The sun rose from its deep sleep, as the trees fluttered to the light passing winds.
The rays of light crept up a house wall before filtering through a blinded window, illuminating a young boy sound asleep on his bed.
Feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, he slowly awoke, as the sounds of chirping birds could be heard outside.
As Cain sat up, he let out a great stretch and yawn, before relaxing his arms as a pleasant smile formed on his face. He could hear the sound of people starting their day as various carriages rolled across the stone ground. The merchants could be heard yelling as they tried to sell their latest items.
Today was the day he could finally start to walk his path!
Rolling out of bed, he stood next to the window as he smelled the sweet winds of spring.
At the age of seven, one's body would be developed enough to contain mana, which would also be the age they are allowed to enter the clan's great library. Here, they would be allowed to pick a manual to help them control and manipulate mana, and one technique of their choosing.
Cain knew about his inability to harness mana, but he didn't let that put him down.
He believed that if he worked hard enough, he could change the curse he was given.
And if that wasn't enough, he would put all his hope into the Trials of Fate. This was a trial one would enter upon reaching the age of sixteen. You would be given a random trial, and depending on your choices, you will be given a talent. A talent that decides one's potential in the world.
Stepping back from the window, Cain headed towards his closet to get dressed. He put on some brown clothed pants with a partial button-up white t-shirt.
He looked in the mirror to make sure everything was cleaned and tidied up.
With a slender but refined build, he nodded in approval as his daily running was paying off.
He looked at his facial features, his white, pearly hair pulled back. His eyes were blue as the ocean with a dignified chisel chin.
"I guess it would be difficult to avoid saying I'm the son of the patriarch."
"Cain, food's ready! Get down here!" A deafening sound that came from downstairs.
'Coming!" He exalted back.
Giving one last pull on his shirt, he exited his room.
As he neared the stairs heading down, and instead of taking them, he decided to ride the rail down, a means of a quicker way to food.
Upon arriving in the kitchen, he quickly noticed Tess laying out a variety of bread and fruits.
As Tess watched Cain devour the food, she quickly informed with a slight smile, "Slow down! You have all day to decide on your manual, theirs no rush."
"Yes, Ma'am," He responded. Slowing up on his eating and finishing within a reasonable time.
Tess was one of the maids the patriarch assigned to him at birth. She had long, black, silky hair that almost reached to her butt. Her eyes were dark, almost as if they were devoid of any light. She had a medium-sized chest, one that almost seemed too perfect. She carried herself around in a strange way. It was as if she were too naive for the world, but possessed something sinister within.
There was a social aspect on where you lived on the mountain determined your status. The higher up the mountain, the higher the status.
Due to his inability to use mana, he was put into a house at the bottom of the mountain.
Because of this, he hardly ever got to see his parents, or his sister and brothers, as they lived within the main house on the top of the mountain.
Due to Cain growing up with Tess, she was like the mother he never had.
Cain has always wondered if his parents cared for him at all, but he wasn't too sure. The fact that he had a small house in the town at the bottom of the mountain must mean something? Or was it just solely a small right for having been the son of Reidar?
He didn't delve much into those thoughts, for if he wanted something to change, he would make it happen.
After finishing up his food, he quickly gathered himself before heading out the door, before he heard Tess tell him something.
"Remember, Cain, don't be greedy on your pick. Power is not given… it is earned."
Cain stopped for a brief second to think about what she said, before turning and giving her a small nod and heading out.
The Town of Skoval.
By being at the bottom of the mountain, it was easy for the Whitehearts to develop into different types of trades, especially on rare ores, as many blacksmiths sought to find a connection with the Whitehearts for the various types of ores found within the mountain.
While being a main trade attraction, it also held various types of stores and restaurants. Due to the whitehearts overlooking the town, hardly any crime was committed within, as nobody would dare to get on the wrong side of them.
As Cain headed through the town, he could see all the transactions happening around as people stopped from one store to the next.
He glanced as various heavy merchants entered Snowfall cruise, a top-rated restaurant known for its fancy dishes and 'dances'.
While it may have been seen as a peaceful walk, he could hear the whispers of the people around, some talking in a normal voice as if they had no fear.
"It seems the talentless son has decided to go for a stroll."
"For the Whitehearts, I'm surprised they even gave him a place to stay."
"I hope he passes soon, I heard his maid is a piece of art, sculpted by the heavens themselves."
Cain sped up his walk as he tightened his fist. He was used to being looked down on, but it still always hurt to hear.
As he left the town and headed up the mountain, he arrived in front of the inner gate.
Guards were stationed at the front, making sure nobody of specific interests was deciding to cause an issue for the Whitehearts.
Seeing Cain, the guards quickly gave a disgusted look, before nodding at each other and letting him through.
Cain could only walk through with a downcast face, a face he didn't want to wear.
The grand library was located in the middle left section of the mountain. As he continued up, he could feel the temperature start to drop, and small snowflakes starting to litter across the ground.
Passing a few houses and buildings and continuing for another thirty minutes, he finally arrived
The Grand Library of the Whiteheart.
Entering the library with a determined face, he promised himself.
He would not leave empty-handed.