The first thing Askyros saw was a red and gold carpet laid out before him. Though he stepped on the carpet expecting to dirty it, any stains that appeared vanished in an instant.
"How peculiar…" [Ryse]
"I think I have something similar in my house." [Tida]
"…" [Askyros]
Askyros followed the path down a hall, which then led to a servant of some kind. Wearing baggy clothing decorated with black and white stripes, along with a cap that made his head look like a mushroom, the man didn't seem like much.
"Hello, dear guests. May I have your names?" [Servant]
Things seemed to feel like deja vu, seeing as how the three had to give out their names once again.
"Ryse, Tida, Askyros." [Ryse]
Pointing at himself and his companions, Ryse dealt with the introductions.
"Hm… I see. Askyros, was it? Please follow me." [Servant]
The servant began to walk the red carpet's path, but then stopped after noticing Ryse and Tida following.
"Sir Ryse, and madam Tida. Not to offend, but only Askyros is allowed to come. Please wait here. Another servant will come to fetch you." [Servant]
The two glanced at each other and shrugged. With nothing else to say, they waved Askyros goodbye.
"See you later." [Ryse]
"We'll be right behind you." [Tida]
"..." [Askyros]
Replying with a small nod, Askyros trailed behind the servant.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The servant led Askyros through twists and turns. The building just seemed to only be getting larger by the second.
"We're almost there." [Servant]
Askyros was taken down a few more corners, until they ended up at a simple white door.
"This way, please." [Servant]
The servant opened the door, standing by the side to allow Askyros to come in.
"..." [Askyros]
Upon entering through the door, Askyros was met with a room full of clothing. Racks on racks of clothing surrounded Askyros, leaving him confused as to what he was doing there.
"What… is this place?" [Askyros]
"Please choose an outfit. We cannot allow you to meet with his highness, the Sovereign of Faith, in such clothing." [Servant]
Askyros looked down at himself, realizing he still wore the plated armor from the battlefield.
"Is there a recommended attire I should wear?" [Askyros]
"Any of the clothing here is recommended. Also, the one you pick shall be yours to keep." [Servant]
"..." [Askyros]
The reply Askyros received didn't seem very helpful, so he went through the clothing himself. To suits with simple designs, to cloaks with extravagant ornaments, Askyros decided on which clothing to pick.
"I'll take this one." [Askyros]
Pulling out of the outfits, Askyros showed it to the servant.
"This… I don't recall having this one in stock... Sir… A-Are you sure about this?" [Servant]
The servant seemed a bit anxious, but Askyros was dead set on what he had chosen.
"Was it not you who said any of the clothing here was recommended?" [Askyros]
The servant went silent. He breathed deeply from his nose, and exhaled through his mouth. After much thought, the servant let it go.
"Indeed. I'll wait outside for you to change." [Servant]
Exiting the room, he closed the door behind.
"...I wonder if this is the right size?" [Askyros]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
After a few minutes passed, Askyros emerged from the room.
"Sir, you look splendorous!" [Servant]
The servant gave Askyros a small applause, smiling with a smile Askyros could tell was fake.
"Is there anything else I should do?" [Askyros]
"Usually you should take a moment to learn proper etiquette to meet with his highness, the Sovereign of Faith, but his highness has made an exception for you." [Servant]
"...So?" [Askyros]
"We shall meet with your compatriots at the Grand Hall." [Servant]
"..." [Askyros]
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Once again, Askyros was led down the red carpet. The two moved along for what felt like hours, until they came across two large doors crafted out of white marble.
"It's quite splendid." [Askyros]
He studied the intricate design of angels on the doors. It was something he found very beautiful.
"Indeed. Chiseled by a master craftsman, it took several months for it to be completed. Ah, you will have to pass through these doors to see his highness, the Sovereign of Faith." [Servant]
As it were to be timed perfectly, the doors began to move. They turned inward of the room, revealing an even larger hallway to be entered.
"On you go now." [Servant]
Ushering Askyros into the room, he saw many people awaiting his arrival. Many unknown people stood on the sides of the hall, and many armed guards stood by.
"This... presence?" [Askyros]
He felt an overwhelming sense of danger at the end of the hall. Raising his head, he saw the end of the hallway.
("Who's that?") [Adam]
A white throne, and many guards donning strange, but unique armor. They stood behind one person, and one person alone.
"...The Sovereign of Faith." [Askyros]