Outside the inn, a creature resembling a horse stood harnessed to a lavishly decorated carriage. Its coat shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow, and its eyes gleamed with intelligence. This was no ordinary beast; it exuded a mystical aura, clearly enchanted to serve as more than just a means of transport.
The carriage itself was spacious and elegant, designed to accommodate the group comfortably. The group climbed in, settling into plush seats that seemed to mold perfectly to their forms. The interior was adorned with intricate carvings and soft, glowing lanterns that bathed the space in a warm light.
As soon as they were seated, the carriage began to sway gently, then lifted smoothly from the ground. Yuna, seated by the window, watched with wide-eyed wonder as the bustling streets of Feyhaven fell away beneath.
"The carriage is flying, young master!" Yuna exclaimed, her voice filled with childlike excitement. "It's enchanted!"
Spark leaned closer to the window, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the scene below. "Then that creature must be magical."
Yuna couldn't take her eyes off the view. The city spread out beneath them like a tapestry, the lights twinkling like stars against the deepening dusk.
"We should get one of these carriages, young master," Yuna suggested, her voice tinged with longing.
"If we began to fly above, we'd miss the adventures on the ground," Spark replied, his tone reflective and poetic. He cherished the unpredictability and richness of traveling through the world below.
"But I want one," Yuna murmured, her enthusiasm undimmed by his words. Her fingers traced the edge of the window as if capturing the magic of the moment.
Spark's lips curved into a gentle smile. "Perhaps in the future, when I tire of our current carriage."
Across from them, Princess Ling's smile remained gentle, amused by their conversation.
Typically, such a carriage requires an ascendant to channel energy to float. However, the elves had transcended this limitation, embedding a floating spell into the carriage itself. Their advancements in such technologies were remarkable. This carriage, a testament to their ingenuity, hovered effortlessly without constant energy infusion.
As the carriage floated gracefully over Feyhaven, it gave them a panoramic view of the elven city. The treetop homes, bridges woven from vines, and towers carved from living wood looked like scenes from a fairy tale. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and the soft hum of magic.
After a brief tranquil journey, the carriage began to descend gently. The elf leader's voice came from outside as the door swung open, revealing a world of natural beauty and architectural marvels.
"We've arrived," the elf leader announced, bowing slightly as he held the door open for them.
They stepped out one by one, and their eyes widened in awe. Before them stood the large palace, perched majestically atop a colossal tree that reached skyward, its branches spreading out like protective arms over the city. The palace itself seemed to grow naturally from the tree, its walls and towers intertwined with the living wood, creating an ethereal, organic structure.
Princess Ling's breath caught in her throat, and even Zhao Shi and the masked man, usually so stoic, showed signs of astonishment. The palace was a harmonious blend of nature and craftsmanship, a testament to the elves' deep connection with their environment and their unparalleled skill in blending magic with the natural world.
Spark and Yuna, who had been lightheartedly bantering about acquiring a similar flying carriage, fell silent as they took in the sheer scale and beauty of the palace.
Spark, who often viewed the world with a hint of cynicism, found himself genuinely impressed.
"Now this," Spark murmured, "is a masterpiece."
Yuna, her earlier playful demeanor replaced by awe, nodded vigorously. "It's like something out of a children's fairytale."
Princess Ling, standing beside them, shared their wonder. Her eyes traced the graceful lines of the palace that seemed to grow out of the tree itself. Each branch and leaf was adorned with delicate, glowing runes, casting a gentle light that danced with the movement of the evening breeze.
The elf leader, observing their reactions, allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.
"Welcome to the palace of our Lord," he said, his voice carrying a note of pride.
He gestured for them to follow as they began the ascent towards the palace entrance. A series of gracefully curved staircases, seemingly woven from the branches themselves, led upwards. As they climbed, they passed through archways adorned with flowering vines and luminescent plants that glowed softly in the twilight, adding an otherworldly charm to their path.
A while late, they reached the top of the staircase. Before them stood the grand entrance to the palace, guarded by two imposing elven sentinels. The doors, made of finely carved wood that seemed to pulse with life, swung open silently at their approach.
Inside, the palace was a marvel of elven craftsmanship. The walls and floors were seamlessly integrated with the tree, giving the impression of stepping into a living, breathing organism. Natural light filtered through the foliage above, casting a dappled glow across the vast hall.
The elf leader led them through the hall, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished wood. "Our Lord awaits in the great chamber."