Armari Valtor walked confidently through the bustling streets of Eldoria, his cloak billowing behind him like a banner caught in a playful breeze. The sun bathed the ancient cobblestones in warmth, and the air hummed with the energy of a city alive with dreams and ambitions.
"Another day, another round of negotiations," he muttered to himself, adjusting the strap of his satchel filled with scrolls and parchments. As the youngest estate developer in Eldoria, Armari had inherited his father's keen eye for opportunities and his mother's knack for diplomacy. Yet, amidst the throngs of merchants and townsfolk, he couldn't shake the feeling that something greater awaited him.
Seeking a moment's respite, he slipped into the shade of a towering oak tree, its branches whispering secrets to the wind. His fingers brushed against the smooth surface of a crystal pendant tucked beneath his tunic – a gift from his late grandfather, said to hold the key to unlocking untold power.
"Armari!" called a voice from across the square. It was Kael, his best friend, and occasional partner-in-mischief, with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Still chasing after those elusive land deals?"
Armari grinned, shaking his head. "Someone has to ensure Eldoria's skyline keeps growing, Kael. What about you? Any new inventions to revolutionize our world today?"
Kael's eyes twinkled. "You know me too well, Armari. But enough shop talk! I heard a rumor about a hidden passage beneath the old ruins. Care to explore with me?"
Armari hesitated, glancing at the sun dipping toward the horizon. "Another time, perhaps. Duty calls." With a nod and a promise to catch up later, he headed towards the grand estate awaiting his expertise.