Dawn- An Age Of Darkness

We made our way to the city entrance. It was massive. The walls were made of some form of the stone I saw back in Moire. They looked shallow but when I knocked on one, they made a sound just like ordinary rocks: they were much lighter though. 

The moment I touched the wall, I got all sorts of stares from the guards. 

The city gate was guarded by four knights and the door itself was made of wood and iron. 

There was a line of people and caravans entering but Jori led us straight to the door without even waiting in the line. 

I was basically the center of attention here too. Apparently, I was not only popular among the elves but men too. I certainly didn't like it though. 

"Halt! Why did you break the line?" A guard stopped us. He kept on stealing glances at me. It was kind of impressive how he could maintain that attitude with a straight face while stealing glances at my chest. 

"I'm on urgent business from the guild HQ. Let me through and these guys are my fellow adventurers," Jori said.

"ID first."

Jori showed his ID. But the guard didn't budge. He wanted ours: namely mine. Dick and Servesta wouldn't have one and that was obvious. Mine got chewed on and that only left Lianne. When I looked at her, she smiled and looked at the guard.

"I believe we won't have any problem?" Lianne flashed a necklace of sorts. She was wearing it underneath her dress, so normally it wasn't visible. The Yellow and black necklace was accompanied by a crimson gem in the middle. I could see why she hid it because the moment she brought it out, the guard went pale.

He hurriedly got on his knees and bowed. Everyone who was here also bowed. Even Jori bowed. The only people standing were the three of us. 

"For-forgive me, your highness. I did not know. I-I will immediately send an envoy to the palace and we-we will get an escort right away!" The guard stuttered. I didn't know Lianne had so much authority. But then again she did say this country was under Alfeim's banner. So it was kind of expected.

Jori's face was pale. He didn't know, so it was expected. Dick had a smirk on his face and Servesata was as quiet as always.

Me? I didn't care. All I wanted was to get in and get a pair of wings. And maybe take this bangle off. 

"That won't be necessary. I'm not here on official business. Let's just say I'm sightseeing and would not like to be disturbed. Now would you mind opening the door?" Lianne was being very dignified in her approach. 

If I were the guard, I wouldn't have bought it, not one bit. 

But apparently, the guard wasn't me. "Ri-ri-right away, your highness! B-but are you sure? At least take some guards-"

Lianne sighed. There was irritation in her gaze. Maybe she didn't like to flaunt her authority?

I know I did. I didn't have any, though.

"That won't be necessary." Her cold stare was enough to silence any protests the guard had.

We walked past the gate and I saw a lot of stares from the guys outside. Some were just curious while others just glared: the elves in particular were looking at Lianne with respect and affection, the humans, not so much. I guess elven royalty wasn't that popular among humans. 

But even so, I still attracted more attention than necessary.

Once inside Jori broke down. "You-you were the princess!?"

Wouldn't it be 'a' princess? Oh wait, I never asked if she had sisters or not.

The bustling town reminded me of Moire. It was really similar. The ocean must have been close as I could taste the salt in the air. People around us stared at the groveling cross-dresser and his messed-up makeup.

Gusts of wind pressed against me from the ground. It was interesting to say the least. Luckily the air was warm so we didn't have to die from frost. And since I was wearing a dress rather than a skirt, I didn't have to worry about upskirts of all things. 

Come to think of it, I never saw skirts in this world, did I?

"Yes. Didn't you hear what I'd said back in the forest?" Lianne had introduced herself to Boriosa back in the forest. So it shouldn't have been a shock for Jori, and yet…

Jori smiled wryly. "Actually… You see. Whenever my life's in trouble my alter ego takes over and things happen."

"Like what?" If I remembered correctly, he never showed any signs of changing personalities. He did act rather scared when we met Boriosa. Maybe he turned soft when he faced danger? But then, how was he still alive?

He squirmed and blushed. "I become too sexy."

My breathing increased and for some reason, I smiled. I wanted to punch this weirdo so bad that I didn't know what I'd do if I didn't get to punch him. 

But before I could say anything Dick interrupted. "I'm a little lost here. So you clinging to the ground cowering in fear, counts as sexy?"

Jori looked away. Just what the hell was he expecting?

I sighed. At least the day was over and we could finally rest in actual beds. "Well, at least we got to the city. I think this is where we part geezer."

"It's Jori!" He protested. "Don't forget my name!" He composed himself. "Yes, but why don't you come over to the guild tomorrow? You might actually like the things we offer. We even buy materials at fair prices!" He winked. "And perhaps a little more, maybe a magic trick?"

"For the last time, it's not for sale!" I knew what he wanted but I'd already made up my mind that I didn't want to sell it. But the magic trick part did interest me. He knew I was interested in his magic and he also knew I could use magic. Meaning, he had me right where he wanted. 

He smiled and waved at us. We walked away from him. I didn't wave back. 

He might have been a weirdo, but he knew how to do business if nothing else. 

***

Now there were four of us. 

Biteria never really came back to me. She looked mad. I never thought bunnies could get mad. 

How wrong I was!

"So, do we stay in an inn?" I asked. 

"We could stay in the palace if you want. They'd treat us with the best of care," Lianne offered.

"Yeah that'd be-" Dick smiled and tried to say something.

I didn't let him finish and added my words of discontent. "I'll pass. I've had enough of royalty."

"Hey, you didn't let me finish!" Dick complained.

"Did you know there are wondrous street foods here that you could only have on the streets and not the palace? And did you know the meat out in the street is so juicy and…?" I only traveled with Dick for like two weeks but I already knew what ticked his buttons. I got close to him and whispered, "Besides, don't you think you could pick up more girls on the street rather than the palace?"

"Okay, you have my attention." Dick's breathing became a little more erratic. I had him just where I wanted.

My plan worked. And girls weren't dumb enough to fall for Dick's charms anyway. So no harm could be done there. 

"Let's first go get our rooms. Then you'll get your fill and I have to buy armor too. After a good rest, we'll resume our journey tomorrow."

"Sounds about right. Glad to see at least one of the summoned heroes weren't totally useless and have brains for once," Servesta said. I couldn't tell if he was joking or being serious. 

"Heroes?"

He didn't reply. I didn't expect him to answer anyway.

"I know a good place." Lianne led the way. It was as though she knew everything about everything. She really was scary in that regard.

"You really know the right thing to say to people don't you?" Lianne whispered.

"Depends." I mostly knew how to tick people off though.

She saw right through me.