Arrival and Parting of Ways

The rhythmic clatter of the train wheels on the tracks filled the air as the trio—Alex, Ed, and Azalea—found themselves in a brief moment of respite after the intense confrontation with the Rabbit Mask. The train journey, initially a routine trip to the capital, had transformed into a tumultuous adventure.

As they settled back into their compartment, the atmosphere retained a lingering tension. Azalea, with a calm demeanour, decided it was time to share a revelation that would alter the course of their journey.

"Before we proceed further, there's something I must disclose," Azalea began, her amethyst eyes glinting slightly. Alex and Ed exchanged curious glances, their minds still echoing with the recent events.

"What is it? Don't tell me you are a princess or something," Alex said, feigning nonchalance, yet his eyes betrayed a spark of intuition.

Azalea's eyes widened in disbelief as Alex's casual remark hit the mark. Ed's unexpected reaction, spitting out his water, only added to the astonishment in the compartment.

"Wha- How did you know?" Azalea responded, her composure momentarily slipping in the face of Alex's accurate guess.

Ed, recovering from his surprise, wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, exclaiming, "No way!"

Recovering from her shock, she continued, "I am Azalea Felionis, the 7th princess of our kingdom." Her voice carried a weight of responsibility and a hint of vulnerability as if the revelation had lifted a long-held secret from her shoulders.

"How did you guess that Alex?" Ed asked curiously.

"Well, you know me. I am very smart after all," Alex replied coolly. "Well, that and the sudden attack plus her amethyst-coloured eyes."

"Oh, that makes sense," acknowledged Ed. "But can you stop calling yourself smart? That's for other people to do."

"Yeah, yeah," Alex waved him off.

"How are you not that serious about this reveal?" she asked, looking incredulous. "I- I gathered so much courage to tell you this, you know."

"Well, what's done is done," replied Alex.

"We greet Your Highness," Ed said, bowing to her mockingly. Alex followed suit. The air in the compartment lightened, and Azalea couldn't help but chuckle at the unexpected turn of events.

The mood got lighter and shifted to what each of them would do once they reached the capital. Alex wanted to roam the capital market and go through all the different shops. He wanted to see how the people had incorporated magic into their lives, how they had used it to simplify their daily tasks. Ed decided that he wanted to join Alex on this trip catch up and do some training.

As the train approached its final destination, the trio gazed out of the window at the sprawling cityscape of the capital. Tall spires and magical lights illuminated the skyline, marking the heart of Accelfabia. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels slowed, and with a gentle halt, the train journey concluded. Amid the bustling platform, Azalea turned to Alex and Ed with a sincere expression.

"I can't thank you both enough for your help. I'd like to invite you to my estate as a token of my gratitude."

Before she could extend her invitation, however, Alex and Ed exchanged a knowing glance.

"We appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but we have some matters to attend to first. Another time, perhaps," Alex responded diplomatically. Ed nodded in agreement, and with a polite farewell, they smoothly slipped away from Azalea's sight, disappearing into the throngs of people navigating the busy station.

Alex's excitement surged as the train deposited them into the heart of the bustling capital. The city unfolded before him, a vibrant tapestry of life where numerous humanoid species coexisted harmoniously. Diverse faces, shapes, and sizes filled the crowded streets, each representing a unique corner of the magical world. Tall elves with pointed ears strolled elegantly, their long, flowing robes brushing the ground. Compact dwarves, adorned with intricate metalwork, skillfully crafted wares in their shops. Rugged lizardmen, clad in metallic armor, roamed around, seamlessly intermingling with the population. The air buzzed with a blend of languages, the city echoing with the sounds of conversations in different tongues. Alex marveled at the colorful stalls lining the markets, where various magical beings engaged in trade, selling enchanted items, exotic ingredients, and curious artifacts. The capital was a living mosaic of cultures, and Alex couldn't wait to explore each unique facet. The diversity, both in the people and the enchantments that surrounded them, fueled his curiosity, making the capital a fascinating kaleidoscope of magical life.

The first shop that caught his fancy was the weapons shop. It was tucked away between a bookstore and a general goods shop, which was a bit of an odd combination. As Alex and Ed stepped inside, the place was filled with the smell of metal and the sight of various weapons scattered around. Swords, spears, and axes were in bins, some hanging on the wall, and a few even behind glass cases. Some of the weapons had a magical vibe, while others seemed ordinary, but each told its own story through its design and material.

Grukhuc Irontank, a grizzled dwarf with a beard that seemed to have met many a forge, glanced up as Alex and Ed entered the weapons shop. His eyes, almond brown, sharp and knowing, surveyed the newcomers. With a low growl in his voice, he grumbled, "This ain't a place for kids. Weapons and magic ain't no child's play." However, as his gaze fell upon the sword strapped to Alex's side, a glint of appreciation sparkled in his eyes. "Now, that's a fine blade you got there. Quality craftsmanship, it seems."

"Yeah my dad had it made for me" Alex replied with a hint of pride his voice.

"Aah a rich kid I see" said Grukhuc, unable to resist the lure of a well-made weapon, continued, "Been in this business for over 50 years, I have. Passed down through generations, forging the best blades in the city. That sword of yours, it's got a story, I can tell. You ever wonder how these beauties are made?" Grukhuc then launched into an animated explanation of the intricate art of crafting swords, going on an on about how he learned the art of sword making from his master.

After absorbing Grukhuc's wealth of knowledge on weapon craftsmanship, Alex and Ed politely thanked the grizzled dwarf and made their way out of the weapons shop. They entered the neighboring bookshop that read Lightcloak's Books.

As they entered, the scent of aged parchment and magical tomes enveloped them. The shelves were filled with books of various sizes and colors, and the arrangement seemed almost magical in itself. The ship was bigger than the one they had been in Xeros Barony. Grukhuc's voice still echoed in their minds as they perused the titles. A friendly voice interrupted their exploration.

"Looking for something specific, young ones?" A woman with an air of wisdom and a warm smile approached them. She introduced herself as Losikara Lightcloak, the proprietor of the bookshop and, as it turned out, Grukhuc's wife. Her magical prowess was evident in the way she effortlessly arranged and rearranged the books using precise use of wind magic.

"Just exploring for now," Ed replied, glancing at the array of books. "Your shop has quite the collection."

Losikara chuckled, "Ah, thank you, young man. Knowledge is a treasure, and I'm just a keeper of these treasures. Feel free to ask if you need any guidance." They looked around for a bit thanked her and left.

As they roamed the Citadel, Alex and Ed found themselves lost in the vast expanse of magical wonders. The weapon shop and the bookshop was just the beginning of their exploration, and each corner of the Citadel revealed new facets of the magical arts. The capital's enchanting heart had opened its doors to them, and they eagerly embraced the journey that awaited within its mystical walls.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the cityscape, Alex and Ed decided to take a break from their exploration of the Arcane Citadel. The bustling streets offered an array of enticing aromas, leading them to a vibrant street food market. The sizzle of grills and the chatter of people filled the air as they indulged in an assortment of magical delicacies. The flavors danced on their tongues, a testament to the culinary skills of the street vendors who had mastered the art of infusing magic into their creations.

With satisfied smiles, they strolled through the illuminated streets, the captivating energy of the city guiding their steps. Eventually, they found themselves standing before the main gates of the Arcane Citadel. The towering structure loomed above them, its ancient stones radiating a palpable sense of wisdom and arcane power. The gates, adorned with intricate runes, seemed to pulse with the heartbeat of magical knowledge that awaited within.

As they approached, the gatekeeper, a stern yet wise-looking mage, scrutinized them with a discerning gaze. "State your purpose within the Arcane Citadel," he intoned.

They both produced their letters and then embarked on their magical journey.