If there was ever to be a mixing bowl of culture during this time in humanity’s past, Verdana would have been the place. Long before and even through ‘The Night’, humanity remained in unison, having no further enemies from without, humanity looked within itself, a species united, finding its true individuality. As each individual looked inwards, deeply exploring their ancestry and heritage, a rebirth of cultural celebration commenced. Hands clenched in hate gave way to open arms and humanity celebrated each other; They celebrated themselves.
Due to its geographical location, Verdana was perfectly placed to receive a natural flow of explorers, traders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to start over from all over the massive continent. After the establishment of the city, many who sought to simply pass through became founding citizens. With hundreds passing through, it wasn’t long before the pot began to liquify its contents. One could see dozens of cultural influences within mere inches of the city gates. As the past swirled with the present, Verdana became a place where one could find anything they so desired.
The finest garments, the rarest materials, and even talk of things…less savory. Even though humanity had found unison, they had not yet achieved perfection. If you knew where to look, you might catch a glimpse of a shadowy rumor. Every so often, if you listened hard enough, you just might hear whispers that stalked certain alley ways.
Many believed these behavioral flaws were prevalent in almost all cities, yet any text or records of the time would have you believe otherwise. Humanity had indeed achieved a Utopia; the measures to keep it afloat were not entirely hidden in shadow. There was talk throughout some areas that people had gone missing, or more heavily implied, that they were taken. If you tugged the right thread here or there, city secrets would unravel like yarn, yet Verdana snipped every loose tether.
In any record keeping item you find of this time period, there is a tonal shift leading up to ‘The Night’. Scholars seemed almost distracted in their details as their thoughts went adrift and sentences were left unfinished. In stark comparison, Verdana alone would show no indication that the world had changed in the slightest, as celebrations and cohesiveness flourished. That was until the last text was found. This was believed to be dated just one of this era’s calendar years before the estimated onset of ‘The Night’.
“Joyous laughter has given way to unabashed screaming; darkness descends upon a beacon of light”.
Many believe whichever actions brought ‘The Night’ upon humanity began at Verdana. They believed them to be the target of jealousy, but all agree it ended in that very spot. City after city began documenting the new era, the era where the dawn rose once more. But, as rays split the skies spreading light across the land, Verdana stood impossibly quiet. The world at the time watched at first, with caution then curiosity; something stirred from the city. Hardened gates ground open; the city birthing forth a feared and respected army who embraced their brethren.
With the loss of Serene on the tongues of every citizen, Verdana knew it would not be long before there would be beasts at the gate. Many goodbyes were said on that day. Saddened faces lingered from one side of the city while a mass of fangs and snarls approached the other, ready to devour its largest meal yet. Buy them time, those who stayed said to themselves, buy them time…..