Elara's mind was consumed by the enigmatic Grimoire and the writings that mysteriously appeared within its pages. Lost in thought, she ventured onward, her footsteps quick. The wobbly path ahead however, held an unexpected obstacle, causing her to stumble and fall. Before she could fully register her embarrassment, Gyrus swiftly reached out and lifted her back onto her feet.

Squirming awkwardly, Elara brushed off her clothing, her cheeks flushed with a mix of red born of gratitude and embarrassment. "Thank you, Gyrus," she murmured, her voice tinged with both appreciation and slight discomfort.

As they continued their journey, the shade provided by the forest's lush canopy gradually receded, revealing a dirt road that led toward the towering walls of a city in the distance. Elara's face lightened with recognition; this was their intended destination when they had been part of the entourage accompanying the Order of Runes. Patrick must have entered and have the essentials delivered. Now all she had to do was freshen up and report at the Order's sanctum. She turned to Gyrus some curiosity shining in her eyes.

"Whose domain does this city belong to, Gyrus?" Elara inquired, her voice flat.

Gyrus glanced ahead, his gaze focused on the looming city walls. "It belongs to Count Katich," he replied, his voice holding a note of caution.

Elara's brows furrowed as she considered Gyrus's response. "The route through the forest is infested with notorious bandit gangs, their numbers unimaginable," she voiced her concern. "Moreover, the roads leading up to the city are in deplorable condition. We must inform the Margrave of these dangers and the count's negligence. Surely, Count Katich owes my father a debt of gratitude, and he can use that leverage to address these issues."

Gyrus nodded in agreement, his voice tinged with a hint of sadness. "I shall inform the Margrave of your request," he responded dutifully. However, his next words held a touch of reproach. "It is worth noting, My Lady, that while you may not always adhere to your father's instructions, you do not hesitate to exploit his name to achieve your goals. You… can be quite the spoiled brat."

Elara's lips curled into a mischievous smile, and a soft giggle escaped her. "Well, Gyrus," she teased playfully, "if I am spoiled, it is solely my father's fault. He never could resist indulging my every whim."

Gyrus couldn't help but chuckle at Elara's response, the sound carrying a mix of fondness and exasperation. "Indeed, that is a fair point," he conceded. "Your father has always had a soft spot for you."

As they walked side by side, the city gates drawing nearer with each step, Elara's mind swirled with a blend of excitement and trepidation.She had heard of Count Katich's cities that held promises of high rewards for adventurers and it was also a hub for trade given his domain was situated quite near to the Royal Domain as well as bordering Her Father's domain. She was intrigued, for a while but her situation quickly came to her mind and concern filled her face. She hoped that she got the time to freshen herself in an inn rather than the Order's accomodation. She was a High wizard and would surely be assigned maids. If nothing else, she definitely did not want anyone to become aware of the Magical mark that had magically appeared on her right hip.

As Elara and Gyrus approached the towering gates of Count Katich's city, they were greeted by a bustling crowd. Guards diligently inspected the belongings of those seeking passage, while merchants and travelers mingled anxiously, waiting their turn. The air was a bit too tense for Elara's tastes.

Elara, observing the scene, remarked, "It seems this city attracts quite the diverse crowd. I can't help but notice that most presentable people here have slaves, particularly women."

Gyrus nodded knowingly. "Yes, many travelers rely on female slaves to 'assist' them during their journeys. This city's position has resulted in the area becoming a hub for such travelers, resulting in a significant slave population."

As they reached the gate, the guards halted their progress. One of the guards, with a stern expression, demanded, "State your purpose in entering the city."

Elara confidently presented her Runic emblem, saying, “Elara of the Order of Runes. We are here on official business."

The guards' eyes widened, recognizing her authority. They offered salutes and curious glances from the onlookers awaiting their turn to enter the city, came their way.

The city was bustling. Wooden and stone houses, stores, stalls of food filled the roadside.

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Elara's face turned quite the number of heads. However most with unfriendly intentions scurried away due to Gyrus's death stares.

Elara surprised Gyrus by directing him towards the first clean inn they encountered. Perplexed, Gyrus questioned, "Why do you prefer staying at an inn instead of the accommodations provided by the Order?"

Elara smiled mischievously. "Sometimes, it's best to experience the local flavor and remain inconspicuous. Besides, a little adventure never hurts." She did not want Gyrus to catch on, but she could not do anything to make him less suspicious. She acted playfully so she could finally have things done necessary for her as a woman without any fear of them knowing of her…recent complication.

Inside the inn, Elara and Gyrus took precautions to avoid attracting unnecessary attention. However their duo was quite a sore finger sticking out within the rest. Not wanting to deal with the awkwardness, Elara wished to be seclude herself in her room right away.Elara handed a handful of silver coins to the innkeeper and said, "We would appreciate it if you kept our presence low-key. Here's a little something to ensure your cooperation."

The innkeeper's eyes widened as he pocketed the coins covertly, nodding eagerly. "Of course, my lady. Your secret is safe with me." The grin wasn't exactly trustworthy but he felt like a professional.

After a quick satisfying meal, during which Elara savored every bite, they resumed their journey towards the City Square, enroute to Sanctum of the Order of Runes. However, the gate of the mystically imposing Sanctum was hidden by a gathering of people protesting outside the Sanctum. The crowd reluctantly made way for Elara and Gyrus, courtesy of the pressure Gyrus put out, but their hostile gazes were evident.

Entering the Sanctum, Elara approached the receptionist—a man, he was immediately captivated by her beauty. She snapped her fingers,in front of her face, pulling him back to reality, and asked, "Elara Norman. Are there any formalities yet to be completed? Have the magium crystals been delivered?", She inquired in a curt tone.

The receptionist, flustered by her actions, regained his composure and handed her a file of papers. "Yes, Lady Elara. The formalities are in order, and the magium crystals have been safely delivered."

Elara's brow furrowed. "Very well. Is the Sanctum's Head Magister available to meet with me?"

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, Lady Elara. The Head Magister wishes to have a conversation with you. He awaits your presence."

Elara quickly went through the papers tucking them into her simple handbag. Traversing the hallways of the sanctum, many acknowledged her with simple nods of their head. In the courtyard young aspires trained under battle hardened wizards. She could see many were uninterested just like her, though her actual elementary magic training happened in the Royal Academy during her teenage years.

The Sanctum's Head Magister's office was guarded by two of the guards trained in the ways the Church trained Paladins. Elara thrust her warrant towards then, which the two men glanced at for a moment. After exchanging nods they let her though.

The inside of the room was cool and any bit of noise coming from outside was abruptly cut off, probably the wonder of a soundproof ward. The sound of shuffling of papers reached her ears and she turned to face the Head Magister.

Her eyes widened for a while, as she stood and stared at the person she was supposed to meet.

The old man was busy in his work, a white beard reaching below his neck. Haggard eyes, and circular spectacles. The man looked as if he perfectly fit the position, until you looked at his clothes which more suited a general than a old wise wizard.

He took a moment to notice her presence or rather he made it look like it.

“Ah, Elara. Sit.“ The Old man gestured. Going back to his work undeterred.

Elara quickly took her seat opposite to him. She crossed her legs looking round the peach coloured room filled with books and their bookshelves. “Ormazz, You? Here? Did they force you to resign from the post of Tower Master?.“ Elara questioned, curious.

The old man spared her a glance and continued, “Too old for the work that comes with it. This post is quite better in comparison before…I finally retire.“ He said.

“Do not jest. You were thrown out? Lost too many votes?.“ Elara scowled. She couldn't believe the literal Tower Master of The Order of Runes working in a Sanctum away from the Royal Capital.

“The magisters deemed me too old…you truly love breaking my Ego. I wonder if they sent me here to deal with you. Anyways, heard of your scuffle with Patrick, not very Ladylike.“ The old man said his eyes never leaving the papers on his desk. His pen scratched on it as Elara thought of her response.

Elara sighed exasperated. She had to talk to him, give him some word of advice afterall. Maybe Gyrus could handle him better she thought. “Quite the loose mouth he has. His remarks weren't very gentlemanly either. What did he feed you?“. Elara inquired.

Ormazz chuckled. His shoulders quivering. Elara couldn't help but be reminded of her grandfather.

“Just that your bodyguard was willing to kill him. He quite nearly pissed his pants I would assume. Anyway you left the carriage to travel on foot cause of this?.“ Ormazz finally let his pen down and folded his hands resting them on the table.

Elara smiled, not saying anything. Ormazz picked his pen up shuffling through pages again. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Ormazz asked. “You will remain here? You want accomodation? Or are you going to leave for your father's territory?“

Elara contemplated for a while and answered,

“Probably a few days here. As for

accomodation, some place quiet…can you do me a favor?“. Elara looked at him intensely, making sure to fully use all of her daughterly charms.

“I suppose women of beauty like yours have secret you don't want to share,” he reached for the drawer besides him pulling an ornate looking copper key. He hurled it at her, “two maids will be assigned to you. Room's on the second floor. Quiet, no rooms near it. Now go.“

He said his tone growing increasingly disinterested.

Elara held the keys to her chest as he skipped out. As soon as she came out, noticing the presence of the guards she quickly put on her high wizard aura, enroute to the reception area where Gyrus awaited.