Lysara was somehow both exactly what Jade had pictured, and yet quite different from her expectations. She tried not to gawk as Siora led them up a stairway into the network of platforms, buildings, and walkways that turned the forest canopy into a flowing town that seamlessly melded nature with civilization. Many of the buildings looked as though they'd been grown directly into the trees, as much a part of them as the leaves and branches. She could only imagine the magic involved in creating them.
Their group had encountered some elven guards keeping watch at the edge of town, but as soon as they recognized Siora and the other two elves they were waved through with hardly any questions. All it took was explaining that the rest of their party were wayfarers or, in Aylin's case, a mage of the mystic order, and that they intended to help with the stronghold. Jade was surprised at the lack of scrutiny over complete strangers, but in a close-knit community like this, being vouched for went a long way towards easing concerns.
Of course, she hadn't volunteered her nature as a demon just yet. Namys and Ethren already knew, but when no one brought it up, Jade decided there was no point in rocking the boat just yet. She'd wait for a better time.
Lysara didn't have what one would call an 'inn' for travelers. Instead, guests stayed in dedicated houses that were set aside and maintained for visitors. That was where Siora was leading them now, while the town watch found the people responsible for organizing the response to the new stronghold and informed them of their arrival.
"You never told us how awesome your home is, Siora." Luis said. Unlike Jade, he had no reservations about staring at everything as they ascended into the village proper. "Can I move in?"
"I think you'd find it a little too quiet here." Siora laughed. She had relaxed upon finding the village unharmed, although she still looked a little tense. "It's a season-less place, compared to the other cities."
"Season-less?" Jade asked, confused. "You mean, the weather stays the same?"
The elf frowned. "I don't think that translated right. It means that nothing ever changes here. Or it used to be like that."
"I could get used to the quiet life." Luis said, looking out over the village. They were high enough up in the trees to have a good vantage now, and the view was beautiful. Jade could make out hundreds of lanterns hanging above the platforms and elevated walkways. They faded in and out of view as they continued to climb, creating the illusion that they were blinking on and off. It reminded Jade of fireflies. This side of the town bordered a small cliff, and water trickled down its face in streaming rivulets to pool in a large pond at its base. The lantern light glinted off the various streams in a mesmerizing pattern of shifting sparkles.
"Yeah… It's great…" Naomi said distractedly. The bard was bringing up the rear, reading through a multitude of level up options. The quest for returning Siora home had marked itself as complete as soon as they'd entered Lysara, and the influx of experience had been enough to push Naomi to level 8. Jade, now back in her human form, spent the rest of the short trip helping her choose a racial feature. By the time they were done, they had arrived at the guest quarters.
The guest house was situated on one side of the middle level of the town, which Jade estimated to be some 50 feet off the ground. It was a small, two-story building that was grown directly into a broad, towering tree. The trunk bulged in a roughly spherical shape, creating enough space within for several cozy rooms. Jade followed Siora through the door, finding herself in a surprisingly spacious living room lit by the steady glow of several small lanterns. The room was carpeted with lush, springy moss, and was furnished with expertly carved wooden furniture. A spiral stairway led to a smaller second floor, presumably to sleeping quarters. Jade had never seen anything like it.
"Luis, I think I'll be moving here with you."
"I'm glad you like it." Siora smiled.
The room smelled of wood and pine needles. It was a comforting, relaxing scent. Jade had always enjoyed hiking and camping, and those trips were some of her fondest childhood memories.
Not that there's much competition. She thought bitterly. A twinge of phantom pain echoed through her ankle, and she grimaced. I wish Alan could see this place…
It was the first time she'd thought that about any of the sights in the Labyrinth. As fantastic as they were, the ever-present sense of danger dampened her ability to appreciate them. Lysara was different. The village was beautiful, filled with people simply going about their daily lives. Now that she was finally here, she could begin to understand Siora's perspective on the Labyrinth. Lysara held peace and beauty, as well as a long and colorful history. Jade could sense as much from the time-worn buildings, the bustling markets, and the variety of architectural forms on display. This world had more to it than conflict and death.
And yet even here, danger had come to them. Jade turned her attention back to the task at hand: The stronghold. She was about to ask Aylin for a more in-depth explanation of what they were about to face when there was a knock on the door frame. Turning, she saw two elven men standing just outside. They were out of breath, as if they'd been running. The shorter of the two immediately zeroed in on Siora.
"Siora! Thank Elaria, you're safe!" He said, relief evident in his voice.
"Sel! Fenrin!" She said excitedly, stepping forward to embrace each of them. Jade could see the tension ease from her shoulders. "It's good to see you. I'm alright!"
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"What happened? Where have you been?"
"I got dropped down a floor, but my new friends helped me get home." She gestured towards Jade and the others.
"That's one less thing to worry about." The taller of the two said, turning to face Jade. He held out his hand. "I'm Fenrin, a friend of Siora's. We've known each other since we were young."
He was taller than Jade, nearly Luis's height, with wavy hair and an athletic figure. Half of his hair was a light brown, nearly blonde, while the other half was much darker. It was striking, and she couldn't tell if it was natural or dyed. Two other things also caught her attention: The large, multi-colored bird perched on his shoulder, and the glowing mark on the back of his hand. A single glance confirmed that it matched her own.
"Jade." She said, shaking his hand. He had a strong grip. "You're a wayfarer too? Are you from here?"
"I am a wayfarer." He smiled. "Just started my journey. But no, I'm from Rimestead. My father was from here, though, so I visited often."
The bird on his shoulder squawked. It shuffled its wings, revealing two different sets on each side of its body. It looked like a cross between a bird of prey and a dragonfly, except colored with rainbow hues and with a body that was over a foot long.
"And this is Mirella." Fenrin continued, patting her on the head. "She doesn't like it when she isn't the center of attention."
Mirella drew herself upright, preening.
"I'm Seldrin." The other elf said, entering the conversation. He was shorter than Jade, with familiar hair and features. "Siora's brother. Thanks for helping her get home."
They continued with introductions, and Siora gave both a quick recap of how she'd ended up with Jade's group and the story of their return. Jade wasn't sure that the elf needed to put so much emphasis on the various new plants she'd discovered on their travels, but her audience just seemed relieved to be reunited. While she talked, Jade pulled up their status windows.
Sure enough, Fenrin was labelled as having a 'Mark of the Wayfarer'. He was a level 13 'Storm Sentinel', which put him at three levels higher than her own. To her surprise, she also saw that she had been incorrect in assuming his race. Rather than being an elf, Fenrin was a half-elf like Aylin. On closer inspection his features were somewhat less angular than Siora's, ears not quite as tapered. She wasn't sure what a storm sentinel was, but Fenrin carried a bow slung over his shoulder.
Seldrin's status window was quite like Siora's, which Jade supposed made sense. Finally, she took a closer look at the bird. The system labelled her as a 'flutterbeak' and, like Jade, she was level 10. The bird had a hooked beak that ended in a sharp point, as well as a set of claws that looked more than capable of shredding monster hides.
"It sounds like you've been through a lot." Fenrin said after Siora finished her recap. He turned toward Jade. "So, there really is a new integration happening? The rumors are true?"
"If by that, you mean our world is new to the Labyrinth, then yes."
"We thought as much, but it's good to know for sure. In that case, we should be ready for more changes."
"I'll speak with your council later tonight." Aylin was sorting through a stack of notebooks, which she'd pulled from her dimensional pouch. The mage had been incessantly taking notes ever since she'd joined their party. "But you should be very cautious. For some reason we haven't yet uncovered, the Labyrinth is acting more erratically than usual, even compared to other historical reorganizations. Powerful monsters appearing where they should not, unprecedented numbers of outlanders drawn into the Labyrinth against their will, and an unusually short gap between known integrations are just the start of the anomalies."
"What a time to start my trial." Fenrin sighed. Then he straightened. "That fits with a stronghold appearing so close to town. I've never heard of that happening before."
They all looked questioningly at Aylin, who shook her head.
"As far as I know, they're usually generated in remote, monster infested areas. Normally, the first challenge of conquering one is just getting to it. How close is it, exactly?"
"Less than a day's hike spinward." Seldrin said. "The first signs were more aggressive monsters. Mantha beasts growing bolder and attacking villagers. When we went to investigate, we found a huge pyramid filled with undead. They were displacing all the normal forest beasts and monsters, and now they're spreading all through the forest."
"Until it’s been conquered, there probably won't be an end to the undead emerging from it." Aylin said with a frown.
"Small groups of them have been getting closer to the village." Fenrin said grimly. "They haven't killed anyone yet, but there have been some close calls. And worse, they've started capturing people when they can. We think they're taking them back to the pyramid, but no one knows why. I've been organizing a group to confront whatever is in there and get them back. I was told you might be willing to help?" Fenrin finished, looking at Jade and the rest of their group.
"We're in." Jade said. They'd already promised Siora they'd help. In addition, conquering the stronghold would complete two separate quests for all of them and, if Aylin was right, potentially yield enchanted equipment for each of them. Besides, Jade didn't want to leave the captured people to whatever unpleasant fate awaited them in the hands of the undead.
"Damn right." Luis said with a grin. "We just took down a big group of 'em, they weren't too tough."
The bird, Mirella, squawked twice in response, flapping her four wings and tilting her bobbing her head up and down as if in a nod.
"She likes your enthusiasm." Fenrin chuckled. "Thank you. We'll be in your debt. We already have about a dozen volunteers, but no one else is a wayfarer and their experience is limited. The council has been pulling together funds to hire guild mercenaries with, but we're short on time. I'm sure they'd be willing to give you a cut for your trouble. This will be dangerous."
"It's not like we aren't getting something for this." Jade shrugged. "We all have quests for it."
"Jade…" Naomi said sweetly, giving her a strained smile. "I'm revoking your negotiation rights. You're terrible at it."
"Sorry…" Jade rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"We're hardly expert warriors ourselves." Naomi continued. "But we'll do what we can. Aylin, will you help us?"
"Of course." The mage nodded. "I've been party to two stronghold incursions before. I wasn't a primary combatant in either, but my experience should be helpful. Normally, I'd say that a second-floor stronghold shouldn't hold anything too dangerous. With all of the anomalies of late, though, we'll want to approach this carefully."
"Well, Jade." Naomi shook her head solemnly. "That counts you out."
Luis and Siora laughed. Jade gave Naomi a flat look.
"Very funny."
Naomi stuck her tongue out at her. Jade rolled her eyes, looking away. Inside, she was just happy that they had grown to the point where they could joke around about their circumstances. It wasn't long ago that they were freezing up, unable to handle it.
Other than a twinkle in her eye, Aylin remained all business. She flipped open a notebook to a blank page, quill in hand. Then, she looked at Fenrin and Seldrin.
"It's a new stronghold, so it shouldn't be at full strength yet." The mage said, scribbling something down. "The sooner we do this, the easier it will be. Now, tell me everything you've learned about this place."