It's strange how many faces this city had. Glencoe took its name from the village and the valley it rose from. After the global floods, people from all over the area flocked to this place. They moved whole towns here, creating one urban centre, and when the Trojan storms came, they had to think on their feet, and think they did. The valley and its mountainous hills became the city. It enveloped it gently, almost as one with nature. Each city and settlement had a different way of dealing with the storms, which were attracted by high levels of atmospheric pollution created by modern advanced cities. Glencoe reverted to much more primitive ways, banning the use of personal communication devices, wireless transmissions, or anything that could be a danger to the city.
The limestone-coloured wind tower blocks grew out of the hills in perfect unison, connected by walkways and separated by circular balconies overlooking waterfalls and streams. Forests of the valley masked the domed structures, and there was not a single tall mast or antenna in sight. The future buildings mixed with the earthy tones of the old city blended into one once the sun hid behind the hills in an explosion of warm amber and magenta. Once the fantastic lights came on, everything seemed different and almost unrecognisable. Glenocans seemed almost obsessed with their way of nature. So much so that even the thought of light pollution changed every light source to a solar-charged one. Low-level lamps that only illuminated the path instead of tall lamps created a parade of colours coming from different lamps hidden in the tree branches. The standard white and warm yellow lights were restricted only to personal use, making the outside city a rainbow of warm and embracing fairy lights or light stripes that marked paths and living areas.
It was Thalia's idea that they all leave the safe interior of the cosmo-port and venture into the city to see and enjoy the market and winter festival.
"Besides, if you want anything done, you best blend in the crowd we are going to be in."
"So you want to go shopping," Jason snickered in response. Pax could not agree that all of them seemed less troubled. Even Caelius, and she was sure he smiled at least once during that day.
The market was, in the best way to describe, a labyrinth. Located at the lower levels in the old part of the city, a seemingly never-ending set of lanes and paths. Together with them was a river of people, as diverse and colourful as it was possible. Even with the global climate change, this region was famous for its cold winds and changes in the weather. And people made the best out of it, using many layers of colourful clothing, not shying away from making a completely new fashion out of what they had. In the crowd, they saw many men and women with capes, shawls, or fully hooded, using a mix of earth and bright colours painted across natural materials.
As they ventured deeper, the air became thicker and less accessible, filled with pungent and heavy aromas that lingered in the cold night's air. The fairy lights enthralled all of this in a magical atmosphere, creating a strange focus on the objects that were on sale, like someone was pointing a torch towards the things they should consider buying.
They wandered around, gazing wistfully at pyramids of coloured spices, wondering for what these would be used. Stalls filled with delightful hot and cold meals of many flavours known and new. An inordinate amount of sweets tempted at each step. Looking down, they saw boxes nearly overflowing with fruits and pastries, and nobody around to check on them. They saw handmade clothes of intricate designs, artistically twisted metals that sang in holographic unison, home goods that remembered the ages past, and many other things, some marvellous, some just bizarre.
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Pax felt like a river of sensory overdrive was pulling her harder and harder, and Thalia wouldn't let them stop. Making the group stop by every shelf of never-ending knickknacks, jewellery, and fragrance. She was glad when Jason handed her a mug of hot fruity wine that filled her with warmth almost immediately. Pax let herself try different types of light sugary pastries filled with cream, sugary fruit, or nut butter. Each of them was a delightful sensation she wanted to last that slowly untied the laces of her tired soul.
In no time, she found herself amused with little shops selling colourful lanterns that felt like a cave of light wonders, so warm and inviting. Each of them had a merchant that would spin a tale just for her, and she hung on every word, smiling so much it hurt her cheeks. In no time, she found herself with Thalia choosing a dress for the meeting.
"Your friend here–" The merchant, an elderly woman with a face scarred by coastal winds and eyes bright as crystals, spoke to Thalia with a very strong highland accent. "She is so beautiful she could start a war! We need to find her something special. The goddess of love and beauty will feel jealous tonight!" The woman clapped her hands twice and disappeared into the back of her stall. Pax and Thalia exchanged a look, both of them trying not to laugh.
There were many oases of peace and laughter in this storming river, pulling and pushing them in every direction, charming and tempting. In the centre of the market, a large structure grew, connecting to an aerial tramway that manoeuvred through the valley to the harbour. Without a shadow of hesitation, Pax embarked on this journey, taking Jason with her. Caelius and Thalia stayed behind, unsure, awaiting their return and looking for other supplies they may not need but greatly desired.
The aerial tram was a small cabin with seats and panoramic windows, feeling secure and comfortable. When it moved slowly from the dock, Pax had to laugh at Jason's panicked reaction, who had never been in one before. There were many trams like this in front of them and coming back from this route or other stations.
As they left the station, a myriad of lights welcomed them, trailing through the valley like a river. The stations were hidden in each mountainside without the need for tall pillars, providing them with the most unearthly and breathtaking vista of Glencoe. The city shimmered and breathed in its ancient rhythm, intertwined with human life. Jason looked at her strangely and smiled. "Thank you for making me do this." Pax was grateful he went with her, still taking in all of the spectacles that were opening before them.
Since childhood, she and Delia never had a chance to take the aerial tramway. How she regretted it now. The last station was almost above the harbour, and Pax almost held her breath when she saw in its full glory the almost ancient ship the king arrived with. A ship that was almost 200 years old and was a city in itself. Almost as tall as a mountain, with a thousand glimmering lights. People would crowd every surface of its decks just to enjoy a minute of eternal glory.
To her surprise, Jason took a small wrapping out of his pocket containing a few baked chestnuts and offered them to her. They were still warm when she cracked the shell open. Their taste warmed her up and made her smile. And she kept this smile all the way back to the market.