Origin Story Part One.
"THANK YOU FOR coming at this late hour, please have a seat." Instructs the Archbishop. "Can I get you a drink; some wine perhaps, or maybe something stronger. I have aged whiskey, about sixty years I believe."
His guest waves him off. The Archbishop pours himself a drink and takes a seat, tumbler in hand. He holds it over a piece of white paper, noting the deep nut-like brown. He then swirls the tumbler just under his nose, and he's greeted with a rapturous aroma. Next he takes a very small sip, allowing his palate to adjust to the alcohol level, once he's satisfied he opens his mouth ever so slightly and takes a manageable sip, and chews on it. The flavor begins to unfold around his mouth and nose, warming up all the while. He does this for five seconds before swallowing and smacks his lips. As he sits there he notes the aftertaste of dried fruit, spices, and wood.
"Ah." The archbishop sits there in silence, eyes shut remembering the note he found with the bottle.
ℛℯ𝒿ℴ𝒾𝒸ℯ 𝓂𝓎 𝓈ℴ𝓃 𝒻ℴ𝓇 ℴ𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓃ℴ𝓌 𝒶 𝓂𝒶𝓃. 𝒜𝓃𝒹 𝓉ℴ 𝒸ℯ𝓁ℯ𝒷𝓇𝒶𝓉ℯ 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒿ℴ𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓈 𝒹𝒶𝓎 𝓎ℴ𝓊 𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℐ 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓇ℯ 𝓎ℴ𝓊𝓇 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝒹𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝓉ℴℊℯ𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇.
𝒫𝒮: ℐ'𝓁𝓁 𝒷ℯ 𝓁ℴℴ𝓀𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝒻ℴ𝓇𝓌𝒶𝓇𝒹 𝓉ℴ 𝓈𝒽𝒶𝓇𝒾𝓃ℊ 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝒹𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓀 𝒶𝓈 𝒶 ℊ𝓇𝒶𝓃𝒹𝒻𝒶𝓉𝒽ℯ𝓇. 𝒮ℴ ℊℯ𝓉 ℴ𝓃 𝒾𝓉 𝒶𝓁𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹𝓎. ℋ𝒜, ℋ𝒜, ℋ𝒜.
ℒℴ𝓋ℯ 𝒟𝒶𝒹.
"My apologies, this was something my father bought the day I was born. His intent was for me to have my first drink with him when I came of age." He repeats the process once more before setting the tumbler down next to a small box, and leans back in his chair.
"Now I need you to listen to the story I'm about to tell without any interruptions and no questions until I'm done. Can you do that for me?"
His guest nods his head in agreement.
"You may remember this, but you have only been told a part of it. So I'm going to set the record straight because I was there when that horrible tragedy occurred. I'll start at the beginning to help paint a clear picture for you.
"As is the custom of our empire on the day we are born. We are constantly being told that demi-humans and beastkin are lowly insanific creatures and are considered heretics that go against the One True God. Day and night this is told to us.
"I was only four years old when my mother, and one of our maids took me to my first Execution Festival. It was a clear sunny day with a slight chill lingering in the air. I was both surprised and curious by what I saw. Food stalls, entertainment venues, and a wide variety of things had been set up throughout the capital square. And right in the center of it all stood the stone platform where the executions would take place. A total of ten demi-humans were to be killed.
"When the time came one by one they were paraded through the spectators. Stones, and rotting food pelted them. They were cursed at and spit on. Once they made it to the top of the execution platform, four men would hold them down and then they were beheaded, the crowd cheered each time.
Then the last one was brought up. I can never forget that one. This thing was completely covered in white fur with black stripes. Its head was that of a tiger. I was close enough to see that even though it was about to be killed, it had a smile on its face.
"It resisted of course. Even with four grown men trying to push the head down onto the chopping block, it still held its head high, the smile never leaving its face.
And then it happened, one of the men slipped in the blood that had remained on the platform. At that moment the tiger grabbed the man by his throat with its teeth. The sound of cartilage and bone being crushed echoed out, blood raining down on anyone nearby. To this day I can hear and see it happening whenever I'm alone.
"Women started screaming, children started crying, but I did not. For in that next instance I saw my father appear on the platform, his crimson longsword in hand and with a single stroke lobbed off the demi-humans head, along with the man he had by the throat. After the shouting died down. I turned to my mother to ask her a question, but she had a hand over her mouth, her face pale. So I turned to the maid and asked.
"Why can't we help the demi-humans stop being heretics?"
The maid never answered my question. My mother, having regained her composure, put a hand on my shoulder and said. "Let's go home, you can ask your father later when he returns."
Upon my father's return I heard him and mother talking. It wasn't long after that there was a knock on my bedroom door, and my father stepped in.
"So you want to know why demi-humans and beastkin can't be saved?"
"Yes father."
"Your mother and I feel it's time you went to school. It is there that you will find the answers you are looking for. How does that sound son?"
"What's school?"
"It's a place to learn not only about the Marijuana Empire's history. You'll learn the teachings of the One True God. And depending on what class you are, you could be a warrior like me or a summoner like your mom."
"YES! YES! YES! That sounds like fun."
"Alright now, stop jumping around, and go get washed up for dinner."
"Yes father."
The next day the Judas family heads to the church to start the enrollment process."
(Character Bio.)
Name: Ares Judas, Age: 40, Species: Human, Gender: Male, Job: Unknown, Class: Warrior, Subclasses: Unknown, Rank: Unknown.
Description: Height: 201 cm, Weight: 111 kg, A Thin-Lean Body Build.
Appearance: Long Brown Hair Tied Up, Brown Eyes, A Light Brown Skin Tone.
Clothing: Red Velour Shirt, Black Satin Breeches, Black Boots.
Weapon: Crimson Longsword.
Name: Sally Judas, Age: 38, Species: Human, Gender: Female, Job: Unknown, Class: Summoner, Subclasses: Unknown, Rank: Unknown.
Description: Height: 152 cm, Weight: 51.02 kg, Pregnant.
Appearance: Short Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, Light Brown Skin Tone.
Clothing: Light Green Satin Blouse, Dark Red Saxon Skirt, Black Velvet Shoes.
Weapon: Unknown.
Name: Cariot Judas, Age: 4, Species: Human, Gender: Male.
Job: None. Class: None. Subclasses: None. Rank: None.
Description: Height: 102 cm, Weight: 16 kg, Thin Body Build.
Appearance: Shoulder Length Brown Hair Tied Up (Like His Fathers), Brown Eyes, Light Brown Skin Tone.
Clothing: White Velour Shirt, Satin Black Breeches, Black Laced Ankle Boots.
Weapon: None.
"Hello Father Mathew, how are you today?"
"I'm doing just fine, Ares. So what brings you here today?"
"We're here today to enroll Cariot for school."
"Alright, please follow me." Father Mathew leads everyone to another room. "This Cariot is a Rainbow Orb. Just place your hand on it, and it will identify what class you are." Cariot does as he's been told. The Rainbow Orb begins to glow.
"It's purple. What's that?"
"That's the Summoners Class." Answered Father Mathew.
"Just like mommy."
"Here is the list of things you'll need. Classes begin in two months. Please fill out this form before you leave here. On the day of departure a carriage will pick your boy up just as the sun begins to rise so be ready, it's a long trip and the carriage will make other pickups as well."
"Thank you father. He'll be ready."
"May The One True God bring blessings to you all."
"And may he bring blessings to you as well Father Mathew." Replied Ares.
Sally fills out the paperwork, hands it over to one of the young acolytes, and the family leaves the church. Cariot, gets so caught up in his excitement of starting school he runs ahead of his parents and runs right into a mountain of a man who has a girl on his left shoulder and a boy on his right shoulder.
"Sorry mister." Cariot offers his apology.
"Oh-ho. Well if it isn't a little carrot."
"It's Cariot!!"
"Are you sure? You look like a carrot to me"
"Shut up and fight me uncle!!" Cariot yells as he takes a peek-a-boo stance.
"Niklaus, must you always get him so wound up?" Sally asked. As she and Ares walk up to the group.
They aren't related by blood, but Niklaus is a part of Ares's party, and both of his kids are the same age as Cariot. They live a couple houses apart from each other.
"Sorry my bad. So what are you lot up to?"
"Just enrolled Cariot for school."
"Oh perfect that's what we are here to do as well."
"Hey Niklaus, it's good to see you."
"It's good to see you too Ares, and Sally you're looking…"
"You look fat like mommy."
"Annabelle!!" Niklaus yells.
"You can't say stuff like that dummy."
"Ajax!! Don't call your sister a dummy."
(Character Bio.)
Name: Niklaus Angelos, Age: 40, Species: Human, Gender: Male.
Job: Unknown, Class: Unknown, Subclasses: Unknown, Rank: Unknown.
Description: Height: 195 cm, Weight: 193 kg, Well-Defined Musculature Physique.
Appearance: Short Spiky Blond Hair, Blue Eyes, Moderate Brown Skin.
Clothing: Light Blue Sleeveless Canvas Shirt, Black Canvas Pants, Black Boots, A Mythril Bangle With A Spiral Design On Each Wrist.
Weapon: Unknown.
Name: Ajax Angelos, Age: 4, Species: Human, Gender: Male.
Job: None, Class: None, Subclasses: None, Rank: None.
Description: Height: 102 cm, Weight: 17 kg, Slim Body Build.
Appearance: Blond Hair, Blue Eyes, Moderate Brown Skin.
Clothing: Short-Sleeved Tan Shirt, Satin Red Breeches, Black Laced Ankle Boots.
Weapon: None.
Name: Annabelle Angelos, Age: 4, Species: Human, Gender: Female.
Job: None, Class: None, Subclasses: None, Rank: None.
Description: H: 101 cm, W: 13.6 kg, Slim Body Build.
Appearance: Shoulder Length Blonde Hair In Braids, Blue Eyes, Moderate Brown Skin.
Clothing: Ocean Blue Dress, Ivory Shoes.
Weapon: None.
"Hee—hee. It's fine Niklaus, she's only four." Sally answers with a small laugh.
"You may be fine with it, Sally but both of them should mind their manners."
"How is Mary doing?" Sally asked.
"Bed ridden until the babies come. My mother, Mary's mother, and both of her sisters are at the house now. My sisters will arrive in two days."
"Is she having twins again?"
"We think so. She's as big as when she had these two. I'm hoping she gives me another son or two.
"You say that, but when it comes to Annabelle you're a hopeless doting idiot."
"I can't argue with you on that." Ha, ha, ha. Niklaus lets out a deep hearty laugh.
"Imagine how worse he'll get if she has twin girls." Quips Ares.
"Wait till you have a girl. Then you'll see what it's like." Niklaus fires back.
"Point taken. Well Sally we should get going."
"Actually, I'm starting to feel a little woozy. Would you mind getting the school things?"
"Sure not a problem."
"Hold up, Ares you walk Sally home. I can look after Cariot until you catch up with us."
"Thank you Niklaus. I won't be long."
"Cariot, you listen to Niklaus until I return from taking your mother home."
"Right."
Two months pass in a blink, and now it's the night before Cariot is to leave for school. Ares sits down with his son to explain a few things to him.
"Cariot, I want to tell you a few things before you leave tomorrow."
"Tell me what?"
"Well first of all you'll be away from home for a whole year. I know you don't quite understand what that means so I'll tell you. It means you won't see me or your mother for a long time."
"Will you come see me?"
"No son. This is how The One True God wants it."
"But won't you miss me?" Cariot asked.
"Of course we'll miss you, but remember when we do come for a visit you'll be a big brother."
"Big brother, what's that?"
"It means there will be a baby sister or baby brother when we come see you." Explained Ares.
"Like how Anna and Ajax are brother and sister."
"That's right, but you'll be older and bigger."
After Cariot's father put his son to bed, the excitement of starting school and knowing he was going to be a big brother kept the boy awake late into the night. Eventually it was time to get up and ready to go. Cariot pecks at his breakfast, too tired to eat. Now fast-forward to Cariot and Ares standing outside waiting for the carriage.
"Good morning Ares, Cariot."
"Mmm, good morning uncle." Cariot responds half asleep.
"Good morning Niklaus, Annabelle. What brings you guys here this early?"
"Annabelle wanted to ride with Cariot to school."
"What about Ajax?"
"I swear he's too smart for his own good."
"What happened with Ajax now Niklaus?" Asked Ares.
"That boy got up, got himself ready and left the house to go meet with his friends so they could ride together all before any of us knew it. I only found out because one of the servants came by to inform us. Luckily I answered the door. Had it been his mother, she would have marched straight to the house and dragged Ajax back by his ears."
"Wow, that's a little impressive."
"Do not let Mary hear you say that. She'll kick your ass and then mine."
"Trust me I won't. We may be the best around, but when it comes to our wives, I'd rather fight a named dragon."
"So when Annabelle asked if she could ride with Cariot, I figured what the hell why not and here we are."
"I did not, papa." Protests Annabelle. "You just wanted to get away from all the…What did you call them?"
"Oh you heard that." Niklaus squats down so he's eye level with his daughter. Which is a feat given his size. "Shh, don't tell anyone, ok. And Ares stop grinning at me like that."
"Tell you what. After the kids leave, and the babies are born. Let's get the party together and go hunting. What do you say?"
"Sounds good, I can't wait."
Not long after the hunting trip is planned the carriage arrives.
"Hello everyone my name is Jefferson Esper."
"I'm Izzie Andrews. We'll be escorting your children to school."
"It's a pleasure I'm Ares Judas and this is my son Cariot Judas."
"I'm Niklaus Angelos and this is my daughter Annabelle Angelos."
"Cariot Judas, and Annabelle Angelos…. yes here they are. What about Ajax Angelos is he here?" Asked Izzie.
"I'm afraid he took off to ride with his friends." Explained Niklaus.
"I see. When we stop at the gate I'll ask if the guards can confirm that he has already left the city. If not at that time I'll confirm if he's arrived when we take roll call."
"Thank you and I'm sorry for the trouble. Please contact me once you know he's there and safe." Niklaus then bows his head to Izzie.
"It's protocol to inform the parents that their children have arrived safely."
While Izzie is talking with Ares and Niklaus. Jefferson had loaded the luggage onto the carriage. Once done he calls out for everyone to climb in so they could depart. Cariot hugs his father and uncle goodbye then climbs up into the carriage. Annabelle and Izzie soon follow. Jefferson takes the driver's seat, snaps the reins and they depart. The swaying of the carriage, the comfortable seats, and Cariots lack of sleep catches up with him as he falls fast asleep.