We quickly rinse off and I step out of the box with Thaldiran close behind, both of us feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead…together.
Thaldiran grabs and towel and dries me off. As much as I want to get going, I can’t help but bask for a moment in his attention. I’ve never had anyone be as gentle as he is with me.
We share another languid kiss, then he dries himself off, stepping out to the other room to get dressed.
As I watch him go and start getting dressed myself, I can’t help but wonder what today will bring. More danger? More discoveries?
“All right,” I say to my reflection in the mirror, “time to face the day.”
With a final nod of determination, I open the door. Thaldiran is already dressed, his expression softened by the intimacy we just shared, a mix of warmth and lingering desire in his eyes. “Shall we?” he asks, his voice gentle and inviting, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
“Absolutely,” I reply, mirroring his smile. “We’ve got a lot to learn.”
Together, we venture out into the bustling city streets, armed with only the knowledge we gained the previous day. And the fact that we will face everything together.
Our first stop is a place nearby that sells food and drink, where we order something called “coffee” and “croissants.” Thaldiran raises an eyebrow at the bitter taste of the coffee, but he seems to enjoy the flaky texture of the croissant.
“Not bad,” he remarks, taking another sip of the dark liquid.
As we sit at a small table by the window, we observe the people passing by, their faces buried in those same strange devices.“What do you think those are?” I ask, pointing to one of the gadgets.
Thaldiran shrugs, his gaze curious. “I’m not sure, but they seem to be everywhere. Maybe some kind of communication device?”
After finishing our breakfast, we continue our exploration of the city, marveling at the towering buildings and marketplaces. We stumble upon a park filled with lush greenery and colorful flowers. Thaldiran’s eyes light up with wonder.
“This place is incredible,” he says, his voice filled with awe. “It’s like a forest in the middle of the city.”
We spend some time wandering through the park hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of nature amidst the urban landscape. Thaldiran even feeding some of the birds, though the animals here seem much less inclined to interact with humans than the ones in the Enchanted Forest.
As the day wears on, we find ourselves standing in front of something called a “Museum.” Intrigued, we decide to step inside, eager to learn more about the history of this fascinating city. And maybe there’s a portal in here to get us home!
Upon entering, we are greeted by a vast collection of artifacts and relics, meticulously arranged in glass cases and displayed on pedestals. Thaldiran’s eyes widen in astonishment as he recognizes the weaponry on display—swords with familiar designs, shields bearing the insignia of ancient clans, and bows crafted with exquisite precision.
“These weapons... they’re from our time,” he murmurs. “But they’re talking about them like they’re ancient. How can that be?”
It dawns on us then, the realization hitting like a bolt of lightning: we’ve traveled into the future. The items before us are not relics of a bygone age but treasures from our own time, preserved and revered by generations to come.
Thaldiran shakes his head. “That portal didn’t take us someplace new. It took us through time.”
“So, where does that leave us?” I ask, dreading the answer. “I haven’t seen a hint of magic since we’ve been here, Thaldiran. This isn’t the Enchanted Forest.”
“No, it’s not,” he agrees. “I can feel it too. The magic is gone.”
“Maybe this is what happens if the Shadowlord wins,” I muse. “If the magic disappears, and the portals close...”
“Then we’re stuck,” Thaldiran finishes.
Thaldiran’s expression grows more contemplative, his eyes scanning the artifacts with newfound curiosity. “If this is our future, then we need to understand it better. Maybe there’s a way back, or at least some clues here.”
I nod, my own gaze drifting over the glass cases filled with items that once belonged to our era. “Agreed. We should explore and see what else we can learn.”
As we move deeper into the museum, we come across sections dedicated to art, fashion, and even technology. Thaldiran seems particularly intrigued by the displays showcasing advancements in weaponry, marveling at the evolution of swords and shields over the centuries.
“Look at this,” he says, pointing to what the sign says is a holographic display demonstrating how one of the swords was forged. “They’ve found ways to make them stronger, more durable. It’s fascinating.”
Meanwhile, I find myself drawn to the section on fashion. What looks like fake people dressed in various styles from different eras are on display, from the elegant gowns of ancient queens to the sleek, modern attire of the future.
“Thaldiran, come look at this,” I call out, waving him over to a display of futuristic clothing. “Can you imagine wearing something like this?”
