Five days had passed since Leona joined their journey. The golden-red Maple Forest had long been left behind, replaced by rocky trails and hilly terrain covered in tall grass. The sun now stood high in the sky, blazing without a single cloud to offer shade. Its heat pressed against their skin, though a gentle northern breeze eased the burn.
The sky was vividly blue and clear, like a vast mirror stretched above the world. Tiny birds soared high above, chirping, and in the distance, a group of deer pranced along the base of the hills—a sign that this region remained untouched by chaos.
Their steps now descended a small slope and entered a wide grassland that stretched out like a carpet of emerald. The grass, waist-deep, swayed gently in the breeze, creating calm waves across the green ocean. Tiny white and yellow wildflowers peeked out from between the dancing blades.
Leona led the way today. Her golden hair, tied in two braids, danced with the wind, and her voice never seemed to tire.
"You know," she said, turning back to face Clara and Liorin, "when I was little, I used to imagine I was a flying lion princess. I once tried making wings out of banana leaves. I fell straight into a pond." Her tone was full of energy.
This was the real Leona—not like when they had first met her in the Maple Forest. Her spirit was bright and enthusiastic, true to the nature of the Leonin people, known for their friendliness.
"And you didn't drown?" Clara replied with a light chuckle.
"Of course not! I'm strong!" Leona thumped her chest proudly. "Besides, I think the pond liked me more than it liked my brother. He fell in once and got bitten by a turtle." Her tail swished rapidly as she stood with hands on her hips, smug.
Liorin let out a long sigh, clearly exhausted by her chatter. Lux seemed to share the same sentiment.
"I don't get it," Leona said, stepping beside Clara. "You two are so quiet. Don't you get bored staying silent all day? If I had to walk alone without talking… I think I'd go insane."
"We speak when necessary," Liorin replied calmly. "Besides, sometimes silence is more comforting than meaningless noise."
"Ouch! That hurt," Leona said, patting her chest dramatically. "But it's okay. At least I got you to say more than ten words."
Clara giggled softly, watching the growing camaraderie between the two. Though Leona talked endlessly, her presence brought a lighter, more vibrant atmosphere. Like sunlight warming a heart long shrouded in clouds.
When they reached the top of a small hill, their steps came to a halt.
Before them lay a breathtaking view—a sea of grass stretching as far as the eye could see, ending at the foot of a horizon bathed in golden sunlight. There stood a walled city with towering rooftops reaching for the sky. Its walls were made of white stone, gleaming under the sun, and from afar, banners of blue and gold fluttered gently. A grand tower pierced the clouds in the heart of the city.
"That's… Aeloria," Liorin said, his voice heavy with meaning.
Clara gazed at the city, awe-struck. There was something majestic and sacred about it. Like a jewel embedded in the earth. Everything looked peaceful from the outside, but Clara knew… every place held its own secrets.
"This is the first time I've ever seen a city…" Leona whispered softly. For the first time that morning, her voice was calm and full of wonder.
The wind blew a little stronger, carrying the fresh scent of fields mingled with salt from a distant sea. From the city, the main road stretched like a lifeline connecting the outside world to its heart. Wooden wagons and riders passed now and then, like ants determinedly climbing a long road toward civilization.
"We'll reach it before nightfall if we keep going," said Liorin, estimating the distance. "It'll be our resting stop." He stood with hands on his hips, then turned to Clara and Leona.
"Err… I don't have any money, hehe," Leona said, scratching her head.
Liorin immediately shook his head at the comment.
"It's alright, we'll cover for you. I brought some coins," Clara said, touching the small pouch at her waist. Her backpack still held a bit of food and a few scrolls of incantations.
Leona's eyes sparkled with gratitude at Clara's kindness. Liorin sighed, but silently agreed to help cover the expenses.
Clara chuckled softly.
Their journey continued. The grassland gradually gave way to a narrower stone path leading to the main road to Aeloria. The sun now leaned westward, casting long shadows across the ground as they walked.
But in each of their hearts, an unspoken feeling stirred. That city wasn't just a resting place—it was the gateway to the next chapter of their destiny.
Clara fixed her eyes on the city growing clearer ahead.
"Aeloria… may our arrival bring light, not disaster."
And under the vast blue sky, their steps continued until it began to melt into a golden hue. The sun sank lower, casting gentle orange light over the fields they had left behind. The silhouette of the city stood clearer now, and they were only a few hundred meters from Aeloria's main gate.
The road leading to the city bustled with caravans, tourists, travelers, and now and then, noble processions flanked by guards. On either side of the road, tall, orderly cedar trees stood like silent witnesses to countless journeys of the past.
Leona paused for a moment. She drew a long breath, eyes sparkling as she gazed at the city.
"I've heard about Aeloria since I was little," she said. "But seeing it with my own eyes… it's truly beautiful."
Clara stood beside her, equally awed. "It's like a city from a dream. But I'm sure… not even dreams are this beautiful."
Before them, Aeloria's white stone walls stood proud, towering and solid, encircling the entire city like an eternal guardian. Ancient carvings and royal emblems adorned the walls—a phoenix with wings outstretched, symbolizing rebirth and wisdom.
But what caught the eye most was a towering blue-grey spire in the heart of the city, rising higher than any other structure. At its peak, a bluish glow pulsed softly. Even from afar, one could feel its magical presence.
"That's the Altessia Tower," Liorin said. "Home of the Grand Mage. It's more than a landmark for traders or travelers passing through—it's also this city's magical fortress."
Leona nodded slowly, clearly captivated by the tale.
They finally reached the city's main gate. Two guard towers flanked the entrance, and between them hung a deep blue banner bearing a golden phoenix. The gate itself was made of old oak reinforced with black iron that gleamed under the setting sun.
Two guards stood firm, clad in armor and armed with spears. They turned toward the group, watchful.
"What is your purpose?" one of the guards asked in a loud but courteous tone.
Liorin stepped forward. "We're travelers. Seeking shelter for the night."
The guard observed them closely, especially Lux perched on Clara's shoulder and their worn clothes from the long journey. Then, he nodded.
"There are no restrictions on entry, but watch your behavior. This city is tightly guarded. Uncontrolled magic or weapons are not to be used lightly."
Here's the grammatically polished English translation of your passage:
"We understand."
With a gesture of the hand, the great gates slowly creaked open. The sound of old hinges echoed briefly, and the twilight spilled into the city.
Setting foot in Aeloria felt like stepping into another world.
Inside the city, cobbled streets were neatly arranged, flanked on both sides by majestic stone buildings adorned with colorful mosaics and beautifully curved rooftops. Floating crystal lamps began to glow softly, replacing the fading sunlight. Each one radiated a gentle light, like stars captured in glass.
The evening market was still bustling, filled with a chorus of sounds—the cries of vendors calling out their wares, children playing, the heartfelt tunes of street musicians, and the inviting aroma of fresh bread and herbs from nearby shops.
Leona turned to Clara with a wide grin. "Clara, Liorin… I'm not leaving until I've tasted everything here!"
"Make sure you still have the energy to walk tomorrow," Clara replied with a smile.
They continued their walk through the city's alleys, heading toward the lodging Liorin had recommended. Along the way, Leona's eyes darted in every direction—from apothecaries selling shimmering crystal powder to inns adorned with floating lanterns.
At the city's center, they came upon a wide plaza with a grand fountain standing proudly in its midst. The water didn't simply spray—it swirled gently in the air, forming perfect geometric shapes—a symbol of the balance between science and magic.
"Liorin," Clara whispered quietly. "Is there a place in this city where we can find information about the Gate?"
Without turning, Liorin replied, "If I remember correctly, there's a library here that holds nearly all the knowledge of this world."
Clara paused, touching her chin thoughtfully.
"What if we go there tomorrow?"
Liorin looked at her. "That's a brilliant idea."
"What are you two talking about?" Leona, who had been marveling at the beauty of the city, slipped into the conversation.
"We might be staying here for a while," Clara said with a soft smile.
Leona's eyes sparkled. "Really? That's wonderful!" Her tail swished excitedly.
The sky had now turned a soft lavender, and stars began to appear one by one. Aeloria never slept, and its night was only the beginning of thousands of stories waiting to unfold.