The once ant-sized castle now towers large above them, making the two appear as ants themselves.
Up close, the magnificence of the fortress shines in its grace. Divine masonry, never dreamt of on Earth, carves the walls. Stone weaves into spirals, with the only explanation being magic.
The relative structure of the citadel is one commonly associated with a medieval castle. Colossal walls encase the structure, lined with jutting parapets. Towers break out from the curved stone, spanning vertically just below cloud level. Each tower is topped with gorgeous cerulean spires and circled with meticulously crafted corbels.
From this angle, that is all that is visible. The castle is situated atop an indented mound; the only entrance comes from trudging up a lengthy, winding path. There are two hovering paths where no ground exists beneath. They are comprised of what appears to be thin stone or metal, both of which begin at opposite ends around the mound. The poorly railed paths wind around the mound before connecting to the entryway. There exists no moat or drawbridge, only an intricate and massive arched gate.
One can only dream of the details within the walls.
The defenses are excellent. Guards are positioned along the overhead walls and down the spiraling path. If this city were to be caught in war, it would be more than challenging to take this castle down. Positionally speaking, the only way to fell this structure would be to sweep out the ground from under it. Though interestingly, the mound itself is already indented greatly, as if a gargantuan bite was taken from it.
Does something exist that could really do that?
The sun still hangs high, and despite being blinded by it, Korlin continues to marvel at the castle.
"We're going in there, right?!" His eyes burn like a second sun into Sirius's.
"Actually... No-"
"-What?"
...
His tonal shift is faster than flicking on a light switch. His eyes instantly hollow like a dead star.
"She said to go to the foot of the path leading to the castle... I'm not fully confident we are going inside."
Korlin shuts his eyes and slaps both of his cheeks.
"Alright... I suppose that's fair. I can't get it all..." Disappointment dwells within his words.
They approach the spiraling pathway on this side of the castle. This entrance is on the south side of the mound-castle combo.
"Wait..."
"What's up?"
"She said the path leading up to the castle..."
"Yeah...?"
"There are two paths! And the other one is on the opposite side of the castle!" Sirius rubs his eyes in acceptance. "Man, she really sucks at directions..."
"What are we looking for exactly?"
"She said we won't miss it, but I'm not seeing any unmissable carriages."
Apart from the heavier traffic and the guards stationed at the foot of the path, nothing stands out. The street is lined with large, fancy stables that presumably only nobles may use. Each stable is accompanied by a small townhouse-sized dwelling. All of which have their own guards stationed out front.
There seem to be tourists. People stand in front of the path and gaze upward at the stone mammoth. None apart from select merchants and royals may enter the path. The guards positioned in front of the path are reminiscent of the guards outside of Buckingham Palace. Some people try to make them laugh or move, but they do not waver whatsoever. Korlin put England in my brain, dang it...
"You think she meant the other path?"
"She must have..." Sirius doesn't see her anywhere. And it's hard not to see her when she's around. "Alright, let's head over there," he sighs. He prepares himself for another half-hour trek, when suddenly-
WHAM
A nearby stable's door swings open and slams into the wall it's attached to. It chips the wooden exterior, but the figure who threw the door open doesn't seem to notice. The entire parade of pedestrians turns their heads to the source of the disturbance.
A girl stands in the door frame. She shines with dazzling luster. She has large eyes that rise from a deep indigo into a fluorescent teal. Her pale skin is wrapped in an even more casual dress than before; her dark wings contrasting her angelic sheen.
Korlin leans sideways toward Sirius and whispers, "That's her, isn't it?" Both their eyes are glued to the radiant girl.
"Uh huh."
The girl scans the crowd before landing her eyes on her target. She smiles and strides over to Sirius. Her subtle wave is met with a mirror of her own. The glances she's receiving don't seem to bother her; perhaps she is used to them?
"Sirius! Hello," she offers a polite bow. "Sorry about that, I was getting changed and then I saw you out the window, so I rushed down." She catches her breath for a moment, then directs her smile to Korlin. "Is this your buddy?"
Years of communication seem to flush down the drain. It takes him a second to regain his ability of speech.
"Yes, this is him."
"Hello, my lady, the name's Korlin. It is very nice to meet you," he bows, presenting an oddly formal greeting.
"It's nice to meet you, too," Aureole steps in close and wraps her arms around the boy.
...
Sirius can't believe what he's witnessing.
Within mere moments of meeting, Aureole is hugging Korlin. While it is a casual, quick-hug-hello, her arms fold around him, nonetheless.
-What is this? Why is she hugging him...?
A switch flips inside Korlin that turns him into an awkward statue.
The girl withdraws swiftly and identifies herself.
"The name's Aureole." She takes a step back and claps her hands together. "Alright! The carriage is almost set, I just need to go finish changing, then..."
...
Aureole looks down at her clothing.
Her pale cheeks flush into a bright red.
Nothing apparent warrants this type of reaction. Her dress is light gray and loosely drapes down over her body. False sleeves made of something similar to tulle wrap around her slender forearms. Dark stockings are pulled just over her knees.
"...You alright?" Sirius asks.
"Y-Yeah, sorry... I shouldn't look like this out in public-" She shields her face with cupped hands. Sirius gets the feeling that there is something more to it than that. "H-Here, come inside really quick." She prances back towards the stable, motioning the boys to follow her. "Oh no, did the wood chip? Ah- I hope they're not mad at me..." She waves the two inside before entering herself.
Sirius shakes Korlin out of his cumbrous state.
"Come on."
"Right... I wasn't expecting a hug..." he follows behind Sirius.
"Me neither..."
The image of it won't escape. Why would she hug him? Does she hug everyone? Did our hug mean nothing? Did we not share a nice moment? The thoughts rack up into a realization...
-Am I... jealous?
...
They cross the threshold into the stable, which is more of a small, two-story lodge. Two rooms make up the first floor, with a tiny staircase leading up to the second. Red carpet blankets the floor, and candle glow merges with the light from the windows. Almost everything is made of a dark wood.
Many chairs are placed around a dining table clothed with silver; forks accompany every plate situated at each chair. To the left, barely divided by a jutting wall, is a tiny room with comfortable seating and a tiny coffee table. To the right is a door leading outside into the main animal housing.
"Wilphrey! They're here! Can you finish setting up the carriage? Thank you!" Aureole stumbles while running up the carpeted steps. As she disappears, Sirius closes the door behind him. There is a quiet rustling in the seating room, which is followed by the emergence of an old man.
His entrance is accompanied by the clicking of black leather dress shoes.
An ornate, black suit with matching pants is perfectly tailored for the man's sturdy stature. Silver cufflinks and blue buttons decorate the midnight attire. A shiny, monotone ring hugs his finger. Strong white hair is wrapped into a perfect bun.
The man's hazel eyes glint with familiarity.
"Ah, we meet again," the man says, placing his hand on his heart and bowing to Korlin.
The boy's eyebrows reach staggering heights, and his right hand treats Sirius like a punching bag.
"That's him! That's the old guy that splashed water on the duck!" It is a poor attempt at a whisper.
"Back in the alley?" It is a much better attempt at a whisper.
Korlin nods and clears his throat.
"Hello!" The boy mimics the man with an exaggerated bow. "Nice to see you again!"
"Nice to meet you," Sirius offers a courtly gesture.
The man nods with a subtle smile.
"You must be Sirius. Lady Aureole has told me much about you and your endeavors."
"Oh..." An awkward expression stretches across his face. His cheeks flush into a faint shade of red. "I see..."
-Why am I getting bashful?!
The old man approaches, his simple movements exuding elegance. He kneels down onto one knee and lowers his head once more.
"We owe you a great debt. I must thank you; your kind actions will not go unnoticed." The gesture and words sting Sirius with immense sincerity.
"Oh no, please, you don't have to do that. It wasn't that big of a deal..."
"Do not belittle your own achievements. You are a noble lad," the man rises. His hazel eyes meet Sirius's amber. The man concentrates on them deeply. This man, it seems, is an expert at flustering Sirius.
"I-Is something wrong?"
"...No. It's just that your eyes... I expected them to be different."
-My eyes? What does he see in me?
Korlin's eyes bounce back in forth between the two.
"Wilphrey... was it?"
The old man's gaze leaves Sirius; there is a strange hesitation. "Correct. Forgive me, I don't believe I got your name last we met."
"Yeah, because you walked away..." he sighs. "Name's Korlin, thank you again for yesterday."
"Do not mention it. I take it you've learned from your mistake?"
"Yeah," Korlin grins, releasing relentless positivity. "So then, shall we begin magic training?"
...
-Is this guy for real right now?
"I don't think it's the time for that..." Sirius knows his words won't reach him.
"Apologies, perhaps at a later date. For now, I must tend to the carriage and wonics. Excuse me." With a final bow, Wilphrey takes his leave.
"Man... I just want to use magic..."
"There, there," Sirius pats the boy's shoulder. "You'll learn some soon enough."
A door shuts, and light footsteps stumble down the stairs.
"I don't get it..." Korlin continues to moan. "He was like that last time, too. Maybe he can only use that one type of magic, and he's actually super embarrassed."
"I think you're coping a bit too hard..."
"Do you know Wilphrey?" Aureole's voice sings like a perfect choir.
Another layer of clothing cloaks the previous dress. The new garment resembles the one from her and Sirius's initial meeting, though this one is primarily white with blue accents. Slitted sleeves expose her arms, and fluffy boots hug her feet.
A sparkly hair clip is woven into her bangs. She's dazzling.
"I wouldn't say that..." Korlin starts. "I met him yesterday, and he practically saved my life. I want to talk to him, but he's just..." Korlin can't find the right words.
"Ah, I know what you mean. He's a little distant, but he's got a big heart. I've always thought of him as pretty cool and mysterious."
Something snaps inside Korlin, and his eyes light up.
"YES! That's it! That's exactly what he is!" His hands grab Sirius and throttle his shoulders. "She gets it, Sirius! She gets it..."
-Please stop shaking me...
Aureole lets out a small giggle, which stops Korlin's assault.
-Thank you, my savior!
"You guys get along great, don't you?" Her pure smile is almost enough to stop a beating heart.
The boys' eyes meet, and Korlin smiles proudly. "Yes, we do! We basically share each other's thoughts, right, Sirius?"
"Right..."
"Well, shall we depart? I'm sure you both are exhausted. Come on, he's probably finished by now," she skips to the stall-leading door.
"Already?" Korlin asks. "It's been like twenty seconds!"
"Hehe, Wilphrey is very efficient!"
She holds open the door and motions the boys outside. They walk through without hesitation, and Sirius whispers "Thank you" as he does. He isn't sure if she heard him.
They had seen the stable out front, but somehow, from inside, it looks even more fancy. The stall is occupied by a singular stagecoach. Its large, white-framed body sits atop four black metal wheels. Attached to the back is a large, empty, wooden hay wagon.
"This thing is massive! I feel like I'm going on a hayride." Korlin, within two seconds, is already aboard and touching everything.
"Dude, get down..."
Rrrrrauwah
A hefty moan bellows from the front end of the carriage. A jolt of fear rushes through Korlin's body, and he immediately climbs down.
The boys walk with caution around to the front of the carriage. Luckily, what awaits them is an old man and two cats.
Cats, being an oversimplification, as they resemble striped snow leopards. They stand tall with bulky legs akin to a horse, ready to pull the carriage and following wagon. Flowing white manes similar to a lion's scarf their necks. The animals carry an air of strong sophistication, truly noble creatures.
-He's about to say something stupid...
"Kitties!"
-Yep...
"Apologies, you two, we only have room for two within the carriage," Wilphrey mentions while tending to the leopards. "One of you must ride in the rear."
Wilphrey's gaze "subtly" lands on Korlin.
"Why me?!" he slumps over. "Sirius..."
"Don't worry... I'll sit back there with you."
"Really?" A single teardrop glistens in his eye. Sirius does not know how to react.
"Are you sure, Master Sirius?" Wilphrey wipes his hands with a cloth. "We owe you a great debt; you should at least ride in comfort."
"Master...? Just Sirius is fine," he scratches the ruff of his neck. "I don't need anything fancy, really, it's fine."
-I shouldn't be selfish. And Korlin will need some company, or he might jump out. Besides, I really don't deserve any of this...
"Hmm..." A curious look is plastered on the old man's face.
"You're a saint! Thank you, Sirius!" Korlin wraps his arms around Sirius. The embrace is uncomfortable, a total contrast to Aureole's.
"S-sure..."
"Is it alright if I join you two?" Aureole pokes her head out from behind the carriage.
"Milady, I cannot allow you to-" Wilprey is upset.
"Ah, it's fine, Wilphrey, I'll cover myself until we leave town." She pulls out a large blanket from within the stagecoach.
Wilphrey sighs, he doesn't have the energy to rebut. "Very well... let us depart."
"Hehe, yay..." Aureole gleefully hops into the wagon.
The old man opens the stable's gates. He jumps up and sits in front of the empty stagecoach, grabbing hold of the reins.
Korlin prances over and rolls into the wagon. Sirius walks over and plops down, leaning over the sturdy railing.
"You mentioned we're going to your lord's place, right? Where exactly is it?"
Aureole buries herself under the blanket, only having her head peep through. "Oh, right, sorry... I haven't been explaining things very well." The carriage and wagon begin to move, leaving the large stable. "Yes, we are heading to my lord's estate. It is a short journey northwest of Auretta. We should be able to arrive well before nightfall."
The busy streets clear out in response to their departure. Nearby guards close the stable gates. Civilians do not watch with disapproving intent. Rather, they look on in admiration, like they are watching a king pass by before them. It is a nice change compared to their previous stares.
"What is it like there?" Korlin is full to the brim with curiosity.
"Um, it is a grand abode, a little too grand... You'll see when we arrive. You should find it quite spacious."
"What is the lord like?" Sirius questions.
-Will this guy really let in two Witch Spawns? She doesn't seem to know I'm one. But, if I remember correctly, Wilphrey knows that Korlin is one...
"Ah, I've only known him briefly, but... Lord Rawlin should welcome your arrival."
An ominous sigh escapes from Wilphrey as they leave this city behind.
Auretta is now merely an addition to this pool of bleeding memories...