The crisp morning air bit at Cynthia's skin as she stepped onto the stone balcony of her chambers. The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a pale glow over the mist-shrouded grounds of the Rochester estate. Below, the estate lay quiet, the fog clinging to the earth like a veil. Her breath formed soft clouds in the chill, and she pulled her cloak tighter, lost in thought.
Today was the day.
"Young Miss, are you sure you don't want to rest a little longer? You were up quite late last night," came Jennifer's gentle voice from the balcony door.
Cynthia didn't turn, her gaze still fixed on the misty expanse below. "It wouldn't make much difference," she said with a faint smile, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I'm too anxious and excited to sleep any longer."
Jennifer nodded, stepping closer to the doorframe as she glanced at the rising sun. "Understood, Young Miss."
Opal's voice echoed softly from the doorway, "Young Miss, let's get you refreshed for breakfast. It's scheduled earlier today due to the event."
"Mhmm, alright, Opal," Cynthia responded, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays breaking through the fog, slowly dissipating the morning chill.
Once they had freshened Cynthia up, Opal moved to the closet to retrieve the attire crafted by Marchioness Moore for the occasion, while Jennifer tended to Cynthia's damp hair, brushing it carefully until it dried.
Cynthia stepped forward in her new attire, the dark velvet robe billowing slightly with each movement. Silver embroidery of ancient runes glimmered faintly along its edges, casting a soft glow in the early morning light. Beneath the robe, a fitted silk tunic hugged her form, paired with supple, well-tailored pants that allowed for swift, graceful movement. A wide, braided leather belt cinched her waist, adorned with small enchanted charms and a pouch resting at her hip.
Her knee-high boots, both sturdy and elegantly crafted, added a sense of practicality to her otherwise regal ensemble. A delicate pendant hung around her neck, its power subtle yet unmistakable. Rings decorated her fingers, each serving a different purpose.
A hooded cloak fastened by an insignia clasp draped over her shoulders, the runes along its fabric glowing softly, evident being the cloak she acquired during the auction.
Cynthia made her way to the dining area, with Jennifer and Opal trailing behind her. When they arrived, the Marquess was absent, but her usual place at the table had already been set, with food plated and waiting for her. After greeting the staff, she turned to Opal and Jennifer.
"You can go make the final preparations while I eat," she instructed.
"Yes, Young Miss," they replied in unison before slipping away to complete their tasks.
Midway through her meal, Cynthia saw her father enter the room. The Marquess quietly took a seat, greeted her with a nod, and began serving himself. As they ate together, they exchanged a few words, the conversation light but tinged with the weight of the day's events.
Once they had finished, the Marquess stood and offered his hand. Cynthia rose, and together they walked slowly to the grand hall, their footsteps echoing off the polished floors. In the center of the room, they stopped.
"Are you ready, Cynthia?" her father asked, his voice carrying both pride and expectation.
Cynthia turned to face him. His eyes, though calm, held the unspoken weight of his hopes for her. Meeting his gaze with confidence, her golden eyes gleamed with resolve.
"I am," she answered firmly.
"Good. My dear, have a safe journey, and make sure to return after taming A Zephyros," he said, pulling her into a warm embrace. After the hug, they heard the sound of the front doors opening, followed by a voice that disrupted the calm.
"Young man, no offense, but she needs no guards, not with me around," Seren's voice rang out, addressing Sir Irvin, who appeared slightly flustered.
"Well, Madam Seren, I was instructed to accompany the Young Miss," Irvin stammered, clearly embarrassed.
"Horace," Seren called to the Marquess, "tell the poor lad to go back to the barracks. Only those two maids are needed for this trip," she added, pointing at Opal and Jennifer.
The Marquess sighed, shaking his head. "Seren, you really need to work on your communication skills."
He then turned to Irvin. "Irvin," he called, "it seems Seren prefers a smaller entourage for this outing. You may return to the barracks."
With a bow, Sir Irvin excused himself, leaving quickly. Seren, not bothering to step inside, turned and began walking toward the blue carriage waiting outside.
"Come along, dear. We don't have all day," Seren said over her shoulder.
The Marquess sighed again, watching her go. "It still baffles me how Seren, with that personality, became one of the greatest wind maguses to ever exist," he muttered with a deadpan expression. "Be safe, Cynthia. I'll see you when you return."
"Of course, Father," Cynthia replied, giving him one last glance before following Seren. As they walked past, the Marquess addressed Opal and Jennifer.
"Remember how to behave when she loses her emotions," he said seriously.
Both maids nodded. "Yes, my lord."
Together, they followed Cynthia to the estate's black carriage. Once inside, they set off, with the Marquess watching as both carriages disappeared into the distance. When they were out of sight, he turned and retreated back into the estate.
As they traversed through the town, still bustling with life from the previous day's celebrations, Cynthia couldn't help but smile. The atmosphere was lively, filled with cheerful faces and vibrant energy. Everything seemed in order, and that pleased her. Soon, they arrived at a grand building the World Portal Center.
The World Portal Center towered above them, a sleek and majestic structure shimmering with enchanted glass and steel. Inside, they stepped into a vast atrium, where the grandeur of the place was palpable. High ceilings crisscrossed with glowing ley lines pulsed softly, casting a gentle glow over the space. Floating signs drifted overhead, directing travelers to different destinations, while the quiet hum of active portals filled the air.
At the entrance, travelers formed orderly lines in front of uniformed agents stationed behind sleek counters beneath a glowing sign marked "Departures." The agents, efficient and attentive, verified travel documents passports, magical licenses, and permits using enchanted devices that seamlessly scanned both physical and magical credentials. Nearby, large floating screens displayed real-time information on portal schedules and country-specific travel restrictions, ensuring that each traveler was legally authorized for their destination. The system operated smoothly, a blend of magic and technology, streamlining the departure process for all.
After sorting through the necessary documentation, travelers proceeded to the next step: payment. At each counter, a small, protruding screen faced outward toward the travelers. They could either swipe their cards or hand payments directly to the agents. As the transactions were completed, enchanted crystals embedded in the counters began to glow softly, processing the fees in both mundane and magical currencies.
The amount varied, dependent on the distance of the magical travel and the specific destination, with farther locations requiring higher fees. Once the payment was accepted, a brief shimmer of light confirmed the transaction, and travelers were given access to their designated portal rooms, each glowing seal granting passage to their final destination.
Once the payments were complete, access to specific portal rooms was granted through glowing seals. The portal rooms, arranged in a circular pattern around the atrium, each contained a portal leading to a different country. Portal technicians monitored the flow of magic within each room, ensuring smooth and safe transfers for all travelers.
Cynthia approached one of the desk agents. "Good morning, passports, please," the agent said with a warm smile as she looked at the group, ready to guide them through the next steps of their journey.
Opal produced three passports and two permit papers from her storage ring and presented them to the agent, along with Seren's documents after receiving them from her. The agent glanced over the passports before pausing and asking, "Excuse me, miss, are you perhaps Ambassador Rochester's daughter?"
"That is correct," Cynthia replied calmly.
The agent nodded in recognition. "Understood, Young Miss Rochester. You're set for your return to Lumenoth today," she said while typing into the holographic keyboard.
"Your charge for each member, excluding Lady Rochester, comes to a total of two hundred and twenty-five thousand B.A.C.," the agent informed them, her voice calm and professional.
Opal, unfazed, pulled out a sleek black card from her storage ring and passed it to Cynthia. Cynthia hovered the card over the screen protruding from the counter on their side. A soft "ding" sounded, confirming the transaction. With a nod, Cynthia returned the card to Opal.
"You and your group may now proceed to the Lumenoth portal room," she added, handing back the passports and checking the permits one last time.
After gathering the documents, the group made their way toward the portal room. Following the glowing signs through the vast, enchanted halls of the World Portal Center, they eventually reached a door with the word "Lumenoth" engraved into it. Inside, a large, shimmering portal awaited. Once they had closed the door behind them, each stepped through, feeling the rush of magic as they passed through the swirling purple vortex.
A few moments later, they emerged into another room, the teleportation complete. Jennifer quickly turned to Cynthia, concern flickering across her face. "Young Miss, do you feel fine after the teleportation?"
Opal barely had time to register the worry in Jennifer's voice before she saw Cynthia's expression utterly emotionless, her face a perfect mask. "I am fine, Jennifer. Let's go," Cynthia responded, her voice flat.
As they exited the room, they stepped into a futuristic building, its sleek design and magical architecture blending effortlessly. The walls shimmered faintly with embedded ley lines, and the air buzzed with the hum of advanced enchantments. Opal and Jennifer marveled quietly at the intricate surroundings as they made their way toward another set of agents seated behind counters under the glowing sign labeled "Arrivals."
When they arrived, Opal presented their passports and permits. The agent behind the counter quickly scanned the documents, then looked up with a warm smile. "Welcome back to Lumenoth, Lady Rochester."
Cynthia nodded in acknowledgment, thanked the agent, and waited as the documents of her companions were stamped. The agent stamped the documents and completed the process with a polite nod. "Have a good day, and enjoy your time in Lumenoth," he said as they moved toward the exit.
As they exited the building, they were greeted by a city unlike any they had ever seen Lumenoth, where ancient magic powered a futuristic world. Towering spires and domed buildings lined the streets, their stone facades etched with glowing runes that pulsed softly, casting a magical light. The runes not only powered the city but also provided protection, their energy felt in the very air. The streets, paved with smooth stone, were inlaid with intricate, glowing patterns that illuminated as people walked, guiding them along.
Above, floating orbs shifted color with the time of day and weather, while hovering carriages glided silently through the streets. Flying vessels darted between the towering structures, effortlessly weaving through the sky. Lumenoth's architecture was a mesmerizing blend of medieval grandeur and sleek futuristic design old castles with arches and stained-glass windows stood beside smooth, reflective buildings, all connected by the same ancient runes.
At the heart of the city stood a colossal statue of Draethon, a winged tiger, channeling pure magical energy through the city's ley lines. Around the statue, open plazas bustled with merchants selling enchanted goods and artifacts. Floating gardens hovered nearby, drawn to the magical currents that flowed through Lumenoth.
The citizens moved gracefully, their clothing subtly enchanted, glowing faintly in harmony with the city's energy. Every part of Lumenoth seemed to pulse with a powerful blend of ancient magic and future innovation.
After taking in the scene, the group made their way down the stairs to a line of coachless chariots. Entering one, they heard a voice ask, "Where would you like to go?"
"To the place of the wand ceremony," Opal replied.
"Understood. The Lumenoth Library. We will now depart," the chariot's voice responded as it levitated and moved smoothly through the city.
They soon arrived at the Lumenoth Library, an awe-inspiring structure that, much like the city, blended ancient and futuristic elements. The library was a towering, multi-level edifice of smooth stone and shimmering glass. Its exterior was carved with glowing runes that channeled magic throughout the building. Large arched windows, reinforced with runic magic, allowed daylight to stream in during the day and emitted a soft glow at night.
At the entrance, two towering statues of ancient scholars holding glowing tomes flanked the massive double doors, which opened silently at their approach. After swiping their card on the chariot's screen, the group ascended the stairs and entered the library. Inside, the space was vast and majestic polished wooden shelves stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with ancient scrolls and books, many suspended mid-air by magical fields. Floating lanterns drifted above, casting a warm glow over the scene.
In the center of the library was a grand circular reading room beneath a domed ceiling adorned with shifting constellations. Scholars and mages sat at large tables, their enchanted quills and scrolls floating beside them, taking notes or retrieving books at a mere gesture. Magical portals on each floor provided quick access to different sections of the library, and certain restricted areas were sealed by ancient wards.
Suddenly, a large white-and-grey owl with long eyebrow feathers descended from above. The library's administrator, stood over seven feet tall. He perched silently before the group, his eyes sharp and inquisitive.
"What business do you have in this Venerable One's domain?" he asked, his tone authoritative.
"We are here for this child's wand ceremony," Seren replied, her annoyance barely concealed.
The owl looked at Cynthia and nodded. "Ah yes, this one carries the essence of a Warlock. Follow this Venerable One to the wand ceremony room. The rest of you, stay. You are not worthy to enter such a place."
With that, the owl turned and led Cynthia deeper into the library, while Opal, Jennifer, and Seren exchanged irritated glances but remained behind, clearly annoyed by the owl's arrogance.