Episode 52

Everyone goes about their business before retiring for the night.

The party is awoken by Ingred through their Basalt© stones around 5-6:00. Ms. Koates arrived in the common room to confirm some things with the group. She waves shyly at everyone as they exit their individual suites. She lets them know that the conversation that Seipora requested was approved by Mr. Briggs and the chief. It will take place after the trial. The party will be leaving the following day mid-morning. Until then, she recommends that everyone buys nice courtroom attire. K appears to be upset at this and asks Anthos to buy his clothes for him. He gets measured by Seipora before leaving for the training room. Aside from K and Marisol, the rest leave to go shopping*.

New banners are in the process of being put up. Lily’s is the only one that has been finished; her new pose is whipping out an uppercut to some unknown lightning creature in the foreground, greatsword in hand. Purple energy crackles out around her.

* (Note to those who went shopping: The outfits were free of charge! If asked, they have to say that they purchased them for about 450 gold from Albert Liberty, the owner of Liberty Apparel).

They all eventually settle down for the night. It is not a smooth time for some.

The following morning everyone steps out of their suites dressed in their new clothes. Except Marisol, who looks like she’s dressed for a funeral. Ingred’s door is wide open, the interior reeks of decay. She tells the party that there was a sewage leak. Marisol asks why she’s lying, but Ingred deflects the question.

Press meets the party in the common room beside Ms. Koates. He tells them to be on their best behavior. Kova is given permission to join them if she also acts on her best behavior. Soulfire gathers themselves and leaves Basalt, following Ms. Koates with purpose. The crowd is gobsmacked by the party’s appearance. It is smooth sailing to the liceum. Ms. Koates pays for the group’s travel fee, which is 1000 gold per person. As the party is teleported, they are met by a vibrant purple sign that reads “Welcome to Royal City!” It slowly switches between languages.

A section of the wall shifts open after Ms. Koates says “arrival”. The attendant here is friendly and aids Anthos of his nausea. They guide the party to a cue before going back to work. Unlike Victory City, the cue here is orderly and quick. They exit the double doors and enter a new lobby. The floor is a grey-blue marble with rusty veins. There are many small trees and ferns that line the benches to the right and left of the room. One long counter sits in the front, separating the rest of the lobby from 7 foggy, colored circles. Hundreds of people surround them in the lobby. Ms. Koates walks quickly to the line. She tells everyone that it is important to state their whole name and affiliations while getting their stones scanned, otherwise they will be put in a holding cell.

She introduces the party to the guard at the counter before everyone is sent through individually. Everything goes by without any issues. The party is sent through one of the circles; each member disappears as soon as they come in contact with it. They all exit into a different liceum and Ms. Koates visibly relaxes. She tells them that they will be heading to the courthouse from here.

Anthos asks how far they are from the outer district and if she knows of Whisper Meadows. She says four to two days. She knows the place, it is a few hours from this liceum.

Ingred asks if they will be able to “visit that place I mentioned to you earlier”? She says if the trials don’t take too long that it is a possibility.

Anthos whispers something to her in private.

Ms. Koates says that they will be entering a city of over 9 million people. She warns Marisol not to stab anyone and links arms with her. They walk out of the liceum and exit onto the sidewalk. It is an ordered chaos. There are MANY carriages, all being pulled by various beasts. Some are horses, some are reptilian, some are flying. The party sees two guards, dressed in purple/pink armor. They both ride armored wyverns!

They are surrounded by skyscrapers, busy people, sky ships, other adventurers, and much more! It is a lot for the party to take in. K is physically shaking at this point and does not appear to be enjoying himself. Kova is surprisingly chill, though her ears lay flat due to the noise.

Ms. Coats introduces them to the Silver Ward, adding that she used to live here. She hails them all a carriage, which floats down to meet them. It is led by a pegasus. They all enter and it takes to the sky. The windows expand to give them a 360 degree view of the city, which absolutely delights Marisol. After about an hour of travel they arrive at their destination. The party steps out into a large open square; in front of them sits a fountain with a sleeping silver dragon statue in the center and a giant, 15-story court house built with dark stone and white pillars, surrounded by many more wyvern guards.

Ms. Koates gives them all a minute to take everything in. Ingred pales at the sight and looks nervous. K tries to lift her spirits, and the group heads towards the Royal Court House. As they pass by the fountain, Ms. Koates gives a greeting to the dragon “Good morning, Cadiff”. It opens an eye at her as the party makes their way into the building. Definitely not a statue.