Ancients, did he just summon that with his touch?
I carefully grip the handrail and follow the Prince above, turning to see Golem behind me and Lord Daniel bringing up the rear. We follow upthe staircase and move closer to the city with each step, my heart racing in pure excitement as we continue up the tree.
The view from the top is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in my life. Not only are the homes carved into the trunks of the trees, but large platforms are built between them, creating decent-sized centers of gathering that host shops and open courtyards. Bridges dart every which way, the wood connecting the city as any small road or path might. Baskets of arrows can be seen stationed at each tree with bows of every shape and size mounted along the bark. Everything, and I meaneverything, shimmers under the candlelight and moonslight, giving an atmosphere that we are indeed walking among the stars.
The people here, Discerni and humans alike, are all dressed in deep greens and blacks, the colors paying homage to their Court that allows such a beauty to exist. They move around in quiet stealth, their deep clothes blending perfectly into the dark and gloomy forest around us as they walk back to their homes.
I’m so transfixed by the city and people around me that I run straight into Keane’s back when we reach the top of the stairs. He snakes a hand out behind him and quickly finds my hip, his fingers steadying me in place as my cheeks flush in small embarrassment. Golem and Lord Daniel finally make their way to the top behind us, thankfully missing the small interaction, and the three of us follow as Keane leads us along a bridge in the direction of one of the many city centers.
We walk off the bridge and onto a large platform, one that has wooden rails encompassing the full of it and guarding anyone’s misstep from falling down to the forest floor below. The buildings and shops on this massive platform are just the same as you’d find in any other town square, with small cafes and vendors selling different items but closed down for the night. Their tops are riddled in vines and moss and leaves, once again blending into the forest around us and hiding in plain sight.
Keane walks us to the far edge of the center to a small courtyard that’s filled with planted gardens, one that even has a small water fountain running in the middle of it. The Prince takes a stance next to the fountain while I quickly walk past it, my boots taking me to the railing as I lean out and look at the vast city surrounding us in awe.
There’s truly nothing like this in all of Disce.
This place is a masterpiece.Dwanhili, as they would say in the Old Tongue.Perfection.
“What are you thinking?” Keane asks softly, moving to stand at my side.
He rests a hand on the railing beside mine, his brown eyes taking in everything as well.
“Your favorite question,” I grin quietly, then shake my head in disbelief at everything around us.
Keane smiles and lets me stand in silence for a bit longer, appreciating the view. I finally turn to the Prince with a content sigh,noticing his broad and tall figure standing proudly as he takes in his city. I glance at the black tunic that rests underneath his cloak and catch the intricate stitching that’s sewn into the fabric. The deep green patterns resemble the leaves of the Shadow Oak, the whole ensemble looking so right and perfect on him. His beautiful brown hair is caressed at the top with the late night breeze, his brown eyes gazing out to the forest in a look of pure self-esteem. That strong jaw of his compliments his full set of red lips, every part of him looking like the commanding Prince he is.
I flush when I remember what those lips did to my body just this morning, my gaze quiet as I continue to watch him. He’s staring at this place in absolute reverence, his silent pride a sight to look at all on its own.
“I’m thinking why,” I answer quietly, watching as he turns my way, “whenever I stand under something so beautiful and inspiring, you are always there at the center of it.”
Keane’s eyes widen in slight surprise before they crinkle in deep appreciation.
“I’m also thinking,” I continue, “that I should like to stay here a few nights, your father’s trip for us to Pyre be damned.”
“If only, Alexis,” Keane sighs as a small hint of longing pushes behind his gaze, “but perhaps we can on the trip back.”
I nod in agreement and glance behind us to the fountain. Lord Daniel is sitting on a small bench facing the water while Golem stands next to him.
“We have more questions,” the Prince notes.
I look back at Keane and give another nod, “as do I.”
Keane leads us back to the fountain as I take a seat next to Lord Daniel on the bench, facing away from the water. Daniel smiles at me and flips in his seat, the two of us now looking up at the Prince as Golem moves to stand by his side. The air is peaceful around us as the water slowly lulls at our backs. I reach for my hood and lower it behind me, enjoying the forest breeze when it catches in my hair.
“You should keep more people in the village,” I advise, looking first at Prince Keane and then to Lord Daniel, “it would delay someone like me from even asking those initial questions.”
Lord Daniel nods in appreciation.
“And the mills?” Keane inquires.
I look up at him in consideration. “Roughly how many people can the village below hold?”
“A little more than six hundred,” he replies.
I openly gaff at the number, not even seeing more than a hundred patrons in my whole visit here.
What were they thinking?
“Fill it up,” I shake my head, “you may not need the full six hundred, but definitely triple what you already have now. I understand the air of cozy retirement that you’re trying to convey, but even the smallest of villages don’t let cottages and townhomes sit idle.”
