Chapter 5: New Beginnings 5

As they flew back towards the city, Elania grew increasingly bored as Yolani and Ember delved into a complex discussion about artifice. The two women seemed to hit it off well, their conversation filled with technical jargon that Elania couldn’t quite follow. She resigned herself to simply enjoying the view of Contia as they approached, the city’s towering spires and streets coming into focus.

When they finally landed, Yolani laughed at a joke Ember had made, the sound causing a prick of jealousy to flare up in Elania’s chest. Yolani’s response was instant, turning toward her with wide eyes.

Ember laughed with a sly smile. “I apologize if I monopolized your oracle too much.”

Elania shook her head, forcing a smile. “No, it’s fine,” she said, trying to push down the irrational jealousy. “I’m just glad you two are getting along.”

Yolani took Elania’s hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Warmth and love washed over her, and she couldn’t help but give in to a genuine smile.

“You should be more mindful of the city's laws,” Ember warned. “Ignorance is no excuse for breaking them.”

Elania sighed, remembering Arlois’ brief rundown of the rules. “Arlois gave us an overview, but not an exhaustive list,” she admitted, feeling a twinge of frustration at the thought of having to navigate yet another set of regulations.

“It’s a large book,” Ember said, gesturing towards a nearby shop. “You should buy one and familiarize yourselves with it.”

Elania groaned at the thought, but she knew the demi-divine was right. “We will.”

Yolani spoke up then. “We need to find out how our people are doing and... Uh… we might be lost?”

Ember pointed at a prominent spire in the distance. “Your soldiers are housed on that island, on the higher levels,” she said. “The refugees are near there as well.”

With that, Ember bid them farewell, leaving Elania and Yolani to make their way towards the spire.

After a few minutes, Yolani slipped her hand into Elania’s and gave it a squeeze. They continued without letting go. A little later, Yolani spoke up. “You were jealous back there, weren’t you?”

Elania's cheeks heated, and she gently squeezed Yolani’s hand. “I’m sorry,” she said, looking away. “It just… hit me without warning.”

Yolani’s smile widened, and she bumped her shoulder against Elania’s. “As long as it isn’t bad,” she said, teasing. “I kind of like it a little, knowing how much you want me.”

Elania’s blush deepened, and she had to fight the urge to let her wings unfurl and wrap around them both. “I think the feeling is mutual. Especially when you started screaming my name when I—”

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“Stop, stop, stop, stop!” Yolani interrupted, her eyes wide as she reached out to tickle Elania’s sides.

Elania laughed and giggled, trying to squirm away from Yolani’s attack as they approached the base of the spire. She looked up at the towering structure, taking in its sleek black exterior. It reminded her of the Magistry Tower back in Neftasu, though this one was much taller and likely didn’t have a Celestial Engine hidden at its core.

“It’s much bigger up close,” Yolani commented, craning her neck to take in the full height of the spire.

Elania nodded in agreement, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns etched into the building’s surface. There was one elevator, and it was empty except for them.

As the doors closed and they shot upward, but that was only revealed by the movement of shadows and light outside the box. “There isn’t even a sense of motion,” she commented, glancing at Yolani.

Yolani nodded slowly. “It’s really a shame that it’s illegal to examine or reverse engineer city infrastructure.”

Elania smiled. “Maybe they sell schematics for elevators,” she suggested, hoping to cheer Yolani up.

Yolani’s eyes widened, and she turned to Elania with a hopeful expression. “Do you really think so?”

Elania’s mirth flattened slightly. “Probably not,” she admitted, watching as Yolani’s face fell into a pout.

The elevator came to a stop, and they stepped out, following Ember’s directions until they reached a crossroads. A guard gave them further directions. The Neftasu Guard was one way, and the refugees and Ironfist the other.

Yolani turned to Elania. “Do you want to split up?” she asked, gesturing towards the two sections.

Elania shook her head. “Heck no,” she said, reaching out to take Yolani’s hand again. “We should stay together, at least until we’ve gotten used to the city.”

Yolani nodded, squeezing Elania’s hand in agreement. “Which one first?”

Elania didn’t hesitate. “The Guard,” she said. “We should check with Gaston and Henri and see how the men are faring.”

As they made their way through the streets of the upper districts, Elania noticed the stark contrast to the city's lower levels. The alleys were more crowded; the houses here were packed tightly together, and the atmosphere seemed less vibrant.

She frowned, turning to Yolani. “Why do you think it’s like this up here?” she asked, gesturing to their surroundings.

Yolani looked around. “Maybe it’s because of the extra height?” she suggested. “Perhaps it’s colder and less pleasant this far up.”

Elania tilted her head. “But they get more sun up here,” she pointed out, squinting against the bright light filtering down from above.

Yolani shrugged, clearly unsure.

As they continued walking, the center of the island came into view, dominated by larger buildings built directly into the stone.

Elania’s eyes were drawn to a sizable square structure protruding from the rock face. “That’s it,” she said, pointing towards the building.

Yolani nodded, a small smile on her face. “It’s sort of like home, isn’t it?” she mused. “Since it goes into the island and all.”

Elania considered that. “I wonder if that was on purpose.”

As they approached the building, Elania noticed a group of Silver Contia Guards standing outside, their posture alert and watchful. They didn’t move to stop her or Yolani as they approached the double doors.

The moment the doors swung open, Elania’s jaw dropped.

Inside was a massive hall filled with hundreds of large tables, each crowded with men of the Neftasu Guard, eating and drinking. Laughter and conversation filled the air, and the smell of roasted meat and ale was almost overwhelming.

Elania turned to Yolani, her eyes wide with shock. “A party?” she asked, unable to believe what she saw.

Yolani looked equally stunned, her gaze sweeping over the raucous scene before them. “I guess they’re celebrating something.”