[Outside the walls of Sephra]
Old Man Clay stood under the warm rays of the sun, a gentle breeze rustling through the surrounding trees. Birds chirped in the distance. It was a picturesque sunny day, with clear blue skies stretching as far as the eye could see. The sunlight bathed the landscape in a golden hue, casting a vibrant glow over the bustling city.
Soon, after a few minutes of waiting, Clay's carriage arrived. The clip-clop of horses' hooves filled the air. It was an impressive sight, a grand carriage adorned with intricate carvings and polished wood. The carriage door creaked open, and Clay climbed inside. The creak of the carriage door echoed softly. Inside, he found himself among a group of fellow travelers, their chatter filling the air.
Making his way to the back of the carriage, Clay took a seat next to a small girl who sat beside a woman. The girl emitted soft giggles, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Hello there, little one," Clay greeted her kindly. "Are you excited for our journey?"
The girl nodded eagerly, her voice filled with excitement. "Yes, mister! I've never been in a carriage before! I am going to Viceburg!"
"Viceburg?" Clay's eyebrows furrowed, his interest piqued. He turned his gaze towards the woman sitting next to the girl.
"Ah! We are going to see her father, my husband, and then we are going to the Hestia Empire's Ducal territory," the woman explained, her voice tinged with nervousness.
Clay's gaze intensified as he studied the woman's face. He sensed a hint of unease in her voice and noticed beads of sweat forming on her forehead. The mention of Viceburg and the Hestia Empire's Ducal territory raised his suspicions.
"Is everything alright, ma'am?" Clay asked, his voice steady but firm. "Why are you heading to Viceburg and the Hestia Empire's Ducal territory?"
The woman fidgeted nervously, avoiding eye contact. "It's... it's a family matter," she stammered. "We have some important business to attend there."
Clay's eyes narrowed, his intuition telling him that there was more to the story. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low, serious tone. "Listen, I've been around for a long time, and I've learned to recognize when things don't add up. Are you in some kind of trouble? Is it safe for the little girl?"
The woman's eyes darted around the carriage, searching for an escape from the uncomfortable conversation. She sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright, I'll tell you the truth. My husband... he's... We're going to Viceburg to meet him."
Pomp*
Clay felt a tug on his chest and looked down to see tears filling the little girl's eyes. "Please don't bully my mother! She's already in pain!"
'Family matters huh..'Realizing his misjudgment, Clay's expression softened. "I'm sorry, little one. I didn't mean to upset your mother. Let's just enjoy the journey together."
Understanding his words, the girl nodded and wiped away her tears. Clay chuckled, the sound rumbling in his chest. "Well, it's quite an adventure. Hold on tight, we're in for a bumpy ride."
As the carriage started moving, the wheels creaked and groaned, creating a rhythmic sound. The gentle rocking motion of the carriage lulled the little girl, and soon her eyelids grew heavy.
"Sleep tight, little one," Clay whispered, his voice filled with warmth. He hummed a soft lullaby, creating a soothing melody.
The journey continued, the carriage rolling along the path with a steady rhythm. The clip-clop, clip-clop of the horses' hooves echoed in the air. Clay watched over the sleeping girl, a sense of protectiveness washing over him. The scenery outside changed, transforming the cityscape into lush green fields and winding rivers.
Time passed, and the carriage carried them closer to their destination, the wheels rolling on the dusty road. The rumbling of the carriage wheels provided a constant background sound. Clay glanced out of the window, marveling at the beauty of the passing landscape.
"Almost there," he murmured to himself, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
And so, the carriage continued its journey, the wheels turning and the travelers lost in their own thoughts. Silence enveloped the carriage, broken only by the sounds of the carriage's movement.
....
After a week-long journey, the carriage finally arrived at the bustling capital of Arcanum, the seat of power in the human kingdom. Clay bid farewell to Lily and her mother, understanding their desire to explore and rest in the capital before continuing their journey. The little girl, Lily, gave him a tight hug, her eyes sparkling with gratitude for the memorable adventure they shared.
"Thank you, Mister Clay," Lily said with a smile that revealed her intelligence beyond her years. "I had so much fun traveling with you. I hope we meet again someday."
Clay smiled warmly, gently patting Lily's head. "You're a brave and wonderful girl, Lily. Take care and enjoy your time in the capital."
With a final wave, Clay watched as Lily and her mother disappeared into the bustling streets of Arcanum. It was a bittersweet parting, but Clay knew it was time for him to continue his own journey.
Leaving Arcanum behind, Clay made his way to the eastern port of the Grav Kingdom through a transportation portal. Arriving at the harbor after a few days of travel by ship, he gazed upon the familiar surroundings, although the name of the place escaped his memory, having witnessed it change several times over his long life of one and a half centuries.
From the harbor, Clay located the nearest portal within the Elishia Forest. These portals were scattered throughout the forest, providing easy access for travelers to enter or exit the mystical realm as they wished.
Stepping through the portal, Clay immediately felt the familiar energy of the forest enveloping him. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of moss and vegetation. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting ethereal patterns on the forest floor.
As Clay walked along the well-trodden paths, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The towering trees whispered ancient secrets, their branches swaying gently in the breeze. The soft rustling of leaves created a serene ambiance, transporting Clay back to the memories of his youth. It was in this mystical place that he had been born, raised by the enchanting presence of the World Tree.
Everleaf, the elven city nestled around the majestic World Tree, is a realm of ethereal beauty and enchantment. As old man Clay walks through its winding pathways, he is greeted by the familiar sights and sounds that he remembers from his previous visits. The air is infused with a gentle floral fragrance, carried by the soft breeze that rustles through the leaves of the surrounding trees.
The cityscape of Everleaf is a harmonious blend of nature and elven craftsmanship. Buildings crafted from shimmering white stone, adorned with intricate carvings of leaves, vines, and intricate patterns, stand tall and proud. The architecture seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, as if the structures themselves have grown alongside the towering trees.
As Clay wanders through the city, he encounters elven residents going about their daily lives. Their slender forms and pointed ears are a testament to their elven heritage, while their radiant, ageless faces reflect the wisdom and grace of their ancient race. Their attire is a symphony of vibrant colors, inspired by the natural hues of the forest, adorned with delicate embroidery and intricate designs.
Everleaf is a bustling center of elven culture and magic. The city is adorned with gardens and parks, where colorful flowers bloom in abundance, and songbirds fill the air with their melodic tunes. Elven artisans can be seen crafting intricate jewelry, delicate sculptures, and beautiful tapestries, their skilled hands weaving magic into every creation.
The heart of Everleaf lies in the shadow of the World Tree. The massive trunk stretches skyward, its branches spreading out like a protective canopy over the city. The World Tree is a symbol of life, wisdom, and spiritual connection for the elves, and it emanates a subtle, soothing energy that permeates the entire city.
Despite the passage of time, the essence of Everleaf remains unchanged. The tranquility and reverence that surround the World Tree, the harmony between the elves and nature, and the sense of timeless wonder all make Everleaf a place of profound beauty and serenity.
With each step deeper into the heart of the Elishia Forest, Clay felt a profound sense of belonging. The World Tree stood tall and majestic, its branches reaching toward the heavens as if yearning for something beyond.
Clay approached the massive trunk, his weathered hand gently pressing against the ancient bark, as if reuniting with an old, cherished friend.
"I'm back," he whispered, his voice filled with reverence and longing.
Within the embrace of the Elishia Forest, Clay found solace. As old man Clay walks among the familiar streets and encounters new faces, he is reminded of the enduring nature of this elven city. Everleaf welcomes him back with open arms, embracing him as an old friend returning home.
.....
After an hour, old man Clay stood before a small house, a typical elven dwelling constructed mainly from wood and vines. He took a deep breath, his nerves getting the best of him, and knocked on the door. In his anxious state, he continuously checked his appearance and wiped away the perspiration from his forehead.
Finally, the door creaked open, revealing a face framed by spectacles, squinting in recognition. It was an old woman, and her eyes widened with astonishment.
"Hello, dear!" Clay greeted nervously, his voice betraying his anxiety. Before he could say anything more, the old woman's expression transformed, her glasses glinting in the light.
Pam!
"Ah!"she exclaimed, her voice laced with anger. In an instant, her hand swung forward, connecting with Clay's face in a resounding slap. His glasses were knocked off, falling to the ground.
"You shameless old pack of bones!" she growled, her voice filled with resentment. "You dare to say hello? Hello there?! After showing your face after two decades!"
Despite the slap, Clay remained undeterred. He smiled softly, his eyes conveying a mixture of happiness and longing. "I am back," he murmured, his words filled with sincerity.
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