For many generations, a battle has been raging in the Capital City. Rarely would there be any violent conflicts seen by the public; more often the fight was taken in opulent parlours, grand ballrooms, sumptuous feasts or even the occasional shaded back-alley dealings. The two wealthiest families in the land, the LaVelles and the Murnau, have been making maneuverings of every sort in attempts to take the throne. Noted throughout history were many duels, assassinations and even banishments as a result of this ancient blood feud, with both families so equal in number and power that neither have gained the upper hand in the conflict for long enough to claim true victory.<br/><br/>This conflict has not gone unnoticed by the Throne, of course. Edicts placed by the Duke have prevented the sort of open violence that had plagued the city in the earlier years of the families bickering, but still nothing could be done when a challenge to a duel of honor was made. As the crypts of the two families became more extensive, it seemed their loathing only grew. By the end of their conflicts, more schemes were done for the purpose of revenge or spite than for political gains toward their initial goals.<br/><br/>The tale begins at what some would call the final Midsummer of the families' conflict. A Masquerade was being held at the palace; an homage to the Midsummer Great Hunt of the Fae. Anyone of any status was invited to attend, and indeed they'd do well to keep (or even increase) their social standing by accepting the invitations. Naturally, the LaVelles and the Murnau had both many of their members in attendance. Being so masked, in fact, both believed there were ample opportunities to move against their foes.<br/><br/>However, not every family member in attendance was looking toward their vendetta. Indeed, one of the younger of the Murnau men, Claude, was in attendance simply to enjoy himself. While he shared his family's distaste for the LaVelle clan, it was more through reinforcement through his elders rather than any personal affront, being as he'd not yet taken part in any of the intrigues that beleaguered the two houses. Clad in a verdant green raiment of noble bearing, his masque for the evening appeared to be shaped as though it were a falling of sable-edged leaves hiding his features from view. Having just entered the hall with several of his fondest friends, Claude could not help but give a smile at the proceedings, looking for some amusement to alleviate the tedium of everyday life.