The first day of the calandar in the year HOC 0 marks the decent of the One True God to the land of Ever. In the mortal form of Engaven, the One True ruled over mankind from his seat upon the throne in the Isles of the Order issuing the laws for a period of two-hundred years.

In HOC 200 the eastern lands of Cosmos past the Never Mountains fell under the influence of Contri, Lord of Darkness, and were thereafter known as Ruin. At the end of this epic battle, God released the form of Engaven and returned to his heavenly domain. Only those chosen by his righteousness my sit upon the throne of the isles. The Order is ruled by High Priests chosen by divine providence from this day onward.

Six hundred years pass.

In HOC 807 the nation of Amonun rejects several statements of the Order and found the heretical Church of God. In response, King Meavian XII of the neighboring nation of Meave declares a war that will consume the rest of his life. The war then becomes the obsession of his heir, King Meavian XIII.

In HOC 831 King Meavian XIII gives birth to his first child, named Crimson. His Rajei prophet foresees that this child will inherit his immense spiritual power.

In HOC 835, seeking a male heir he has a second child. It is also a girl. This one is named Emeraude.

In HOC 834 Meavian XIII's first wife dies. He immediately remarries.

In HOC 836 Meavian XIII's third child is born to his second wife. Once again, the child is a girl. This one is named Saffron.

In HOC 837 Crimson is caught in a battle with Amonun forces and is assumed dead. In vengeance, Meavian XIII's war efforts are multiplied.

In HOC 838, a commoner of some import to our story gives birth to a child she names Felicia, who, years later, becomes the maid of Princess Lavender.

In HOC 839 Princess Lavender is born to King Meavian XIII's second wife.

In HOC 842 Princess Emeraude is abducted from the royal castle and is assumed dead. In response to a prophecy foretelling an ill fate for his daughters, King Meavian XIII sends Lavender and Saffron to two manors owned by the royal family where their security is constantly guarded. In the same year, his second wife successfully gives birth to a son, Crowned Prince Argotta, heir to the throne.

In HOC 856 Felicia serves the youngest princess of the kingdom, Lavender.