✦ historical lore

This is a tale that dates as far back as the 2nd century, one that started quite simple just like every nation. Verona was home to two of the most prolific families in the world, the Capulets and the Montagues; together, diplomatically and for good reason, they divided the city between their own territories set to write their own history by themselves.

But perhaps they spoke too soon or was it that fate decreed something entirely different for the course of the history of Verona. Despite the neutral lands of the main city, a storm brewed overhead, clouds of doom looming above in bounds that no one expected.

The Capulets had always been the household name, ruling their part of the country with a hand similar to that of a kingship. Prosperity to the Capulets were education, societal happiness and with the Capulets’ Head proving to be a wise and generous leader, they were well on the path to a peaceful life. Over the years, they had begun to gain power and were seemingly happy. But there was one truth the people did not know: The history that once made them was not really how it appeared to be.

The Montagues had always been the family who ruled with a tight iron fist, the type to chase economic independence more than anything; their goal was to make their nation and city rich, enough to not rely on anything or anyone else. And they were good at it. But no matter how they ruled and ran the world as they deemed fit, there was always a thirst for power from their neighbors that made them on edge. Lo and behold, they were right. The Montague downfall came in the form of a coup staged by the Capulets, the very ones who seemingly laughed in the face of greed yet wanted the entirety of Verona to themselves. The loss of the Montague power in Verona made them a laughing stock, perhaps even marking the Capulets as the primordial seat of power in the nation.

But truly, there were no wiser words: “There is no fate that cannot be surmounted by scorn.” And no one did scorn, albeit silently, like the Montagues.

Quiet in their humiliation and burning their rage, the Montagues left Verona, seeking haven elsewhere until Time and her sisters, Fate and Karma, allowed them to be back. But it’s always a trying history for the house; disasters, wars, famine and disease plagued the world around them. So they knew that they had to abide their time no matter how long it would take.

Years, perhaps even centuries, pass and the Montagues establish themselves in houses and countries all over the world, amassing power and taking what they could when given the chance. The idea, goal-driven, was to build a big enough vendetta to take back what was rightfully theirs; their place in their home, Verona.

During the Montague’s time away and under the Capulets’ rule, Verona grew to be a powerhouse of trade and prospering livelihood in Europe. The country was popular for its fine wineries that were sought after all over the world and for exorbitant prices, just like how eyes were set on Verona for the treasure that laid under the soil. The abundance of gold, lapi lazulis and other precious stones made Verona’s economy boost, soaring to heights for what would feel like a long time. Verona was home to not only locals but also to immigrants who came in search of what was called the ‘Verona Dream’. After all, who did not want to live in a country capped by blue mediterannean seas, rained down by heavy sunshine all throughout the year and live life to the fullest of their capabilities?

But was it truly as happy and perfect as it looked to the eye under the surface? Especially when something much more sinister laid on the horizon, delving into the deepest and darkest secrets of the country? When everyone knew that the Montagues were back to seek vengeance but all waited with baited breath as to what was coming? Only time would tell what was in store for both families and Verona.