The journey wound through islands strung together by the colossal roots of the Great Tree. Each bridge was a natural masterpiece—a living artery pulsing with life, its ancient wood stretching above turquoise waters that shimmered like molten glass. Beneath them, the shadows of fish flickered, darting like fragments of shattered jewels between coral-covered stones.

"Unbelievable," Roshan murmured, her voice almost reverent. "I thought Parthemia was beautiful, but this… this is like stepping into a dream spun from the sea."

Wuxian, usually a man of silence, let out a low whistle, his eyes tracing the intertwining paths of roots and rivers. "It feels like the land itself breathes here. As if every leaf and drop of water shares the same pulse."

Amiyan, peering over one of the roots, called back, "Are you gonna dive in?" Wuxian responded by shaking his head.

"Figures, I'm pretty sure you don't know how to swim" Amiyan teased playfully.

Wuxian raised an eyebrow. "From the man who nearly toppled off a cliff yesterday? I'm sure I'll manage."

Amiyan snorted, nudging Elliot with a grin. "Tell him, Elliot. He's just jealous he doesn't have my balance."

Elliot chuckled, enjoying the banter that had become their rhythm since setting out together. "More like he doesn't have your luck. But keep leaning over like that, and you'll end up fish food."

Their laughter softened as they entered the capital of the Realms of Isantanah. The houses rose before them like painted dreams, each structure woven from wood and bamboo, with roofs that curved up toward the sky in elegant sweeps, adorned in hues of teal, crimson, and gold. Intricate carvings adorned every arch and eave, and open-air platforms were draped in silks that danced in the wind. The city seemed to breathe, each detail crafted as if to honor both earth and sky.

Streams and canals crisscrossed the city, threading between buildings and bursting with a kaleidoscope of tropical fish that flickered like liquid fire. Boats glided along these waterways, each vessel pulled by massive creatures with sleek, scaled bodies and long, graceful necks—the lajung. They cut through the water with quiet elegance, their deep blue skin glistening as they pulled their charges through the city's veins.

"Are those—those are the lajung!" Roshan gasped, staring wide-eyed at a pair of the creatures resting by the canal's edge, their tails curled in perfect spirals beneath the water. "They're so… majestic. And they pull boats? Parthemia has nothing like this!"

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Maya chuckled, her tone patient and amused. "Lajung have been revered here for centuries. They're a sacred gift from the waters, almost as old as the Great Tree itself."

Amiyan leaned in, nudging Wuxian. "Think you'd ride one, oh fearless warrior?"

Wuxian smirked. "If it meant one less day of listening to you, I'd brave a hundred lajung."

The diversity of the people bustling around them was as striking as the architecture: some appeared human, while others had fur, feather, or scales, their bodies reflecting the land and waters that shaped them. The air was thick with the hum of different dialects and the scents of exotic spices and tropical blooms. Street vendors called out, offering fruits as vivid as gemstones, while artisans crafted intricate jewelry from shells and sea glass.

As they walked, a gentle shower of petals began to drift from above, landing softly on their shoulders and hair. Elliot glanced up, and his breath caught in his chest. Above them, the sky was a canopy of green—a latticework of branches from the Great Tree, its leaves catching the golden light and casting dappled shadows over the city. Each branch stretched out in majestic arcs, cloaking the skyline in a natural roof of jade and emerald. It was as if the city lay cradled within the very heart of nature.

"This… I have no words," whispered Altan, his voice uncharacteristically subdued. "It's like being held in the arms of some ancient power."

Maya's voice was soft with pride. "Isantanah honors life and all its forms. Here, nature and people move in harmony, each life intertwined like the roots of the Great Tree."

Elliot felt something stir within him—a sense of wonder that mingled with the weight of his journey. He glanced at Amiyan, who was grinning at him with his usual, playful expression, and felt a surge of gratitude for the friends he had gathered along the way.

Quizig, who had been walking at the head of their group, turned and gave a slight bow. "I must leave you here. The Archon awaits my report, but Maya will guide you to the inn where you'll be staying until arrangements are made."

The group watched as Quizig disappeared into the bustling crowd, his tall frame quickly lost among the colorful throng. Maya gestured for them to follow her down a winding street lined with vibrant market stalls. Vendors called out, offering them samples of fragrant herbs, spiced teas, and sweet pastries. Roshan eagerly accepted a sugared fruit, her face lighting up as she took a bite.

"Sweet as sunlight," she murmured, licking the sugar from her fingers.

Amiyan smirked. "Better keep an eye on you, Roshan, or you'll end up trading all ofiss Maya's coins for sweets."

Roshan tossed him a playful glare. "Just admit that you're hungry too."

Their laughter filled the air as they followed Maya through the bustling streets. She pointed out various landmarks—a grand temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea, a marketplace where the finest silks in Isantanah were sold, and a library tower covered in a living tapestry of moss and flowering vines. Finally, they arrived at an inn nestled between two bridges that arched over a narrow canal. The building's exterior was painted with intricate patterns, each one a story woven into the wood and stone, and a gentle scent of incense wafted from its open doors.

"This will be your home for now," Maya said, gesturing to the inn with a welcoming smile. "The Archon has extended her hospitality. Here, you can rest, eat, and recover from your travels. Soon, arrangements will be made to bring each of you back to your homelands—unless, of course, you find a new home here in Isantanah."

Amiyan turned to Elliot, his eyes twinkling. "What do you think, Elliot? Feel like staying here and keeping an eye on this lot?"

Elliot laughed, meeting the gazes of his new friends. The warmth of the inn, the comfort of companionship, and the beauty of the city around them made him feel, for the first time in a long while, that he belonged.

"Someone has to keep you all out of trouble," he said, his tone light but his smile genuine.

And as they settled into the inn, sharing stories, dreams, and laughter, Elliot knew that no matter where the future led, a part of him would always remain in the heart of the Realms of Isantanah.