Arrival in Ardia

Outskirts of Cassadora East

SLASH

SLICE

SLASH

A longsword swings through the air as it swiftly cuts.

More than two dozen wolves lay lifeless on the floor.

"A little work out am not sure have I haven't broke a sweat"

Ambrose stands amongst the corpses of the wolves longsword in hand.

"Thank you, Sir Ambrose" the train conductor speaks as he bows.

"No need to bow please lift your head."

"Am so sorry about this occurrence Sir Ambrose we didnt expect to encounter this"

"It is fine and you drop the "Sir" and address me as Ambrose"

"But you are the "Great War Heroes" child of course we most honor you"

"Okay that is fine by me" Ambrose smiles in response. "Wolves? At this time of the year? Might be a coincidence but maybe just maybe father was right." he thinks to himself as he puts away the longsword and boards the train again. 

A round of applause begins as Ambrose boards the train.

"Our savior"

"Nothing less of the child of the Great War Hero"

"Hes amazing just like his father"

Ambrose lightly smiles and waves his hand as he walks past them back too his seat.

He takes his seat.

"Why must they all treat me so highly. Am just doing what anyone could've done. Would they treat me the same if I were just some normal Enhance Magic User?" he thinks to himself looking at the window.

--------

The train finally exits the sea of green as it now shows a city with a castle towards the mountain.

"Is that it?" Axelle says.

"There it is the Capital city of Ardia the home of the Le Fluer family and Ardian Magic Academy"

"Ardia and Ardian why the difference in names? Did they forget a letter?" Axelle asks. 

"No it actuality Ardia was the youngest in the Le Fleur Family at the time she was given the honor of having this Capital city named after her. As for Ardian, he was the oldest child, he was the First Headmaster of Ardian Magic Academy hence the name"

"I see so the Le Fluer family founded Cassadora?" Axelle questions. 

"I would say yes and no. Some believe it was found by the Le Fleurs others say they were given that spot by the Emperor from generations who was also a Le Fleur."

"Is that true?"

"I cannot say so for myself but it may add up that way. Moving along too the current Emperor he wasn't part of the four royal families."

"How did that happen"

"People say he was just a man who suddenly gained power through political and social standings that beat out the four Royal Families."

"So because of that many individuals have stepped up too become that?"

"Indeed is that what you're tryna to accomplish?" Quinton asks the question once more. 

Axelle thinks in deep thought "I guess you can say that or I could be someone that you can depend on" as he holds his necklace. 

Quinton smiles as he quickly looks at the necklace and looks outside the window "I see"

There bodies rock and sway as the train stops. 

SCREECH

The train arrives at the Ardia Train Station.

"Time to go. That little delay got us here a tad bit later but at least it's still when the sun is out."

"You are correct"

"Wow this is Ardia," Axelle says. 

A very beautiful city with cobblestone grounds. Its beauty is complemented by the backdrop of a gentle mountain, which has helped mold the city into what it is today.

The wealth given by these mountains was significant, but they also had an impact on architectural styles, as the vast majority of buildings resembled the mountains' broad slopes and towering peaks. 

"Amazing sight" Quinton adds. "Not only is the architecture good but the diverse set of foods and things you can do in this city is amazing. It is not only the most successful city but the region as well among the four."

The two continue to walk towards the inner part of Ardia.

A giant shadow looms over as Axelle looks up into the sky. "Woah the heck is that"

"That is the Emperor's Palace a few days ago he arrived here to have a meeting that's why the emissary owls were sent out"

"Oh that's right the only time I didn't bother to read the news"

"It's alright"

JINGLE JINGLE 

Bells jingle ahead of them. 

"What is that?" Axelle points out Slim Figure with black hair He wears an oversized costume typical of whiteface clowns, complete with a ruffled collar. Each section of his costume has a card on it his right sleeve has the Ace of Spades, his left sleeve has the Queen of Hearts, his right leg has the King of Clubs, and his left leg has Jack of Diamonds. With the cards 10 and Joker being spread throughout the costume. With the numbers 4,6,7, and 13 written in small text under his left eye. 

"Oh that's just a Jester he is just there to greet people into Ardia."

The two walk past him with a smile.

Axelle stares at the Jester as he continues to smile at him. "Welcome to Ardia he says" with a playful voice.

"T-thank you"

"What you aren't scared out are you?" Quinton points out. 

"No just never seen one before"

"Understandable they used to scare me when I was younger but I grew accustomed to them. In actuality, there were just mages dressed up in that costume and they were not there to scare us but to make us laugh in such. "

"Right"

"It wasn't so funny when I accidentally shocked one" Quinton laughs. "He laid there unresponsive for a couple moments. It was a sight."

Axelle eyes jolt to Quintons hands.

"Ahh but that's when I was a mere sprout. Wasn't on purpose just understanding my magic."

The two then arrive at a Crosspoint intersection that divides the different sections of Ardia.

"So where are you headed Axelle."

"South part of this city"

"Am headed north. Too met with my friend you're free to join us"

"It's alright I gotta get my tavern situation situated and I am bit tired"

"Understandable that was an interesting ride. Well I guess this is where we part for now"

"Yeah thank you for accompanying me and teaching me about this city"

"No worries, I shall see you tomorrow at the Entrance Exam. Rest up. It's good that the delay wasn't that long too arriving late at night in this city would be challenging."

Axelle laughs "Yes especially if they're coming from somewhere a little farther"

"Indeed"

"See you again Quinton"

"As to you Axelle" 

The two shake hands and part ways.

"Axelle" Quinton calls out.

"Next time we see each other we may have to face one another."

"Got it I'll keep that in mind"

Axelle continues down south to the Tavern his father told him about.

-----------

Region of Polaris

Port City of Fallenport

"Huhhhh! What do you mean we won't make it to Ardia until midnight?!" a girl with two braided pigtails on her long, dark blue hair dark blue eyes, and an average body with a plump rear. Wearing a small pouch around her waist beige, a basic dress with two wavy stripes. of blue and white colors that end in little pointy edges at the bottom. Loudly complains. 

[Novice Mage: Kate Boyd]

"Am sorry ma'am but the train suddenly broke down. The repair crew is currently working hard to fix it"

"Is there a way to make them work faster? We have to get to the Ardian entrance exams tomorrow. Do you know who I have with me here she is one of the Heavenly Mage candidates-" An arm gets put around her waist as she gets pulled away. 

"Kate it's okay we'll be fine at least we're going to be there before the afternoon time. Sir, are there any other trains we could take?" Bri reasoned with the worker. 

"No sorry"

"It's okay thank you," Bri says with a kind smile as she escorts Kate back to the benches.

TAP 

TAP 

TAP

Kate continuously taps her feet with her arms crossed "Uhh, we should've done the same thing as Clarise and Clara and left earlier" as she puts her hands on her face. 

"It's alright besides they have special requests due to who they are, We'll get there eventually " Bri says as she holds her pouch with a smile. 

"What's this still thinking about Axelle" Kate teases her.

"N no nooo of course not" waving her hands and shaking her head in disagreement. 

"Uh huh well your face is flush red and also your ears. And your reaction and-"

"Ok ok you can stop"

"You really like him don't you?" Kate asks.

"Yes"

"How long has it been since you last seen him? 7-8"

"10 years"

"What are you going to say to him when you see him again? How are going to act?"

"Umm am not too sure. Well, you can't be acting the way you are. You have to play it cool play it mature. Show him you aren't the same kid you were back then show him that you've grown Bri. Your mastery in your water magic has become excellent"

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah trust me who wouldn't want a girlfriend as strong as them"

"Alright thanks, Kate"

"You welcome all they need to do now is hurry it up"

Bri chuckles.

"Tomorrow," Bri says.