Chapter 3

The child's name was Korvath. He was twelve, had disheveled black hair and eyes like the purest topaz. Piercing, soothing, ennobling. He didn't grow up in this city of grey, rather he was born in a city far from here, a city of light and color. It's name was Opaque and from it was born the title "The city of translucence". It was a sprawling city filled with gardens, each masterfully orchestrated in both design and color. Vines of the most beautiful shades of green entwined amidst the flowers, and along the sides of buildings. Hanging gardens and spacious lawns crowned homes, while brooks bubbled their way betwixt the ferns and moss. From the outside, it was a city of perfection.

Korvath was born a healthy boy in the year 2314 by his mother Aria and from his father Seris. They were both high ranking officials in the Obéron court. It was here that the sutures were founded. The laws to say that governed all aspects of the city. From the size of buildings, to where each individual was allowed to live. How much glass was to be used, how much white quartz, how much plaster.

The laws determined what food was allowed to be made in restaurants and what produce could be sold. There was also a city wide mandate that all food would adhere to a strict nutrition standard. Many years had been spent testing and researching to find the most optimal diet which led to practically zero sickness throughout the whole of the city. Health and strength was found even in the most elderly, some whom lived well past the age of 300, and were revered for their wisdom.

These elderly held no positions of power. It was the younger generations that held positions within the Obéron court. However when the court could not come to consensus they then turned to the counsel of twelve. These individuals were considered to be the wisest of the elderly in the city, some even as old as 400. Having seen the functioning of the city for many generations, they were quick to spot potential flaws or shortcomings within the new sutures being proposed. However, they only gave advice, their word was not gospel, only guidance. Their words held weight, though never enough to enact any control over the decisions of the court.

Many quiet whispers were passed in the dark corners of bars and brothels of neighboring cities. About the tyranny of this seemingly beautiful city. Laws upon laws, even going so far as to make everyone wear the same type of undergarments they roused. They said you couldn't even pick your nose unless there was a law on how to do it properly. They were robots, the court's slaves. Oh what sad souls these were, living in their own filth spreading lies to keep others suffering as they suffered.

The days a new suture was passed were days of celebration and festivities. New laws were only once in a blue moon, only becoming sutures after a long period of deliberation and planning. They were checked to make sure the new did not conflict with the old, and only expanded upon what was, rather than getting rid of. The people knew that these laws passed had within them the height of respect for the dignity of the human being, and no law would be passed unless it was without a doubt a means to bring more beauty, order and prosperity to their already glorious city. They were followed with joy and reverence, and from them all things prospered.

There was also a caste system which was devised at the very beginning of the city's birth. It was formed like a tree, the peak being the members of the court, while the lowest were the gardeners and builders. From the court was the counsel, and from there was a diverging hierarchy among the elderly. Next came the business owners whose rank and title fluctuated like the wind depending upon to what degree they contributed to the city and its people. And at the bottom were the workers. Family members or individuals who did not excel in the use of the mind but rather the strength of their body.

From the outside these of the lower caste were pitied. Seen to always be covered in sweat, slaving away to make the homes of the successful all the more ostentatious. Within the city however, this was not the case. They too were revered by all tiers, most especially by the court, for while they were the mind, the workers were the body. They had respect and took pride in their work. For it was by their labor that this city had become the epitome of beauty. They were treated as family no matter what home they were called to.

Party's were thrown in their honor, the spot of celebration being the gardens or homes they masterfully crafted. Gifts were given to them and their family's, along with a golden pin which signified to all, of their prowess and dedication to their trade. Not all got this pin, however those who did often were soon seen directing their own business in their field of expertise. Hard work always paid off, and was rewarded graciously.

There was no crime in this city, though the outskirts were heavily guarded to assure that only registered citizens were welcomed to pass. Traders could be found at designated hubs outside the city for the pick up and delivery of imported and exported goods. Anything entering the city was checked and thoroughly decontaminated if necessary, assuring the continued health and safety of all citizens.

There were no schools here, rather children would learn by example and explanation. Wisdom and knowledge was imparted by the fathers, while love, tenderness and compassion was gifted by the mothers. All grew in age, and of age still at tender years, while their innocence kept intact.

Oftentimes viewed as gullible by outsiders, their innocence mistaken as idiocy, would often find themselves dumbfounded at their acumen. One man attempted to sell crates of bad apples to the city, hiding them under fresh ones. Before he could even utter a word of deceit, he was turned away and told to come back with unrotten wares.

Such discourses often lead to broken pride, the scoundrel abashed, and venomous. Oh the lies he would spread safely in his own city about how the pretty princesses of Opaque look down on everyone else and think of them as fools. Empty and broken these people were of the outer city's. Why there stood only one city of light was unknown. All their sutures were public, all their means of wisdom and knowledge shared. Though it was only the people inside who glorified the long standing truths imparted to man.