Ch. 55: Geodofa

To get Iren settled in, we took our time and traveled for close to a month before finally reaching Geodofa City. This place was beyond beautiful; the grass was so green, the sky radiant blue with white fluffy clouds passing by. It was as if the city rested in a meadow full of exotic flowers and glass buildings. The glass reflected rainbows on the landscape making the entire scene appear surreal.

"WOW. A guy could get used to this." Richie breathed. He wasn't wrong - this place was indeed tempting.

"We're not here to just admire Rich. Keep your bearings - Even if the Geodofans are rumored to be peacemakers I don't want to chance it." I warned him mostly because I lived by the notion if something looked too good to be true, it probably was.

"You're killing me with your bad vibes, luv. Take the good when you can get it." Richie shot back.

Prince Iren pulled his horse up to mine, "Ezzie this shouldn't take too long right? I mean, they're peacemakers after all. Wouldn't they be willing to make peace with our Empire?"

I shrugged, "Hopefully."

We kept the remaining army a safe distance away with Toval staying behind while our little group made the way into the middle of the city. Multiple locals that were on the street gave indifferent slight nods.

It should be noted that this particular race of people were very . . . Unique. It was like their color pigment was completely gone - They were so white the skin was nearly translucent; you could see blue veins just under the surface. Their hair was just as white, even down to the eyelashes and eyebrows. The only defining color was their clothing which were pastel or rainbow colored and their exotic violet/red eyes.

"Stunning." Richie murmured under his breath. He was obviously checking out the locals with his keen eyes.

We made our way to the manor located slap dab in the middle of town, and were then led by a local to introduce us to the one called Queen. Our footsteps echoed along a glass corridor as we made our way to a stunning woman sitting on a glass throne. She appeared the same as the locals - no color except for her defining violet eyes. Her adornment was all white making it hard to tell where her dress ended and her skin began.

"Welcome to Geodofa." The Queen greeted. Her voice was soft and musical like flowers floating in the wind.

I nodded my head as the rest of our party bowed lowly, "Thank you for receiving us."

The Queen gestured for the others to rise and smiled a heavenly smile, "What brings you to our fair city?"

I took the initiative since this was the first time Iren had been in a negotiating setting, "We wish to discuss an alliance between Geodofa and the Bodach Empire."

A soft lilting laugh floated within the hall as the Queen's eyes twinkled, "You must be mistaken. We do not offer alliances - We are completely neutral."

My brows furrowed, "How do you mean your highness?"

"We do not ally with any country. If others wish to pass through our borders, we allow them to go as they please. We do not cause harm, we do not hinder, we do not affect the balance of good or evil. We simply make peace - this is the way of Geodofa."

I looked over at Kovin and Iren to see their expressions. Kovin remained impassive while Iren leaned over and asked, "Can I speak?"

I nodded and he began with an endearing smile, "Your Highness we humbly appreciate you allowing us safe passage through your lands. If the way of Geodofa is peace, then we mean no interference. Although I'm sure my brother would like an alliance to ensure no enemy forces could pass on your land, I suppose your stance of neutrality will be just as agreeable. If we could beg to receive an evening to rest and recuperate within your grand city, we would certainly appreciate this show of peacemaking and a chance for us to understand your culture more."

What a smooth talker! I had to give this boy props, he was a suck up and played those puppy dog eyes well. And that dimple - gosh this woman might just snatch him up!

The Queen looked at Iren with those twinkling eyes, "We see no harm in allowing your party to join us for the evening. We can even provide refreshment for your army. Please allow us to welcome your party for a banquet tonight."

"You're so kind! Truly Geodofa is a generous city!"

----

"Ez you're gonna have to step it up or that little tart's gonna steal your position." Richie whispered in my ear as we were getting a tour of the city.

We had already seen some more of the locals. Apparently no one had a name; there was just the Queen and the rest were called non-queen. Everyone spoke of themselves as 'we' or 'us'. It's like they had no singularity, just a group mindset. The whole environment was unsettling but who was I to judge? Rodair's people talked in third person, my people addressed their entire race as family, the Bodach Empire loved to kill anyone - clearly these people weren't that odd right?

I shook my head to dispel the cultural differences as I whispered back, "That's kind of the point Rich. He's supposed to take my position."

Richie pouted his red lips, "Yeah well he doesn't have to be so good at it. I don't want him one-upping you."

I smirked at Richie's jealous logic while rolling my eyes. Clearly he was way too partial.

We made our way to an impressive garden filled with so many different flowers that I couldn't help but let out a small gasp. Never have I seen such a beautiful landscape! Truly it was a wonderful sight. Richie and Illana ran up to where there was a patch of butterflies to watch them scatter into the air.

"Ez have you ever seen anything so divine?! We'd never witness a sight like this at home!" Richie exclaimed excitedly as he breathed in the air.

I walked up to a group of lovely flowers and inhaled their scent while I replied, "No, never."

Kovin walked up to me with a curious look on his face, "Did your land not have such scenic landscapes?"

I shook my head no as I continued to look around. Kovin wiped his hand on his pant leg and hesitantly asked, "Do you have a preferred flower?"

I glanced at him warily. Why did this fellow want to know?

"Do you?" I shot back with a small smirk. Kovin furrowed his brows in agitation without replying, so I just shrugged and walked away.