Dawn broke over the horizon, in the fine city of Harrow. A majestic city, a golden city. The buildings were all painted a gold color. Everything had this shimmer. From the roads, to the high stone statues spread about. Many years ago a Holder of Harrow found the fine substance in a cave south-west of the city. He mixed it with oil and steamed heartroot, to make a paint. He would mold it with mud, and it would dry hard, robust then form. It mimicked real gold so well, that it gave him high praise from the capital.

One could say that by looking at this city, you would expect it to be filled with the rich and nobel. It wasn't exactly that, nor the latter. Here in Harrow lived both, most of them fighters. Harrow had the best arena, and training grounds around. Many who wished to take part in the war, came to Harrow to train. You were either born here, because your father joined the fighters guild, or you moved here for that same reason.

Ayden sat up on his bed, and took a big morning stretch. His muscular arms extended outwards, releasing some tension.He gave himself a moment to wake up, then made his way to the door. He did not smell breakfast, or hear any familiar sounds. Grexxi must of headed to Sal's early. Good ol' Grexxi, always up early enough to grab a liquid breakfast. Might as well join him, or at least make sure he controls himself, Ayden thought.

The air was crisp and smelt of prior rainfall. A gentle breeze kissed at his steel grey eyes, and wisped at his messy brown hair.The glowing sun warmed his skin. It cascaded off the aurous walls of the buildings surrounding him. He stepped into the door. A bell attached to the top of the door rang.

The aroma of breakfast permeated the air. The melody of bacon sizzling, could be heard. Idle chatter between the patrons came about as they sat at their tables and booths. On top of each table laid a set of golden silverware, and basket of Sal's home-made biscuits.

"Good morning Ayden." welcomed Sal, while wiping a mug dry, as he stood behind the bar. "Grexter's at your usual booth, waiting on your arrival."

Ayden sat down across from his buddy, who was having a breakfast of poached eggs and ale. His mud colored hair, haphazardly resting against his forehead. His burly body taking up half of the booth.

"I didn't hear you leave this morning." said Ayden. "When did you get up?"

Grexxi took a sip of his amber colored drink. "About an hour ago. Wanted to get a hot meal, and cold beverage in me before we start our training. Rumors say dragons are getting closer, and we may be in for a good fight." Grexxi's eye's like dark chocolate, had a tiny glimmer in them as he spoke.

"Yes, I have heard Sorin speak of that rumor the other day.We must not let them reach our city walls, and watch them burn to ash, as well." Ayden then eye'd at Grexxi's choice of beverage. "Isn't it a little too early for a brew my brother?"

"You know me, it's never too early for a chilled flagon of ale." Said Grexxi with a smirk and a wink. "Besides a nice drink or two in the belly, helps me fight better."

"Hah, yes, but not too many right now. Don't want you falling on your ass at the training grounds like last month. Ianna almost had a heart attack."

"Oh, believe me, I learned my lesson. No more than four, no less than two."

The laughter started to bellow out from both of them. Ayden calmed himself then, turned towards the bar.

"Hey Sally boy, That bacon smelled great this morning. Is that your honey and apple smoked pork?" Hollered Ayden.

Sal nodded, with a smile. "You know it, you want some strips"

"Oh most definitely, I also wouldn't mind some slices of cheese to go with your biscuits. Also a nice cold glass of orange juice, to wash it down."

Sal gave him a curt nod, then went on with his business. Quick and efficient, like the regular Sal. The meal cane ready, and prepared within mere minutes. He dropped Ayden's drink and meal in front of him, then took a seat next to Ayden.

"So I overheard you two speaking of an incoming battle, that may be coming to our fine golden city." Said Sal.

"Yes," Ayden answered back. "Be a good idea, to put in some extra hours of training this evening so we can be ready. Those beasts can be quite ruthless."

"Nothing we can't handle though." boasted Grexxi.

"Well you two, are great soldiers, I'd say the best that came from the city of gold, maybe even the best in the country"

"OK, Sally boy, no need to kiss ass, brown lips, isn't a good color on you." Grexxi joked back." I see you sporting a nice cherry red though, HAHA!!!" Grexxi slammed his hand on the table as he chuckled like a madman.

"Ahhhh... that humor". Ayden thought to himself. "Always the Joker."

Grexxi always was a bit of a card. Always a happy and carefree man, despite the dark childhood he endured. He never met his birth parents, although It seemed like he never cared to know them at all. They abandoned him infront of an orphanage at a mere two months old. He cried all night, and nearly froze. One of the maids heard his wails, then brought him in. Life inside that orphanage, far from a saving grace.

Grexxi didn't talk about it much, but Ayden knew everything that went down. Ayden probably being the only one, other then Grexxi, the house parents, and any other possible witnesses.

Grexxi lived throughout his childhood in abuse. Not just a single handed measure of abuse. He suffered all kinds. Mental, emotional, and yes physical. The house parents would yell at him, belittle him, then use him for labor. If he became defiant, plausible or not he would get the paddle. He could be tired, and soar not wanting anymore chores. No became a word he could never use. If he spoke without approval  he would take another strike with the paddle. He's been called worthless, stupid, unhinged. He's been called many names, none of them positive.

As he got older, he grew a rebellious side. As a young teen, he started to steal from his house parents. It started with money, then lead to alcohol. His beatings got more severe. One time the house father made a new paddle, and stuck tiny pebbles on the flat end, some were quite sharp. Grexxi bled, and the pain became even worse. He stood there though, emotionless. He took every swing. The lull of the House Father's honeyed rye, helped ease the pain a smidgen. He got locked in a small closet for a week. Once a day they gave him one small meal, and glass of water, but nothing more.

Another year went by, and Grexxi had it. He took a few belongings and ran. The streets felt safer, more secure, more homely. His luck finally grew then. That's when Ayden found him.

Ayden found him in an alley. They would have both been around fifteen years old back then. He heard some scuffling coming from an alleyway. He went towards the noise to investigate. Two boys, one likely a few years older, and one around his age were roughing it up. Fists flew, left and right. The younger boy stumbled. His connection was off. The boy managed to take every hit like he donned a coat of iron. He got a few hits in, then a array of knuckles colided with his forehead. He fell on his ass, inevitable defeat.

The boy that punched him grabbed his hand. He helped him up.

"It was a close one, you got glory in you."

The young boy meekly nodded.

"maybe when your the rightful age, you can join the fighters guild."

The boy smiled back. That's when he noticed they had a spectator, Ayden. The older boy also looked back. He gave the salute to Rhiannon. Ayden gave one back. He walked up to Ayden, his steps very casual.

"I'm willing to spar if you are. Not today, time to save my energy. I can see glory just dripping from your skin. Could be a good one."

Ayden always enjoyed a good fight. They made arrangements, and the older boy went on his way. About to do the same, Ayden started to walk back home. Then there was that sound. Hacking, and coughing. Liquid chunks slapping at the pavement. Ayden turned back around. A worthy man, should be picked up when he falls.

He sat next to the vomiting fountain.

"Rhiannon would be proud. Your a true candidate in the God of Wars eyes. You should drink some water, and rest before you see him too early though." Said Ayden.

The boy flashed a rebellious half smirk.

"Got a drink right here."

He grabbed a bottle he had hidden under some rubbish. He took a long swing, then offered a nip to Ayden. Ayden waved his hands left to right, as he shook his head.

"Suit yourself"

It all made sense. This boy had been drunk. Ayden wondered how well he could fight sober. Not long after Ayden recognized the boys clothes. Stained with dirt, blood, grime,and covered in holes and tears. It wasn't hard to realize that this boy had no place to call home. Pity filled his insides, as well as sympathy. He didn't want to over impose, but made a genuine offer anyways.

"You know, my mom makes a mean boar stew. She usually ends up making to much. How about you come with me, and eat some supper."

The boy fell silent, as his eyes avoided Ayden's. He looked very uneasy. His hands started to shake, as his eyes darted wildly. He became a new person from the ruffian he had been minutes ago.

He started to stutter.

"We, we, well..."

"I, you,"

"You can trust me." Said Ayden. A deep sincerity harbored in his voice.

The boy still appeared nervous, but figured he could use the food aswell. He never really had much nourishment, ever. His stomach did grumble, and the pangs were eating at him.

From that night on, Ayden's parents took Grexxi in. They treated him like family. The two of them became brothers, thick as thieves.

"As much as I enjoy your company, Sal. We have to get going soon." Said Ayden "The arena has been getting fuller lately, and we were hoping to get there before it's too full."

"Don't let me keep you two." Said Sal. He got up, and returned to his spot behind the bar.

Grexxi gulped down another pint, and the two of them finished their meals and headed out the door. They progressed down the street paved with golden colored roads and buildings, and headed towards a large collesium.

The arena was quite immaculate, with tall marble walls that shimmered in the light. The sounds of steel clinking together echoed in the halls. An early start didn't seem to do much of a difference, as it appeared that everyone in the city of Harrow, and beyond was there training right now. The two warriors opened the two tall gold and silver plated doors, and entered.They were both ready to get their swords out to dash and slash other fighters, and dummies made of stone and straw. A tall man in Grey greeted them at the door.

"Why if it isn't Gayden, and his mule," said the man in grey. He had bulbous nose. Hazel pools seeped deep into Ayden's grey ones.

"Well...hello Traaven," said Ayden as he bit his lip.

The two of them, never got along. Everything between Ayden and Traaven became a competition. Both of them egomaniacs, who felt the other was more worthy then the other.

"Your wasting your time here," Spat Traaven. "We have no time for amateurs

"Ooohhh ... really." Said Ayden " Then why are you here? " Ayden's light grey eyes sparkled.

Traaven ignored the comment, and continued with the slander. "I suggest you drop your armor and swords, and head to the garden, like the pixies you are."

"That's worth a chuckle, coming from you. The only coward here is you. I know you will one away, tail behind your legs like a sickly hound.

"If it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you will get. Mark my words Ayden, you will be the one running away, when I done with you."

The two men drew their swords, and stared each other down, a look of contention on their faces. Traaven made a swing to Ayden's right side, but Ayden parried it away without any trouble. Ayden then took a swipe to his opponents knees. Traaven lifted his leg, and gave a kick, sending Ayden's sword up, and pushing him back slightly. Traaven gave Ayden a crooked and sinful grin. He lifted his sword up high, but before he could bring it back down, Ayden made a tiny gash, in his cheek. Traaven wiped the blood off of his face and swung at Ayden's left side, with a powerful force. The sound of sword on steel reverberated throughout the arena. Ayden thrust his sword forward, going towards Traaven's chest, and left a tiny dent in his armor. More blows were going back and forth between the two.Traaven took another big swing to Ayden's left side "how predictable" thought Ayden as he spun around and dodged the attack. He then hit Traaven's backside, and with a large clang; Traaven dropped his sword. They both now knew that the battle was done, leaving Ayden the victor.

"Next time, I won't go so easy on you." said Traaven with a heartless scowl, as he forced his sword back in its scabbard.

Ayden laughed back " If there is a next time. Keep fighting like that and the dragons will make you their supper." That last remark made Traaven turn around, and feel like a fool.

"Nicely done, my brother." said Grexxi, while he patted Ayden on the back. "I just knew you had that fight, and would've sent that little girl off crying, like a little baby."

"This upcoming battle has already won in my eyes." said Ayden with a boastful smirk.

Everything around them grew silent, as if time stopped. No Clashing of swords. No cheers, or sounds of awe from the bystanders in the seating area above.

A parade of (prestigious) men walked in. They all donned black armor, signifying their status in the guild.

The one in the front took off his helm. Sorin, the general of Harrow, the leader of the guild.

"I am glad there is so many of you here, we have an immediate leave to Everdale. It seems as if her royal highness the 'queen'." Sorin spoke in quotations. "Has summoned whatever army men we can, for whatever reason. She also says that the castles General, General Hobbes is coming into his retirement, and has chosen herself a new general. "

"Will the lovely princess Braelynne be there sir?" asked Grexxi, his lips curled into a playful smirk.

"Yes..." Sorin rolled his eyes. "She might be, but that's besides the point, Her 'highness', is adamant that we come as quickly as possible." Sorin sighed " I don't see what the king sees in her, she's a major downgrade, to his last wife. Enough of that. Quickly, quickly she would probably have my head if I am a second behind her 'schedule'."