The Inner area

"Sigh…"

Seth exhaled deeply, casting a glance at Emily, who walked beside him, practically buzzing with excitement. Emily's ability to remain enthusiastic eluded him, because in contrast to her enthusiasm, the young boy was overcome with intense nervousness. 

He had never been to the inner area of the Blackthorn clan, because Mira had forbidden him from setting foot there. Of course being a naturally curious person, his imagination ran wild to various theories as to why he wasn't allowed there, each more absurd than the last.

Clan Blackthorn was a warrior clan that produces among the best knights in all of Cyndor, making them stand out amongst the other bloodline clans. Adding the fact that they were a vassal clan of the royal family their prestige was almost unmatched. 

Because of this, the prestigious clan had taken measures in ensuring the next generation from their clan is unmatched. They simply made combat training a necessity to all children of the bloodline, hence the reason for Emily's absence despite being Seth's guardian. Ironically, it was sole position as Seth's protector that qualified her to partake in this training despite not carrying the clan's bloodline.

Of course Seth himself was originally exempted from participating for being cripple at least that was until the trials drew near. 

Now, as the path to the training grounds which was located in the inner area stretched out before him, Seth couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension in his chest.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the exit of the outer living area. The Blackthorn settlement was divided into three distinct sections. The outer living area housed commoners and low status clan members. It was a modest, bustling place filled with simple homes and workshops.

Beyond that lay the inner area, this part of the settlement was more refined, with neatly arranged houses and courtyards. It served as the home of clan members who held some degree of influence but not enough to live at the core of the estate. The branch family oversaw this section, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily life.

Finally at the heart of the settlement was the core area. Despite its vast expanse, only a grand mansion stood at its center, surrounded by a few auxiliary buildings, a small estate of elegant homes and structures that served various specialized purposes. The core area symbolized the true power of the Blackthorn family, a place reserved for the head family and those closest to them. The mansion loomed in the distance, a silent reminder of the divide between those at the top and everyone else.

Massive walls divided the three areas of the Blackthorn estate, their sheer size and intricate design suggesting they were not constructed by ordinary means.

As Seth and Emily approached the gates leading to the inner area, they found themselves blocked by two guards stationed at the entrance.

"Halt! State your business," commanded one of the guards, his voice gruff and accompanied by the metallic clink of armor. He lowered his spear, the sharp tip gleaming in the sunlight as it barred their path.

Emily stared at the man silently, accustomed to the routine. Seth who was visiting for the first time, prepared to offer an explanation, but the guard's gaze softened as recognition dawned. "Oh, it's you…" he muttered, stepping aside and signaling for the gate to be opened.

At first glance, it might seem like access to their inner area was lax, but in reality, Almost no one from the outer section were allowed entrance to the inner section. The only exception was when children who wanted to take part in the trials converge in the inner area. 

The guards allowed them through, though not without the occasional sneer or the usual look of disdain.

'What else is new?'

Stepping into the inner area, Seth felt like he had crossed into a world that had always been just out of his reach, a world of privilege that had never truly welcomed him. The contrast was stark. Here, the buildings stood tall and immaculate, their stone facades polished and adorned with intricate carvings, a testament to wealth and power. The streets were paved with smooth cobblestones that glimmered faintly under the sunlight, unlike the dirt paths of the outer area.

Blackthorn warriors patrolled with measured strides, their armor gleaming under the daylight. Each carried their weapon with casual authority, as if a mere glance at their blades was enough to promise swift and merciless retribution for anyone foolish enough to disturb the order.

Seth's gaze lingered on them briefly, and though they paid him no mind, he knew the rules were different for him. His existence might carry the blood of the Blackthorn heir, but here, he remained an anomaly acknowledged, yet never truly embraced. The polished streets, the soldiers, the perfect facades… all seemed to remind him of the same unspoken truth, 'you belong, but only barely.'

Emily, noticing his silence, gave him a reassuring nudge. "We'll be there soon, young master," she whispered, her hazel eyes flickering with quiet determination. "Just stick close to me, alright?"

Seth gave a small nod, his face expressionless, though a flicker of unease stirred beneath his calm exterior as he digested his thoughts.

***

It didn't take long for them to reach their destination. The inner area's training ground sprawled over a vast expanse, large enough to hold a hundred people with room to spare. Tall grey flags, bearing the clan's insignia: a circle of twisted black thorns encircling a vivid red rose, fluttered in the breeze, lending an air of solemnity to the space.

In neat formation stood clusters of boys and girls in their early teens, practicing weapon drills under the sharp eyes of their instructors. To the side, a rack displayed an array of practice weapons, each carefully arranged by type.

Seth's gaze swiftly discerned the divide among the trainees. The majority, bearing the appearance of typical Blackthorn youths, hailed largely as common folk usually from the outer area. Meanwhile, a smaller group stood apart, distinguished by their striking red eyes. These youths trained with disciplined, precise movements, securing their rank at the highest echelon in the absence of children from the core area.

'Great, we're just in time,' Seth thought dryly. 

Though his sarcasm ran thick in his mind, his expression remained impassive, revealing nothing even as the crowd's attention drifted his way, their curios and often judgmental stares settling on him like an unspoken challenge.

Seth could keenly sense the intense stares fixed upon him from both groups within the training grounds. Even the instructors paused briefly to observe the newcomers. Despite being the focus of attention, Seth remained unruffled, his expression betraying nothing. Mastery over his features came naturally to him… except, perhaps, when faced with Mira causing his poker face to shatter akin to a broken mirror.

Although, his outward expression conveyed an unbothered bearing, inwardly his mind was in turmoil.

'Why the sudden stares? Isn't it every day you see a purple eyed pale skinned half-blood bastard?' He thought sarcastically which he usually does when he was nervous.

Emily, on the other hand, appeared far less composed, discomfort flickered across her face as she grappled with the sudden onslaught of attention.

"Well? Are you just going to stand there? Join the others!" one of the instructors commanded, his tone sharp. With a hesitant nod, Emily awkwardly selected a training sword from the weapons rack and joined the fray.

Seth meanwhile settled himself onto a nearby bench, content to observe the training drills in silence, to which the instructors couldn't care less.