Chapter Eight

Elysion

The Ivory Peaks

The past week had been gorgeous. The sun continued to shine along this part of the continent making it easier to travel through the plains until the groups came to the Ivory Peaks. Usually this region of the land was infested with monsters but lately the activity had begun to die down. There were whispers that it had something to do with a man in a red coat but nothing was ever proven thus far. After traveling for a week across the forested region they finally reached the Ivory Peaks. David led the group into the narrow valley between the snow capped mountains; a dirt road was visible making it easier to follow. There was only one exit from the peaks and that was at the other side of the plateau.

Making sure that the squads were close to each other to make attacks from the creatures more difficult David walked along the pathway with Rush by his side. Over the past week the two had become good friends and companions. Rush taught the young ruler how to play various card games while David offered to teach Rush how to properly handle a sword as well as some of his own card games. Over a month had passed since Rush was rescued from the Gaslin Caves and he was now inseparable from the Marquis. Emma had not failed to notice how her young charge had taken to Rush.

She had known David since he was a baby. She had soothed him when his mother passed away and she stood silently by when his father lost his life to his sacred duty. She knew his moods, his feelings on certain subjects and his fears but she had never seen him like this. He laughed at something Rush said to him, his eyes and face right with mirth. He looked happy, something she hadn't seen from him in a while. Emma knew that David was happy with her and the other generals.

They were the only family he had when he lost his parents but growing up he never had a close friend, a best friend even. He never really had someone he could call that. Emma didn't trust Rush completely but even she could not deny the change he was beginning to make within the Marquis. And if she were completely honest she actually liked it. David was still a nineteen year old boy with his entire life laid out before him. She frowned as she thought about that concept. David would be lucky to see his thirtieth birthday as long as he possessed the Gae Bolg. Glancing at a smiling Rush she couldn't help but feel bad for him.

The squads made their way across the Ivory Peaks and into the valley which was littered with rocks shaped like pillars and small plateaus. From their vantage point along the smooth grassy plain the Athlum generals could make out various large monsters below weaving throughout the rocks. Luckily the exit from this region of the continent was located and it looked like the creatures weren't making any nests around that area. With any luck David believed that they might make it to Elysion a day or two early. He offered to show Rush around the city even though the dancer had been there a few times before.

There was one place Rush wanted to go but he hadn't been able to get there the last time. He's always wanted to see the Sacred Lands. David couldn't blame him for his curiosity. The blond was also highly curious about that particular Remnant and the story behind it. People believed that it was Heaven, brought to them by Marion Marshall when she used a Remnant to end a long and bloody war. She was infamous thanks to her gift. She was able to bind Remnants to herself even though they were already bound to another. It became known as Marion's Blessing.

When they made it out of Ivory Peaks another vast stretch of land laid before them and beyond that was Elysion. The city they were heading to was the heart of the land. Congress was held there to appoint a new Chairman every few years or depending on how popular he was with the people. The Remnant Academy was also located within the city. Scientists experimented with various Remnants to find their origin, who built them and for what purpose.

There were also rumors that a group of scientists were conducting experiments into making their own Remnants. Lately the Congress was investigating reports of illegal remnant experimentation within the Academy but they had yet to find anything conclusive. Aside from the Sacred Lands and the Academy there was also the temple dedicated to Marion. People worshipped her as if she were a goddess, praying that one day she would reward her most devout followers with Marion's Blessing.

As the Athlum squads traveled closer to Elysion David explained to Rush what he was expected to do when he reached the city. A session of Congress could last hours of sometimes days so the burnet was expecting to stay in Elysion for a little while at least. Torgal would be accompanying David into the palace. It was the rule that the ruler of any city would be allowed one guard present at all times. Emma, Blocter and Pagus would be staying with Rush and looking for any means to decipher the symbols engraved on his arm. After three days of walking across the plains Elysion finally came into view.

They had two days of free time before the Congress was called and David was already suggesting that he take Rush around the temple and other places. He even offered to take the brunet to a shop where they sold clothing suitable for dancing to which Rush grinned while blushing. Upon passing through the gates David told the other men and women to enjoy themselves and relax. Emma, Torgal, Pagus and Blocter remained behind with the Marquis. Now that they were here they would need to go to the palace and arrange sleeping quarters.

Rush had never stepped foot inside the palace before. It was a beautiful building with images of regal beasts carved into the brickwork. Statues of dragons lined the top of the building with the flags of Elysion fluttering lightly in the warm breeze. The Scared Lands shone brightly above the city, the pathway so clearly visible into the light that it almost truly looked like an entrance into Heaven.

It was a comfort for the people to know that their departed loved ones were safe and happy again. Upon entering the palace David, Rush and the generals were escorted to the guest chambers on an upper wing. Rush admired the sheer beauty of the inner section of the palace before he was taken to his room. After settling in he joined David in the Marquis' quarters along with the generals.

"Rush, do you want to go into the city? Emma and Blocter were heading to the Golden Chalice guild. Pagus will be heading to the Academy." David offered.

"Sure. What about you?" he asked.

"I received a message from the Duke of Ghor. I'm expected to be in a meeting in an hour." David looked regretful. "But the others will accompany you."

"I'll be fine." Rush waved him off. "I've been here before you know."

"True but…I'll worry about you." David admitted. He cleared his throat when Torgal stared at him. "Torgal will be with me for this meeting. Please stay within the city limits till then Rush."

"Sure thing Dave. I'll see you later." He smiled at the blond then left with Emma, Blocter and Pagus.

"He is a strange mitra." Torgal commented. His golden eyes fell on his young charge. "I highly doubt there is anything normal about that boy."

"You may be right Torgal." David approached the door. "But isn't normal overrated?"


Elysion

Temple District

Once he left the palace Rush made a beeline for the temple district. He wanted to see if he could get a spot on the Ark, the only means of transportation up to the Sacred Lands. When he reached his destination he moaned out his disappointment. Apparently a scientific expedition had gone to the Sacred Lands and the Ark would not be in use for the next six months. Despite being disappointed Rush made his way out of the district and towards the marketplace.

He was eager to check out the new weapons and armor on sale before seeking out Pagus. Even though he hadn't had a vision since the battle in Blackdale he still wanted to know what the words branded onto his flesh meant. He spotted Blocter heading into the pub and went to join him. The yama was a lot of fun to be around, always ready with a joke or any advice Rush needed in a fight. Apparently Blocter was looking for decent weaponry for a competition that was taking place in a little under a year. Blocter was determined to win this time round for Athlum and because he wanted an excuse to show off his new skills.

Emma was busy visiting the various stalls and buying different types of herbs. She wanted to improve her medicinal skills because she had never really used Mystic Arts as a fighting technique. The Honeywell matriarch was also hoping to catch her daughter on her travels. As a rite of passage Emmy would travel across the land in search of a Remnant she could call her own.

This why she would be experienced enough to take over her mother's role as general for Lord David. Already Emmy was showing great skill with two blades and she was good when using status ailment magic. Even though she knew her daughter could take care of herself out there Emma couldn't help but worry about her daughter.

She noticed Blocter and Rush leaving the pub, both of them laughing quite loudly about something. She simply shook her head before turning back to purchase some more herbs. She absently wondered just what the meeting was that Lord David was requested to attend. When Rush ran by to reach the weapons stand she also wondered just what David saw in the boy. Sighing she paid for her supplies then took off in the direction of the Academy.

She was due to meet Pagus there to find anything that could help decipher the words on Rush's skin.