(I'll make these quick.) Hello, and welcome. This is your guide, the wonderful Epoison speaking. We enter now into a different fandom than we've ever entered before, the world of Stravaganza. To your right, you'll see the Hall of Unrealized Daydreams. To your left? The River of Untapped Potential. But ignore that for now, my friends-- turn your attention instead before us as we head into our first destination, the first drabblet contained within the "anthology" Afternoons in the City.
Again, keep in mind that you are about to experience a drabble, written specifically for a prompt-- this one is from neighboring city caer-awen. The challenge was to stay between 100 - 300 words. Thus, yes, it is indeed short. Apologies.
Finally, please keep all hands and feet inside the tour vehicle at all times, and review the information in your pamphlet which expressly notes that Epoison takes no responsibility for any damages done and does not, in fact, own any of the Stravaganza rights and properties. Thank you, and enjoy your tour!
caer-awen challenge: 006 - an unfamiliar landscape
word limit: between 100 - 300 words
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Sky hadn't known what to expect when he'd first entered the city of masks—Bellezza was a far cry from Giglia's splendour, he was sure, but he knew better than to just write it off as Sandro had been quick to. It was, after all, the home of the shrewd Duchessa and of two of the most powerful Stravagante of the Brotherhood—and even Luciano, who'd proven to be a force to be reckoned with himself.
Sky paused mid-step, mentally correcting himself. Well, that wasn't entirely true. He'd known that Bellezza's real-world counterpart was Venice, and he'd seen pictures in textbooks before. But nothing—nothing—could really prepare him for what the sight would be like.
Luciano paused as well, glancing over at Sky, following his gaze. "A sight to behold, isn't she?" he said, smiling fondly.
"Beautiful," Sky responded, although privately he thought he preferred the huge cathedrals of Giglia. "And a ruler just as so, wouldn't you say?" he teased, knowing how keen on the young Duchessa Luciano was.
He was rewarded with the sight of the barest flush of color rising in Luciano's cheeks. "It's an entirely different city than Giglia is," he said, instead of answering. "Even being here every day, it took me a long time to get used to all the different paths and routes. It'll be even worse for you, since you can't stravagate every night like I used to."
"I'm getting that idea." Sky was amazed, staring out over the city, over all the silver domed tops and the system of canals and bridges crossing over. He couldn't even begin to imagine navigating through it all, particularly not on his own.
Luciano smiled. "Come, Brother Tino," he said, using Sky's assumed identity for Talian life. "The Duchessa wishes to meet with you."