There it was, The Great City of Rabalia, standing before me. Raiya's largest and most famous city of commerce and business. I had never seen anything like it before. The monstrous gate that welcomed visitors towered over the travelers that met the city - what a work of art. High relief sculptures of the Goddess Ilia on the left and Goddess Morrigan on the right, the left resembling peace and tranquility and the right resembling wealth. On either side of the gate stood a large pillar decorated with vines and mistle. On the left pillar read an inscription in a language I did not understand. The walls of the city expanded to about 50 kilometers in 4 directions, and reached to about 100 meters in height.
Rabalia was rebuilt about 500 years ago, or so the elders in my village told us. All I knew about this city of history was that it was the location of a great war many millenia ago.
I had never felt so small in my life...
It was about mid afternoon that I reached this tremendous town. This area of Yortia is not known to have heavy rainfall during this time of year. I was reacquainted with the sun. It was amiable and embracing. During my travel, I was lucky enough to pass by a wandering merchant who was heading to Rabalia also. Thanks to him I was able to come this far.
This city is my final destination. Somewhere within these walls My Magic Awaits.
As I entered, I was instantly engulfed by the city. Shops and people surrounded me. The liveliness of the public was embracing. Men were drinking, women were talking, and children were playing. This was definitely Rabalia's Business District. The roads were adorned with beautiful granite stones. A large fountain sat in the middle of the Main Plaza with a beautiful stone statue of a winged man pouring water from his mouth. It was almost easy to get trampled in these crowded streets. The Business District was home to many traveling merchants, and an opportunity for many others. Wagons carrying furs, armors, foodstuffs, and marks rolled down the streets of this District. Off into the distance, I saw a large steeple that towered over the buildings of this large city. I wonder, perhaps, if that is where I need to go, I pondered. It certainly was difficult to keep your thoughts company in such a crowd as this. I walked around the fountain countless times as I absorbed the essence of this very city into my being. Mother would definitely love this city.
"This city is magnificent! I've never seen so many tall buildings before!"
As I walked around in an everlasting daze, I collided into a man I didn't see and fell to the ground.
"Ouch...Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you th-"
I looked up and saw the most beautiful woman I've ever seen - it wasn't a man at all. She must have been in her 30's. Her big blue eyes were round and glimmering that whispered her gentleness to me. Her hair was long and silky, like many of the silk dresses that rich people wore. She as wearing a long ceremonial dress used during various occasions. Her figure was small, but she had large breasts. I was embarrassed to look up thinking that I might be caught staring that them. I got up and lowered my head. I didn't want to show her my red face.
"Excuse me! I-I didn't see you! P-Please forgive me!"
"Oh my, no need to worry." She giggled and lifted my head from under my chin. "What a cute little boy. Someone this cute shouldn't be walking around so carelessly around this city." She giggled again.
I escaped from her mesmerizing grasp and took a quick step back. She had a look on her facing that wondered if she had done something wrong. She was beautiful no matter what face she made. I blushed and quickly looked down to avoid the embarrassment.
"Hehe. I'm sorry if I've frightened you. My name is Sen. I work at the inn on the corner of the street." She pointed to a large and well-kept building about 50 meters away from us. Above the entrance read Koyocho Inn. "If you ever need anything, pay me a visit." She smiled and bowed and was on her way.
And at an instant she was gone. I was stunned by her beauty and was at a loss of words. But she's too old for me.
That steeple interested me.
I headed the opposite direction which a sign had directed me toward the Residential District. All parts of the city was full of life. Every street was full of laughter, every corner was full of business, and every heart was full of happiness. I came to an area full of large homes. I'm guessing I'm in the Residential District now. Looking at all these buildings reminded me of my home, not in the elegance or design, but the warm feeling you get when you are around your family. I missed my Mother.
The streets of the Residential District was lined with identical-looking homes. The stone streets weaved itself in and out like a web. The houses were large and beautiful. Many had balconies decorated with pot plants and flowers. Others had wonderful window shutters designed with numerous patterns. The hue of the city definitely was livelier than that of my village. Reds, greens, blues, and yellows were finally known to me. My heart was full of joy being in this city. If only Mother were here with me.
I could see the steeple just beyond the rows of buildings over there. I was getting closer, and I made my way towards it.
I finally reached the location of the steeple. It was located on top of a large, Gothic-style church. The design of the church was a work of art. Large stain-glass windows lined the front wall. There were numerous arches and spires that made up the exterior design. The front doors of the church was large and wooden. I stepped closer to see if there was a possibility of me entering. The door of the church was certainly worn out and had lots of cracks and dents. It must have been through rebellions and uprisings from the towns folk in the past. Why haven't they repaired the door? The exterior of the church was well-kept, but the doors appeared so old and fragile. I took the handles of the door and attempted to push them open, but it seemed like the church was locked down.
"The church is closed down today. The Priestess seems to have gotten ill and is staying in her home to rest. You should try back tomorrow," said a man who incidentally was passing by.
"Oh, thank you. What is the Priestess' name?" I asked.
"Oh, you don't know? You must not be from around here then. She is Priestess Lyra. She often stays in the church everyday. Most people come here to pray and to ask her for guidance. May that be your reason for visiting her today?"
"Not really. I just came into town and the tower interested me." I pointed at the large steeple.
"I see. Well I must be off. Take care young man." The fellow waved and left.
It's been several hours since I've entered town and the sun was beginning to take its rest. I needed to find a place to stay tonight. I hurried back to the Residential District and knocked on homes to see if I could spend the night there, offering my hand in services in return. Most homes denied me with the reason, "I'm sorry, we don't let strangers into our home" or "We don't have any room. I'm terribly sorry." I was desperate to find a place. The sun was finally setting below the horizon. It was dark and cold.
I found myself in the Business District again. I sat down against a building to recover some of my strength. At that moment all of Rabalia's lights came on. What a magnificent sight! The lights glimmered and sparkled in the sky and illuminated the city. Rabalia during the night was as beautiful as it was during the day! The Great City flickered its radiance in my eyes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a building whose lights shined brighter than the sun's. It was the Koyocho Inn. I remembered the beautiful woman I bumped into today. She offered me help if I needed it. Maybe she'll let me stay in the Inn for free tonight.
I entered the Inn. The interior was beautifully well-kept. Displays of fine vases and sculptures lined the walls. Large and radiant flowers were places in strategic positions so that none of the displays of sculptures could be blocked wherever you stood. The carpet was patterned with red and yellow swirls and curves that seemed endless. The walls were golden and glimmering as bright as that woman's eyes. Surely this design was to keep the customers attracted and to lure them back into this piece of heaven. Behind the counter was another beautiful woman. This woman had big breasts also, but unlike the woman from before, she wore a dress that showed how big they really were, maybe even bigger. I approached her and tried to keep my eyes off her chest.
"U-Uhm...is Sen around?" I asked while my eyes veered to the left.
She leaned over the counter to take a closer look at me. Her big breasts pressed against the counter. I instantly turned red.
"Hmmm...OH! You must be that boy Sen mentioned earlier! Wow, you really ARE cute! Hold on, I'll get her. Just wait here," she told me as she hurried off into the back room. "Don't you go running away now!" She winked at me and disappeared behind the doors.
Rabalia was rebuilt about 500 years ago, or so the elders in my village told us. All I knew about this city of history was that it was the location of a great war many millenia ago.
I had never felt so small in my life...
It was about mid afternoon that I reached this tremendous town. This area of Yortia is not known to have heavy rainfall during this time of year. I was reacquainted with the sun. It was amiable and embracing. During my travel, I was lucky enough to pass by a wandering merchant who was heading to Rabalia also. Thanks to him I was able to come this far.
This city is my final destination. Somewhere within these walls My Magic Awaits.
As I entered, I was instantly engulfed by the city. Shops and people surrounded me. The liveliness of the public was embracing. Men were drinking, women were talking, and children were playing. This was definitely Rabalia's Business District. The roads were adorned with beautiful granite stones. A large fountain sat in the middle of the Main Plaza with a beautiful stone statue of a winged man pouring water from his mouth. It was almost easy to get trampled in these crowded streets. The Business District was home to many traveling merchants, and an opportunity for many others. Wagons carrying furs, armors, foodstuffs, and marks rolled down the streets of this District. Off into the distance, I saw a large steeple that towered over the buildings of this large city. I wonder, perhaps, if that is where I need to go, I pondered. It certainly was difficult to keep your thoughts company in such a crowd as this. I walked around the fountain countless times as I absorbed the essence of this very city into my being. Mother would definitely love this city.
"This city is magnificent! I've never seen so many tall buildings before!"
As I walked around in an everlasting daze, I collided into a man I didn't see and fell to the ground.
"Ouch...Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you th-"
I looked up and saw the most beautiful woman I've ever seen - it wasn't a man at all. She must have been in her 30's. Her big blue eyes were round and glimmering that whispered her gentleness to me. Her hair was long and silky, like many of the silk dresses that rich people wore. She as wearing a long ceremonial dress used during various occasions. Her figure was small, but she had large breasts. I was embarrassed to look up thinking that I might be caught staring that them. I got up and lowered my head. I didn't want to show her my red face.
"Excuse me! I-I didn't see you! P-Please forgive me!"
"Oh my, no need to worry." She giggled and lifted my head from under my chin. "What a cute little boy. Someone this cute shouldn't be walking around so carelessly around this city." She giggled again.
I escaped from her mesmerizing grasp and took a quick step back. She had a look on her facing that wondered if she had done something wrong. She was beautiful no matter what face she made. I blushed and quickly looked down to avoid the embarrassment.
"Hehe. I'm sorry if I've frightened you. My name is Sen. I work at the inn on the corner of the street." She pointed to a large and well-kept building about 50 meters away from us. Above the entrance read Koyocho Inn. "If you ever need anything, pay me a visit." She smiled and bowed and was on her way.
And at an instant she was gone. I was stunned by her beauty and was at a loss of words. But she's too old for me.
That steeple interested me.
I headed the opposite direction which a sign had directed me toward the Residential District. All parts of the city was full of life. Every street was full of laughter, every corner was full of business, and every heart was full of happiness. I came to an area full of large homes. I'm guessing I'm in the Residential District now. Looking at all these buildings reminded me of my home, not in the elegance or design, but the warm feeling you get when you are around your family. I missed my Mother.
The streets of the Residential District was lined with identical-looking homes. The stone streets weaved itself in and out like a web. The houses were large and beautiful. Many had balconies decorated with pot plants and flowers. Others had wonderful window shutters designed with numerous patterns. The hue of the city definitely was livelier than that of my village. Reds, greens, blues, and yellows were finally known to me. My heart was full of joy being in this city. If only Mother were here with me.
I could see the steeple just beyond the rows of buildings over there. I was getting closer, and I made my way towards it.
I finally reached the location of the steeple. It was located on top of a large, Gothic-style church. The design of the church was a work of art. Large stain-glass windows lined the front wall. There were numerous arches and spires that made up the exterior design. The front doors of the church was large and wooden. I stepped closer to see if there was a possibility of me entering. The door of the church was certainly worn out and had lots of cracks and dents. It must have been through rebellions and uprisings from the towns folk in the past. Why haven't they repaired the door? The exterior of the church was well-kept, but the doors appeared so old and fragile. I took the handles of the door and attempted to push them open, but it seemed like the church was locked down.
"The church is closed down today. The Priestess seems to have gotten ill and is staying in her home to rest. You should try back tomorrow," said a man who incidentally was passing by.
"Oh, thank you. What is the Priestess' name?" I asked.
"Oh, you don't know? You must not be from around here then. She is Priestess Lyra. She often stays in the church everyday. Most people come here to pray and to ask her for guidance. May that be your reason for visiting her today?"
"Not really. I just came into town and the tower interested me." I pointed at the large steeple.
"I see. Well I must be off. Take care young man." The fellow waved and left.
It's been several hours since I've entered town and the sun was beginning to take its rest. I needed to find a place to stay tonight. I hurried back to the Residential District and knocked on homes to see if I could spend the night there, offering my hand in services in return. Most homes denied me with the reason, "I'm sorry, we don't let strangers into our home" or "We don't have any room. I'm terribly sorry." I was desperate to find a place. The sun was finally setting below the horizon. It was dark and cold.
I found myself in the Business District again. I sat down against a building to recover some of my strength. At that moment all of Rabalia's lights came on. What a magnificent sight! The lights glimmered and sparkled in the sky and illuminated the city. Rabalia during the night was as beautiful as it was during the day! The Great City flickered its radiance in my eyes. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a building whose lights shined brighter than the sun's. It was the Koyocho Inn. I remembered the beautiful woman I bumped into today. She offered me help if I needed it. Maybe she'll let me stay in the Inn for free tonight.
I entered the Inn. The interior was beautifully well-kept. Displays of fine vases and sculptures lined the walls. Large and radiant flowers were places in strategic positions so that none of the displays of sculptures could be blocked wherever you stood. The carpet was patterned with red and yellow swirls and curves that seemed endless. The walls were golden and glimmering as bright as that woman's eyes. Surely this design was to keep the customers attracted and to lure them back into this piece of heaven. Behind the counter was another beautiful woman. This woman had big breasts also, but unlike the woman from before, she wore a dress that showed how big they really were, maybe even bigger. I approached her and tried to keep my eyes off her chest.
"U-Uhm...is Sen around?" I asked while my eyes veered to the left.
She leaned over the counter to take a closer look at me. Her big breasts pressed against the counter. I instantly turned red.
"Hmmm...OH! You must be that boy Sen mentioned earlier! Wow, you really ARE cute! Hold on, I'll get her. Just wait here," she told me as she hurried off into the back room. "Don't you go running away now!" She winked at me and disappeared behind the doors.
I stood in that marvelous room only for a few moments until Sen came out to greet me.
She was as beautiful as I remembered her from a few hours ago.
"Why, aren't you the boy from earlier? So you came to see me?" she asked with a curious grin.
"Uhh....yes, I did. You said if I needed anything, I could come ask you."
"First of all, before I do anything for you, you have to tell me your name," she said with a wink.
"Archiel Ce'lie." I responded quickly in a soft tone.
The sound of my name must have surprised her for she took a quick step back and had a peculiar look on her face.
"Ce'lie, you say? Well, pardon me for my behavior. So Archiel, what did you need from me?"
"Uhm, I was wondering if I could stay here at the Inn for tonight since I don't have any place to stay," I said shyly. I hated to impose on others, especially if asking for a big favor like this.
"Oh? You need a place to stay?" Her face grew red. "I was hoping you would ask me for something else." She tucked her cherry face behind her hand.
My face blushed as red as the moon in my dream. I looked down at the ground.
"Archiel Ce'lie, what a peculiar name. Sure, I'd feel guilty about leaving a cute boy like yourself out on the street. Follow me." She winked at me and invited me with a flick of her finger.
I followed her up the stairs of the Inn. The hallways were long and narrow, but every corner was as decorated and beautiful as the last. She led me to a room near the end of the east side of the building.
"Here you are, Archiel Ce'lie. Please, make yourself at home. Don't worry about the fee, it's on me tonight." She gave me the key to my room. "If you need anything more, don't be afraid to ask." She bowed and left.
"Oh by the way, my full name is Senestria Aisha." She disappeared off into the distance.
I was tired from my journey to Rabalia. I located the bed in my room and fell face flat on the mattress. I was exhausted.
"I guess I'll go check out that church tomorrow." My eyes slowly fell shut. Before I knew it, I was under water again.
I loved being in this city. The people are so happy, the town is so beautiful, everything was new to me, and most importantly...
...it didn't rain.
When Heaven cries, the tears create ripples on the earth.
I ran through that never-ending forest. Wherever I looked, all I could see is the road beside me and the barriers that lined it. The trees were tall and towering, making me seem small and insignificant. I reached to a point where the road ended, and the trees encircled my position. I cried for help; I cried for my Mother. No one answered. No one heard me. I felt alone. The trees suddenly turned gray and withered away into dust. A great gust blew and the dust dispersed with the wind as quickly as they were destroyed. The land was barren and empty. The hue was brown and dull, just like my village. No reds, no blues, no greens, and no yellows. Water began to fall from the sky, as if it sensed my pain. The Heavens were crying again a dull sorrow. I heard voices from above and beneath me. Help us, help me, save us, cleanse us...is what those voices were saying. I turned in all directions to see where those voices were coming from. In the east I saw a person standing there. It was Sen. She held out her hand and whispered something, but I couldn't hear. I tried to run towards her for she seemed to be my salvation. I ran and ran, but I wasn't getting closer. I slipped on a puddle and fell flat on my face on the earth. I cried her name. When I looked up, I was standing before that red ocean again. I looked up at the moon, and it was red. I yelled, Where am I?!?! The beautiful Goddess rose out from beneath the surface of that ocean of blood. On the ribbon that enveloped her, there was something written. She held out her hand. I waded into the shallow water to reach for it. When I came closer, the inscription on the ribbon said "Ce'lie." I looked up at her with a frightened look. She placed her hand beneath my chin, and lifted my head. Her face grew closer to mine and whispered in my ear
Your Magic Awaits...
And she disappeared back into the red ocean. I sank down below with her and I began to drown and suffocate. There my dream ended...with my death.
I rose from my bed with fright. It was still the middle of the night. A cold sweat ran down my face; I felt suffocated. I sat on my bed in deep thought. I wondered about that dream, about why my name was written on the Goddess' ribbon. On the table beside me, I noticed a glass of cold water and a note that weren't there before. I picked up the piece of paper and under the moonlight, I read its contents.
I heard you talking in your sleep and I thought you might have needed this. =D
Take care Archiel Ce'lie. I'll see you in the morning.
-Sen <3
"How did she hear me talking in my sleep from downstairs? Was she in my room? No matter, I need to go back to sleep..."
I think I just heard Sen's voice just now...
I think I just heard Sen's voice just now...
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