Morning in the Holy City

We headed toward our rooms. Father laid Karen gently in her bed, with Alice helping to settle her in. Then he and I slipped into our rooms. Without another thought, I flopped onto my mattress, exhaustion claiming me the moment my head hit the pillow. Relief washed over me as I drifted into sleep almost instantly.

"..."

A faint light brushed across my eyes, coaxing me awake. Soon, the cheerful calls of morning birds reached my ears. It was morning already. My sleep had been deep and soothing, though I still longed to cling to the warmth of my bed for a bit longer, but once awake, there was no turning back. Besides, with Alice and Karen around, it wouldn’t surprise me if they came barging in to wake me up again.

I glanced toward Father’s side of the room. His bed was already neatly made; it seemed he had risen before me.

And so, I quickly got dressed in my spare attire, which Grandma had given me, belonging to my Father when he was young . I washed my face, brushed my teeth, and dried it off with a towel. 

Time to begin a new day.

"..."

Heading downstairs, I expected the smell of breakfast to greet me. Surprisingly, the kitchen was empty, and the air held no scent of cooking. The living room, too, was silent.

My chest tightened. Had something happened?

I hurried outside with my heart racing.

"..."

I let out a sigh of relief. Everyone was gathered there, talking casually. They turned as soon as they saw me.

“Finally awake, sleepyhead?” Grandma called with a smile.

Alice and Karen ran toward me, wrapping me in a sudden hug.

“Elias!”

“Easy there,” I laughed, steadying myself. My eyes fell on Karen; she was running freely, her cheeks glowing with life. “Karen… you’re able to run already?”

“Yes!” she beamed. “It’s like a miracle. Those elf herbs really worked!”

“That’s great,” I said warmly. Then, blinking, I asked, “Wait, did you all have breakfast without me?”

Alice giggled and shook her head. “Oh no, silly Elias. You can’t eat before entering a holy place. It’s impure to step inside with a full stomach.”

“Ah… makes sense,” I muttered, the absence of kitchen smells now explained.

“Looks like you’re finally ready,” Father said, his tone brisk. “Right then—everyone aboard. We’re off to Luminara, near the human border between Aureth and the Vale of Veyra. The ride should take half an hour.”

At his word, we approached the wyvern carriage. Father grasped the lever, and the mechanical steps clanked down with a hiss.

“Careful now, all of you,” Grandma reminded gently.

Alice and Karen released me, skipping ahead up the steps. I gripped the handrails tight, every muscle tense as I climbed, holding my breath as though one slip might send me tumbling. At last, I pulled myself onto the platform, gasping as if I had run a mile.

Father pulled another lever, folding the stairs back into place. The wyvern’s wings unfurled with a powerful beat, and in the next breath, we were lifting into the sky, rising higher and higher on the wind, bound for the city. The vents above us rumbled, blasting warm air.

We were ready to go.

"..."

During the journey, I sat closely with Alice and Karen, chatting with Grandma and learning new things, while Father continued with his paperwork as usual.

As we neared our destination, the kingdom came into view, gleaming white under the morning sun. A wide moat surrounded it, crystal clear and sparkling, reflecting the tall, traditional buildings that filled the city. At its heart stood a magnificent structure, larger and more ornate than the rest, adorned with soaring pillars and intricately carved decorations. The streets were neatly paved, lined with houses, and bustling with people going about their daily lives. Nearby, a grand fountain danced in the sunlight, surrounded by carefully tended trees and gardens. Without a doubt, this was the Church.

There was no place for the Wyvern to land inside the city walls, so it touched down on the outskirts near the forest. We were near the western entrance, where a sturdy bridge arched over the moat. Guards stood watch, inspecting everyone who entered or left the holy city.

We disembarked safely. I was the second to step down, following Grandma, who bounded energetically from the carriage. “Ah, I hate these rides! Nothing beats fresh air, doesn’t it?” she exclaimed.

“Agreed, Grandma,” I replied with a smile.

Soon, Alice and Karen descended the steps. I offered my hand to help them down gently.

“Thanks, Elias,” Alice said before wrapping her arms around me again, with Karen following after.

"..."

“You girls really do love him, don’t you?” Grandma said, looking at them with mock severity.

“Yes, Grandma!” they chorused in unison.

“Then why don’t you marry him?” Grandma asked bluntly.

"!"

“Great idea!” Karen exclaimed.

“That would be wonderful, if you could give us your blessing, Grandma,” Alice added.

“Consider it done,” Grandma replied with a smile. “So… when’s the wedding?”

“W-what are you guys saying!” I exclaimed, cheeks burning. “We’re siblings!”

“Hmm… not like you three are really related or anything,” Grandma said, mockingly frowning.

“Still!” I shouted, dashing off in embarrassment.

"Wait up, Elias." Alice and Karen followed me behind.

"..."

Based on my interactions with Grandma, she was a woman who didn’t waste words; she always spoke plainly and directly. But the idea of marrying Alice or Karen felt unthinkable; just imagining it made me squirm a little. Sure, we weren’t related, yet it still felt… wrong. Nevertheless, I understood it was all just good-natured teasing, the kind older siblings play on their younger siblings when they’re very small, though I’m not sure if a ten-year-old really counts as 'young'.

Father then caught up with us, seeing the awkward atmosphere before him, he asked. “What’s wrong?” 

“Nothing!” I replied quickly, while Alice and Karen giggled, and Grandma merely winked at me.

This old lady...

"..."

Father then led us forward, cutting through the long queue of travellers as if we had VIP access. He simply showed his insignia, and the guards saluted immediately, letting our family pass.

Wow… Father must really be someone important.

As we entered the city, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight.