Takka seems pulled out of a visionary's dream. The buildings are a stark contrast to what Meza is. Clean lines, sharp edges, a perfect blend between metal and stone. The intricate pattern and writing etched in stone, and sealed with metal, make me believe that I stepped into a different world. Just like Meza, Takka is nestled in a valley similar but much more grandiose, surrounded by trees heavy with snow, but the city itself lacks it. The streets are bone dry, and the buildings are squeaky clean without a speck of dirt or snow for that matter. It's a striking contrast with the surrounding valley, still covered in snow.
The exception makes the one road leading out of Takka through a narrow visible from afar. At least that's what I think it is, anyway.
The edge of the lake lacks trees, but it is decorated tastefully with flower beds in bloom even though we are in the middle of the winter. This place is magical, to say the least.
Its people are strikingly friendly adorned in sybaritic drab, and happy. Everywhere you look they are smiling being courteous with each other, even in passing.
Blatant opulence everywhere you look, that not even meagre street lamps got overlooked. A blend of golden and silver, with intricate carvings and swirls. Even in daylight, a delicate golden glow spilt from within the lamps, adding to the charm of Takka.
Graham is right, Morston would never measure up to Takka in beauty.
The streets were full of people, milling about, chattering. The overall hum of the city is quite enchanting.
Even though, Graham lived a boat ride away, his fleeted just as much as mine did. Mason, on the other hand, seemed quite tense at my side, his cunning eyes scoured the crowds searching for our little scout. He might've gone back to report to Micah or bring reinforcements. Or maybe it was just one of those moments where paranoia got the best of you.
To keep myself from having a complete meltdown, I focused on something else, less dreary. Laira would love this place, just as much as I did. It seemed that I had crossed certain engineering milestones, that probably she would love to stick her fingers in, and get all greased up.
Graham leans close to my ear, bringing me back to the present" The Praedish of the Takkarian High Council," He whispers in my ear pointing at a woman wearing a flowy silver robe, with golden hair and a burst of sparkling laughter that travelled throughout the city. The man, next to her seems to be very entertaining, judging by the broad smile she is sporting as they stroll on the streets, heading our way.
As we approach them, what catches my eye is the unusual blend of blue, speckled by silver, and gold in her eyes. A shade of blue so unique, that apart from Msson I have yet to meet another person that has it.
From afar is not visible, but if you look closely the specks of silver, and gold shimmer in the sunlight. It has happened on occasions but never thought much of it, not until now. Not until the woman glances my way, with a beaming smile, her gaze slide to Mason and that smile fades, turning sour. I guess she is seeing exactly what I'm seeing. In appearance, they don't share many attributes, but the eyes are a dead giveaway. That shade can't be coincidental. It has to mean something more.
As we pass by, her gaze lingers, and I watch as she frowns at Mason, when he brushes against her shoulder, and turns to apologise to the woman.
" I'm so-' He cuts himself off as their eyes meet while the woman studies him further, closely. Upon a closer look, at her delicate, yet sharply angled features, I note the dismay in her eyes. They are easier to read than Mason's but then again she makes no effort to hide it.
After a moment she catches herself, her gaze turns blank, a polite smile stretches on her lips, and does something unexpected.
" Timeea, " She stretches her hand as she introduces herself. Gently Mason takes her hand and gives it a small shake then introduces himself, and then me, and Graham. To which she smiles, and nods.
" What brings to you Takka?" A harmless question, but yet it doesn't feel like innocent at all. Noting the airy, flowy drab that every person is wearing in this city, I look down at myself l, and then at my two companions. We stand out in the crowd. We are an eyesore compared to everyone else. So I suppose, there is no point in questioning the validity of the question since it is clear as day that we are outsiders. With no sense of fashion, or common sense for that matter.
This place feels divided. Meza seems a world away from Takka. Why the contrast?
" I'm showing my friends the pride and joy of Takkara District," Graham answers wearing his usual toothy grin.
Timeea nods, and hums but her gaze stays pinned on Mason. I'm not sure, but I think there is a flash of recognition in her eyes but it doesn't last long.
" That's wonderful. I trust that you'll be following the rules while you visit. Takka is sacred to its inhabitants, while we accept visitors, we also expect that you respect our city and its citizens. I hope I'm not being overly intrusive, but if you don't mind me asking, where from?" Still not looking at either of us. It seems that Graham and I might as well be invisible because neither of them would notice.
" Morston," Mason answers curtly, and looks at me briefly, " My beloved is recovering from a recent incident," Graham chuckles under his breath but doesn't deter Mason from continuing, " We are staying in Meza, and wanted to visit the famous city of Takka. It is a wonderful city, " Mason praises, even though we have been in the city for less than half an hour, and haven't seen much.
Timeea bows," Thank you. Very generous of you," She keeps up the polite tone while the man at her side seems positively bored with the whole interaction. Frankly, I want to stay and chat with the nice lady to see what exactly is she hiding. This kind of welcoming is not customary or necessary. I'm sure.
" We should get going," Mason offers his hand and she takes it but her grasp on his hand lingers far longer than necessary.
" You should. Please feel free to return anytime you like. In fact, there is an upcoming spring festival at the end of next month. I would like to extend an invitation for you to join us. It would be an honour to have you here," Uhmm...what now? Honour? We met five minutes ago.
" We will consider it. We are grateful for the invitation," Good thing Mason is doing all the talking because I would have sputtered and probably said something out of bounds, and ridiculous. Not probably. Definitely would have said something embarrassing.
" I insist," Timeea grabs Mason's arm, and looks him dead in the eyes.
" Of course. It would be our pleasure," Mason gives in, but I'm sure he is more curious than I am, as to why the woman is so adamant for us to come back.
As soon as Timmea receives an acceptable answer, she wishes us a good day and then moves on. We do the same, only now we are silent and suspicious.
What on earth was that?
" I don't know. But I'm dying to find out. I guess we are going to a ball, Petal. I'm looking forward to taking off whatever dress you'll be wearing," Mason gives me a flirty smile and a wink.