In a story that spans eternity, whose words are written by the tears and blood of many. Swords cut down lives and carve out ideals. But through it all, we fight to remember. Remember to live. And live to love.
“It’s over, Felix! This madness…this all ends here!”
“If you’ve come to stop me, you’re much too late. I’ve already found what I was looking for.”
Snow. White sheets of snow blanketed everything around him. Felix Sage continued down the same snowy path he started 2 days ago, the cool icy wind continued to gently blow at his back, as if hurriedly guiding him along to his next destination. His dark blue scarf wrapped tightly around the lower half of his face. The hood on his long, flowing cloak did its best to keep the rest of his head warm. His well-worn boots, not well suited for a trek in the snow, crunched down into the snowy path, making each step a little more tiring than it needed to be.
As he adjusted the plain looking sword strapped to his back, his mind wandered once again. How long has it been? How long has it been since he managed to escape home with his life? Three years? Three years on the run. Three long years traveling a world that wanted him dead. Understandable. He was, after all, the son of the Mad Emperor Adam Arvis Sage.
Blood. Steel. Fear. That was the reality his family had wrought upon the world of Exilia. That—
Suddenly, the icy chill faded away. Replaced by a more welcoming warmth. Felix snapped back to his new reality.
The fog before him parted ways to reveal a view in stark contrast to the snow-covered land behind him. A grand city, untouched by snow, ice and everything else in between. It was as if the city had been plucked from the warmer lands down south and placed here without a care, without consequence.
His boots bordered the line between snow and dry cement.
He had arrived. Not at his destination, for he had none, but simply momentary solace from a weary journey.
Basellis, the Great City of Commerce. A city devoted to all the pleasures in life, and profit. It was the only city that was virtually untouched by the three thousand years of war his family and predecessors had waged on this world.
He stepped fully into the city limits and looked up at the gray skies above. He saw the snow fall towards him, but none would ever touch him in this enchanted city.
He walked though the crowds, absorbed the loud music, the lights, and glanced at the peddlers. The street performers and enthralled crowds were found wherever the eyes would rest. As he made his way further in, Felix saw large posters adorning the walls of many buildings advertising the biggest attractions. A family rushed by him; the children held balloons with one hand while being pulled along with the other, their parents eager to catch the next show.
An Experience for the Ages
Stella Remi Largesse
Performing at The Vermilion
Yundem 25th – 27th
Felix didn’t care for any of that. He needed to rest. He needed to get away from all this noise to rest his legs before moving on. He walked along the path until the crowd began to thin and he found himself in a slightly quieter part of town. Inns and taverns lined the streets. The fancy decorations and signage were still present here, as well. Using a nearby directory, he picked the quietest, most unglamorous inn he could find and began his walk. He passed by a bulletin board with job listings posted up, along with a handful of wanted posters.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
FELIX ELLIS SAGE
REWARD: 100000 DOWNS
He didn’t know why he expected not to see his name. He could’ve sworn that extra zero wasn’t there before. He sighed and kept walking.
SLEEPY PANDA INN
From the outside, it looked like a children’s playhouse. A white building with black spots. A cartoon panda with a joyful smile stood beside the door welcoming guests inside. In front of the door, stood a woman dressed similarly to him. Her back facing him, her hood up.
Felix walked by her and towards the door. Suddenly, she grabbed his arm. He instinctively pulled away, out of her grasp. His heart pounded in his chest; his right hand went straight for the handle of the sword on his back. The woman didn’t react. She simply stared at him…no…she stared through him.
“What do you want?” he asked warily.
No response.
Was something behind him? He quickly glanced over his shoulder. Nothing. He looked back at her. She was looking up this time. He followed her gaze. Was she looking at the signage for the inn? He looked back and was startled to find her icy blue eyes locked onto him. This time, he was sure she was looking at him.
“Hello?” he took a half step back.
Was she in a trance of some sort?
Slowly, he saw some semblance of a soul return to her blank expression.
“Huh?” she seemed surprised to see him. As if he had just appeared in front of her, “Hello there!” she smiled sheepishly, then winced and held the side of her head, “I…I’m really confused.”
“Yes…” Felix didn’t bother hiding his bewilderment, “Me, too. Are you alright?”
“I think so…I just…I just need to lay down,” she let go of her head and smiled at him, “Yeah, that sounds right…I need to lay down…” she trailed off and stared past him again.
Felix followed her gaze, again. But this time, when he turned back to her, she was gone.
Alarmed, he spun around and looked every which way. Save for the scattered people minding their own business, he was alone once again.
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