There was no media of any kind that covered Valkanari, Asura's capital. No news, no tourist, and definitely no cameras to take pictures or videos. Many people made wild guesses as to why the country never published pictures of its own capital, but looking at it now, no one would believe it unless they saw it with their own eyes. They would simply think it was photos shopped or CGI.
It was hidden in plain sight by towering, striking emerald treetops and pure, crystalline waterfalls with mist and spray creating vivid rainbows. Unknown birds of many colors along with other creatures made their nests and dens among the rocky outcrops of the mountain. Nature and architecture seemed to compliment each other here as if they were a part of each other.
Colossal, mossy tree roots made intricate designs around the city's foundations, even acting as bases for stairs or ramps to higher levels. Beautiful flora lined the roads and walkways everywhere in such a way that when the butterflies and other insects landed on them, they seemed to form morphing images. It was peculiar, but if one looked closely, they would be able to see how the forest seemed to bend its branches in some areas, letting vital light in from above to feed the plants below. It was like nothing she had ever seen or heard of.
Creatures she assumed to be familiars walked alongside people as they chatted and went about their business in the city. They all seemed to be headed towards the palace, like them. The faes, like the ones the saw in the shuttle, were doing any number of things from relaxing in the trees to running in the streets. There was even a curious one with the head of a hippo, wings made of leaves, and body of a bear that came up to the newcomers just to poke them and impishly run away.
The palace was on the highest level of the city and could be seen from almost anywhere you stood in Valkanari. The royal structure itself made it feel as if she were looking at a picture from an elvish fantasy film with its tall, yet slim towers and intricately designed archways. Dragons and phoenixes had seemingly made nests in two of the towers on each side of the pristine silver structure, acting as royal watch dogs.
The palace itself looked to be part of the mountain. The largest tree on the mountain was positioned behind it, wrapping its roots around the royal grounds almost as if to protect it from harm. It was called Heaven's Sequoia. Waterfalls from high up outcrops could be seen all around it, creating a river that traveled through town and back into the forest. A root bridge was the only visibleway to enter the palace.
There was no telling how small or big it really was from the outside, but from the outside, it felt as though it was at least half the size of the capital itself if one included the royal grounds where the country's main army trained and lived. Honestly, the palace was a castle, a fortress, and a royal living space all-in-one.
Caroline and her newfound friends looked around in wonder and amazement as they drank in the sights around them like animals need to quench their thirst. This city went and shattered fiction and made it real. She couldn't tell if the forest was here first or the buildings! Not to mention all of the unknown flowers and creatures. She thought she'd be ready for it after seeing Ralnor, but she stood corrected. How were scientists behind something so unscientific?!
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"T-this…" Even Emily seemed to be at a loss for words for once.
Nidrie seemed to be expecting everyone's reactions and gave them a few minutes to step out into the open and take it all in. All in all, she looked quite smug and pleased by their bewildered faces.
Caroline breathed in the fresh, sweet air and sighed happily. She never would have thought that a place like this existed or even could exist in their current world. She couldn't help but walk away from the main group for a second as something caught her eye. Her blonde hair fell beside her face as she bent down to look closer at a nearby blue, yellow, and orange flower. It had four large petals and glowing anthers. It was beautiful.
"That's Lapis Oleander, a flower that gives off a faint glow. It's used in Asura as a form of light at night," someone remarked.
Caroline jumped a bit and looked around, unable to find the source of the voice. The only people she could see were the ones from her group- who still looked dazed, and those headed towards the castle. Her puzzled face looked back at the flower.
An intoxicating yet familiar laugh resonated around her, "Cute… I know that coming here is a bit of a culture shock, but flowers don't talk, love. Not even in Asura."
"I-I didn't say that they did!" She blurted out a rapid denial.
"Your face said it all. Some things never change…"
"Where- or, who are you?" Caroline's heart started to quicken, but she wasn’t sure if it was out of fear or not.
"Well, I've been beside you, behind you, and even in front of you…" Caroline shivered as she felt a warm breath fall on her ear and breathed in the smell of cedar and cinnamon, "As for who I am…" The scent wisped away along with a soft breeze, taking the slightly more huskier voice with it, "You'll find out soon, Caroline…"
Her eyes widened at the mention of her name but she could tell the presence had left. She didn't know why, but her heart was beating rapidly as she replayed the encounter over in her mind, biting her lip in the process when she got to the part of heat against her ear. 'There's no way I know anyone in Asura… so how?'
"Hey! Caroline! Nidrie said it's time to go!" Emilly ran up behind her with a bright smile, "Isn't this place so awesome?! I thought my mind was blown when we first landed, but this is crazy! Um, you ok? Your face is kinda rosy."
Caroline quickly touched her cheeks and noticed they were warm, only becoming more warm upon her realization. "Pfft, oh I'm fine! Just excited!" she chirped out, trying to act like nothing happened. "Nidrie said it's time to go? Let's catch up before we get left behind then!" She quickly grabbed Emily's hand, rushing them over to Niko, Gus, and the rest of the candidates. Emily raised one eyebrow out of curiosity, but easily forgot about Caroline's weirdness when they got back to everyone.
Nidrie was in the center of the group, accompanied by Ralnor who was still holding Rosalie with his tails. It seemed like she wasn't getting off the hook just yet.
"In a few moments, dragons along with their riders will arrive with gondolas. They will be taking us to our destination- the castle's court. This is where the Cardinal Majesty does public showings and also where the Cardinal will be announcing your arrival and other such things related to the program," Nidrie explained. "So please do not be alarmed when they land."
As if on cue, a roar was heard right before shadows from above blocked out the sun's warmth. Three mighty dragons gently placed their gondolas on the ground, their wingbeats stirring up the dust on the ground while hovering in the sky, clearly waiting for the candidates to board.
On the backs of two of them, there were saddles and riders to accompany them. Caroline felt Emily grip onto her arm- either out of fear or excitement. She couldn't really tell. She soon realized her reaction was very different from those of her peers. Instead of fear or excitement, she wanted to reach out and touch their fur and scales. It was like something was beckoning her forward.