"Perfection in art is a flaw, a stain upon the soul of creation. With mortal hands, we sculpt beauty from imperfection. Beware the mage's touch, for in their pursuit of flawlessness, they conjure hollow shells, devoid of the very essence that makes art divine."
Phiyoer the Sculptor, speaking in defiance of Archmage Desas' Offering to Queen Hela.
4234 MA.
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4522 MA
Estate of Jognarr II, Rovos, Kartas
As they took their seats, impeccably dressed servants appeared from seemingly nowhere, efficiently filling their plates with a selection of dishes and filling their goblets with a rich, effervescent wine. Throughout the meal, Jognarr insisted on personally sharing his insights on each dish presented as they tasted their way through the countless plates.
"Allow me to acquaint you with the culinary wonders before you," he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm as he gestured towards a platter of delicate, golden pastries. "These are Zahrian sun-tarts, crafted from a rare fruit found only in the sun-drenched valleys of Zahria. The fruit is harvested at the precise moment when it is kissed by the first light of dawn, lending the tarts their distinct, golden hue and a sweet, citrusy taste."
Vyas and Maya each savored a small bite of the tart, their eyes widening in delight as the exotic flavors danced upon their taste buds. The pastry was a sublime combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced, unlike anything they had ever tasted before.
Next, Jognarr II introduced them to a dish that resembled a pile of glistening pearls, nestled within a large clamshell. "These, my dear friends, are Ondarian pearls, harvested from the depths of the Ondarian Sea. They are a rare and precious delicacy, valued not only for their exquisite taste but also for their incredible texture. As you bite into them, they release a burst of flavor."
Their mouths filled with the pearls, and as they bit down, the pearls broke apart, releasing a burst of briny, sweet flavor that filled their taste buds with the essence of the sea. The sensation was somehow both crunchy and smooth, and each burst of taste left them eager for more.
And so began a dinner marked by opulence and fantastic stories. As the two of them sampled a variety of dishes ranging from succulent meats to delicate desserts, the conversation continued to flow amiably as they shared their thoughts on the previously unknown delicacies gracing their plates.
Jognarr II took the opportunity to continue his line of unusual questions and conversations. "Vyas," he began, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he swirled the wine in his goblet, "imagine a friendly battle between a hummingbird and a butterfly, who would you wager on and why?"
Vyas raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his host's creativity but decided to play along. After considering the hypothetical scenario, he answered, "I suppose I would place my wager on the hummingbird. Its speed and agility amaze me, giving it an edge in such a contest."
Jognarr II nodded thoughtfully, seemingly satisfied with Vyas's answer. He then turned his attention to Maya, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Now, Maya, imagine you have the ability to engage in deep conversation with trees. What burning question would you ask them and why?"
Maya blinked in bemusement but decided to join in the peculiar line of questioning. After pausing in thought, she replied, "I think I'd ask them what their perspective is on the world's changes, considering they have the ability to witness centuries of events unfold around them."
Jognarr II listened intently, nodding at Maya's response. The dinner conversation continued, meandering through an array of intriguing topics as their enigmatic host delighted in each and every one of their answers. From their thoughts on the nature of colors and dreams to their opinions on what shape happiness would take, neither of them could predict the themes or direction of his next question.
All the while the conversation took place, the parade of culinary delights was a constant presence. Vyas and Maya were introduced to a veritable feast of exotic dishes, each more fantastic and unique than the last. There were tender slices of Mendorian sky-elk, marinated in an otherworldly blend of spices; delicate Elytheran flower-salad, its petals releasing a symphony of flavors with each bite; and Sylvarian fire-nectar, a vibrant, ruby-red liquid that seemed to dance with a life of its own, warming their bodies and spirits with its spicy essence.
As the spectacular feast drew to a close, Vyas and Maya found themselves both sated and awed by the culinary journey they had just experienced. Jognarr II, seemingly satisfied with their reactions, rose from his seat.
"Now that our appetites have been appeased," he announced, "I have one last surprise to share."
Curiosity piqued, Vyas and Maya followed Jognarr II as he led them through the halls of his estate and out into the expansive gardens at the back. There, they were met with an astonishing sight.
Before them stood a magnificent airship, its sleek, streamlined hull gleaming in the afternoon light. A team of workers and mages bustled about, making final preparations for departure. The sight of such an incredible vessel, so close and accessible, left Vyas and Maya breathless with excitement.
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Jognarr II approached the airship's captain, a stern-looking man named Qian, who stood waiting by the boarding ramp. After exchanging a few words, the captain nodded and turned to address his distinguished guests.
"Your grace, the airship awaits your command for departure," Captain Qian announced to Jognarr II, his voice a study in poise and assurance.
Jognarr II nodded approvingly before turning to Vyas and Maya, a playful grin gracing his lips. "Would both of you care to accompany me on a voyage aboard my personal airship? I guarantee that the view from above is nothing short of breathtaking."
Eager and excited, Vyas and Maya accepted the invitation, their spirits soaring with anticipation as they trailed Jognarr II and Captain Qian up the boarding ramp and onto the airship.
Ascending higher into the sky, Vyas was impressed with the airship's artful construction. Its streamlined hull, fashioned from polished wood and reinforced with gleaming bands of metal, cut through the air with graceful ease. Above, the airship's sails billowed grandly, a complex network of ropes and pulleys ensuring their tautness in the wind, while the potent engines maintained by mages hummed beneath the deck.
The airship's deck was spacious and luxurious, featuring plush seating areas with cushions and tables, all securely fastened to the floor. The crew navigated the deck with practiced efficiency, their every action reflecting the discipline and precision that had become the hallmark of Jognarr II's esteemed fleet.
As the airship ascended, Vyas observed the skies teeming with various flying vessels. Some were agile and compact—darting through the air like swift birds—while others were enormous and slow, their decks bustling with passengers and freight.
Maya suddenly leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she spotted something in the distance. She tapped Vyas on the arm and pointed excitedly below.
"Hey, Vyas, look!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "That's the arena where I defeated the golem! Can you believe we're so high up that it looks like a toy from here?"
Vyas squinted, following Maya's gaze as he caught sight of the arena. From their vantage point, it appeared as a small, circular structure, its once-imposing walls now dwarfed by the sprawling cityscape encircling it.
"Wow, you're right," he replied, sharing in Maya's excitement. "It's astounding how different everything appears from up here. I mean, when we were down there, the arena seemed so immense and intimidating. But from this height, it's just another piece of the city."
Maya nodded in agreement, her eyes alight with wonder. "Yeah, it's surreal, isn't it? Makes you realize how vast the world truly is, and how much more there is for us to explore and experience."
Jognarr II materialized at their side, his eyes shining with excitement as he gestured towards the awe-inspiring panorama that unfolded before them. "Behold the vastness of the world, my young friends," he declared.
From their vantage point high above, the world seemed to stretch out endlessly in all directions. As they continued to float above the city, the sun commenced its slow descent towards the horizon, casting the landscape below in a warm, golden glow. The buildings and streets below shrank into a painting of patterns and shapes, while the bustling harbor and its myriad of ships resembled a delicate dance of model boats upon the water.
A gentle breeze rustled the airship's sails, bearing with it the mingled scents of the city below – the briny tang of the sea, the earthy aroma of the surrounding farmland, and the spicy fragrance of cooking fires. It was an intoxicating blend that served as a reminder of the diverse and vibrant world that lay just beyond their reach.
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The carriage set off on its journey back to their residence, its wheels clattering over the cobblestone streets as Vyas found himself adrift in a sea of thoughts, his mind a whirlpool of perplexity. The day's events had been so fantastical, so utterly beyond the scope of anything he had ever experienced, that it felt almost as though he had stepped into another world entirely.
Jognarr II, the enigmatic figure at the center of this surreal day, loomed large in Vyas's thoughts. The man was a riddle wrapped in a mystery – a being of few words and many cryptic questions. Throughout the day, he had guided Vyas and Maya through a series of breathtaking experiences, each more incredible than the last. And yet, the potential sponsorship – the very reason for their meeting – had not been mentioned at all.
What, then, were Jognarr II's motives? Remembering Prior Boa’s advice, he tried contemplating what Jognarr’s goals were. What was his purpose in inviting them to his opulent estate, only to lead them on a journey through lush, exotic jungles, sumptuous feasts, and the boundless skies? Was he truly interested in sponsoring him, or was this him pursuing a momentary whim?
As the carriage rattled along, Vyas glanced over at Maya, who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts as well. He wondered if she, too, was grappling with all that they had experienced today and the enigma that was Jognarr II.
The world they glimpsed today—a world brimming with wonders and possibilities—had intoxicated them, offering a tantalizing peek into a realm beyond their imagination. For one brief, radiant moment, they experienced the extraordinary as commonplace and the impossible within reach. It was a rare and precious gift, and Vyas couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and awe at the opportunity that had been presented to them.
As they continued to sit in silence, Maya suddenly spoke, her voice softer and more deliberate than her usual animated tone. "This... Moments like today were why I wanted us to leave home."
She paused for a moment, her eyes shimmering with a sincere intensity. "Do you think either of us could have ever imagined possibilities like this if we hadn't taken the chance and ventured out? If we hadn't decided to see what the world had to offer?"
Vyas turned his gaze towards her, struck by the depth of emotion in her words. It was true - the experiences they had shared today were beyond anything they could have ever dreamed of within the confines of their former lives.
"You're right, Maya," he admitted softly, his voice tinged with a newfound appreciation for the path they had chosen. "We never would have discovered any of that if we hadn’t left."
Maya's face lit up with a triumphant smile, her eyes shining with a fierce determination. "Exactly," she agreed, her voice regaining some of its usual vivacity. "And just think - this is only the beginning. There's so much more out there for us to explore and learn, and I can't wait to see where it all leads."