"Ten years in trade, I gained wealth and power, yet I gained no joy. Leaving was not an easy choice, but I desired freedom more than anything. A life spent chasing power whilst shackled to expectations is a hollow existence. So, I embraced the unknown, leaving the family helm to one who would lead with passion. In the end, the greatest treasure is not the accumulation of resources or might, but the freedom to explore the boundless wonders of the world."
Explorer Jinn, formerly Merchant Jinn of the Xioan Republic.
4245 MA.
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4522 MA
Rovos, Kartas
Vyas wasn’t sure what to expect when he replied positively to Jognarr’s request for a meeting. He started to get an idea when the carriage to take him to Jognarr’s estate arrived. At the front were three massive steeds, their coats shining with health and their muscles rippling as they trotted gracefully through the streets. The carriage was the length of two normal carriages and was an exquisite work of art, painted in resplendent gold with shimmering silver accents, reflecting the opulence of its owner. As they settled into the plush padded seats, Vyas could feel a mixture of anticipation and unease coursing through his veins.
As the luxurious carriage left the bustling city behind, the landscape gradually transformed into a serene countryside. Expansive fields of swaying crops, lush rolling hills, and quaint farmsteads dotted the picturesque landscape. The colors of the rising sun cast a warm glow on the idyllic scenery. Just as Vyas was about to comment about the mountains in the distance, a smooth voice came through a speaker from the driver's seat.
"Good morning, esteemed guests," the driver greeted. "As we head toward the estate, might I offer you a morning beverage to refresh and invigorate your senses?"
Intrigued, Vyas and Maya exchanged glances and nodded. "Yes, thank you for the offer," Maya replied, her curiosity piqued.
"Splendid," the driver responded. Moments later, a section of the carriage's wall slid aside, revealing a fascinating magical contraption. Spell-powered gears whirred and hummed, while enchanted tubes and valves worked in synchrony to craft a steaming beverage. To their amazement, two porcelain cups materialized beneath the machine's spout, filled to the brim with a dark, aromatic liquid.
Astonished by the enchanting display, Maya eagerly reached for one of the cups, inhaling the rich aroma with a delighted grin. "It smells interesting! What's the name of this drink?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
The driver's voice returned through the speaker, "Ah, my apologies for not mentioning it earlier. This is a beverage known as coffee. It hailed from far-off lands and has become quite popular in Rovos. Lord Jognarr is a connoisseur of novelty and appreciates its unique taste."
Vyas carefully picked up the other cup, feeling the warmth emanating from it. He glanced at Maya before taking a cautious sip, surprised by the slightly bitter but smooth taste. As the warmth spread through him, he felt a pleasant surge of wakefulness.
"This is fascinating," he remarked, shifting his focus more to the machine than the drink in hand. He was admiring the gears and runic carvings through the transparent glass cover. "The craftsmanship of this magical contraption is impeccable. I've never seen anything like it."
As Vyas leaned down to get a closer view, Maya's curiosity was piqued. "I can't believe it made this entire drink all on its own." she stated, peering at the machine.
Vyas gestured to the gears, valves, and enchantments that adorned the machine. "Look at the level of detail in the runic carvings, and how precise and tiny the components are. This must be the work of a master artificer."
Maya nodded, impressed. "It is quite beautiful. And it's fascinating how it can be set to create multiple drinks just by adjusting some settings."
Vyas continued to study the device, taking another sip of coffee. "I wonder what kind of artificer could create such a complex and innovative design. They must be incredibly skilled."
As the carriage rolled through the countryside, Vyas and Maya found themselves engrossed in conversation about the machine and the slightly bitter drink it created. When the carriage finally came to a stop, signaling their arrival, they eagerly peered outside, anticipating a breathtaking sight.
Despite the elegance of the carriage and the mesmerizing coffee contraption, Vyas realized he had been woefully unprepared for the extravagance of the estate itself. What lay before them was a lavish mansion of pristine white marble, surrounded by exquisitely landscaped gardens, and cascading fountains that glistened in the sunlight. As they crossed the threshold of the breathtaking entrance, Vyas and Maya were met with an awe-inspiring sight – a grand staircase of golden inlaid marble, which seemed to ascend toward the heavens, dominating the palatial foyer. The sheer opulence of the estate stood in stark contrast to the modest dwellings Vyas was accustomed to, leaving him awestruck by the grandeur that awaited them.
As he and Maya were escorted through the estate by a retinue of flawlessly attired servants, Vyas gazed at the massive frescoes on the walls, inhaled the delicate fragrance of exotic blossoms perfuming the air, and listened to the dulcet tones of a hidden orchestra, their music a harmonious backdrop to the elegant surroundings.
Eventually, they were guided into a magnificent chamber, its lofty ceiling suffused with golden light. Seated upon a regal throne was the enigmatic Jognarr II, a man whose age was as difficult to discern as it was to define his demeanor – a curious blend of presence and mystery. Absorbed in an ancient, leather-bound tome, he appeared immersed in the secrets of the pages beneath his fingertips. Only when he caught the presence of his guests did Jognarr lift his gaze, his eyes sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief, as though he alone was privy to a grand secret that eluded the rest of the world.
"The guests have arrived," Jognarr II announced with a theatrical flourish, his melodious voice resonating through the chamber. He was garbed in an eclectic ensemble composed of various brocade fabrics, topped off with a matching hat attached with a sizable peacock feather. "I must say, I have been quite eager to meet the duo who have set the Rovos abuzz with their extraordinary talents. Welcome to my palatial abode."
Vyas and Maya exchanged a look of uncertainty before bowing respectfully, unsure of how to address a man of Jognarr's stature. The enigmatic host seemed to find their hesitancy amusing, chuckling softly and waving away their concerns with a playful flick of his wrist.
"We are grateful for your invitation, your grace," Vyas began tentatively, unsure of the appropriate title to use. "I’m Vyas, and this is Maya."
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
"Ah, Maya," Jognarr II said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I have heard wondrous tales of your performance at the arena. If I am not mistaken, you vanquished a golem most decisively."
A hint of embarrassment tinged Maya's cheeks as she replied, "Yes, your grace."
"Never mind that now. We have much to discuss and so little time," Jognarr declared, his voice imbued with authority.
Jognarr II rose from his throne and beckoned for Vyas and Maya to follow him. He led them through a labyrinth of hallways, so extensive that Vyas quickly became disoriented within the sprawling estate. The residence was a veritable maze, designed to bewilder and confound its visitors. Eventually, Jognarr paused before a door and ushered them inside.
The room they entered was vast, its walls obscured by verdant foliage and towering trees that wound their way towards the glass ceiling stretched overhead, allowing sunlight to filter through and illuminate the lush interior. Small, mysterious pathways snaked between the trees, weaving between pockets of fantastical flora and fauna. Within this immense chamber, Jognarr had cultivated a thriving jungle, not only teeming with exotic creatures but alive with their enchanting calls and captivating colors.
As they ventured further into the dense thicket, Vyas and Maya encountered a diverse array of rare and extraordinary beings, many of which they had never even heard of, let alone seen before. They marveled at the vastness of this secret world, teeming with life - both hidden and on display - as the air was filled with the resounding chorus of colorful birdsong, the faint rustling of unseen creatures within the lush foliage, and the distant murmur of water cascading somewhere deep within the heart of the jungle.
The first creature they encountered was so tiny and well-camouflaged that Vyas nearly missed it entirely. As they traversed the jungle, Jognarr suddenly halted beside a tree with large, vibrant flowers. He gently coaxed a small, furry creature from its perch among the branches.
"This is a Wepta," Jognarr said enthusiastically, presenting the creature to Vyas and Maya for their inspection. "They hail from the remote jungles of Elythera."
He allowed the Wepta to nimbly clamber onto his shoulder, its large, expressive eyes surveying its surroundings with curiosity.
"The Wepta possesses a massive tail," Jognarr explained, gesturing to the creature's bushy appendage that was nearly as large as its body. "Not only does it provide them with exceptional balance and agility, but it is also used for communication."
As if on cue, the Wepta flicked its tail in a series of rapid movements.
"In the depths of the Elytheran forests," Jognarr continued, "the Wepta's use their tails to relay messages, warnings, and even emotions to one another."
He tenderly stroked the Wepta’s soft fur, and it responded with a contented purr, curling its tail affectionately around Jognarr's fingers.
With a gentle motion, Jognarr returned the Wepta to its leafy haven, its tail giving one final flicker before it vanished among the foliage.
As they walked, Jognarr continued to introduce them to the inhabitants of his jungle, often caressing or cradling the creatures while regaling Vyas and Maya with tales of their origins and unique qualities. They met a variety of small, bear-like animals imbued with an otherworldly charm; over two dozen unique plants, each captivating in its own right, and eight different species of breathtakingly colored birds that seemed to defy the very laws of nature.
Just as Vyas and Maya were becoming accustomed to Jognarr's peculiarities, he found a new way to remind them that he was anything but ordinary.
As they strolled through the jungle, learning about the various creatures, Jognarr paused near a small, unassuming bush. He bent down and gently coaxed a tiny, lizard-like creature from its hiding place. It was covered in shimmering, iridescent scales that changed color with each delicate movement of its body.
"Allow me to introduce you to the Mesmera," Jognarr said with a smile, cradling the creature in his hand for Vyas and Maya to admire.
He tilted his hand slightly, allowing the Mesmera to ascend his finger. As it moved, its scales shifted colors, creating a hypnotic pattern.
"These little ones are quite unique, you see," Jognarr continued. "Their scales can refract light to distract most predators."
He gently stroked the Mesmera's back, and it responded by altering its colors once more, displaying a dazzling, swirling pattern of blues and greens.
"They also have another unique property. Eaten raw, they taste like a ripe peach dusted with the finest spices," he said before casually tossing the Mesmera right into his mouth.
Vyas and Maya gawked in disbelief as Jognarr nonchalantly devoured the creature before their eyes, leaving only a satisfied smirk as evidence of his exotic snack.
Noticing their astonishment, Jognarr playfully teased, "Would either of you like to give it a try? The sensation is truly unlike any other."
Vyas and Maya exchanged uneasy glances before shaking their heads in unison, struggling to maintain their composure.
"No, thank you, your grace," Maya replied politely, her voice tinged with a hint of unease. "We appreciate the offer, but we'll pass."
Vyas nodded in agreement.
Jognarr seemed mildly disappointed but conceded with a good-natured smile. "Very well, perhaps another time. There are many more wonders to share with you in this sanctuary of mine."
With that, he continued to guide them through the jungle, introducing them to more of the exotic inhabitants that called his estate home. The memory of the Mesmera, however, lingered in their minds.
Finally, after introducing them to the Huuto—a species of enormous, iridescent flightless birds that seemed to shimmer and change color in motion—Jognarr II posed a question to them.
"Tell me," he asked, his voice resonating with an air of wisdom and curiosity, "which of these creatures do you believe deserve freedom?"
Vyas and Maya exchanged confused glances. Hesitatingly, Vyas stepped forward, his eyes wandering over the myriad of creatures they had encountered.
"The Creasi," he responded with conviction, recalling the brilliantly colored bird with the otherworldly singing voice. "Its song is a gift to the world, and it seems a shame for such artistry to be confined when it could be free and sung for all who would listen."
Maya nodded in agreement but offered her own choice. "I choose the Forna," she said, referring to a small, delicate mammal they had encountered earlier. Her reasoning, however, was far simpler than Vyas's. "They looked quite sad, and I think they might be happier in freedom."
Jognarr II considered their answers, his expression thoughtful and inscrutable. "Interesting choices," he mused, the corners of his mouth twitching into a mysterious smile. "Thank you for your thoughts."
Jognarr II gestured for Vyas and Maya to follow him once more, leading them away from the lush jungle chamber and towards another section of his vast estate. The hallways they traversed were filled with magnificent tapestries, each depicting a different scene from legends and history, their vibrant colors and flourishing details seeming to bring the stories to life.
The moment they stepped through the carved double doors depicting scenes of bountiful harvests and lavish feasts, Vyas and Maya found themselves utterly breathless.
The dining room was the epitome of opulence, with soaring arched columns supporting its high ceiling, its walls covered in murals that seemed to come to life before their eyes. A grand chandelier, crafted of gleaming crystal and gold, hung suspended from the center of the ceiling, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow.
Yet, it was the colossal table, stretching nearly the entire length of the room, that truly captured their attention. Laden with an almost overwhelming array of food, the table seemed to groan beneath the weight of the extravagant feast. Delicacies piled high, their tantalizing aromas weaving together to create an intoxicating fragrance.
Artful ice sculptures towered between the dishes, capturing and reflecting the warm glow of candlelight. Elaborate centerpieces crafted from exotic fruits and vibrant flowers adorned the length of the table, demonstrating the immense attention to detail dedicated to every aspect of the feast. Magnificent candelabras stood tall amidst the sumptuous spread, the flickering flames of their candles casting an enchanting dance of light and shadow upon the banquet.
Vyas and Maya gaped in amazement—their eyes widened in awe, and their mouths watered at the tempting sight. The remarkable assortment of dishes and the artistry in their presentation amazed them.
"Please, take your seats," Jognarr II enticed, ushering them to two lavish chairs with patterned backs and vibrant velvet cushions. "I trust you will find the meal to your liking."