Velmara

The rhythmic sway of the royal gondola mirrored the unease churning in Lucien's chest as they drifted down the Grand Canal toward Velmara. Unlike in Valtoria, where grand avenues and towering architecture defined the landscape, Velmara was a city built upon water, a delicate masterpiece of interconnected canals, floating platforms, and wooden piers that stretched like veins through its thriving heart. The air was thick with the scent of salt, spice, and freshly caught fish, a reminder that this city thrived upon the sea's generosity.

The route to Velmara wound through Avaloria's lush countryside, a patchwork of golden fields, rolling vineyards, and mist-cloaked rivers stretching toward the horizon. Unlike the rigid architecture of Valtoria, the landscape here felt freer, wilder—though no less breathtaking.