As I mounted Blue's back, a surge of reprieve coursed through my veins.
The wind tousled my hair, and the feeling of being airborne on top of my trusted beast was unmatched.
With a powerful leap, Blue took flight, his wings beating rhythmically against the air. We ascended swiftly, leaving the ground behind and entering a realm where the sky was our domain.
As we soared higher, the view unfolded before my eyes, revealing the vast expanse of the forest below. The true world sprawled beneath me, its untamed beauty stretching as far as the eye could see. Lush green canopies stretched out like a tapestry, interrupted only by winding rivers and sparkling lakes. The sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting ethereal patterns on the forest floor.
From this elevated perspective, I could appreciate the sheer magnitude of the wilderness. The trees, towering giants that they were, appeared minuscule from above, reminding me of the grandeur and mystery that lay hidden within the depths of the forest. The symphony of nature filled my ears as the wind whispered through the leaves and the distant calls of creatures echoed through the air.
I marvelled at the intricate network of life that thrived within the forest. The delicate dance of flora and fauna, each occupying their specific niche, created a harmonious ecosystem. I spotted fleeting glimpses of colourful birds darting through the branches, their wings a vibrant contrast against the verdant backdrop. Squirrels scampered along tree limbs, displaying their acrobatic prowess. It was a living tapestry, woven with the threads of countless species.
Perhaps it was because of the rest I had waiting for the emperor that made me relaxed and calm, this was actually the first time I deeply observed the true world from another angle rather than a world filled with nothing but more danger.
The sheer scale of the forest humbled me, reminding me of the insignificance of my own existence in this vast realm. The true world was an untamed wilderness, a realm of endless possibilities and unknown wonders. Flying atop Blue, I felt a deep connection to the world around me.
As we continued our aerial journey, I could not help but feel a sense of freedom and liberation. The worries and burdens of my daily life momentarily faded away, replaced by a sense of wonder. The wind whispered secrets in my ears, and the panoramic view enveloped me in its splendour.
I glanced down at Blue, his majestic form gliding effortlessly through the air. His eyes gleamed with determination and loyalty, mirroring my own sense of adventure and curiosity. Together, we traversed the skies, exploring the uncharted realms of the true world.
In that moment, flying above the vast forest, I realised that there was so much more to discover, so many more settlements to encounter, and countless adventures awaiting me. The true world beckoned, and I was ready to embrace its mysteries with open arms.
But first I had to have the power to embrace these mysteries first and I knew this.
Along the way, the emperor and I spoke about a few things.
Some were general, some were business like and some were personal.
For questions we both did not desire to answer were brushed off expertly.
This was the state of things for a while before the emperor suddenly uttered something that caught my attention.
"We're her lad", the emperor stated and a particular view came into sight.
As Blue and I soared through the sky, our gaze fixated on the horizon, a captivating sight unfolded beneath us.
A sprawling human settlement came into view, nestled amidst the lush embrace of the forest. Thousands of tiny figures moved about, creating a bustling hive of activity. The sheer size of the settlement astounded me; it seemed to stretch on endlessly, like a bustling city in its own right.
The buildings that dotted the landscape were constructed primarily of wood, a material that blended seamlessly with the surrounding environment. From above, I could discern the intricate details of each structure. They possessed a quaint charm, reminiscent of a bygone era. The settlement's architecture exuded a mediaeval aura, as if time had stood still within its walls.
A sense of order and organisation pervaded the entire territory.
'As expected of something ruled by an emperor I suppose', I thought as I continued to observe this human 'settlement'.
A massive wooden wall encircled the settlement, standing tall and sturdy, a testament to the settlers' resourcefulness.
The wall formed a protective barrier, safeguarding the inhabitants from the perils of the true world. It stood as a symbol of unity, separating the settlement from the untamed wilderness beyond.
Within the settlement, life unfolded in a carefully orchestrated symphony. From my aerial vantage point, I observed soldiers clad in gleaming armour patrolling the streets, their presence a reassuring display of security.
They moved with discipline and purpose, ensuring the safety of the settlement's inhabitants. The settlement thrived with activity, with people engaged in various tasks. Some tended to crop in neatly organised fields, while others engaged in artisanal pursuits, crafting wares with skill and dedication.
The people within the settlement dressed in attire befitting the mediaeval aesthetic. Their garments, fashioned from coarse fabrics, harkened back to a time long past. Men and women alike donned garments in muted earth tones, adding to the settlement's overall ambiance. The atmodimension buzzed with a sense of community, each resident playing a vital role in the collective endeavour to thrive in the true world.
As Blue and I continued to glide above, the enormity of the settlement became even more apparent. It was a testament to human resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It reaffirmed the indomitable spirit of humanity and their ability to create a semblance of home even in the most unfamiliar of environments.
It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, humans could find a way to thrive and build something remarkable.
Humans were truly adaptable.
It was one of our greatest trait.
As Blue and I continued our aerial journey, I carried with me the image of the human settlement in my mind. It seemed to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a testament to the power of community, and a reminder that in the true world, humanity had managed to establish a home amidst the wilderness.
"Why do not we go in and have a talk with my wife, lad? She'll be happy to see you", the emperor suddenly stated.
Seems like the queen was in the true world as well.
It made me bear in mind that I also had a certain classmate in the true world as well.
I wonder how she's faring.
With this thought in mind, the emperor and I slowly descended to the ground.
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