“You can visit them once you get back your strength” Meliorn had said.
She stood for a minute, not moving. This was a big change for Asya. She was yet at the beginning and had much to learn of this world, but worriness flew trough her like water in the lakes. Meliorn had realized that and reached for her hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze and smiled at her to comfort her. She shared a small smile back.
“Now, I would like to show you your home, if you would come with me” he said.
She was already feeling more confident. Maybe, she could find peace in this world and a better life. She decided it was worth giving it a chance. Meliorn guided her through the big door.
The path out of the castle was wide, made of yellow and light pink bricks. The bricks were symmetrically deployed. To the sides of the bricks was the greenest grass Asya has ever seen, filled with different kinds of flowers, starting from sunflowers to irises, daisies, lavender to orchids, tulips, roses. It was a massive field made of happiness.
There was a small path next to the wall that led to the back. In the back was a huge statue of a fairy riding a Pegasus. The fairy was male, holding a sharp sword and wearing armor with a cape. The whole statue was grey with black words carved at the bottom. Albedo the Elementalist. Protector of the fairies.
“This is the first ever fairy, Albedo. The tales say he was the strongest fairy and the only fairy that could control all elements which is why he is called The Elementalist. The right side of his family, apart from their hidden powers, also had another power. Some had fire, some ice, some water, some nature. While the left side did not inherit any of the powers and was left to be jealous. Both sides are not in very good relations, but because of the fight against the Shade, they were forced to accept each other. To this day some still do not like each other” said Meliorn.
They walked back from where they came from. At the end of the path were long stairs, same width of the path. They led down to a huge open place with a fountain in the middle. In front of the fountain was again, a tall, massive statue of Albedo. This time his hands were out, put together with their palms out. Through them was flowing the water, down in the fountain.
Asya finally saw people. They were all wearing different things. From dresses to jeans to skirts to leggings and on top from v-necks to normal t-shirts. Their style was similar to the mundane style except more fancy. Everyone was wearing accessories or jewelry. The girls did not have any makeup on. They were naturally prettier than mundanes.
“You people really seem to like Albedo” said Asya.
“It is believed he gave us life and freedom, he provided us with safety. People worship him. You will see a lot of statues of him here” explain Meliorn.
They continued down the stairs onto another floor on which were the headquarters to the left. They head to the headquarters. It was a normal building. It almost had nothing inside, only a receptionist at her desk and some chairs on the side, but there were plenty of rooms.
“Most of the rooms are meant for private meetings. Over there is the commander’s office and over there is the library. Let’s check out the library first” said Meliorn.
And they went into the library. Asya was surprised that it was quite small, but had 2 floors. Except for a small desk where the librarian was, there were only shelves filled with books. They got closer to the librarian. She was wearing a short purple dress with flower outlines on it.
“This is Lisa. She has been our librarian a long time now. Lisa would you like to give Asya a tour around the library?” Meliorn asked.
“Hello. Why yes, of course. Come with me darling” said Lisa and took Asya’s hand. Meliorn stayed at the door and watched them as they went on.
“On the upper part are books for reading only. There are plenty of genres even some you do not have in your world” said Lisa
Asya looked around. The books were divided in sections and on top of each section was written the name of the genre. Most of the books looked centuries old, filled with dust. A book was hanging out of a shelve and she took it. The Ender of Fallen Souls was the title of the book.
“That, my darling, is a masterpiece. Maybe one of the most popular books for teen audience”.
She could certainly see that the pages were yellowish. She had never heard of those authors before and the writing style was definitely different from the mundane world. The front was really fancy though, filled with letters coming out of the book. She put the book back and they descent to the lower floor.
“This floor is meant for learning. It is filled with educational books or spell books. If you are ever interested in learning a new trick, you can come here” Lisa said
They went up the stairs to her desk.
“Here, let me make you a library card. The library will always welcome you and let the book be your best friend. If you need anything, I will be here” and Lisa gave her a library card.
It was a plastic card with orange color and the kingdom flag. On it was written Asya’s name, the expiration date and a long number.
Asya went back to Meliorn. He gave her a smile back and she returned it. They continued around the castle. They got to the lowest floor. It had small tall houses and shops or stands. There was a bakery, a flower shop, a museum, a gallery, antiquity shop, a blacksmith and many more. On both ends were two restaurants. One was old style, while the other was more of a bar with cocktails and other fancy drinks she did not know about. They did not go in any of the shops or restaurants. Instead, they went to the training rooms.
“Meliorn, the commander needs you. Right now” a soldier called out from the back.
“Doesn’t she see I am busy?” said Meliorn with a louder voice.
“She said it was an emergency”.
“It is always an emergency even if she is hungry” Meliorn looked disappointed. He turned to Asya and said “Wait here”.
Meliorn turned around and went into a room. After a minute, he came out with a person.
“Asya, this is my brother Arryn”.
As he looked at her, she froze. He was unbelievably handsome. Standing 5’ 8” tall, this bronze skinned teen had a confident feeling about him. He had a long afce, a well-formed nose and thin lips. His green eyes are narrowed and his eyebrows are dark and well groomed. His blonde hair, dyed almost the full length with shades of beige, is eye length. It was big and soft as silk. He had one piercing at the top of his ear. It was a small flower shaped earring. He had broad shoulders, long and slightly muscular arms, a slender torso with a straight waist, straight hips and toned legs. He was wearing fighting gear with two daggers in his hands.
“Hello Asya” words came out of his mouth like honey