Expedition Aurora
Chapter 2 - The City of Aurora
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Expedition: Aurora
Location: The City of Aurora
Day 8
Today, we mustered our courage and berthed the ship at the docks in which we spotted the night before. As it turns out, a large city was nestled into the little harbor. Much larger than we had assumed. This city is quite different from what we are used to seeing in Albion, and even on all the other excursions we've been on. Here, all of the buildings seem to be carved out of a single mountain, which in itself is incredible. It looks more like a statue of arcane design, with rock twisting into impossible shapes
We had a rather large group waiting to greet us once we stepped off the docks. Despite out fears of being unwelcome by the native residents, these particular people seemed glad, and I dare say, relieved to see me. I was certainly surprised to know that they were aware of who I was already. They greeted me as 'your majesty' even before they knew I was the King across the sea. Suspiciously, I looked to Reaver, who merely shrugged. I'm certain during his last visit he must have told these people I would be visiting shortly.
The people here all have a magnificently bronze tone of skin. They dress in colors appropriately matching their desert surroundings. Light tans, oranges, deep reds and such...Their wardrobe is interesting to say the least. They dress in sandals and fine robes and adorn themselves with festive beads where ever they happen to go. Regardless that they have been ill-informed by Reaver, they are intelligent and good people just the same. Everyone is very kind and quite happy to see us, although I am not sure why quite yet.
Tomorrow, I am to meet with this city's leader. From what I understand he is a sturdy, old man. Though he was the one to call this meeting, I suppose I should begin thinking of what I am going to speak about when we convene. While my men were content just to stay in there bunks on the ship, Reaver and I were offered fine room and board in the city's inn. He was quick to accept the offer, and although I was originally going to decline, not wanting to appear to take advantage of their hospitality, Reaver quickly informed me that it would be rude to deny their generous request... I still don't know why I take his advice all the time...
Expedition: Aurora
Location: The City of Aurora
Day 9
Today, I met an exceptional man, whom the people of Aurora refer to as 'Father', but whom I have been asked by to be called Alistair. The description I have received from Aurora's people have proven to be true; he is a sturdy man. In build, he reminds me of Walter; very brawny and rugged. And tall; even Reaver appears to be dwarfed by him. His eyes are brown, so dark that at a first glance they appear to be black. And while I've no idea what his age could be, I'm assuming by his wrinkled and weathered skin, he is quite old. He has long white hair, and a grizzled beard that hangs down to his chest in two braids. In the middle of his face is a thick strip of white paint, which Reaver tells me is custom for leaders here.
He holds control over Aurora's apparent autocracy of sorts, but he has told me that due to their city's minute population, there is no strictly defined government. Judging by the enormous temple that the city surrounds, they are also governed by a god of sorts. After my visit, I have many questions about this place. Like how everyone learned to speak the common tongue, for example. Or why all the children here were so quiet. So far, most of those questions remain unanswered. Alistair was far more eager to ask than he was to answer. He seemed keenly interested in Albion, and asked me many questions about the terrain, the people, the military, and more specifically, whether or not I was open to the idea of advancing my kingdom.
He asked me about my family, to which I replied that I had a single little sister back in Albion. He nodded, and told me of his wife who passed in childbirth. I expressed my empathy, and told him of the deaths of my parents. It was strange, how I allowed myself to open up to a complete stranger when I become completely closed off around people I've known for years... Anyway, Alistair then told me of his daughter. He told me she too professed a desire to learn about Albion, as well as a desire to meet me.
I haven't been able to learn much about her. Reaver has told me that upon his visit, he had been informed of her existence, but was never allowed the chance to meet her. I only hope she is not some abrasive, feisty princess who wishes to meet me only to give me a piece of her mind about waltzing uninvited right into another person's country... I've dealt with that kind many times before...
Talking about my sister earlier today has made me realize just how much I long to see her again. I hope she hasn't gotten into too much trouble...
Expedition: Aurora
Location: The City of Aurora
Day 10
Sod all the nobles who fancy themselves with reveries of me marrying their pompous, pedestal daughters! The woman I have happened upon is a radiant desert belle, so surpassing in beauty and grace, yet so incredibly humble. Her name is Kalin. Oh, how her very name makes my heart soar. She is gorgeous beyond belief, with fair and flawless skin, and defined curves.
I've never met a woman so stunning, and I especially never imagined myself fancying someone so... Well different. Rather than stuffing all her hair under an oddly-shaped powdered wig, this woman sports blue, spiraling tattoos upon a shaved head. Her dress is not the same as the huge, billowing skirts of noblewoman, ridiculously large clothing that I find a difficult task merely to not trip over. I find her average Auroran dress much more becoming, much more flattering to her long figure.
And her eyes. Oh, such eyes. The most hypnotizing eyes I've ever seen. Gentle as a doe, but fierce as an eagle. Eyes that could make even the most callous of men flounder. How I long to look into them again. But alas, I must wait until the morrow when I am to meet with her again. She claims her father wishes for her to show me around their city, but secretly, I could not care less about seeing the land. I merely wish to get to know this desert rose.
I feel somewhat like a foolish boy when I think of her, no better than the way William spoke to me of his young "friend" back in Albion. I am not naive enough to jump head first into anything yet... For now, I will remain cautiously optimistic.
Expedition: Aurora
Location: The City of Aurora
Day 11
Today, I was forced to sit through a tedious and unvaried meeting, called by none other than Master Reaver, about the possible mining prospects Aurora had to offer. Alistair was present, as well as the city's elders, and of course myself and Reaver. Kalin even sat in, although she did not participate. I must admit, most of my attention was on her as she glanced at me sideways and gave me polite, subtle and infrequent smiles. So, I am not aware of much that was said.
After the meeting, Kalin showed me around their city. She taught me much of their culture, and I was able to withdraw myself from under this spell she has cast upon me long enough to actually pay attention. These people...they are so different from my Albion subjects. They trust and care and help each other through the struggles of everyday life. And from what I've learned, they have struggled. I have overheard many conversations of a horrible, dark beast lurking in the desert caves, ready to strike the city. Even Reaver seems to be somewhat informed about it. But neither of us know whether this is true, or just legends, the fabled ramblings of a people whose culture is largely centered around story-telling. When I asked Kalin about it this evening, she simply shook her head and left me wit the words 'In due time'. So, I suppose I will find out sooner or later.
Unfortunately, Reaver decided he'd let it be known that he noticed my "infatuation", as he put it, with the "little desert princess." He promised not to say anything, but it is Reaver. And one never knows with him. I only hope he is in one of his...generous moods. Then again, he only feels generous if the generosity benefits him...
On another note, William seems to be doing quite well in this knew city. He tells me that the Auroran children, although they are oddly silent, are much fun. According to Kalin, Aurorans raise their children on the idea that they are to be seen and not heard. In other words, their children remain respectfully quiet when in the company of strangers, and spend most of their days aiding their parents with hard work. I have a terrible feeling that this has given Reaver a notion for what to do with Albion's own youth...
Expedition: Aurora
Location: The City of Aurora
Day 12
I met with Kalin once again today. I don't think I could ever tire of her brilliant company... She told me she had something to show me. Something regarding my question from the previous day, the one about the dark creature that the Aurorans whispered in fear about. So, I followed her, having grown curious of this mystical creature. She led me through the city and towards a rise in the mountains near one of the large temples. In the way the city is set up, mountains are erected on three of its boarders. Together these three mountains act as a barrier between the city and what I am assuming is only vacant desert, while nothing but ocean is on the fourth side. It's a wickedly barren land, but Reaver assures me there are riches to be found in the caves that dot the landscape. I'm beginning to wonder if that is truly the reason the snake brought me hear in the first place.
Kalin led me to and through the temple, which in itself was a wonder. It is literally just carved into the mountain side. Apparently, these people worship "the Guardians" - winged, hooded, celestial beings who watch over them, bring them peace and prosperity. In their temple is a magnificent shrine to this creature. Whether it truly exists or not, the people seem awfully dedicated to this deity. Kalin told me a rather...disturbing story about these Guardians.
Apparently, the Father Guardian came first. He decided to make humans, and with them, armies of slightly lesser Guardians them himself. She told me of how some of the Guardians grew jealous by the endless power the Father Guardian had, and began to revolt. There was war in the heavens, and a time of great despair on land, with famines and sickness and war between brothers. But in the end, the rebels were unsuccessful. In the end, the Father Guardian banished them all. This was hundreds of thousands of years ago, Kalin tells me. But for the first time in so long, the Aurorans are beginning to feel the affects again.
I don't know what she meant by that, for that was the last words she left me with before it was time for her to return home. I asked Reaver if he knew anything about it. He shrugged and said no, but I'm not sure if I should believe him. I can only hope she will speak to me of it again tomorrow. My curiosity is making it nearly impossible for me to focus on anything. It's ridiculous, how I can be so enthralled by nothing more than a child's tale of adventures in seas of sands... But perhaps it truly is much more than that...
{ A/N: Hello, once again, lovelies :) My GOSH this took me forever. I must have rewritten it a thousand times. }
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