Prologue

My name is Khenarthi Fadomai van Alder.
But that, of course, is not so relevant in the grand scheme of thing. However, the circumstance in which I, Khenarthi Fadomai van Alder, find myself is of utmost importance. Quite imperative, actually. That you know. That someone does. Before we get to specifics and details, though, I must stress that people like me do exist. Not a single word is a lie.
First, no, silver does not have any adverse effects to my kind at all. As far as bullets go, a hot fast-moving bone-shattering chunk of metal is as sure to do the same amount of harm to me as anyone. Secondly, the moon has nothing to do with transformation, voluntary or otherwise. Third, and most definitive in my character; I am not an animal. I behave like a civilized being even when some more ‘human’ beings act like the primates they have so much in common with. And Fourth, I am not immortal. No being can be. It is against Nature. Though I will admit I’ve heard of many rumors that are merely posturing of other beings that are similarly categorized as ‘Beyond Natural’ like myself. And though I’m worlds different from you, human, I’m not particularly outstanding from one of my fellows. Some who do not fully understand may consider the way in which I am a unique gift. A wondrous thing Nature has given me. The truth of the matter is, it is only a nuisance .
I have an understandably fast metabolism, I must partake of all manner of supplements and vitamins. To keep the inner animal balanced with the outward gentle soul I undergo hours of restful meditation and other more dubious treatments. But I think it would be best to explain those later. When I have time. To tell you of the culture.
Something else I should explain. My fellows have a unique caste system based upon element. I use the term ‘element’ loosely. It is really more the type of soul, the type of essence each of us possess. The term element is easier to use, and it is the term my people use. But it is, of course, not the element itself of fire, for example. It is an essence. That we have likened to be fiery, and thus the element is Fire. Because the element is the core of our being, our temperaments and personalities and many other things can be vaguely encompassed into one element. There are different strengths of element, and the culture I live in has more or less segregated each element and made certain elements higher in hierarchy than others. In ascending order the “levels” of element are thus: earth, water, fire, Air, Metal, and Moonlight. I am of mid-rank. Air. Though it is still considered to be of the upper levels of caste. Those with the element of Moonlight are royal. They have always been so. They rule as our monarchs. Under those elements, there are three considered to be of ‘Upper’ Element. These are Metal, Air, and fire. And under those are the ‘Lower’ elements: water and earth. There is a class under those, The Shamed Ones, those with no element. We don’t speak of them.
Of course the Upper elements are generally worried with ranking and being seen with the right people, and making connections with those of a higher social rank than themselves. And the Lower elements are constantly scrabbling and scraping to rise to more privilege. And the Royal Moon-touched Moonlight elements are on lofty pedestals, high and god-like above the rest. There are only a few of them. And though like I mentioned before, the moon has nothing to do with transformation, our culture and practices revolve around the Moon, so it only makes sense that those of Moonlight are highest. They are hardly seen by those not of Moonlight… even when at the Summer palace, whose halls are far inferior to the vast Winter palace.
Those of Metal alignment are the courtiers. The rich, the fabulous. They are not quite royalty, but close enough in their own estimation. And Then there are the Airs. We are most like upper vassals. Though the truth of the matter is, far many more of us are glorified servants. Musicians. Artists. The fires are servants, serving primarily as high-level handmaidens. And menservants. A few of them are also musicians. Only the talented of them being given high places in musical establishments. Waters are lower servants. Cooks and lesser maids. Kitchen helpers. Earths, being lowest, are often peasants and usually handle the dirtier jobs, like chimney sweep and stable hand. Many of them are also farmers and of more dubious professions.
Even within each element there are distinctions. Monarch Moonlights and Upper Duke/Duchess Court Moonlights. Upper courtier Metals and lower courtier. Straata Airs and Liitho Airs. Flaime fires and embur Fires. Flud waters and Rainne waters. Fawna earths and florah earths.
Names and titles are as utmost to our culture and interactions as our element. Among the Moon-touched, Titles are as varied as snowflakes, each unique to the individual Royal. They are based upon achievements and interests, looks and clothing preferences, and a great other number of things. Royals have as many titles as they please, and most like to have a long list to accompany their name at balls and festivals, to seem even higher and prestigious than they already are. Inversely, these titles are used as terms of respect, lack of the proper title or name is a very serious insult. Titles are also commonly dismissed as a clear sign of endearment or affection. I am addressed most commonly, and properly as Lady Khenarthi. Metals are addressed as Lord or Lady and then their individual surname; Airs by Lord or Lady and their first name; Fires by Lord or Lady and then their given, or middle, name. Then the lower elements: waters by Mister or Miss and their surname; and earths by their given name only. Anyone not given permission by one of Upper Element if not of upper or equal rank and distinction are not to address one by anything but the proper title, or punishment may ensue. This of course depends upon situation, but those of Upper element are often quite harsh with such disrespects.

I live within the palace walls. I have few friends I can trust and a far greater number of hecklers and enemies about me for the most part. And I constantly must remind myself of these rules, lest I be surrounded by an even greater number of enemies.