Terrador, Altoran Region, Duskshire, Present Day, Mid-day:

  Prince Sternea Waesmer

  I wanted to open it now.

  I wanted to open this box as soon as it became my possession. Every fibre within my mind flared with imagination on what it was capable of. A [Tablet] was its name, capable of documentations and mathematical analysis. Such feats would not impress the typical noble who search for means of power, but for the scholarly and academically inclined such as I, it was a step to greater understanding. While the box bore colours and imagery impressive by itself, the image of the artifice itself was… lackluster. A simple, flat slab of metal with a surface of glass and some minor buttons on the side. The text on the box remained foreign and unreadable. KD had informed me that the instructions inside were translated to Raegal, though I kept my expectations to a minimum. Any scholar who's tried to read foreign grimoires knows that translations are never one-to-one, especially for lesser-known languages.

  Alas, my curiosity would receive no satisfaction. A stern gaze from my aunt forced the box from my hand into my Bag of Holding as the pre-departure seminar began with haste. And with haste does chaos usually ensue, as an anomaly that had plagued the Princess and my advisory aunt was brought into the light.

  My time in academia did see Void Crystals as one of many materials I've interacted with, though often in their derivative, less harmful form. My aunt, ever the statesperson, would have more than likely have never seen them in their raw form, much less have witnessed a person ingest them as-is… wait, nope. I was mistaken. The human had instead opted to insert the poison directly into herself through an alchemist's needle. By the gods…

  …

  Momentarily shocked, the dwarves swiftly maneuverer the demonstration to a jovial light as the seminar continued, though I had retreated into my own mind. The ingestion of Void Crystals is known to cause extended mana-drain, one that weakens one's constitution and strength while stripping them of the graces of magic. And yet, these humans seem utterly unaffected. If what Lady Tarith says is true, then all of these humans have Void Crystals running through their veins and not one of them seem to suffer from it.

  It was a disturbing thought, but one that ran in line with the manalessness of the humans. If mana is truly lethal to them, then they must naturally be functional without it. Perhaps the ingestion of Void Crystals and its effects on the body is the natural result of the physical body's reliance on magic in everyday life? It is known that such effects are less detrimental to the common folk who are incapable of magic. This event only confirming what scholars have theorised since time immemorial. So much to think about, and yet so little time.

  The conference ended without a hitch except for many questions unanswered, the promise of their realm speaking on their behalf. Without any time to spare, we rushed into a pre-prepared room where we changed into more fitting clothes for the journey. My cape and surcoat were taken away, replaced with a stylish, light and comfortable tunic and trousers bearing the colours and insignia of my family, complete with accessories. The journey was promised to be rough, necessitating the need for looser clothing and yet my current fineries were by no means inferior in quality, design or cost. The way my aunt saw it, it was another opportunity to display the wealth and power of our house.

  I just liked that it wasn't as stiff as my noble wear.

  Soon, we were off, strolling down the stone hallway. The ministers and representatives that made our delegation were already waiting by the time we had left our room, they themselves changing into attire that matched their status and station, though not as decorated as my aunts or my own as per decorum. Despite my royal status technically being the highest amongst the delegation, the ministers elected to simply ignore me, advising my aunt of the agenda.

  I've become… accustomed to this discourtesy, as disappointing as it is to say. My title as Waesmer royalty lies only in name and blood in my regard. The skill to wade and direct the tide of the noble mind and heart was not gifted to me, the opposite is definite for my aunt. For as long as I could remember, she was always an advisor to someone in power, my father first, before she was called to the high elven court, where she now severed directly to her highness, Princess Dawnwake. The Princess' own advisors pulled from their stations to serve as envoys on her behalf with us, distinguishable from the other ministers through their black and golden capes. They whispered amongst themselves and to my aunt, the occasional, derisive glance casted my way, questioning the necessity of my presence as if the question hadn't already been proposed.

  "Sternea dear, please keep up." Came a stray command, one I could only oblige as the delegation continued ignoring me. The feeling of inaction was slowly creeping up on me. I sought to look around in search of some purpose, my eyes landing on our servants behind me. My bag of holding in the possession of the head stewardess, Lady Alanis, who was a comforting sight, a loyal servant of our family for many decades, her aged complexion a testament to her service and skills.

  "Are the stewards and servants adequately prepared Lady Alanis?" I asked the Head Stewardess.

  "All is prepared for Prince Waesmer," she said politely, "The remaining servants are waiting outside with the carriages, our own needs already met."

  "Have we acquired enough Potions of Fortification?" I inquired further, attempting a tone of authority. "The humans were adamant that all members of the delegation are required to have them. This includes our servants as well."

  "Your servants have already been accounted for in regards to acquiring the necessary potions."

  "Any issues thus far?"

  "…Only a minor worry my Prince. Some of the younger stewards are hesitant to partake of the potions as they have never partaken of alchemic potions before, especially that not of elven make."

  …I've known of this. Most elves do not trust the alchemy guilds outside of Etherium, especially those who do not venture beyond our realm often and have less reason to do so.

  "The vials provided have all been approved by Terrador's Alchemist Guild which is accepted by the Etherium Society of Transmutation, though I will personally perform a spell of Insight upon the gathered potions later. I believe that will ease their worries?"

  A warm smile grew upon the steward's face as she bowed. "You are most kind Prince Waesmer. I will inform the servants shortly."

  I nodded in reply with my own small smile. Whilst my reputation amongst nobility was lacklustre at best, I found it easier to speak to those not of noble standing. No matter how well-meaning they spoke, I couldn't help but feel an… insincerity, that carried on their every word. It never sat well with me. Speaking of which.

  "…And what of my box?"

  "Secured Prince Waesmer." Also lowering her voice, she tapped my bag at her side.

  Soon, we were in the castle's courtyard, where our servants and knights stood ready, our carriages awaiting with Assurian steeds tethered and their barding's polished, their antlers poised and tall, their coat clean and shimmering. We were not the last to leave as the Dwarven carriages remained, their hooved and horned steeds baying in impatience. We departed, the ministers in their own carriages and I together with my aunt and her closest advisors. While they continued with their conversations, I turned outside, realising that I did not take in the town upon our arrival.

  There was a charm I found in these castle towns. So far departed were they from the towers of Etherium, instead they departed comfort and homeliness, embodying the people of this realm, their hardship, struggles and joys. The savoury smell of roasting meat wafted through the open window, spices that boiled in the fat they covered tempted my appetite. Colourful banners of businesses and guilds hung upon corners and between buildings. It was a refreshing change, a change that continued to evolve even now. With a new realm came unprecedented changes as merchants smelled opportunity, already setting shop. It wasn't just new shops being constructed in town but whole swathes of merchants buzzing towards shops with entirely different aesthetics.

  Distinct shops were especially abuzz with merchants. Colourful goods rolled out on cart after cart. Young Can'ar ran about with colourful snacks or kicked about black and white balls in games only they knew. Rolls of colourful fabric were being inspected for quality, the merchants quick to accept the goods and depart. Many commoners wandering about the new store did not wear patchwork tunics, replacing them instead with colourful articles of significantly better quality, with beautiful artwork, designs and lettering unlike anything in Terrador.

  There was only one explanation; these were human goods. Already in the distance I could see warehouses being built one after another. Old buildings transformed to accept new purpose. This little part of Terrador was rapidly changing before my eyes, adapting to changing needs and opportunities like it is their nature. A stark contrast to Etherium, where everything took time to accommodate the new, preferring to favouring that which has worked for centuries.

  Castle walls block my view, stopping my revelry as we soon appear outside the town. The scene switches to merchants queuing to get into the town, line town guards accepting fees as children offer food from baskets for a coin, a long, orderly line stretching away to the distance. Though is orderliness was not due to some need for efficiency, but in reverence to the company nearby.

  A small clearing just outside the gate sat carriages and steeds of quality befitting their owner's status. Knights in decorated armour stood watch as we passed through, slowing to a stop. The surrounding trees and castle wall making for a comfortable enclosure to temporarily relax and prepare before proper departure. The merchants still in line stared in awe but remained polite, for striking a bad impression upon a noble was a death sentence on one's career.

  Our delegation stepped out from their carriages to see the other nobles making small talk. Last minute questions posed and opinions shared between the delegates with small talk. The humans were talking with the ministers and associates of the delegations, meanwhile the heads of each were speaking amongst themselves, the Can'ar, Avion and Radagon leaders separated from the humans.

  It was this situation that my aunt was clearly hoping for as a coy smile came across her lips. Our ministers stepped towards the humans to talk, perhaps a means to distract attention from my aunt, who in turn came towards the assortment of animalic nobles.

  "You clearly put more than your trust in these humans Lord Rasmuth. I cannot help but believe this rush to be all but too hasty."

  "Perhaps Lord Sorat. This tour is not simply a matter of mutual understanding of culture, but rather the start of foundations between their realm and ours. There are barriers between our realms that posturing and promises cannot breach. For the seed that begins our relations to flourish, these barriers must be smashed through immediately. I have no intention of letting petty rumour and misunderstanding weed out a better future."

  "A better future with a manaless realm? Perhaps there is potential in this new realm, but have you considered that you are blinded by misplaced ambition?"

  "I have considered such a thought, and no, I do not believe it misplaced."

  The three leaders were in deep conversation as we approached. Soon they turned to meet us with amicable smiles and greetings, their noble masks stout upon them though the Radagon was noticeably more sour in his reservedness.

  "Lady Waesmer, it is a pleasure to have you here."

  "Lord Rasmuth, likewise. A pleasure to meet you too Lord Sorat and Lord Lothar. I must say Lord Rasmuth that you seem quite comfortable for a departure into a distant and alien realm."

  "Of course. I've made it no secret that I've personally overseen the preparations. If you're concerned of any immediate dangers, know that assurances have been made."

  "Your concern is appreciated. Though my primary concern lies in their people." Her words remained cordial but with a hint of wariness. "I curious what you think of them. They've thus far presented themselves to be civil and peaceful, though I wonder if all I see is the veil disguising their nature."

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Lord Rasmuth… smiled at the question, as if there was a hidden joke within her words.

  "Well, I believe that perhaps you are the better person in this instance to judge their character, for my skills in deciphering their intentions lay in my experience with your own people, Lady Waesmer."

  There was a tonal drop in my aunt's features from the light comparison to the humans. Rasmuth continued on. "Though to answer your question; I would summarise my opinion of that they are an amicable and civil people. They are not barbaric by any measure I have witnessed thus far. They are cooperative and understanding, valuing the institutions, values and history that makes the Union as a whole, changing their approach to meet us on mutual grounds.

  Though they are by no means fools. Neither in the interests of their realm or in the value of peace between our realms.

  But I will admit that they are easier to understand, their emotions are not so easily concealed, a stark contrast to the average elf if I might add."

  "Well, we have a reputation to uphold I suppose. I admit that I have not interacted with them as much as I would prefer, though I believe that is the same with everyone else here." She replied with her signature coy smile.

  The Avion and Radagon agreed with nods. I was told that their surprise appearance did not allow for formal greetings between the other kingdoms, only speculations bouncing between conversations.

  "I do have some other questions you could entertain Lord Rasmuth."

  "Of course. Ask away."

  "Is the inter-realm portal also on the Altoran Plains? I would think the lack of mana upon the plains would be an issue."

  "Oh, not at all. The mana to supplement the portal is handled be enchantments. Even then, the portal is prepared such that they won't be affected by any local Void Crystals."

  "I still find it hard to believe that a realm-portal can be setup in that accursed place. I would like to think that it is not an issue I alone share."

  "…I believe that is something I can settle Lady Nimrara."

  I spoke up to settle her worries. "The enchantments and spells that allow for inter-realm travel do not operate on the same principles that basic portal-spells use, the ambient mana used only to begin the enchantments while mana from the veil’s tapestry supplies the rest."

  The attention of the nobles focused on me as I quickly cleared my throat. "The ancient magics used in inter-realm portals utilise mana 'outside' of the realm, to put it in layman terms. Void crystals only affect the ambient mana around them, so for all intents and purposes, if one removes all Void Crystals from a given area, an inter-realm portal will operate as expected. In fact, Void Crystals are used as security in Etherium portals as a safeguard against tampering."

  My answer gave coos of awe from the nobles.

  "Prince Waesmer, may I presume that you are familiar with the intricacies of inter-portal magic?" Asked Lord Lothar.

  "I-indeed you may, it was a topic of personal interest during my academics. Among other esoteric topics such as… well… flight magic."

  Wide-eyed surprise fell upon the nobles, glancing amongst themselves.

  "If I may, might I hear your thoughts on the humans Prince Waesmer? I do have issue in understanding the many… manaless artifices that the humans had brought with them. What do you think of their ship they brought during the Gala those weeks ago?"

  …I almost immediately began rambling my thoughts. Just as the first word came out, my aunt put a hand on my shoulder, causing me to jolt in surprise. I turned, expecting a reprimand. Instead, she was occupied by an advisor with a black and gold cape whispering quietly at her side. With a nod she turned to me, not with a stern gaze, but her usual smile.

  "Might you entertain the men in my place dear nephew? I have some business I need to attend to."

  It was her sign to say I'm free to speak. She immediately excused herself as she left with the advisor. I… was just given free rein to speak, a rarity that I was not familiar with. As the nobles bowed respectfully, they immediately returned their sight to me, compelling me to continue.

  …I decided that the only action left to do is to talk away.

  "So, are any of you familiar with non-levitation based flight?"

  _______________________________________________________

  Terrador, Altoran Region, Duskshire, Present Day, Mid-day:

  Lady Nimrara Waesmer

  The carriage we had sent earlier in the day had returned with fruitful results.

  There are many things that the seminar had addressed that were of importance. Above all, it was stressed that this tour was a cultural exchange with minimal political involvement. I doubted that. While the itinerary does include a day for meeting with political figures, it became apparent that it fell in line with the structure of the tour, such that this week would be spent understanding the intricacies and culture of this new realm. Regardless, this tour was the time and place where we can begin our foothold in Sol, placing our mark upon the new realm.

  And it was the hope with the return of our associates that this would be expedited.

  "We have secured a residence within the town my lady." A knight hand-picked by Lady Dawnwake spoke firmly. Lady Kasula and her retinue would serve as our correspondent in Duskshire for the duration of the tour, as well as our eyes and ears within the town.

  "Very good. Anything else?"

  "We have secured contacts within the town and the developing storefronts. Whatever shall befall this town, Lady Dawnwake shall know of it."

  "Obviously. Let's skip to the point, any dangers awaiting us through the portal?"

  We stopped a ways away from the other delegates so they would not here us. Under the shade of an old tree, I commanded the spirits in the air to produce a gust, rustling the surrounding trees into a noisy field. We would not be heard.

  "Our spy within the Union has dropped us valuable intel. There are no clear dangers on the other side of the portal and the humans have made no harmful intent to the Union or any of the realms. It appears that they allow the Union stewards to use magic in their realm, but with very strict rules. Besides that, we can be sure of our safety."

  The knight leaned in closer. "They have also confirmed that Sol is a realm completely void of mana."

  …

  I shut my eyes to ease the stress in my mind. Their absurd narrative has appeared to be true, and I struggled to comprehend what this meant. Spells that siphoned the mana in the air are essentially useless and we would have to be conservative with our spells. No matter, we had prepared.

  "We already have contingencies in place. Ensure our guards are equipped appropriately. Have our Bags of Holding and our belongings transferred to… primitive options. I believe you can take care of the rest."

  "Already done my lady."

  I sighed in relief. Competency is such a treasure.

  "There is more my lady, regarding our stay and transport to and around Sol."

  "Go on."

  "It appears our temporary residency in Sol is quite a ways away from the portal, though they state that it is no more than a quarter-days travel. We have also confirmed that the humans have prepared extensive means for travel both to our residency and throughout the tour."

  "Details."

  "The residency of all the delegates would be in what they call a [multiplex hotel] though it is comparable in size to a castle. They say it is functionally similar to the residential buildings within the town but scaled to size."

  …

  I still struggled to comprehend. "Can you explain in detail?"

  "I'm afraid the information we received was sparse at best. Our contact made note that the Union and the humans made it difficult for information about Sol to leak. The information they did manage to pass through is sparse at best."

  She held out a small piece of parchment with elven script scribbled upon it. The text was rushed, crowded on the parchment and barely legible with many folds, worn thin from its travel no doubt.

  "Regarding our transport… they have stated that a… beastless, mechanical carriage that moves at impossible speeds would carry us throughout their realm."

  I let my gaze linger on the knight, her own face scrunching up at the parchment. She brought the tiny piece closer to her eyes, attempting to make whatever nonsense was scribbled upon the parchment form a logical answer. Eventually, she looked up from the paper with defeat.

  "Regarding our transport from the portal to our residency… you may want to read this yourself."

  She held out the paper with a face that said she was forced to listen to the insane ravings of a mad man. I took the paper and gave it a read to the best of my abilities. Manaless realm, residency, heavy security, safe, transport…

  …

  I reread the troublesome passage again to ensure I was not mistaken, then again. I could feel my features squeeze in anguish as I turned to the knight to make sure I was not going mad.

  "'A Tether to heaven'? Did I read that right?"

  The defeated face remained on the knight as she nodded. Perhaps I was more stressed than I thought. I released a heavy sigh.

  "Perform our preparations anyway, I will see the adequacy of our spy myself on arrival. In the meantime, see that our foothold in this town is secured."

  "Yes my lady."

  "Is there anything else we need to be aware of? Any political figures we need to be made aware of."

  "It seems the rest of the notes mirror the information spoken during the seminar, from what I have been told." With a swift hand, a piece of enchanted parchment was placed under the scrap and replicated. She handed me the copy before returning the parchment back into a small capsule the scrap was likely delivered in.

  "There was also a name given with the messenger. '[Minister Christopher O'Donnell]'. I was not given any more than that, other than to be wary." She gave the name attempting to pronounce it right. I put the name to mind and nodded.

  "I will send word once we settled in Sol. The humans have allowed us to send messages back through the portal but there is no doubt they will pry. Inform Lady Dawnwake of what you've gathered thus far. You are dismissed."

  "Yes my lady, I will serve."

  With a bow, she left. She melded with the knights before she slipped back into the castle gate. Watching her go, I took a moment to collect myself. This tour was one absurdity after another. I wonder if this is how the first elves felt when the first portals to Duramar were found? I shook such pointless thoughts out of my mind and put back my mask of statelyness, returning to the nobles I had left my nephew with.

  To my surprise, he was deep in conversation. More accurately, he was the centre of attention as he was full swing into dialogue as many other members of the delegates were joining the circle he was forming. Even some of the humans joined the circle.

  "But what of its wings?" Asked one of the Avion nobles, "Yes, its wings were folded when it arrived at the Gala, but how can you say they were merely decorative?"

  "Simple. The White Wings and others like them used any form of extensions as a base for spell circles that propelled the vessel, folding out for more surface area and thus, more propulsion. The fact that they resembled wings was recorded to be merely decorative, as later iterations dropped these decorations to decrease cost. Not to mention the wings on their Sky Breaker were folded upward, not underneath, so they served no purpose on providing upwards force. Any other configuration would have just simply be bad design."

  My nephew, surprisingly, turned out to be quite the asset for this tour. Letting him ramble on put us in a position of superiority, to have a scholar with such… proclivities… as part of his repertoire. Keeping him with us meant that were one step ahead of the other delegations in the game of knowledge.

  "What do you think of their artifices thus far? What empowers them so?"

  "Well, when I had them, the shift in the ambient mana suggested-"

  "Prince Sternea, you seem to be enjoying yourself." I let myself interrupt the flow of information. My nephew, ever the skittish one, jumped at my voice in a way that displeasured me. I turned to one of the humans who joined the circle.

  "Is it true that the wings upon your vessel were just an empty display?"

  The human, a stout man who wore their soldier's uniform of patterned green splotches spoke without a shift in demeanour. "Indeed ma'am. The higher ups wanted to spruce up its appearance for our arrival."

  The return of this bluntness of these humans almost made a grimace appear on me, one I held back. I do hope all humans weren't like this.

  "Well, I suppose it was in dire need of it." Laughter came from the delegates around us. The human also laughed, playing it off.

  "Well the same could be said with your carriages ma'am. Let us know if you feel like putting wings on those things, I can’t promise it'll fly though." The absurdity of the statement causing more chuckles around us. The minor jab ended with another. There was no need to push here, that can be saved for another time as I joined the chorus of chuckles.

  "How considerate. Perhaps another time. Though I think you might have the time to do so if we stay here for a little longer. Will we be departing soon?"

  "Well I'll be! An impatient elf? Get the book lads, this be a first!"

  A booming voice came before us as Lord Whitmane made appeared from the crowd, his attire changed to something akin to dwarven battle wear, gauntlets and plates of metal tying down loose fitting clothing. "I be the last one, aye. Just making some final fixes before we go."

  "Lord Whitmane, a pleasure to have you with us."

  "And to you as well, Lady Waesmer. I admit that I wasn't expecting you to join us, on account of your similarities to the humans."

  I kept my smile. "Oh please, we are not so petty as to let simple appearance dissuade us from a monumental day"

  "Ah, of course milady. I understand." He said with a phony tone, alluding to whatever history he believed. Without a second thought, he stepped towards my nephew and patted his shoulder with his meaty hand.

  "And you lad! I hear you be quite the inquisitive mind. What say you join our jolly group instead of your suffocating aunt?"