19 |Acceptance, Forgiveness; To Begin A New|

Kane felt a surge of happiness yet he was also perplexed. How could such a young man be so resolute? He stepped forward and acknowledged Greed. "It is not so simple kiddo, there is still much about this world you have to learn," Kane's words contained warmth. He was becoming fond of this high spirited young man. Memories of a wild and unhinged life drifted before his eyes, instilling a faint urge to take up his old ways of living by the sword. Sadly, a soft and salty ocean breeze woke him from his fervor. No! He was now taking a path like no other.

He was to teach this young man before him, then once this was done he would finally have what he was yearning for all his life. A purpose. "So there is more? I feel as if everything is unfamiliar. When I think deeply about things or well reasons... I feel as if the answer is given to me. They appear as if they were always there." Having long stood up from his bow, Greed elaborated. It was true. He didn't know much.

"Ah, do not worry about that. Well... You should be thanking your lucky stars. That feeling means you were blessed with a high understanding of the world. Whoever you were before must have been quite the genius." Greed did not feel lucky. Being stuck in a place he didn't know and could only understand did seem much of a blessing. Kane's attitude was assuring, however. He spoke with confidence and from his access to information, such as criminal background. Saying he would be able to pass important information wouldn't be a long shot.

"Ah. I see."

"Yes, it is a tricky thing. To be alone." Kane's words were piercing. A look of astonishment flashed within Greeds eyes, however, he came to realize his expressions were not too well hidden. While Kane spoke, he had been frowning. "Worry not, I have accepted you on behalf of the church. You are one of us now. A full blown member of the sea god church. Come, walk with me." He strode out the room with Greed in tow.

"This place is the Northern Fortress, one of the most heavily guarded places of our sea god region. We are situated at the top of the Helios Continent if you were to look at it on a map. With just barely under a thousand miles of occupied land. Our Region is listed as the smallest. Ha! The oceans we occupy are vast though. So, I would not take any listing seriously if I were you."

As they paced down massive halls, Kane gave a small lecture about the region. He thought it best to start with the larger picture then work in. Of course, there were some things he did not agree with and voiced his oppositions. "Save the lesson on the other Regions, for right now. I will explain where we are. It is the Northern Fortress of the Sea Region. It divides the vast ocean territories from the land territories. We occupy a special position act as a buffer for the inhabitants of the territories."

With understanding nods, Greed dream images to match the description Kane laid out. He could not help but ask, "Why does it separate the territories? Aren't the oceans and lands all within the Regions boundaries?" They had long walked out of the hall and into a pavilion at the center of the palace. It was beautifully decorated with flowers and plants commonly seen by the ocean. Coral burst from the floor in some areas and seemed to be used as seats. There were many off-duty guards and soldiers seated on coral benches, having small conversations about their days.

"Good question kid, simple outcome... long story. Although this Region, without a doubt, belongs to the Sea God. It does not mean our church rules it. On land humanity reigns, they hold a simple system of Commerce. Trade is vital to everyone there and thus using the resources of the oceans, residents of the Region have made fortune selling exotic, but often fake treasures of the ocean bed. This way of life worked well for some, while not so well for others. Those who earned money became rich powerhouses and founded clans based solely on trade. These clans formed a chamber of Commerce which then monopolized the high seas."

Kane took in a large breath and seemed ready to go on a tangent when a stunning palace maid walked past and caught his eye. His lengthy glace did not escape the sense of the maid who gave him a deep frown and threatening look. Small thunderclouds gathered above her head revealing cracks of miniature lightning occasionally. After observing these changes Kane hurried the confused Greed along so as to avoid conflict.

The two found empty coral benches at the southern side of the open area. After choosing the one closest to the ocean, they sat facing the opening, which revealed the massive coast in the distance. Odd enough, the coast divided more than just the land and sea. Even the skies were split. Of course not by anything as obvious as sand but instead by the clouds. Above the ocean was a perfect scene of stormy yet shrouded weather conditions. While the sky above the land was clear, sunny, and peaceful. Neither interfered with the other.

The coast played a buffer zone and balanced the two.