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Completely flipping sleep schedules was a lot to ask just to go meet another ruler. But here Adenike and I were, traveling amidst a seemingly endless sea of sand as the moon was high in the sky.
“It's much better now than in the heat of the sun.” Adenike hummed.
“I barely sleep anyhow, I doubt this will do me no help.” I huffed, leaning my chin on my hand, and peering out the window—the constellations twinkling above. Maybe being nocturnal had some benefits. I tried to recall the shapes that dotted the sky before the shake of the caravan stopped disrupting my thoughts.
“Reverand we’re here,” Adenike said stepping out, zir cane hitting presumably stone with a light clack. Ze reached out, offering zir hand, “Do you help?”
I ducked as I made my way out, “No but thank you Adenike.”
Ze chuckled, now holding out zir elbow, “Oh you always need help.”
I dusted off my pants, my knees popping from sitting so long. I let my eyes follow the path. Before us stood a grand city. The tops of some buildings curved, arches everywhere the eye could see, fabric flowing in the cool air as people bustled about. The light blue moon was high in the sky, just grazing the top of the spire on the tallest building. I gasped, it was like a dream. It was hard to put into words the beauty of The Daelux Empire capital, Saxibekkr.
“Based on your reaction I’m guessing it's pretty?” Adenike took a few steps forward so ze was in my vision.
“It's indescribable,” I said breathlessly, still stuck in place, trying all at once to drink in the city's beauty.
“Well, It better be,” Adenike chuckled. I couldn’t help but chuckle along as I took Adenike’s arm.
“You’re highness, we will be heading this way to meet with his royal majesty.” The ambassador guided us down the path.
I nodded, gently tugging at Adenike. “It's You’re Reverend.” Adenike hissed under zir breath as our hooves clacked against the smooth stone underneath.
“Oh but they don’t know, be nice.” I urged.
“We traveled all this way, it would be nice to show some respect.” Adenike scoffed.
I rolled my eyes, “You’re starting to sound like me.”
“Well we did that, it's kind of the bare fucking minimum. I mean how can you propose an allyship and then not look into the other’s culture and history? It shows laziness in my opinion.” Adenike’s rambles started to fade as we made it into the city. Passerby's stop to look or at least double-take. Being ten feet tall can do that.
“Hey at least we can actually walk around in here,” I pointed out.
Adenike sighed giving in, “Yes, there is that, at least we can walk around without hitting our heads.”
As much as I wanted to keep studying the building and the cravings in the stones, I was more focused on not stepping on anyone. One or two became bold running in between Adenike and I’s legs. But here the markets were bustling, colorful pottery lining shops, food sold just about every two steps, spices piled high and filling the air. Much in contrast to Pheopiya's perfectly aligned and assigned stalls. With the multiple levels, it was astonishing how quickly one could get lost in The Shinning Lanturn Market.
“We’re approaching Moonstone Citdale your honors.” The ambassador quickly bowed before almost scuttering ahead.
That's when the castle finally came into view. Definitely the biggest building in the capital. In the center a dome rose above the already tall building, a telescope sticking out. “An observatory, It's probably stunning to star gaze in such a huge observatory. ” I noted. Adenike hummed.
Then I noticed there was something on the tip of the telescope. I lifted my hand above my eyes, squinting to get a better look. It was a figure. That's when their head turned, even from hundreds of feet away their bright blue eye pierced through the night, boring holes into mine. My breath hitched at the action as I pulled away, eyes going back to the structure of the building.
“You alright?” Adenike asked, head turning to me, careful to not click horns.
“There's just a being on top of the telescope and we made eye contact.” I shifted uncomfortably.
“I thought you said you got over that?” Ze questioned.
I hesitated, “I did, I've just never seen an eye so… blue.”
“Oh, just one? Well, it seems we've found the Serene Highness.” Adenike mused.
“What do you mean?” I replied, puzzled.
“Well, they do say he had lost an eye in the war.” Adenike informed, “But they also do say that whenever they wear a replacement, they tend to take it out and try to scare guests so don’t be too alarmed if they do.”
I smiled, “Finally, someone with a little humor.”
“Just because we’ve found someone who can actually keep up with you doesn’t mean the allyship is set in stone automatically,” Adenike added.
“Oh boo hoo, you’re never any fun Adenike.” I teased.
“Maybe I should leave and let you figure it for yourself,” Adenike slipped from my grasp, “Good luck Es-”
I grabbed zir back, “Adenike wait!”
Ze laughed, returning under my grip, “And you said I couldn’t be fun.” I just glared back in response.
“Your Honors, We’ve arrived.” The ambassador bowed, “His highness should be joining you soon for a personal tour of Moonstone.” With that, they turned around and left.
Adenike’s face twisted, “So their not meeting us out here? That's kind of ru-”
“Sh!” I slapped my hand over zir mouth as the sound of footsteps approached from above. I followed the figure, their tail swooshing behind them as they hopped over the most likely ancient buildings.
That's when they jumped.
“Shit! Adenike someone just jumped off the roof-” I let go Adenike running to where the person was barrelling towards the sandstone tile. I held out my arms, oh god I hope I catch whoever is stupid enough to do that.
That's when I felt something soft fall into my arms with a ‘plop!’ I creaked an eye open. In my arms was most definitely an Arceax, their fur a vibrant purple, their tail ringed by pink. Dress in a light purple dress and a deep magenta pink fabric draped over their right shoulder. A smirk crept up on their face, “Oh you must be Reverend Eske and its advisor Adenike? It's nice to finally meet you two.” That's when they shifted, seemingly settling in and getting comfortable, “Leofric Eros Ruler of The Daelux Empire at your service.”
I was left grasping for straws. What the hell had just happened? What was happening? I looked to Adenike for help. Zir crossed zir arms, voice reverberating in my head, “I can’t do anything if you don't talk to me.”
“He’s in my arms, what do I do?” I was just staring in shock at Adenike.
That's when Leofric yawned, stretching out, “Now I wouldn’t mind doing the tour from in your arms but it's probably better if I didn’t have to be pointing out which direction to go every two seconds.”
“O-oh, right, my apologies your highness.” I quickly set them down before standing back up and probably notably curling in on myself.
“Now, let me lead the way,” Leofric pushed open the grand entrance doors. They creaked and groaned under the shift but still opened, dust and sand flying about. Once done opening, Leofric turned back around and bowed, and then outstretched his arms with a mischievous smile, “Welcome to Moonstone Citadel.”