A few minutes after being outside the castle, Umbrazel was first, each movement sharp, direct; Nyxander followed closely, his eyes jumping from wonder to wonder. The huge caves stretched right and left, lit by this soft, otherworldly light, filled with buildings fashioned from marble in shades, it seemed, of liquid silver in some places and the faint, comforting warmth of the dying star elsewhere. Every structure seemed to throb with its own life, as if the stone itself breathed.
"Wow, all these buildings look so beautiful," Nyxander muttered under his breath, his voice full of wonder. His words trailed off as his attention shifted. It wasn't just the architecture that mesmerized him-it was the fibrous garments worn by the Primordials. The clothes seemed alive, flowing and shifting as though responding to their wearers' emotions. Each fabric exuded a distinct aura, vibrant and commanding, like a symphony of energy in motion.
Wait," Nyxander thought, his mind racing, "if everyone has a permanent garment, just like Mother and Father, who never change their clothes but always look so refreshing, then my coming of age must have something to do with me still being. well, naked. I need to get myself an attractive one when the time comes!
The thought put a slight grin on his face as he imagined himself in clothes as grand as those around him.
Lost in his musings, Nyxander didn't notice when Umbrazel came to a sudden stop. He ran headfirst into the back of Umbrazel, the impact making a dull thud. "Ouch!" he exclaimed, rubbing his forehead. The sting jolted him from his wandering thoughts.
Umbrazel turned slightly, his face chiseled with annoyance, his voice laced with an edge Nyxander had never heard before. "Your full attention is needed throughout this. Focus on your purpose and do not get carried away," he said, the weight of restrained anger thick in his tone.
Yes, Uncle Umbrazel," Nyxander stammered, a tone half apologetic, half nervous. But before he could continue, a sharp voice cut through the moment.
"And mind you, here you address me as Captain Umbrazel," Umbrazel corrected, his finger pressed sternly against Nyxander, his eyes a storm of authority. Nyxander, however, remained impassive, his gaze straying once more, curiosity tugging at his every sense.
With a frustrated sigh, Umbrazel turned back toward their destination. "Now move forward," he instructed, his words clipped and firm.
Without hesitation, Nyxander moved to stand beside Umbrazel, his gaze now fully captured by the sight ahead. A huge cave unfolded before them, its ceiling disappearing in shadows above. At its heart was a monumental structure carved out of dark-purple marble; its surface glistened as if kissed by starlight. The intricate designs upon its walls seemed to tell stories of ancient times, the details so precise they almost looked alive, subtly changing with every dance of the light.
"My gods, what a magnificent sculpture," Nyxander whispered, hardly audible as his eyes widened.
As they neared the entrance, Nyxander noticed something peculiarly different. Whereas other buildings utilized sliding doors or intricate mechanical systems, this structure did not have a conventional doorway; instead, a dark-gray liquid sheet shimmered in its place, flowing like a silent waterfall suspended in time. The primordials passed through the sheet with ease, their forms disappearing for a brief moment before reappearing on the other side, as if stepping through the fabric of reality itself.
The sight left Nyxander breathless. His fingers itched to reach out and touch the strange liquid, curiosity pulling at him like a tide. Yet, he held back, knowing this was no place for childish wonder.
As they neared the mystifying sheet, Umbrazel passed through it with the ease like a pebble sinking into mercury, its surface undisturbed. Nyxander reached out hesitantly with his right hand. "Woohoo," he muttered softly, gently placing his palm against it. His hand penetrated the fluid without resistance, feeling no physical sensation, as though it was a mirage of liquid light. He stood and stared, mesmerized, almost having forgotten his purpose, until a voice from the other side broke his trance.
"When are you coming?" The deep voice of Umbrazel rumbled, sending ripples through the fluid like a distant echo. Pulled by the commanding tone, Nyxander stepped through unprepared, feeling as though the voice itself had drawn him forward.
Inside, the space opened into a great cave whose high walls stretched upward toward the heavens. The open top allowed starlight to cascade in silvery streams, bathing the chamber in a celestial glow. The floor was a mosaic of smooth white and black marbled patterns gleaming under the astral light. Encircling the room were numerous entrances, each with the same shimmering liquid sheet, in spiral ascension toward the lofty apex of the cavern.
Nyxander walked cautiously, his gaze darting around as he observed several primordial officials entering and exiting through the fluidic doorways with an air of solemnity.
"You need to watch where you're going; don't bump into anyone," Umbrazel cautioned, his tone carrying a faint edge of annoyance. He gestured toward an entrance to the left.
"Go into that room and wait. I'll be back shortly," he instructed without pausing for a reply.
"Okay, Uncle," Nyxander replied breezily, turning toward the indicated room.
Inside, he found himself in a grand hall of overwhelming proportions, almost the size of a banquet chamber fit for a king. The floor was pristine white marble and gleamed to a mirror finish, adding a touch of opulence to the place.
Nyxander's eyes were riveted on this wonder when his gaze fell upon another primordial. This one, too, was tall and well-muscled, with a tumble of purple hair around his powerful body. His cold, piercing eyes gave him an aspect of unapproachable severity.
Nyxander darted to him with unbridled enthusiasm, extending a hand in greeting. "Hi, friend! I'm Nyxander. How should I address you?"
The primordial, Vacuros, turned his icy gaze toward Nyxander, his expression as lifeless as a stone carving, before looking away without a word.
Unfazed, Nyxander withdrew his hand with a cheerful smile. "We'll be working together as members of the same clan," he said warmly, stepping around Vacuros.
"Why don't we discuss our goals moving forward?" he suggested, his tone brimming with eager optimism.
Stiffening, his cold eyes flashed with irritation. He suddenly threw his head in Nyxander's direction as the words burst out of his throat like a peal of thunder.
"Hey, can't you act like I'm not here?" he roared, the very loudness making the empty room echo forcefully from his words.
The air grew thick in silence, as volatile as a bomb ready to explode, until the entrance of Umbrazel some minutes later. His commanding presence righted the chaotic vibe of the room, the tension dissipating under his steady gaze.