[h2]City of Larden - Capital of Drakka[/h2]

Larden a city of trade, politics, and war. It's the heart of Drakka and it's a holy place. The temples for the gods are as old as they are beautiful, so grand are these temples that they fill most of the skyline of the city. The only thing that rivals them in grandeur is the royal fortress, but even this feat of architecture does not try to overwhelm the temples.

Anyone new to the city would be overwhelmed by the way the city honors the gods and how everything ran so smoothly. Drakkens are not know for being peaceful, but the capital runs so smoothly and without much trouble that most would think that this was no Drakken city. Order is kept as to respect the gods, anyone causing trouble, no matter what their status, will be first thrown into prison, if they continue to be troublesome they are sent to be tortured. 

Every cobblestone street is clean, every alleyway uncluttered and every building beautiful in its own right. With the city looking like a jewel in an otherwise barren landscape, it was hard to believe that the Drakkens were a violent race. But there were parts of the city that showed this violent side. The statue of Drun with his arm out stretched holding the head of an enemy long extinct, or the large whipping post in the city square, or the slave market. All those places and a few others showed the savagery of the Drakken species.

In the royal fortress of Thederus sat the King. He was listening to his advisor's from the select few from the court. He was intrigued by a message received just an hour before. The message came from Shadow Worth through the Mirror, a special bowl made of star metal filled with spring water. As far as anyone knew the Drakkens were the only species to have come up with this form of sending messages. Though messages could only be sent by those with the water element, and only the major fortresses had them.

The message was from the Scream Taker about something he had learned from his Gem bride. It was troubling, as it meant that the Gemminites were growing bold and stupid. Had they not have this peace for over 2000 years? Why now bite the hand that was protecting them? [color=red]"Bring the Gem ambassador here."[/color] The King ordered as he sat straight in his throne. His eyes were like fire as he thought over what to say about what he had just learned.

The Gemminite ambassador entered the throne room with his two guards. He walked like he knew what to expect and that he was equal to any Drakken. The King had at first thought the Gem as stupid, but he proved to play a mean political game which earned him some respect. But now he was in hot water as the King had many questions.

[color=orange]"You summoned me, Great King."[/color] The Gem said with respects as he bowed to the Drakken King.

The King eyed the Gem for a moment before slowly leaning forward, his aura growing darker as he did so. [color=red]"Tell me ambassador, do we not provide protection to your southern borders?"[/color] He asked as his voice dripped with mocking kindness as he eyed the Gem. The ambassador raised an eyebrow at the question, he had no idea what had brought on this line of questioning. But he kept his stern and his back straight, he would show no ounce of fear or worry.

[color=orange]"Of course my Lord and you have been most generous in doing so."[/color] He said in a polite tone as he could see that he was walking a fine line.

[color=red]"Then what, pray tell, is this I am hearing of your people building a rebellion? We have never invaded your lands or taken what you have not offered. So why are your people upsetting the peace?"[/color] The King said in an angry rushed tone before saying peace in a more gentle tone with his eyes showing great disappointment when moments before they were burning like fire.

[color=orange]"My Lord, this so called rebellion is just young people, who know nothing. A simple misunderstanding that's all."[/color] The ambassador said quickly and calmly, seeing that he had to defuse the situation and fast.

The King huffed once as stared at the Gem, his lips twisted into a smile that looked completely unnatural on his face. [color=red]"Just. A. Simple. Misunderstanding... Huh, and the arrows shot at my men who went to the last Reaping? That was just a mistake?.... No, I think not. [/color] The King said while shaking his head before continuing. [color=red]"There has always been girls that resisted the Reaping, natural really. But never had there been a threat of rebellion. Some of my men maybe overly aggressive, but that's natural also.... Aren't the girls that aren't chosen taken back to your homeland? Aren't the girls that are defiled given compensation? We take take steps to make sure that none of my people get the smart idea of sending independent raids of your country. SO WHY ARE YOUR PEOPLE UPSETTING THE PEACE! It was your ancestors that made this deal, that accepted the offer for the protection that they needed that you still need!"[/color] The King raged as he was now standing out of his seat, he looked like he was ready to kill. But before it came to such a thing, he suddenly became dead calm, before sitting again.

[color=red]"No, no this is not a misunderstanding, it is a declaration. A declaration of rebellion and war... Leave now Gem, before I let my men rip you to shreds. Tell your court that this was all caused by the few, now you will all suffer. Let us see how you fair with no protection of the southern borders. A war on two fronts."[/color]

The ambassadors heart sank and for the first time he was fearful. He was not afraid for himself, but for his people. They had no hope of winning a war, they were never fighters even the ancient times. They depended on their ability to use words to get what they wanted. Now their culture would be dead, after years of peace, even troubled peace, it was now over. Bowing to the King the Gem quickly left with his two guards, he would not wait to see if the king would truly let his men kill him. He was sure it would happen.

Once the Gem was gone the King looked over at one of his advisor's. [color=red]"Send a message to the Scream Taker, tell that he is attending the last peaceful Reaping. The next one will be when we take their country... Also send a message to the fortresses guarding the Gemminia border, tell them to come home and ready for war!"[/color] A sick smile came to the Kings lips as he sat on his throne while drumming his fingers on the arm. So long there had been peace, so long they had enjoyed the pleasures from Gemminia. Now those pleasures will turn into treasures, as every Drakken Lord tries to gather as much wealth and land as they can. 

The Gemminites better pray for mercy from their gods, as they will receive none from Drakka.