Many days passed and from above, the city stretched across the Great Plains like a living mosaic, its vibrant energy visible even from the skies. The outer walls, tall and sturdy, encircled the city in a protective embrace. Built from stone and reinforced with bronze, the walls glinted in the sunlight, a symbol of strength and unity. Beyond them, the plains rolled on endlessly, dotted with the green of freshly planted crops and the occasional roaming spirit.
Inside the walls, the city was alive with activity. Permanent houses, neatly arranged along the wide streets, formed small neighborhoods where families bustled about their daily lives. Each house was unique—some adorned with bright murals of spirits and nature, others simpler but no less welcoming. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, and colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, signaling the shift toward a more settled and civilized way of life.
In the marketplace, the sounds of bartering and laughter filled the air. Stalls made of wood and cloth lined the streets, displaying an array of goods—bundles of grains, woven fabrics, bronze tools, and fresh vegetables from the harvest. Children darted between the stalls, their faces smeared with traces of berry juice as they played games and giggled with delight.
Despite the shift toward a more structured society, elements of the tribal lifestyle remained. Large communal fires burned in open spaces, surrounded by groups of people cooking and sharing meals. The scent of roasting meats and spiced stews mingled with the freshness of baked bread, creating an aroma that was both familiar and comforting. Laughter echoed as old stories were retold, and songs filled the air, uniting the people in their shared heritage.
The presence of spirits added a mystical layer to the city's vibrancy. They wandered freely, some floating through the streets like curious spectators, while others actively engaged with the people.
A small, mischievous wind spirit zipped through the marketplace, playfully overturning baskets of fruit. The stall owner sighed, shaking her head, but a child nearby laughed and coaxed the spirit to settle by offering it a shiny pebble. The spirit, appeased, hovered for a moment before spinning happily around the child in gratitude.
In the communal square, a serene water spirit swirled around the fountain, its liquid form shimmering in the sunlight. It interacted with Zovar's serpent spirit which liked to rest near the fountain, the two exchanging ripples of energy in a display of quiet camaraderie.
Some spirits followed their contracted humans closely. A young warrior walked alongside a fiery emberling, the tiny flame dancing in midair as if encouraging him. A weaver chatted with an earth spirit that resembled a small golem, its sturdy hands helping her move heavy bundles of fabric.
The spirits that were unbound roamed freely, exploring the city. They floated through homes, lingered near the marketplace, and even observed the forges where blacksmiths worked. Their presence was harmonious, their actions blending seamlessly with the lives of the humans they now shared the world with.
At the city's center stood the largest building yet—a council hall, constructed from finely hewn stone and reinforced with bronze. Its roof was supported by wooden beams adorned with carvings of spirits and tribal motifs, a blend of artistry and craftsmanship that reflected the alliance's unity.
Inside, the three tribal leaders—Zovar, Arika, and Orvek—sat at a circular stone table, their expressions contemplative as they discussed the future. Alongside them were the three outsiders: Rice, Ryden, and Darius, who lounged in their seats with varying levels of seriousness.
Zovar leaned forward, her ocean-blue eyes scanning the others. "The city is coming together beautifully, but we've reached an important milestone. This place needs a name."
Arika nodded, crossing her arms. "A name to represent everything we've built together."
Orvek grunted in agreement, his scarred face thoughtful. "It should be something that speaks of our strength, unity, and the future we're building."
Before any of them could suggest an option, Rice shot up, his hand raised enthusiastically. "We should name it Weed!"
The room fell silent.
"Weed?" Arika repeated, her sharp gaze narrowing.
"Yeah!" Rice grinned. "Think about it. Weeds grow everywhere. They're tough, stubborn, and impossible to kill. Just like us!"
Darius groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "No. Just… no." He turned to Ryden for support, but his hopes were quickly dashed.
Ryden smirked, leaning back in his chair. "I mean… he's got a point. It would be funny."
"Thank you!" Rice said, throwing his arms wide.
"No," Darius said firmly, cutting them both off. "We're not naming the city Weed."
Rice pouted, and Ryden chuckled, clearly enjoying the exchange. "Alright, fine," Ryden said, waving his hand. "We'll leave it to the chiefs to decide."
Zovar raised an eyebrow, her expression caught between amusement and disbelief. Arika shook her head, muttering something under her breath, while Orvek let out a bark of laughter.
"You two are impossible," Darius said, exasperated.
The chiefs exchanged knowing glances, clearly unfazed by the trio's antics. "We'll take it from here," Zovar said with a faint smile, her tone decisive.
"Fine," Rice muttered, slumping in his chair. "But I still think Weed is a great name."
The chiefs leaned closer around the council table, their voices low and thoughtful as they discussed potential names for the city.
"It must be a name that reflects strength and permanence," Orvek said, his hand resting on the hilt of his axe. "Something solid, like the stones that make its walls."
"And unity," Zovar added, her melodic voice calm but resolute. "A name that shows how we've come together, stronger than ever before."
Arika nodded. "It must honor the land itself, the plains and the people who built this city."
After a few moments of deliberation, Zovar straightened in her chair, a faint smile on her lips. "Pillaris," she said simply.
The other two chiefs exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.
"Pillaris," Orvek rumbled. "Strong. Enduring. I like it."
"It's decided," Arika declared, rising to her feet. "The city's name is Pillaris."
The declaration had barely been made when a deep, resonant rumble echoed across the city, followed by a strange stillness in the air. The faint hum of life in the city quieted as people stopped what they were doing, turning their gazes outward. From the walls, sentries shouted down in alarm.
"Something's coming!"
Three massive forms emerged on the horizon, each approaching Pillaris from a different direction.
From the forest to the west, a towering deer spirit stepped gracefully into view. Its body shimmered with a faint green aura, its fur blending seamlessly with the foliage around it. Its majestic antlers stretched skyward, covered in blooming flowers, vines, and moss that trailed like a living tapestry. With each step it took, the ground beneath it burst into life, grass and wildflowers sprouting in its wake. The air around the deer was heavy with the scent of blooming jasmine and fresh rain, as though the spirit carried the essence of the forest itself.
From the rocky hills to the north, a massive turtle spirit lumbered into sight. Its shell was like a moving fortress, adorned with jagged boulders, crystalline deposits, and patches of moss. Small streams of water trickled down the grooves of its shell, glinting in the sunlight. Its head was weathered and wise, its eyes glowing with the deep gold of ancient earth. The spirit moved with a slow, deliberate grace, each step leaving cracks and indentations in the ground that pulsed faintly with energy.
From the Great Lake to the east, a colossal aquatic spirit rose from the waters. Its form was sleek and serpentine, though not a snake—its body resembled a cross between a leviathan and a dragon, with fins that shimmered like moonlight on water. Its translucent, flowing body seemed to hold the very essence of the lake, and the water swirled protectively around it. Its head was adorned with elegant frills, and its eyes shone with an intense, cerulean glow.
The citizens of Pillaris gathered near the walls, murmuring in a mixture of awe and fear. Children clung to their parents, while warriors gripped their weapons tightly, unsure if they were about to face an attack or something far greater.
On the wall, the three chiefs stared at the approaching spirits, their expressions a blend of reverence and trepidation.
Ryden leaned out to get a better look. "They're not attacking. But why are they coming here?"
Rice squinted at the massive forms, tilting his head thoughtfully. "Hmm," he murmured. "Those look like really strong spirits. Probably rank 5 Spirit Adepts."
"And?" Arika asked, her tone sharp.
Rice snapped his fingers. "Ohhh! They're here to advance to rank 6—Spirit Guardians."
Ryden frowned. "What does that mean?"
"It means," Rice said, turning toward the chiefs with a grin, "they're trying to form a contract. Not with a person this time, but with the city itself. Pillaris."
The chiefs exchanged glances, and Arika stepped forward, her jaw set in determination. "So, we choose one?"
Rice nodded. "Yeah. You pick one, and that spirit will protect Pillaris if it's ever in danger."
Before Arika could respond, Zovar spoke quietly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "Who says we can only choose one?"
Before anyone could stop her, Zovar climbed onto the wall and leapt off. Gasps rose from the crowd below, but her water serpent spirit surged upward, catching her in midair and lowering her safely to the ground.
The three massive spirits halted their approach, watching Zovar with glowing, otherworldly eyes. She strode forward without hesitation, her water serpent coiling protectively around her.
"We built this city together," Zovar called out, her voice clear and strong. "And together, we will protect it."
Extending her hands, Zovar channeled her energy toward the spirits. A shimmering blue light radiated from her, spreading outward in waves. The three spirits responded, their auras flaring as they accepted her offer.
The air grew heavy with anticipation as the three great spirits began to change. The energy radiating from them was almost tangible, shimmering waves of light cascading across the city. Each transformation was a spectacle of raw elemental power, a symphony of nature reshaping itself into something extraordinary.
The forest deer stood tall, raising its antlers as golden-green energy surged through its form. The antlers twisted and grew, branching into an intricate network of crystalline vines and glowing flowers. The blossoms pulsed with life, each one radiating a faint luminescence that danced like fireflies in the twilight.
Its fur darkened to a rich emerald hue, rippling as if the very essence of the forest was woven into its body. Its hooves struck the ground, and with each step, the earth bloomed. Grasses and wildflowers unfurled in vibrant waves, spreading a carpet of life beneath its feet.
The deer's eyes transformed, glowing with a warm, golden light that evoked sunlight piercing through a dense forest canopy. A soft mist began to swirl around it, carrying the scent of pine, jasmine, and fresh rain. The mist expanded outward, blanketing the air in a serene and mystical aura.
As the transformation completed, the deer threw its head back and let out a resonant call, a harmonious blend of bird song and rushing wind that echoed across the city.
The turtle spirit rumbled deeply, its massive form shifting as its transformation began. Its shell, already an impressive structure, expanded outward, its jagged boulders and crystals fusing into a fortress-like carapace. Veins of molten gold and silver erupted from its surface, flowing through intricate grooves and forming glowing patterns that pulsed with a rhythmic, primal power.
The creature's limbs thickened, their movements slow but deliberate, exuding an aura of unshakable strength. Its weathered, ancient head tilted upward, and its eyes blazed with a deep amber light that seemed to hold the wisdom of countless eons.
As it moved, the ground beneath it trembled, the vibrations resonating like a heartbeat through the earth. Shards of crystal sprouted wherever its colossal feet touched, glinting like stars against the soil. The turtle emitted a low, resonant growl that rolled across the city, steady and grounding, as if the spirit itself was promising to be an unyielding shield for the people.
The lake spirit rose from the water, its form shimmering with liquid brilliance. Its serpentine body stretched and elongated, taking on an even grander and more majestic shape. Fins along its body expanded into elaborate, fan-like structures, each one shimmering with an iridescent sheen that reflected every color of the rainbow.
A crown of glowing orbs materialized above its head, each orb spinning gently and emitting a soft, ethereal light. The water around the spirit began to spiral upward, forming twisting, crystalline columns that followed its movements like an extension of its body.
Its scales gleamed like polished silver, and veins of glowing blue light pulsed across its form, creating the illusion of flowing rivers coursing through its being. The spirit's deep cerulean eyes gleamed with intelligence and depth, as if it carried the vastness of the ocean within them.
The lake spirit arched its back and let out a haunting, melodic call that seemed to resonate with the water itself. Waves rippled outward, carrying its song to every corner of the city.
As the transformations completed, the three spirits gathered their energy, their forms radiating an awe-inspiring brilliance. The forest deer reared back, its glowing antlers stretching high into the sky. The turtle spirit stomped the ground, sending out shockwaves of power that reverberated through the earth. The lake spirit rose higher, spiraling gracefully as water cascaded around it.
Then, in perfect unison, the three spirits roared—a powerful, resonant sound that reverberated through the air and ground. It was a declaration, a promise of protection and strength, and a warning to any who would threaten the city.
The wave of energy from their roar washed over Pillaris, a tangible force that made the very walls of the city hum. The citizens, who had watched in stunned silence, erupted into cheers and cries of amazement. Fear was replaced by reverence and excitement as they realized that their city now stood under the guardianship of these magnificent beings.