A Ferk Dwarf and a Brazi Luzo left through the front door of a tall building, then walked alongside pedestrians towards the east.
The streets weren't as packed as a few hours earlier since the day was nearing its end. A few carriages drove by, pulled by either Tateli or Bhin. The summer's second shift had ended and the working people walked home to a much needed and deserved rest.
Night taverns were opening their doors to those who wanted their services, and morning stores were closing theirs after a day of fruitful business.
Watchers either patrolled the streets or stood vigilant at their posts, keeping an eye out and ready to lend a hand.
Very few Chasers could be seen around, weapons visible on their person as advertisement of their trade.
Performers stood on street corners, playing their instruments and singing.
It was calm evening, and pleasant winds gently passed by, signaling the coming of Fall.
The Dwarf and the Luzo walked into a small building, then went down a set of stairs.
Twenty floors beneath the ground, and illuminated by E'eral lamps, the couple walked into a large underground plaza.
Children played at the fountain while adults watched over with warm smiles.
High-level Crusaders, Paladins, and Priests stood nearby, all beyond what most people could appraise. Their blue aprons betrayed their role of caretakers related to the Church.
A sign stood near the wall to the south. It had a message that read 'The Royal Family of Lumin Kingdom invites all who so desire to a Royal Banquet this 17th of the present month. The Western Gardens will be open to the public. Attendees are required to arrive with only an empty stomach and before noon. Due to space limitations, only 2100 individuals can be served at a time. We appreciate your understanding. Salutations, Prince Rinald Igne Lumin.'
Next to that, a small paper held another message that read 'Jacques Beaumont, you smooth-brained charlatan! Your slanderous words have reached my ears and I will not stand it. If you have any shred of dignity and courage about you, come to the Eastern Watchers Office No. 201 for a duel this 17th before noon. The officers will bear witness without bias to who is right. Disrespectfully, the one you sought to put mud on.'
The Dwarf gave them a passing glance and chuckled.
The Luzo took notice of the messages and smiled.
“Quite lively,” the Dwarf muttered.
“Indeed so,” the Luzo agreed.
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The kept advancing, following a street and taking turns whenever it was required.
Soon, they reached their destination: an unassuming house.
An Urkila Tigea stood outside, checking a pocket watch. She looked up once the two individuals stopped in front of the building.
The three stared at each other in silence.
“Well?” The Tigea demanded.
The Luzo produced a sheet of paper and handed it to the Tigea. “I considered and decided to come,” she said, her voice sounding a bit doubtful. “And I brought a good friend who thinks alike.”
The Dwarf nodded with a tiny frown, enough that it could be seen through his well-groomed beard.
The Tigea eyed the paper and then inspected the two. “A Water Weaver?” She smiled. “Could I ask you to prove it?”
The Luzo nodded and extended a hand, where a ball of water formed, then closed her fingers and it dissipated.
The Tigea nodded, then turned to the Dwarf. “And a Shade Adept?”
He nodded and did as the Luzo, but a shadow danced on his palm.
“Fair enough,” the Tigea accepted and opened the door. “If you cause any trouble, you will be removed with force.”
The two individuals nodded and went inside.
The Tigea followed, guiding them to a small room to the side. “Wait here for a second,” she instructed and left the room.
A minute later, she returned with another person: a Faeton Elf.
“Welcome, dear guests,” he greeted the two. “You arrived just in time. A meeting is about to begin,” he informed them. “Follow me,” he instructed and left the room.
The two nodded and did as told.
The Elf moved to the back of the house and into the kitchen, where he opened the refrigerator and revealed a tunnel.
The three went inside and then down a set of stairs.
“What exactly brings you here, if I may ask?” The Elf inquired in a light tone.
The Dwarf scoffed. “Have you seen that Halve waltzing around as if she owns the place?” He spat with disdain. “Never have I felt so angry. She goes in and out of the Royal Palace, probably plotting something unsavory with that clown of a King.”
The Elf nodded and chuckled, “I've noticed. Detestable creature, that one.”
The Luzo's eyes squinted at the Elf, but soon regained her composure and added, “It's such a displeasing sight to see the populace be charmed. Even stopping commerce for a silly show of strength. Ha! Fools, the lot of them.”
The Elf nodded in agreement. “Your feelings are completely valid, my friends. I share them, too. I want you to know you are not alone. We welcome you with open arms. Our community bars nobody from entry.”
“Good to know,” the Luzo confessed, relief evident in her voice. “I've grown quite tired of pretending otherwise and trying to convince my peers of the truth.”
“Hmh,” the Dwarf hummed. “Complacent, if you ask me.”
The Elf laughed in joy. “Most don't see the wrong of their ways. I am sure you'll be satisfied when it comes to the discussions we held,” he assured them with a warm tone. “There's none of that conservative narrative here,” he added with a tinge of disgust.
“We haven't introduced ourselves,” the Luzo began with an apologetic tone.
“No need,” the Elf interjected. “Names have little weight here. Anonymity is crucial to our discourse.”
The two nodded in satisfaction.
Satisfaction at having infiltrated, that is.
Bonte and Hanna, the Dwarf and Luzo respectively, had managed to fool the first layer of security with illusions.
The following hours would decide their success.