Lynsithea walked down the familiar halls, and with every step, a tide of memories rose. Everything was as it had been, but nothing was as it used to be. At the main balcony with a view over the gardens within the palace compound, a tall, dignified figure was resting in the shade. Her breath caught in her throat as, in recognition of it, she saw that the beast was a wyvern, its scales shimmering to reflect soft, icy hues.
"Lily" Lynsithea said, clearly confused, "Why is there a wyvern here?"
Lily, who had been walking behind her, moved to her sister's side and smiled so warmly. "That's Glacielle, Lynsithea. Don't you remember her? She was just a baby dragon before you left."
Lynsithea's eyes suddenly widened into realization. "Glacielle??, she whispered, returning the tide of memories into her mind, that little playful dragon she had watched over, grown into this magnificent creature. "She has grown so big."
Lynsithea extended a hand cautiously to stroke Glacielle's smooth scales and edged closer. As her fingers drew closer, Glacielle stirred, her huge head rising toward Lynsithea. For a moment, there was a pause as if the wyvern were placing the face before her. Then, her eyes lit up with joy at recognizing her old friend, and Glacielle let out a low, contented rumble.
"Glacielle," Lynsithea whispered, reaching out to finally touch her. The wyvern nuzzled her softly, her cold breath against Lynsithea's skin. "You remember me."
She stroked Glacielle with a gentle touch, and the wyvern huddled closer to her, her snout sniffing at her inquisitively. Time froze, as if it had been held in water; in soft whirls, the wyvern's icy breath swam around them. Glacielle's nostrils were wide as she smelled more intently, as if she had to confirm that her old friend was indeed close by.
Giving a light, almost tender growl, Glacielle leaned her snout against Lynsithea's hand, great eyes shining with recognition and warmth. Lynsithea's heart swelled at the sight, and forgetting all reserve, she reached out to put an arm through Glacielle's thick neck, clamping her close into a tight fit. Glacielle was cold to the touch, her scales exuding a chill that would have made any other than Lynsithea shiver, but it was an old sensation, comforting.
"I have missed you too, Glacielle" Lynsithea whispered, her voice quaking with the weight of this moment. She held on, feeling the steady rise and fall of the wyvern's breath as against her cold body, a warmth that filled Lynsithea's heart.
Glacielle leaned her neck back into Lynsithea, as if returning the hug in her own way, a contented rumble of a purr coming from deep in her chest. A moment, and the two of them were lost in that embrace, the sense of their bond as strong as ever, though years had passed.
A few steps away, the reunion was silently watched by Lily, a budding smile on her face as the scene unfolded. "She never stopped waiting for you, Lynsithea," Lily softly said. "She always knew you'd come back."
In the quiet of the moment shared between Lynsithea and Glacielle, footsteps approached to break the stillness of the silence. Lynsithea turned to find a guard standing respectfully a few feet away.
"Princess Lynsithea" the guard began with a slight bow, "Your mother, Queen Rosalia, wishes to meet with you.
Lynsithea gently released Glacielle, giving the wyvern one last affectionate pat before turning to the guard. "Alright," she said, still her voice soft from the emotion of the reunion. "I'll be there shortly."
As the guard nodded and stepped back, Lily, who had watched intently, cocked her head in curiosity. She furrowed her brow, clearly catching something off with her sister. "Lynsithea, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Lily," Lynsithea replied, her attention finally settling upon her little sister.
Lily didn't quite plunge into her concern right away; she apparently picked her words with care.
"Your emotions.and the way you have been acting since you got back.are different. It is almost as if you forgot how to be the Crown Princess." She bit her lip in preparation for the most pertinent question of all, "Do you have amnesia or something?"
Lynsithea's chest squeezed at Lily's question. She glanced down for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. "I don't think that I do have amnesia, Lily.....But.... things feel different. It's as though there is part of me missing, or perhaps I've changed in ways I didn't expect."
Lily frowned slightly, her concern deepening. "Changed how?"
Lynsithea released a soft sigh, the weight of her sister's concern settling upon her. "I've seen a lot in Æsir, Lily. I saw things, experienced things that I never would have here. And. I think it's made me see the world differently. It's like my time away has altered something inside me, and I'm still trying to figure out what that means."
Lily stared at her with round eyes, the concern in them. "You're still you, right? The sister I've always known?"
Lynsithea smiled softly, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on Lily's shoulder. "I'm still me, Lily. But I think I've grown in ways I didn't expect. I'm just finding my way back to who I was before, and maybe discovering a new part of myself in the process."
Lily nodded slowly, digesting the words her sister spoke. "I understand. Just know I'm here for you whatever happens.
"Thank you, Lily," Lynsithea said with much appreciation; the girl's unwavering support softened her heart. "Let's go see Mother."
Lynsithea and Lily walked side by side down the great halls of the palace, their footsteps softly resounding across the polished floors. They entered into the throne room where they found Queen Rosalia already in attendance, emanating a presence of authority.
"Lynsithea," Queen Rosalia greeted her daughter with a warm smile, though her eyes held an underlying concern. "Are you doing alright? Is your mind doing fine?"
Lynsithea smiled back but couldn't stop the frown tugging at her lips. "I'm all right, Mother. But. my mind? Did something really occur to me?"
Queen Rosalia shook her head gently. "No, it isn't that. It's just. you are changed since you came back. I wanted to make sure all is well with you."
Lynsithea hedged, her mother's words echoing concerns Lily had mentioned to her earlier. "I feel as though I have changed, yet I am not quite certain how it is that I feel. It is difficult to explain."
The Queen leaned over and laid a comforting hand on Lynsithea's shoulder. "Change isn't always a bad thing, my dear. But should you ever need to talk, I'm here for you."
Lynsithea nodded; she mostly understood her mother. After a while of silence, Queen Rosalia brightened up and changed the topic. "By the way, some of the clans from other regions are visiting Calyx to celebrate your return. It's a huge event, and I want you to get ready."
Lynsithea nodded; at once, however, she was thinking of Zane. "Mother, before the celebration. can I see Zane?"
Queen Rosalia smiled softly as soon as his name was mentioned. "Zane is on his way to the palace now, you only have to wait a little longer and then you can see him."
Lynsithea let out a sigh of respite; she would not have to wait that long after all. But Lily's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I couldn't wait to meet him! I wonder if he is a prince." The teasing went on, accompanied by a playful grin."
She couldn't help but softly chuckle at the light-heartedness in her sister's words, the slight bit of tension she'd been feeling easing. "I think you'll find out soon enough," she replied, her own excitement building in her chest at the thought of seeing Zane again.
Lynsithea looked at her mother with curiosity. "Mother, what are the other clans again?"
Queen Rosalia smiled softly, pleased to show Lynsithea that she was interested.
"There are three main visiting clans. First, there is the Frost Heart clan from the north. They are known for their affinity to ice and snow much like your own powers. Their land is covered in frost all year long, and they are resilient people."
Lynsithea furrowed her brow, looking confused as she turned to her mother. "Ice and snow, just like my own powers? But what about Verdant weaver? Isn't that what my powers were always called?"
Queen Rosalia smiled softly, her eyes filled with understanding at her daughter's confusion. "You were born with the gifts of Verdant weaver, the ability to nurture and control the life of plants. But as time went on, as you developed, so too did your powers. The Cryo Essence, that power over ice and snow, in its own right became a part of you."
Lynsithea's eyes widened slightly as she digested this. "So, I have both Verdantweaver and Cryo Essence?"
"Yes," the Queen assured her. "Your connection to nature is there, yet it has expanded for the frost and cold, which is extremely rare to happen with any person, my dear."
Lynsithea nodded slowly, fathoming a little more about herself. "I see. I hadn't realized they were both different aspects of my abilities."
Queen Rosalia laid a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder, her eyes gleaming with pride. "You are the bridge between different elements of nature, and therein lies your specialty, Lynsithea. It is something one should be proud of, not questioned."
Lynsithea nodded, remembering the tales from her childhood about the Frost Heart clan. "And the others?"
"The second would be the Sea Crest clan from the west," Queen Rosalia said.
"Their people reside along the coast and have a deep affinity with the ocean. They are great at sailing and trading, and most of their magic regards the manipulation of water."
Linsithea's eyes grew slightly larger as great oceans and huge waves came to mind, all at the order of the Sea Crest clan. "What about the south?"
"The Sand Dwellers," Queen Rosalia replied. "They are of from the south deserts. They are members of the sand and the fiery sun, managing to keep themselves under such a grim weather. Their magic is of the earth, and they have their special way of blending with their surroundings."
Lynsithea absorbed all that was said, fascinated by the variedness of all the clans. "And what about the east? What clan is in that corner of this country?"
Upon mentioning the east, Queen Rosalia's expression was grave. "The east. long ago, it was destroyed by some kind of unknown entities. No one actually knows what happened, but the land has been left in ruin, and the people of that region were scattered or lost."
Lynsithea felt a chill run down her spine at the very thought of such destruction. "Destroyed? That is... awful..."
Queen Rosalia nodded, her eyes far off, as if remembering a painful incident. "Yes, indeed it was. Yet the other clans have carried on, and they are present here to celebrate your return. It is a time of unity and strength."
Lynsithea digested her mother's words, the weight of her position as Crown Princess settling heavy upon her shoulders. "I understand, Mother. I shall do my best to honor them."
Queen Rosalia smiled warmly at her daughter's resolution. "I know you will, Lynsithea. You are much stronger, and I believe you should make a good leader when the time comes."
Lynsithea nodded, but her mind was still back east and the mystery of its destruction. This night was to be one of merriment, but a streak of responsibility plagued her to understand what befell the east and to protect her people against a similar fate.
---
Snowy sat comfortably on my right shoulder as I continued the sights of Calyx. Indeed a wonder of the city's architecture, each building of Renaissance-type was covered with flowers of different colors. Elaborately designed, the cathedral had towering spires that stood vastly out against the skyline.
Trying to make my way toward the palace with the Nova Watch, I felt Snowy start to squirm somewhat on my shoulder. "Hey, Snowy, are you hungry?" I turned to the snowy owl, who seemed to peck at my shirt with some rising urgency.
I stopped a passerby-a middle-aged woman in a nice floral dress. "Excuse me," I began, "but is there a shop nearby that could provide food for my pet here? He appears a little peckish."
She smiled sweetly. "Oh, there's a pet store down the street. You'll find it on the left-hand side of the square. They have all types of goodies for pets."
"Thank you so much!" I said, nodding gratefully.
Down the street, I was looking for that store. Going, I stopped a young man in a tailored suit who was holding a basket of fresh flowers. "Hi there, I'm looking for a pet food shop. Do you know where I can find one?"
He pointed down the road, smiling. "Yeah, there's a shop just up the road a ways. You should see a sign with a picture of a dragon and a butterfly. Can't miss it!"
"Great, thanks!" I said and continued on.
My last question was to a merchant who sold sundry trinkets and curios. "Excuse me, but do you know where I might find any pet food around these parts?"
The seller was an elderly jolly man with a bushy beard who nodded vigorously. "Ah, yes, just follow this street straight ahead. It's a small shop, but they've got good stuff for pets."
"Thanks, I appreciate it!" I said, starting to head in the direction he pointed.
I pushed my way through them, then an elbow caught me suddenly and threw me off balance. I lurched, and for one weird moment it felt like my wrist was empty. I looked down and the Nova Watch was gone. Snowy flapped his wings nervously, her sharp eyes catching the movement of a little figure darting away through the crowd.
"Hey!" I yelled, but he was already dodging in and out through the sea of people. Snowy lurched forward in pursuit, and I followed, dodging my way through the bustling streets.
"Stop! Thief!" I yelled, spinning around to hail several passerby's attention. The boy stooped low in one swift motion and started running away from me, weaving down the sidewalk with rapid strides. My heart was pounding inside my chest as I ran after him, determined to retrieve the only gift I had left from Ethan.
Snowy and I charged into the heart of the teeming streets of Calyx as the color and chaos of the marketplaces blurred around us. Surprisingly fleet, the kid who had swiped my Nova Watch darted ahead, continually looking back over his shoulder in a nervous gesture that urged me on even faster.
Rounding a bend, I nearly ran over a vendor's cart full of bright colored flowers. I dodged hard to the left, stooping under a garland draped across the passage and narrowly avoided a rain of petals. Snowy flapped his wings rapidly, directing me to get through the crowd.
The boy leaped up onto a stack of crates, using them as stepping stones to leap clear over a nearby stall. I did the same, scrambling atop the crate and launching myself over the stall. The vendor yelled something after us, but the din of the market swallowed his words.
We ventured deeper into a maze of alleys: tighter space, treacherous. The kid shifted easily around low-hanging store signs, squeezed between narrow passages, his small size proving a decided advantage. I followed awkwardly, my heart racing as I negotiated the obstacles. I leaped across discarded barrels and veered clear of a stray dog who furiously yapped at our passing.
At one moment, the boy did the most courageous thing-he climbed over a low wall and jumped down into a cluttered backstreet. I followed, catching quick flashes of him as he dodged through a heap of old furniture and debris. Snowy, ever vigilant, flew on ahead, guiding me through the maze of junk.
Eventually, I managed to corner him in one of the small alleys. He leaned against the wall, panting heavily, as his small body continued to shudder. In his eyes, I sensed terror as I approached him, panting from the run.
"Why did you steal my watch?" I asked, attempting not to raise my voice, in which a surge of adrenaline seemed to course.
The child stared at me, his eyes wide and afraid. He did not say anything, just looked down onto the ground.
"Is it. for food?" I insisted, observing the hunger in his eyes. The kid looked up to me after having hesitated, then gave a very small, reluctant nod.
My anger turned into empathy as I remembered my own struggles from after the Quantum Exodus. I squatted to his level, soothing my tone. "Alright, follow me. I'll buy some food for you, but you must promise me one thing: never to steal again."
The kid's eyes grew wide, in surprise and in relief. "I promise," he said softly, voice quivering.
I gave him a reassuring smile and pulled him to his feet. Snowy flew back to my shoulder, her bright eyes still scanning the surroundings as we worked our way back through the busy streets.
Still searching the palace with Snowy, I chanced upon a food stall selling Dragon Scale Sandwiches. The vendor was a jolly woman who never stopped smiling as she busily prepared sandwiches of all types. I decided upon buying one for Leo in the hope it would satisfy his hunger and be a step toward an amicable solution to this theft problem.
I went up to the stall and ordered a sandwich. "How much for one of those Dragon Scale Sandwiches?"
"25 ELs," said the vendor beaming.
I paid the amount, waited as she expertly wrapped the sandwich in paper. With the sandwich in hand, I turned back to the kid, still standing nearby, looking a little uncertain.
Here," I said, extending the sandwich. "This should help with your hunger."
The kid had taken the sandwich with wide eyes, clearly surprised by the gesture. "Thanks," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Can I ask your name?" I asked as we started walking
"Leo," he answered, taking a bite of the sandwich.
"Nice to meet you Leo, I'm Zane," I said giving a friendly nod.
Leo's eyes gleamed up at me curiously. "What are you?"
I smiled at the question. "I'm human."
Leo's eyes went wide in surprise and confusion. "Human? I have never met a human before."
I chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I get that a lot. I'm sort of a traveler. I'm trying to find my way to the palace."
"Traveler?" Leo repeated, still with that look of puzzlement. "You mean like someone who moves from place to place?"
"Sort of," I said. "I'm on a journey and just trying to get to the palace right now."
In a little while, Leo's indecision culminated in a decision to follow me. "Why can't I come along with you?" he asked. "I can help you find the way."
I turned toward him, my surprise at his offer evident. "Why are you following me, Leo? You don't have to."
Leo shrugged and eyed the bag of food. "You were nice to me, and I want to repay you. Besides, I know these streets pretty well."
I nodded, feeling appreciative of his offer. "Alright, Leo. Since you want to help, I won't say no to that."
As we walked together through the bustling streets of Calyx, Leo led the way with an air of confidence in him that was wholly unexpected. The vibrant life of the city continued around us, and I had to admit, for the first time in a while, at least with one person knowing their way around, it wasn't quite so overwhelming. Snowy gave a soft little hoot of approval, and I couldn't shake the feeling that today was shaping up better than I had thought.
We walked some more when Leo looked up at me curiously. "So, where did you come from, Zane?"
I looked back at him, somewhat surprised by his question. "I'm from Æsir," I replied, trying to sound casual.
Leo's eyes lit with interest. "What's it like to live there?"
I was tentative, picking my words. "It's completely different from Calyx. Æsir is. well, it's been destroyed. There are no people left. It's a desolate place, really."
Leo wore a reflective look, his brow furrowing. "That sounds terrible. Why is it like that?"
I shrugged and my mind fell again to my native land's ruins. "It was rather chaotic and disastrous. The world changed much after the Quantum Exodus. It is now for the most part abandoned and empty."
Leo listened intently to this; his eyes filled with compassion and fascination. "What is it like, to live in a place where no one is around? How do you manage to survive?"
I chuckled a little, remembering the hardships I went through. "It's not easy, had to learn how to live on my feet and how to manage with less than nothing, sometimes. Had to make do, be resourceful, and inventive."
Leo nodded at that, showing he was utterly enthralled. "Sounds like an adventure, even if it's hard."
I smiled at him, enjoying his insight. "It has its moments, for sure. But it's nice to be here in Calyx, even if I'm still figuring things out."
Leo looked around, his expression contemplative. "I guess I'm lucky to live here then. Calyx seems so lively and full of people. It's different from what you've described."
I nodded in agreement. "Yes, Calyx is vibrant and beautiful. I'm still trying to get used to it myself."
Leo's eyes lit up as he extended a friendly smile. "Well, I'm glad you're here. Maybe you'll find what you're looking for, and maybe you'll get to experience some of the good things Calyx has to offer."
I smiled back, feeling a bit more hopeful. "Thanks, Leo. I appreciate that."
We walked through the lively streets, and I decided to dig a little deeper about Leo. "So, Leo, where are your parents? Are they around here?"
Leo's grin slightly sobered, and he looked at the ground, staring at his shoes. "My parents live on the side of the city," he said in a low tone. "I haven't really met my mother. My father is a tax collector."
I raised an eyebrow. "And how's that working out for you?"
Leo shrugged, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Well, my father. he doesn't really take care of us properly. He spends all the money he earns on gambling. He didn't let me go to school because of it. I have to help him with his work and try to find food on my own."
I frowned, feeling a pang of sympathy for him. "That does sound tough. It is hard seeing him waste the money like that."
Leo nodded, his face sad but resigned. "It is. I've had to learn to fend for myself. It's not easy, but I do okay."
I tried to offer a consoling smile. "I'm sorry to hear that, Leo. That's so unfair. You shouldn't have to put up with all of that."
Leo shrugged again; a small, wry smile formed on his lips. "It's just how things are. I've learned to get by. Besides, it's not so bad now that I have someone to help me."
I looked at him in a mixture of both admiration and concern. "Well, I'm glad I could help you today. And should there ever be anything, don't hesitate to ask."
Gratitude brightened Leo's eyes. "Thank you, Zane. That means a lot."
Walking down the lit streets of Calyx, the energy of the city contrasted uncomfortably with my images of desolate Æsir. I felt I really related with Leo; his ability to keep going despite his various challenges kept me hopeful for him, that things were going to get better. Spent more time together, the more a new optimism brewed in my veins; as Leo guided me towards the palace, for the first time I was filled with a new hope, a new purpose.
As we approached the great palace, Leo made a stop at the doorway and turned serious. "I should stay here," he stated, his voice laced with just a little apprehension.
I looked at him, puzzled. "Why? We made it all the way here together."
Leo bowed, gesturing to the ornate gates. "Only guests invited by the Queen are allowed into the palace, and since it is holy land, it forbids persons of my kind from entering."
I frowned, catching my breath as I turned to him. "Oh, I see. Well, thanks for showing me around today, Leo. Really, I appreciate it."
Leo smiled weakly. "No problem, Zane. I hope you find what you're looking for."
Turning to go, I felt a surge of gratitude toward his assistance and resolve as I stepped onto the palace grounds, ready to meet whatever was waiting for me inside.
I approached the palace guards and cleared my throat for attention. "I'm here to see the Princess."
One of them turned to me with a critical eye and asked, "State your business."
"I'm Zane Liebert," I said, trying not to choke on my words.
His eyes widened in surprise. "Liebert? I didn't expect you to be, human." He paused then added, "I'll call someone to take you through to the palace."
Before he could make the call, however, a figure appeared. She had most of the features of Lynsithea, though looking a bit older. Formal was her attire; corset and blazer, with glasses perched on her nose.
"Looking for my sister?" she asked in a quiet, near commanding tone.
I nodded, feeling that mix of relief and curiosity. "Yes, I am. And you are?"
She smiled a little. "I am Azalea De Fleur, Lynsithea's older sister. I will bring you to her."
With this said, Azalea motioned for me to follow her, and a rise of excitement drummed in my stomach as we entered the palace to see Lynsithea again.
As Azalea and I strolled along the grand corridors of the palace, my curiosity led the way in a hoarse whisper. "I did not know that Lynsithea had a sister," I said as I tried to encompass the opulence around me.
Azalea cast a sideways glance at me-a hint of a smile danced across her lips. "Indeed, I have three siblings, including Lynsithea."
I did raise an eyebrow. "If you're her sister, that means you're also a princess, right?"
Azalea nodded graciously. "Yes, I am. We all carry the title, yet each of us has roles and responsibilities pertaining to each other within the kingdom."
I nodded, trying to wrap my head around this new tidbit. "That's quite a life, being part of the royal family."
Azalea's features loosened up just a bit. "It is hard sometimes, but rewarding, too. We are all dedicated to serving our people and preserving the values our kingdom was built upon."
We continued down the hall, as the grandeur of the palace was a fitting backdrop for our conversation.
As we continued walking, Azalea glanced at me with a playful glint in her eye. "So, how did you meet my sister Lynsithea?" she asked, her tone light and slightly flirtatious.
I could feel her curiosity, so I decided to share the story. "It's a long one...." I started, offering a small smile. "We met in Æsir, a place that's nothing like Calyx. The city was in ruins, and I was trying to survive after the Quantum Exodus. One day, Lynsithea came through one of the portals that appeared in Æsir. She was... different, unlike anyone I'd ever seen. We ended up traveling together, trying to make sense of the world around us."
Azalea's eyes sparkled with interest as she listened, her flirtatious demeanor softening as she focused on my words. "That sounds like quite the adventure," she said, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "Lynsithea is special, isn't she?"
"She is!" I agreed, nodding. "She has this way of bringing hope to even the darkest places. Æsir was... it was desolate, but with her, it felt like there was something worth fighting for."
Azalea smiled, her earlier teasing tone returning. "Sounds like my sister made quite an impression on you. But what about now? What do you think of Calyx?"
"Calyx is... incredible," I admitted. "It's like stepping into a different world entirely. The contrast between here and Æsir is staggering. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it."
Azalea chuckled softly. "Well, I'm glad you're here, Zane. Maybe you'll find that Calyx has more to offer than just beautiful scenery." She gave me a wink, her flirtatiousness unmistakable now.
I could only chuckle in response, feeling a bit out of my depth with her playful banter. But I couldn't help but appreciate her friendly nature as we made our way deeper into the palace.
As we walked down great halls of the palace, my gaze wasn't left devoid of all that opulence around me; tall columns with carvings, bright tapestries showing a story of some ancient battles, and the soft glowing magical lights, bathing everything in a warm golden hue. But despite the beauty of the palace, my mind was elsewhere, and I thought of Lynsithea, hoping she was all right.
Finally, we turned a corner and there she was. Lynsithea, standing in the middle of the corridor, looking radiant-I had never seen her. The flowers on her long, elegant dress seemed to shimmer with life. Really, I couldn't help but be in awe at just how beautiful it made her look; almost otherworldly.
"Lynsithea!" I called out, my voice echoing down the corridor.
She turned with the sound of my voice, and in that instant, our eyes met, with a rush of delight on her glowing face. Then in no time, she was running to me with a joyous expression. After reaching me, she started embracing me tightly with her arms. It was an absolute moment of relief when I was sure she was safe and here with me.
"Zane!" she whispered, her tone soft and emotional. "I'm so glad you're here!"
I wrapped my arms around her in return, pressing into the warmth of her hug, and for that moment, everything was right with the world again. Snowy perched on my shoulder let out a happy flap of his wings in seeming celebration of our reunion. Lynsithea caught sight of this and smiled radiantly at the little creature.
"And Snowy too!" she exclaimed, reaching out to stroke his feathers gently. Snowy cooed in response, pleased with the attention.
As we pulled back from the hug, I saw Azalea standing nearby, watching us with an amused smile on her face. She raised an eyebrow in my direction, giving me a look that was both teasing and approving.
"Well, aren't you two just the picture of happiness?" said Azalea lightly.
Lynsithea turned to her sister, her eyes still shining with happiness. "Azalea! Good to see you again." Moving forward, she clutched her sister tightly in her arms, holding her with a warm affection.
As they hugged, I just stood there and soaked it all in. Lynsithea's happiness was contagious, and I couldn't help but feel gratitude at being part of it. She looked so different from when I first met her-stronger, more confident-and yet still the same kind-hearted person who had brought light into my life.
The two of them together sent a pang through my chest, and I knew it was one of those moments that I would remember all my life. Not just because I was in an amazingly beautiful palace and Lynsithea did look stunning in her dress, but because of the connection we'd had, the bonds that had grown despite everything that happened between us. In that moment, I realized just how much I appreciated having Lynsithea in my life.
Azalea smiled wryly at Lynsithea. "By the way, where is Lily?" she asked casual-sounding but with a hint of curiosity.
Lynsithea burst out laughing. "She's in the library, buried under her books. You know how she is-always lost in some story or another."
Azalea nodded. "Of course." Then she turned to me and said, "Well, I really should leave you two to catch up. I have some pretty important business to attend to." With that, she cast me a playful wink and flowed away as both males remained watching her.
As Azalea disappeared down the hall, Lynsithea whirled on me, a playful glint in her eye. She kicked me lightly in the leg. "What was that?" I asked, rubbing at the spot she'd kicked me, unmistakably confused.
Lynsithea crossed her arms and cocked an eyebrow. "I'm trying to be nice here!"
I blinked, still somewhat dazed from what had just happened. "Nice? That's what you call nice?" She looks so flustered.
She shook her head, chuckling as she sighed. "Not like that. I mean, what took you so long to get here? I have been waiting forever!"
I chuckled sheepishly. "You wouldn't believe the journey. Got a bit sidetracked, and I even got pickpocketed!" I glanced down at Snowy, who fluffed up his feathers as if in agreement."
Lynsithea's eyes widened in surprise. "You got pickpocketed?"
"Yeah, some kid stole my watch, but don't worry.....I-I caught up with him. Ended up buying him some food instead."
She laughed, softening the expression in her eyes. "That does sound like you, Zane."
I shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed that she found this so amusing. "What can I say? I couldn't let the kid go hungry."
Lynsithea shook her head, a smile still on her lips. "Well, I'm just glad you're here now. That's what really matters."
Lynsithea walked beside me, eyes sparkling with the joy of being home. "So, what do you think of Calyx?" she asked, glancing over at me with a curious smile.
"It's... overwhelming," I admitted, my gaze wandering around. "Everything is so vibrant, so full of life. It is the complete opposite of Æsir. I did not know places like this could still exist."
She nodded, her face thoughtful. "It has to be a lot to take in. I know Calyx is different, but I hope you can feel at home here, at least a little."
I smiled over her effort at making me feel welcome. "It is hard to imagine this place ever feeling like home, but with you here, it's easier."
Lynsithea blushed a little at my words and quickly changed the subject. "You know, the palace holds so much history. Every room, every garden does. I used to spend hours exploring when I was younger, imagining all sorts of adventures."
"Really?" I asked, intrigued. "What kind of adventure?"
"Oh, you know, dragons being rescued, hidden treasures unearthed, that sort of thing," she replied with a mischievous grin. "Glacielle and I used to make up some wild tales. She's always been by my side, even when she was just a baby dragon."
I chuckled, thinking of a young Lynsithea running through these very halls with a little dragon in tow. "It sounds like you had a load of fun growing up here."
"I did" she said softly. "But it wasn't all fun and games. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with being part of the royal family. Sometimes, I feel like I lost myself in all the duties and expectations."
It was as if she spoke directly to my soul. "I know that feeling" I said quietly. "In Æsir, it was all about mere survival. It is so easy to lose oneself when one is merely trying to survive."
Lynsithea watched me with an expression of clear comprehension in her eyes. "Perhaps that is why we were supposed to find each other in this vast universe-two lost souls in search of a place they belonged to."
I nodded, feeling a deepened connection with her that was beyond words. "Maybe you're right."
We kept walking, our pace unhurried. The palace was big, but with Lynsithea beside me, it was like we were in a world of our own. Passing by a large window, I caught a glimpse of gardens outside that were full of life and colors-a far cry from the arid landscapes I had grown accustomed to.
"Miss it?" I asked suddenly, catching even myself off-guard.
"What?" Lynsithea asked, tilting her head.
"Æsir, The time we spent there, despite everything."
She paused, clearly reflecting on how best to answer. "I do, somehow. Not the place itself, but the moments we shared. It was. different. We were different. That is why it has stuck with me, I believe."
I nodded, understanding exactly what she meant. "Yeah, I get that."
Lynsithea smiled, and we resumed walking in thoughtful silence, each one taking comfort in the other's company. Great and impressive as this palace was, it was still unfamiliar to me, but nothing daunted me in the knowledge that Lynsithea was also here.
---
A lot was running in my mind as Lynsithea and I walked around this magnificent palace. The comparison of Calyx teeming with life and its warm people was diametrically opposite to bleakness, as I had known so long. But beneath my wonder and amazement, one concern pulled at me with persistence.
And with another human present in Calyx, the possibility that IRIS Corp might still be in hiding somewhere, too. The thought of not being the last of humankind left behind, that there may have been some other who managed to escape the murder of Æsir and was able to find refuge here, evoked both hope and dread.
It also hinted that the shadow of IRIS Corp, the very organization that had ravaged my world and left me to fend for myself, might still be looming large over this peaceful-seeming locality.
But this one gnawing suspicion remained in my head-that somewhere beneath the surface of this tranquil world, tidbits of the same icy, calculating force that had once hounded me with such ruthless efficiency must still persist. If IRIS Corp was here, it meant their reach was further than what I had thought. Their influence could be far-reaching, even in this world so far from the horrors of Æsir.
Lynsithea's voice brought me back to the here and now. "Are you okay?" she asked then, catching the distant look in my eyes.
I forced a smile on my face as I pushed aside active concerns. "Yeah, just. lost in thought. It's a lot to take in."
She nodded sympathetically, her eyes filled with understanding. "I can imagine. It must be overwhelming to see such a different world after everything you've been through."
I was grateful for her concern, but my mind was still preoccupied with the possibility of IRIS Corp being here. If they were indeed hiding here, I needed to find that out, and fast. I couldn't let my guard down, even in a place that feels as safe as this one does. The tranquility and loveliness of Calyx contrasted to the terror of my past.