(A/N Big thanks to everyone for the Power stones and Golden tickets, they an a lot. As usual, please don't hesitate to comnt or drop a review. ENJOY)
Power stones people, Gim it.
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"So I hear you're looking for a friend," Falad said.
"Yes. Can you help us?" Seris asked, letting just enough strain bleed into her voice to sound earnest without tipping into desperation.
Falad laughed lightly. "Relax. Tala wouldn't have sent you to if he didn't believe I could be of assistance."
As he spoke, Seris took the opportunity to observe him more closely. Falad was… lavish, for lack of a better word. He was of average height for a Sylgrid, but his rounded belly spoke of comfort rather than indulgence. His clothing was strange—layers of snug, textured fabric that sohow looked both ceremonial and practical, as though designed to be worn for long hours without discomfort. His oddly shaped ears were decorated with multiple rings and piercings, each subtly different, likely signifying status or affiliations. A small brown mustache sat neatly above his mouth, giving him an oddly dignified appearance.
He reminded her of the Sylgrid from the Ruk they had encountered earlier—only this version was well-fed, polished, and unmistakably influential.
Which raised an imdiate question.
Why was he alone?
People of apparent importance rarely moved without escorts, especially in a capital brimming with tension and heightened security. Seris extended her spatial awareness subtly, carefully, ensuring she didn't alert any hidden defenses.
There was no one nearby.
No concealed guards. No lurking presences.
Either Falad was extraordinarily confident in his strength, or the capital itself provided him with enough security that he didn't feel the need for protection. Seris filed the thought away without comnt.
"There's nothing brought into this capital that escapes my notice," Falad continued, clearly enjoying himself. "I owe Tala a favor, so rest assured—I'll locate this friend of yours."
"Thank you," Seris said, dipping her head slightly.
"Good. Then let's get you inside. You can tell more about this friend once we're through," Falad said, already turning away and motioning for them to follow.
"You have another way in?" Erevan asked, deliberately taking up the thread of conversation.
Seris appreciated the timing. If she remained the sole speaker, it would eventually draw attention.
Falad glanced over his shoulder with a grin. "Of course. You wouldn't be the first to try entering the capital without scrutiny. Many have attempted it." He chuckled. "Most failed."
Seris shot Arlen a quick glance.
He picked up on it imdiately.
"I still don't understand how soone wouldn't be able to slip in with thousands entering," Arlen said, exhaling lightly. "Seems almost trivial."
Falad's laughter faded slightly. "That's a dangerous assumption, my friend. Underestimating the Sylgrid has led many to unfortunate ends. If you're caught, the consequences are… severe."
"Even now?" Arlen pressed. "With this many people?"
Falad nodded, his voice dropping a notch. "Especially now."
Seris tilted her head, feigning mild curiosity. "Tala ntioned sothing important was happening soon, but he didn't elaborate."
Falad laughed again, though there was less humor in it this ti. "He was wise not to. It's not information ant to be shared freely—especially not with outsiders."
They walked for another thirty minutes, gradually leaving the main paths behind. The forest grew denser, roots twisting over one another like coiled serpents. Sunlight barely penetrated the canopy here, leaving the area dim and heavy with shadow.
Ahead, partially concealed by thick vegetation, stood a wall.
Falad stopped.
He turned to face them, and for the first ti since they'd t him, his expression was serious.
"We're about to enter the capital," he said. "So I'll be clear with you."
They listened without interrupting.
"No Sylgrid will speak to you about the occasion currently unfolding. Many aren't even aware of it themselves. But it is important—critical, even—and security is at its highest level in decades."
His gaze swept over each of them.
"The only reason I'm willing to smuggle you in at such a ti is the weight of Tala's debt. For him to spend it on you ans he trusts you. I'll extend the sa courtesy—but understand this." His tone hardened. "Trust ans very little when death is the consequence of failure."
The warning was not exaggerated. It was factual.
"I expect discipline," Falad continued. "Discretion. And obedience. If you follow my guidance, you may leave this city alive. And perhaps find your friend."
They all nodded.
"Good," Falad said.
He reached into a pouch woven into his clothing and produced a small green gem. It pulsed faintly with inner light. He pressed it into a shallow notch in the wall.
There was a low hiss.
Stone shifted silently, parting just enough to reveal an opening. Falad stepped through without hesitation.
The group followed, their spatial senses flaring to full alert.
Beyond the wall lay a tunnel.
It was narrow, smooth, and completely dark. Falad raised the gem, and it responded instantly, glowing brighter and casting a muted green light that barely illuminated the path ahead.
No one spoke.
Only the sound of footsteps echoed faintly through the passage.
The tunnel branched several tis, splitting into multiple paths. Each ti, Falad chose without hesitation, his movents confident and practiced. It was clear this wasn't his first ti using this route.
After another thirty minutes, they noticed a change.
A faint glow ahead.
Golden.
Warm.
Daylight.
Their pace increased slightly. Soon, sounds reached them—voices, haggling, laughter, the unmistakable hum of comrce.
They stopped before a beaded curtain hanging at the tunnel's end.
Falad parted it and stepped through.
They erged into a shop.
The contrast was imdiate. Brightly lit shelves lined the walls, filled with carved trinkets, jade fragnts, woven fabrics, and tools of unfamiliar purpose. The noise of the capital filtered in from outside, muffled but constant.
Falad led them deeper into the shop, away from the entrance, until they reached a counter at the back.
Another Sylgrid stood there.
He looked up as they approached, one eyebrow twitching.
He knew.
"Falad," the Sylgrid said simply.
"Jak," Falad replied, placing another gem on the counter. This one was different—etched with fine carvings that caught the light.
Jak took it without comnt.
He was about to gesture for them to leave when his gaze shifted.
Brown skin.
He froze.
"Human's."
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