably have so much skill they could kill a giant. He wondered remembering the stories his grandmother told him long ago, he knew such things were fake but just the thought of how much needed skill a being would have to have to just capture a giant must be immense and a Council member of course had such abilities. Returning to reality Ryan forced his way through the crowd and moved towards a shop labeled "Shayla's Candies", his grandmother had a strong fondness for sweets that Ryan rarely understood, and he had many problems with such nuisances, learning long ago how they affected his training. He towered over little kids in shaggy and dirty clothing and bandanas atop their heads. The kids looked poor but he knew they weren't, no one in this city was poor, probably occasionally challenged by the kings taxes but no never poor. He pushed them aside, slightly breaking the mood of excitement, until he reached the drooping wooden counter of shop window and leaned on the counter board. "How do you do Ryan, I have your grandmothers things already bagged up, I'll be back with them in a second." Shayla said surprising Ryan that his visits had become so frequent she was ready when he arrived. She rushed off, her smooth peach face wearing a determined scowl. Ryan turned around and looked at the crowd of people who still moved throughout the shops and road, all the noise which came from them jumbled together and pounded at Ryan's head. He drew himself away from it and leaned his head into the shade of the shop, he glanced up towards the clear blue sky and spotted a crow disengaging itself from the mass of people and flying high into the sky with a small piece of meat clasped between its claws. A thick and plump man shouted angrily from below shaking a clenched fist at the scavenger. Ryan admired the bird, Crows at that, they knew what they wanted and would get it even if they died trying, and they cared little about their actions, they were great and special in Ryan's eyes.

A tap on his shoulder forced Ryan out of his thoughts; he turned around swiftly bracing himself for the worse but realized he was only at the candy shop. Warm blood rushed to his cheek as Shayla jumped back, startled, by his actions, "Sorry Shayla, I was just in another world, that's all." He smiled and let out a short laugh, hoping she knew he was telling the truth. He grasped the bag from the lady and paid her with bronze and silver coins. He rejoined the mass of people and continued shopping picking up; cat food, kitchen utensils, and a few books before he headed home leaving the mass of people behind. His house stood out amongst others, it was placed on the eastern side of the village where senior and wealthier families lived, but instead of being made of oak or maple wood, or even stone, his home was made up of kingwood; one the darkest woods known throughout the city. It was built lopsided and uneven, from the outside you could tell it had three floors and was badly taken care of; vines and plants hung from walls and burst out of the structure, broken windows surrounded it, and birds flew throughout the place as if it were their nest. The feeling around the house was foreboding but curious, little knew of the family which inhabited it and without that knowledge sent fear throughout their bones. Ryan walked through the creaky door which hung loosely on its handles, a raccoon dashed across the floor a few feet in front of him and he rolled his eyes as he nearly tripped on his grandmother's cat, Piffy, which chased after it. Upon entering the house he had thus entered the kitchen, a creaky but well lit room with glass tables and wooden cabinets, the inside of his home was always clean, except for the many animals which roamed freely about it and the plants which grew through it. He set his pack of supplies upon the kitchen table and moved about the house stopping at the door frame of the living room, as he noticed a pair of boots just outside the frame. Curious on who could be in his home he stepped across the threshold and looked about the massive and cotton coach filled room, his eyes resting on a bearded man who wore a sword by his belt and fine, clean clothing.

Alvis, his middle aged mentor sat on the orange patched coach, a glass of lemonade held in his hands. He held the cup to his nose sniffing at it curiously, once Ryan entered the room a wicked smile crossed his face, and he poured the drinks contents onto a small vine protruding from the wall next him. He rose to his feet with a grunt, and placed his thick and strong hands on hips licking his lips and filling his mouth with saliva. "Ah, finally you're here, I was wondering when you would return." The mentor explained as the house cat walked up the wooden stairs which connected to the side of the living room. Ryan was about to ask why he was here when the man began to speak once again, "Sorry if I made a mess, but I personally don't trust that Madeline enjoys me being here, and you know how crazy that old bat is, she probably tapped my drink and tried to make me ill." He scowled and as if it was given a signal, the lemonade drenched vine erupted into steam and mist and lazily began to droop to the floor, turning a ghastly grey. Ryan was taken aback by the event, he knew his grandmother and master thought lesser of each other but, he didn't know his grandmother would ever do such a thing. Alvis seemed to be pleased with such an occurrence and began to laugh, he motioned Ryan towards the couch and they sat across from each other. "I have to travel to Ricaldor tonight so I need to move soon, that being as it is, I decided I would come here and give you a oral test, and if you pass well, then you can continue on the next stage, but if you don't well, you'll just have to be given the duty of cleaning out the trash and stables down by the slaughter house." Ryan's stomach turned at the thought of such things, he was disgusted with what he might have to do, and so was Piffy, who had returned down the stairs and observed the destroyed vine which sizzled just a bit. "So we are just going to jump into it then, I have no time to waste and if you are to start your next assessment, you will have to get it done early." His mentor explained and in a blur he got to his feet closed the doors to the kitchen, a closet which was placed beside the stairs, and a door to the next level upstairs.

When he returned he jumped right into the verbal test, asking various questions; about their empire, named Cladbeuin, the neighboring empire Ruscow, animals amongst the forest, fighting techniques, and puzzles, and other bits of information Ryan had learned throughout his training. By the end of his mentor's questions, Ryan had recited the quick uprising of King Zoromis, who had broken the old medieval nation and created a new nation built on humanity. Ryan barely understood that part of history for if the King had done all the things history said he had done, then he would have to be hundreds of years old. Plus the mention of a beast which the King and the Council were rumored to hold in each of their possessions, which were dragons? The thought always removed the serious mood from Ryan's mind. How could the King have a dragon, such a mighty creature would easily kill him and the Council, not to mention terrorize the nation. But Ryan always pushed these questions away, believing in due time he would be able to ask the King himself, why such a childish rumor existed amongst his people.

Once Alvis finished asking questions the light in the living room had changed from a bright yellow glow to a deep orange shade, which shone through the portion of glass ceiling high above their seated positions. He left Ryan and contemplated alone about the answers, Ryan could feel a deep sense of concentration emanating from his mentors body, as he noticed the man rubbing his slightly hairy but well shaved chin and looking at the wooden floorboards as if they held some deep meaning behind their origin. Piffy, jumped atop the couch and rested his head on Ryan's leg, which Ryan fought hard not to shake with nervousness so that the ill tempered cat would not scratch or bite him. After nearly half an hour of no one uttering a sound, Alvis positioned himself before Ryan, a grim look across his face, "I guess, I can pass you, under the circumstances I am dealing with, but when I return from my duties you will finish your assessment and retake this test, on paper." He raised a hand to silence Ryan's squeals of excitement. ", the next stage in your assessment is going to test your survival skills. You will be going living in the Olivine Valley for a month, and if you survive you will return to what I have just told you. I will send my servant to escort you to the city gates in an hour, I will not be returning. I suggest you pack what you may need and say your goodbyes to your grandmother. You are to not come out of the Valley until a month, when the moon is full in the sky and when it rests you may return. I may be back by then, I believe." The man put a frown on his face, he glared down at his apprentice with some hidden thoughts raging about his mind, ", also I will have people posted about the city and around the great Valley, if you leave it before your given date, you will be disbanded as my apprentice and stripped of your chance of becoming a soldier to the Empire. Am I clear?" His voice rose unexpectedly and his face glowed an eerie shade in the fading sunlight emitting from the overhead ceiling. Ryan nodded which was acknowledged by a purr from Piffy. "Good, I will be off then, remember you must enter the forest tonight, got it, and no one is allowed to accompany you." The man growled and stomped out of the living room and then the house. Ryan waited a minute before erupting into a shout of joy twirling around a now irritated Piffy who growled and struggled out of Ryan's clutches. Other invading animals took notice of Ryan's joy and watched him curiously.

★★★

Ryan had departed from his home and had said his goodbyes to his grandmother and received her sweet blessing. He now stood in front of a massive iron black gate which opened to a solid wall of trees which were penetrated by a small dirt path. HE wore a small but thick backpack filled with the necessities of surviving in the forest, his grandmother had presented him with his father's blade, which she had saved for a special moment and believed now was the time to give it to him, he was dressed in comfortable clothing and stood beside his mentors servant who wore an irritated look upon his face. "Now you may start you journey, and remember Master Avis's words and heed his warnings." The servant drooled on and after few minutes walked away back into the city. Ryan walked the opposite way, heading away from the trail and into the pine scented forest. He had never left the city and was filled to the rim with excitement. Ryan walked deep through the woods, and was appalled when he reached a massive mound of rock he realized was a mountain, a small one at that. He trudged up the steep slope, clasping onto his packs straps for support. Birds tweeted and danced around the forest and flew gracefully through the air, deer and small critters moved amongst the tree's and burrows. By the time Ryan reached the top of the small mountain he had seen many creatures and was satisfied already with his adventure, but he knew more things rested within the forest and he still had to reach the valley which was now just below him.

It was a wide and vast piece of woodland which stretched far into the west and ended just miles into the south and east. Ryan marveled at the sight and turned around to where he came from, his city was just a blurred mound of grey in the distance, and was now forgotten as Ryan descended into the Valley. He dared not look back, fearing he would feel homesick and turn his trip into a miserable strip of long hours and boring moments. He knew that this would be a rough trip and he would need to concentrate hard on his task at hand. He wore a smile and grasped the hilt of his sword; he was so close to becoming what he always wanted to be he could taste it.

Description
The sun beat down on the inhabitants of Thialdr, as it took its place in the sky and rose to the peak of its height, directly above the rich merchant city. A crowd of people walked down the busy street, with wooden stores built to the sides of it, bargaining and yelling at the merchants who sold things in their expensive stalls and stores. The buildings were short and maybe just eight feet tall with signs posted in bolded letters atop them, atop some of them musicians played music and sung, adding onto the noise of the buyers and bidders who shouted out into and through the crowd, drawing everyone's attention. The road continued for nearly half a mile until it ended and broke off into other roads and so on until finely ending at the stone walls and gates which protected the village from unwanted animals.

Roughly pushing through the crowds of people who filled the dirt road, Ryan preceded from shop to shop getting things his grandmother had sent him out into the city to retrieve for her. He held the small piece of parchment, with the list of needing material, in his hands which he held high above his head so no one accidently knocked it out of hands. He wore a navy blue vest, which was being pulled back by his pack, and brown leather pants which to Ryan's dismay, were not doing well with the clingy and dusty dirt which produced a small cloud at the people's feet. Warm sweat beaded from his head, a reaction only from being out for so long and trying to get to his mentors home so that he could take his test. He had only learned of it the day before and could barely keep still for long when thinking about it, which was the main reason his grandmother, Madeline, had sent him about to do such work, while she tended to their garden.

Wild thoughts buzzed around Ryan's head as he wondered how the life of a knight or even a Council Member may be., they probably have so much skill they could kill a giant. He wondered remembering the stories his grandmother told him long ago, he knew such things were fake but just the thought of how much needed skill a being would have to have to just capture a giant must be immense and a Council member of course had such abilities. Returning to reality Ryan forced his way through the crowd and moved towards a shop labeled "Shayla's Candies", his grandmother had a strong fondness for sweets that Ryan rarely understood, and he had many problems with such nuisances, learning long ago how they affected his training. He towered over little kids in shaggy and dirty clothing and bandanas atop their heads. The kids looked poor but he knew they weren't, no one in this city was poor, probably occasionally challenged by the kings taxes but no never poor. He pushed them aside, slightly breaking the mood of excitement, until he reached the drooping wooden counter of shop window and leaned on the counter board. "How do you do Ryan, I have your grandmothers things already bagged up, I'll be back with them in a second." Shayla said surprising Ryan that his visits had become so frequent she was ready when he arrived. She rushed off, her smooth peach face wearing a determined scowl. Ryan turned around and looked at the crowd of people who still moved throughout the shops and road, all the noise which came from them jumbled together and pounded at Ryan's head. He drew himself away from it and leaned his head into the shade of the shop, he glanced up towards the clear blue sky and spotted a crow disengaging itself from the mass of people and flying high into the sky with a small piece of meat clasped between its claws. A thick and plump man shouted angrily from below shaking a clenched fist at the scavenger. Ryan admired the bird, Crows at that, they knew what they wanted and would get it even if they died trying, and they cared little about their actions, they were great and special in Ryan's eyes.

A tap on his shoulder forced Ryan out of his thoughts; he turned around swiftly bracing himself for the worse but realized he was only at the candy shop. Warm blood rushed to his cheek as Shayla jumped back, startled, by his actions, "Sorry Shayla, I was just in another world, that's all." He smiled and let out a short laugh, hoping she knew he was telling the truth. He grasped the bag from the lady and paid her with bronze and silver coins. He rejoined the mass of people and continued shopping picking up; cat food, kitchen utensils, and a few books before he headed home leaving the mass of people behind. His house stood out amongst others, it was placed on the eastern side of the village where senior and wealthier families lived, but instead of being made of oak or maple wood, or even stone, his home was made up of kingwood; one the darkest woods known throughout the city. It was built lopsided and uneven, from the outside you could tell it had three floors and was badly taken care of; vines and plants hung from walls and burst out of the structure, broken windows surrounded it, and birds flew throughout the place as if it were their nest. The feeling around the house was foreboding but curious, little knew of the family which inhabited it and without that knowledge sent fear throughout their bones. Ryan walked through the creaky door which hung loosely on its handles, a raccoon dashed across the floor a few feet in front of him and he rolled his eyes as he nearly tripped on his grandmother's cat, Piffy, which chased after it. Upon entering the house he had thus entered the kitchen, a creaky but well lit room with glass tables and wooden cabinets, the inside of his home was always clean, except for the many animals which roamed freely about it and the plants which grew through it. He set his pack of supplies upon the kitchen table and moved about the house stopping at the door frame of the living room, as he noticed a pair of boots just outside the frame. Curious on who could be in his home he stepped across the threshold and looked about the massive and cotton coach filled room, his eyes resting on a bearded man who wore a sword by his belt and fine, clean clothing.

Alvis, his middle aged mentor sat on the orange patched coach, a glass of lemonade held in his hands. He held the cup to his nose sniffing at it curiously, once Ryan entered the room a wicked smile crossed his face, and he poured the drinks contents onto a small vine protruding from the wall next him. He rose to his feet with a grunt, and placed his thick and strong hands on hips licking his lips and filling his mouth with saliva. "Ah, finally you're here, I was wondering when you would return." The mentor explained as the house cat walked up the wooden stairs which connected to the side of the living room. Ryan was about to ask why he was here when the man began to speak once again, "Sorry if I made a mess, but I personally don't trust that Madeline enjoys me being here, and you know how crazy that old bat is, she probably tapped my drink and tried to make me ill." He scowled and as if it was given a signal, the lemonade drenched vine erupted into steam and mist and lazily began to droop to the floor, turning a ghastly grey. Ryan was taken aback by the event, he knew his grandmother and master thought lesser of each other but, he didn't know his grandmother would ever do such a thing. Alvis seemed to be pleased with such an occurrence and began to laugh, he motioned Ryan towards the couch and they sat across from each other. "I have to travel to Ricaldor tonight so I need to move soon, that being as it is, I decided I would come here and give you a oral test, and if you pass well, then you can continue on the next stage, but if you don't well, you'll just have to be given the duty of cleaning out the trash and stables down by the slaughter house." Ryan's stomach turned at the thought of such things, he was disgusted with what he might have to do, and so was Piffy, who had returned down the stairs and observed the destroyed vine which sizzled just a bit. "So we are just going to jump into it then, I have no time to waste and if you are to start your next assessment, you will have to get it done early." His mentor explained and in a blur he got to his feet closed the doors to the kitchen, a closet which was placed beside the stairs, and a door to the next level upstairs.

When he returned he jumped right into the verbal test, asking various questions; about their empire, named Cladbeuin, the neighboring empire Ruscow, animals amongst the forest, fighting techniques, and puzzles, and other bits of information Ryan had learned throughout his training. By the end of his mentor's questions, Ryan had recited the quick uprising of King Zoromis, who had broken the old medieval nation and created a new nation built on humanity. Ryan barely understood that part of history for if the King had done all the things history said he had done, then he would have to be hundreds of years old. Plus the mention of a beast which the King and the Council were rumored to hold in each of their possessions, which were dragons? The thought always removed the serious mood from Ryan's mind. How could the King have a dragon, such a mighty creature would easily kill him and the Council, not to mention terrorize the nation. But Ryan always pushed these questions away, believing in due time he would be able to ask the King himself, why such a childish rumor existed amongst his people.

Once Alvis finished asking questions the light in the living room had changed from a bright yellow glow to a deep orange shade, which shone through the portion of glass ceiling high above their seated positions. He left Ryan and contemplated alone about the answers, Ryan could feel a deep sense of concentration emanating from his mentors body, as he noticed the man rubbing his slightly hairy but well shaved chin and looking at the wooden floorboards as if they held some deep meaning behind their origin. Piffy, jumped atop the couch and rested his head on Ryan's leg, which Ryan fought hard not to shake with nervousness so that the ill tempered cat would not scratch or bite him. After nearly half an hour of no one uttering a sound, Alvis positioned himself before Ryan, a grim look across his face, "I guess, I can pass you, under the circumstances I am dealing with, but when I return from my duties you will finish your assessment and retake this test, on paper." He raised a hand to silence Ryan's squeals of excitement. ", the next stage in your assessment is going to test your survival skills. You will be going living in the Olivine Valley for a month, and if you survive you will return to what I have just told you. I will send my servant to escort you to the city gates in an hour, I will not be returning. I suggest you pack what you may need and say your goodbyes to your grandmother. You are to not come out of the Valley until a month, when the moon is full in the sky and when it rests you may return. I may be back by then, I believe." The man put a frown on his face, he glared down at his apprentice with some hidden thoughts raging about his mind, ", also I will have people posted about the city and around the great Valley, if you leave it before your given date, you will be disbanded as my apprentice and stripped of your chance of becoming a soldier to the Empire. Am I clear?" His voice rose unexpectedly and his face glowed an eerie shade in the fading sunlight emitting from the overhead ceiling. Ryan nodded which was acknowledged by a purr from Piffy. "Good, I will be off then, remember you must enter the forest tonight, got it, and no one is allowed to accompany you." The man growled and stomped out of the living room and then the house. Ryan waited a minute before erupting into a shout of joy twirling around a now irritated Piffy who growled and struggled out of Ryan's clutches. Other invading animals took notice of Ryan's joy and watched him curiously.

★★★

Ryan had departed from his home and had said his goodbyes to his grandmother and received her sweet blessing. He now stood in front of a massive iron black gate which opened to a solid wall of trees which were penetrated by a small dirt path. HE wore a small but thick backpack filled with the necessities of surviving in the forest, his grandmother had presented him with his father's blade, which she had saved for a special moment and believed now was the time to give it to him, he was dressed in comfortable clothing and stood beside his mentors servant who wore an irritated look upon his face. "Now you may start you journey, and remember Master Avis's words and heed his warnings." The servant drooled on and after few minutes walked away back into the city. Ryan walked the opposite way, heading away from the trail and into the pine scented forest. He had never left the city and was filled to the rim with excitement. Ryan walked deep through the woods, and was appalled when he reached a massive mound of rock he realized was a mountain, a small one at that. He trudged up the steep slope, clasping onto his packs straps for support. Birds tweeted and danced around the forest and flew gracefully through the air, deer and small critters moved amongst the tree's and burrows. By the time Ryan reached the top of the small mountain he had seen many creatures and was satisfied already with his adventure, but he knew more things rested within the forest and he still had to reach the valley which was now just below him.

It was a wide and vast piece of woodland which stretched far into the west and ended just miles into the south and east. Ryan marveled at the sight and turned around to where he came from, his city was just a blurred mound of grey in the distance, and was now forgotten as Ryan descended into the Valley. He dared not look back, fearing he would feel homesick and turn his trip into a miserable strip of long hours and boring moments. He knew that this would be a rough trip and he would need to concentrate hard on his task at hand. He wore a smile and grasped the hilt of his sword; he was so close to becoming what he always wanted to be he could taste it.