Chapter 2 – Lythos, the Holy Land

The group of fliers coursed through the sky, flying steadily westward. Below them the land of Lythos stretched as far as the eye could see, while behind them the ocean receded each passing second. The griffon knights kept their gazes either forward or towards the girl, keeping a watchful gaze on her movements; such sights long mundane to them. For Ivy, however…

I am finally seeing the Holy Land with my own eyes, she thought as she gazed downwards.

Her face remained stoic as ever, but amazement swelled inside of her. The green valleys and plateaus that passed by below her… Sure, they may be somewhat on the plain side, devoid of much stand-out features. However, there was still something majestic, mystical even, to them. Lythos wasn't known as the Holy Land for nothing, after all. It was said that the Divine Dragons that once called the island home, though long gone, their essence still remained on these hallowed grounds. Whether it was true or not, the girl still considered it made for a breathtaking sight.

If only I could take a stroll on them, Ivy lamented.

Alas, now was not the time. She had to continue to the castle. Perhaps afterwards, should it be permitted…

Ivy glanced back up, but then continued upwards towards the sky. The sky was mostly clear, allowing for a curious sight to be seen: A large floating rock, high in the sky.

There it is, the Somniel, Ivy thought.

Her stoic visage finally broke, as a longing look adorned her face.

Would I be allowed to visit him?

She lowered her gaze, fighting the urge to sigh. She had to accept the probability it could be considered a step too far. Putting the thought aside, she now focused her gaze forward. It did not take long, but at long last Lythos Castle began to show up into view. As they got ever closer, she couldn't help but be stunned at the sight.

Lythos Castle… it's more impressive in person.

Indeed, the castle was quite the majestic marvel. Walls of pure white, with roofs of a deep royal blue. Located atop Lythos' highest point at the island's northernmost point, it looked over the land below in eternal vigil. Once they had come close enough, the griffon knight directly ahead of Ivy, the flight leader, glanced behind her. She did a forward downward motion with her arm, signaling it was finally the time to descend. Everyone complied, and in short order they were all in descent. They flew over the castle's outer wall, finally landing in the middle of the courtyard area, not far from the wall's main gate.

The flight leader dismounted, before approaching Ivy.

"Wait here."

It was all she said before turning around and walking over to the nearest entrance to the castle itself, before heading inside. In the meantime, the rest of the griffon knights had remained on their mounts; still holding on to their weapons, their gazes still on Ivy.

Their presence had begun to attract a small crowd as well. They all stood nearby all around, looking over, whispering between themselves. Evidently, word of her arrival had already spread. Ivy did her best to ignore them, taking to gaze at the castle instead. Paying no attention to the whispers, which she wouldn't have been able to hear anyway, or the gazes. Curious at best, distrustful at worst.

Just like at the outpost… she frowned.

Ivy was no fool. She had been aware back there that she was being watched. Judged. Spoken about behind her back. Specially at the mess hall. She couldn't make out what they had been speaking, but it did not matter. Nothing new for her to experience. Yet, to happen at the Holy Land as well… Though, if any of them were to step into Elusia Castle, would they not receive the same kind of reception?

Fortunately, she did not have to be such a spectacle for long. The flight leader would soon emerge back out from the same entrance she previously took. She was not alone, for two knights, clad in full plate armor and carrying laces in their hands, flanked her. They walked over to stand before her and her wyvern.

"They will escort you to Her Majesty," the flight leader said. "Now go."

Ivy nodded in understanding, before then dismounting. She would then embrace her wyvern's head.

"Wait here," she told her as she petted her. "Behave."

Once done, she turned to face the knights.

"Just follow us," one of them said.

"Don't think of doing anything funny, Elusian," the other added.

Despite their full-helms, Ivy could feel the glares aimed at her. Still, the girl simply nodded again, once again adopting a stoic look. One of the knights then turned before starting to walk. Taking it her cue, Ivy began to follow. The other knight would then follow behind her. They walked across the courtyard, before heading inside.

The inside of Lythos Castle was more impressive than the outside. Unfortunately for Ivy, there wasn't much she got to see as she walked through its hallways. She spied glimpses of various sorts of rooms and inner gardens, but only briefly as she was constantly on the move. In a now repeating scene, there would also be the stares and murmurs from the people inside. Soon enough they would reach the throne room. It was a large hall, with a lot of openings to the outside, including one on the ceiling. Two rows of large pillars would support the structure. The throne itself was at the very back of the hall, atop a raised platform. There, standing atop the stairs, was Queen Lumera.

As they walked closer, Ivy couldn't help but start to feel unease. She was about stand before the Divine Dragon Monarch. Many would've considered it a great honor, and she did too; but at the same time, after all the reactions to her presence she had witnessed, a part of her could only wonder.

Does she share the same opinions as her subjects?

If anyone had the most reason to resent the Elusians for worshipping the Fell Dragon, it had to be her. She had lost almost all of her brethren in that war, after all. In any case, as she got a better view of the Divine Dragon, Ivy could see the woman had a relaxed posture. Arms at her sides, a serene smile on her face. Once they had almost reached the base of the stairs, the knight in front of her suddenly raised an arm, hand signaling her to stop. Ivy promptly did, as both knights continued walking until they were both just before the stairs, standing side by side. Queen Lumera glanced down at them as they both knelt down, heads turning downward, a hand over their hearts.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," one of them spoke. "We've brought the visitor."

"So you did," Queen Lumera said. "I thank you for fulfilling your task so dutifully. You may depart now."

The knights quickly rose their heads.

"Are you sure, Your Majesty?" One asked.

"I am," she nodded.

"But to leave you alone with her…" The other trailed off, sparing a brief glance behind him, towards the girl in question.

Queen Lumera kept her smile, however.

"There is nothing to worry."

"If you say so, Your Majesty," the second man said after glancing back, if still sounding a bit skeptical.

Ivy had to admit they had a point. Was it wise for the Divine Dragon Monarch to be left alone with her?

But then, as a Divine Dragon, what does she have to fear about a lone human? A part of her reasoned.

The two knights would stand back up.

"We'll take our leave then," the first man said.

They made small bows, before turning around and walking away. They passed by Ivy from both sides, sparing one last glance as they did. Though their faces concealed, it was clear they were giving silent warnings with those stares. They were still leaving the hall when Queen Lumera began to walk down the stairs. She would close the distance herself to stand before Ivy, staring directly at her. The unease Ivy had felt earlier returned, but stronger now. It was as if the gaze was piercing right through her. She kept her composure, an emotionless expression on her face. Years of practice had helped to make it an easy task.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," Ivy did a small curtsy. "It's an honor to stand before you."

Queen Lumera kept her gaze, when suddenly her smile dropped... only to be replaced with concern.

"Oh my, you look a bit tense."

The smile was then back.

"It's alright, there's no need to worry. Even if you're Elusian, you are safe here. I swear it on my honor as a Divine Dragon."

Ivy was almost taken aback. Leave it to the Divine Dragon Monarch to have seen through her mask. Or perhaps it was just logical to think she'd be on edge.

"That's… good to know," was all the girl could say, making a small nod.

Likely still sensing her wariness, Queen Lumera went pensive.

"Perhaps we should continue this talk someplace else. A change of scenery may help soothe you."

She nodded.

"And I now just the place. If you can please follow me."

With that she began to walk. Ivy stood there for a second, before following suit. They would soon leave the throne room and walk through the hallways. As they did, Ivy couldn't help but think.

Queen Lumera is so… considerate.

The Divine Dragon Monarch had certainly shattered her expectations. While Ivy did count on things not being like back at Elusia, she had thought that unfriendliness to the other side would be a constant. So far that had not been disproven, and she had expected for Queen Lumera to follow suit. Yet that did not come to pass. Despite being Elusian, she had been quick to assure her. Ivy did not know what to make of it. Her behavior seemed to clash with that of her people. Was it genuine, or just a façade?

Soon enough they would cross through a doorway leading to the outside, at an enclosed area. She was greeted by a large fountain, the statue of a dragon adorned at the top. Leading to it was a paved path flanked by hedges. They walked towards it before then heading around it. Behind the fountain were stairs leading down to a garden. A mostly paved path connected the base of the stairs to the exit at the end, with more dragon statues placed at the center point. Otherwise, it was greenery all around, with a few stone pedestals and benches at the edges, the former serving as planters. They stopped right at the top of the stairs.

"So, what do you think?" Queen Lumera glanced at her.

"It's beautiful," Ivy had to admit, amazed.

The girl took note there were a few cats present as well. They were spread out, mostly basking under the sun. It seems it wasn't a place for just humans, or dragons, to enjoy.

"I'm glad to hear that," Queen Lumera said. "Now come, let's find a suitable spot to have our talk."

They stepped down the stairs and headed for the nearest bench. A large tree was placed behind it, offering its shade. They both sat down.

"I have already read the report sent to me," Queen Lumera began, glancing towards Ivy. "I will admit I was surprised to hear of your arrival. You are the first Elusian to visit us since a thousand years ago. That's quite the occasion, wouldn't you say?"

"I… suppose," Ivy replied.

"Your name is Ivy, right?"

"Yes," Ivy nodded.

"Ivy… such a pretty name," Queen Lumera stated. "I once knew someone with that name, so long ago."

A wistful look graced her face, as the Divine Dragon Monarch glanced back towards the garden.

"She was member of Elusia's royal family… and a dear friend. It's a shame Elusia's adoption of the Fell Dragon faith brought an end to the ties our countries shared. I would've loved to have kept in touch with her descendants."

Queen Lumera then brought a hand to her mouth, before making a subdued giggle.

"Ah, forgive me, you did not come here to hear me reminiscence about the past."

"No, it's fine," Ivy shook her head. "Hearing that was very… enlightening."

"Was it, now?" Queen Lumera turned back to face her, tilting her head slightly. "If you are interested, perhaps we could exchange stories over tea."

"That would be lovely," Ivy agreed.

Queen Lumera's smile got wider.

"Wonderful."

Shortly after, however, her smile was dropped as she adopted a serious expression.

"Though I suppose business must come first. You have a message you wanted to deliver to me, is it not?"

"Yes, I do," Ivy nodded.

"It must be dire, then, to have come to warn me, of all people."

"It is. Since it pertains to-"

Well, this was it. Ivy made a pause and took a deep breath before continuing.

"The Fell Dragon."

The effect was imminent. Queen Lumera's expression quickly turned into a frown.

"The Fell Dragon… you say."

Ivy nodded, now with a determined look on her face.

"Yes. The reason I came all the way here, despite everything, is to inform that he has returned."