Yaxkin's return to Chichen Itza after his journey carried with it stories of discovery and fleeting encounters. The crisp mountain air lingered in his memory as he recounted the two most striking experiences of his two-week excursion to his closest companions Kuk and Noil, moments that would shape his next steps in Ikal.
The first tale began in the shadow of towering cliffs, where Yaxkin's sharp intuition and his power of visualization led him to a plant unlike any he had seen before. It thrived in the cool, shaded nooks of the mountains, its delicate, silver-lined leaves shimmering faintly as if kissed by moonlight.
Using his ability, Yaxkin discerned that the plant held a unique quality it interacted with Ch'ulel in a subtle but effective way, promoting agility and aiding practitioners in mastering the flow of energy during stretches and combat training.
"This will revolutionize how our warriors train," Yaxkin murmured to himself.
Carefully harvesting the seeds he filled his pouch with as many as he could carry, already envisioning how the plant, which he named Xochitonal, would bolster the physical and spiritual development of his people. With time and proper cultivation, it would become a cornerstone of the Empire's training regimens.
Days later, in the heart of a tranquil forest, Yaxkin stumbled upon a hidden lake. Its waters shimmered with an otherworldly beauty, surrounded by dense foliage alive with the hum of nature. As he knelt to refill his waterskin, a movement caught his eye. He turned and froze.
Standing at the water's edge, no more than a hundred meters away, was a young woman of striking beauty. Her features were delicate, her skin radiant against the soft whites and blues of her flowing attire.
A necklace in the shape of a dragon rested on her chest, glinting in the sunlight. Yaxkin's heart skipped a beat, the air around them seeming to be still. For two minutes, they simply stared, the distance between them both infinite and intimate.
Then, voices called out guards, perhaps her attendants. She turned to leave, her name faintly carried by the breeze.
"Xi Shi…" Yaxkin whispered, the name resonating with mystery. A rare name, one he recognized from the legends of the Qin Empire.
How could she be here, so far from the continent assigned to her people? The encounter left a mark on him, an indelible question that would linger in his thoughts as he made his way back to Chichen Itza...…..
Yaxkin decided to finish his adventure because the days for the end of the year were near.
The city buzzed with anticipation as Yaxkin returned. His people were immersed in preparations for the Panquetzaliztli, the grand festival of Huitzilopochtli.
The celebration honored the sun god and marked the solstice, a symbol of renewal and unity for the Viatori Empire. Families decorated homes, streets filled with vibrant banners, and citizens prepared traditional dishes crafted from a plant resembling maize. Found months earlier, this staple crop had quickly become essential in replicating the beloved cuisines of Gracea.
The festivities were also an opportunity to reflect on their first year in Ikal. Citizens embraced the traditions with enthusiasm, from offering thanks for their survival to planning moments of joy and bonding. Couples, young and old, prepared tokens of love and promises, cherishing their time in this world free from the burdens of their homeland.
Among the many accomplishments of the year was the nearing completion of the New Eagle and Leopard Warrior School. The institution was a monument to unity, embodying the educational ethos of the telpochcalli and calmécac. Built with imposing grandeur, its halls and arenas would serve to train the next generation of warriors, teaching them not only combat but also survival strategies, the geography of Ikal, and an understanding of its peculiar fauna and flora.
"This school will not just train soldiers," Yaxkin remarked during a tour.
"It will create leaders, companions, and protectors who understand this world and stand together against its dangers."
The school's vision extended beyond preparing warriors; it aimed to foster camaraderie and loyalty among all citizens of Viatori. By sharing their resources and knowledge, even independent adventurers could benefit, reducing casualties and ensuring the strength of the Empire's presence in Ikal.
As Yaxkin prepared for the year-end celebrations, he marveled at how far they had come. From the initial construction of Chichen Itza to the establishment of Tulum and now the rise of this new institution, the Empire of Viatori has cemented its foundation in Ikal. Yet, the fleeting image of Xi Shi remained in his mind, a symbol of the unknowns and mysteries still waiting to be unraveled in this enigmatic world.