As the distant sound of horses clattering over uneven stone faded into the twilight, the sun began its slow descent beneath the horizon. A burning orange light spread across the sky, streaking the clouds in hues of amber and crimson. The carriage wheels creaked and groaned as they rolled on, steady and rhythmic. Elyon sat in silence, his thoughts running deep and wide, like a quiet river beneath a frozen surface. He stared blankly ahead, though his mind was elsewhere. He wondered—what would his first action be once he reached Starline City? Would he find what he was looking for, or merely another question in a city full of strangers?
The rider, sitting upright with the reins in hand, began to hum a gentle tune. It was a low melody, soft and folksy, something passed down from old campfires and village nights. The sound floated through the cold evening air, mingling with the steady clip-clop of the horses' hooves.
They had been on the road for at least four hours by then, passing hills, abandoned barns, and silent patches of forest. The landscape had slowly transformed from wilderness to the fringes of civilization. Elyon leaned forward slightly, breaking his silence.
"Are we near Starline City?" he asked, his voice a touch hoarse from the long ride and cold air.
"Yeah, we're about to near it," the rider replied, squinting into the distance. "I see the city now—just there."
Upon hearing this, Elyon instinctively turned his head, peering out from the side of the carriage. Sure enough, far on the horizon, the faint shimmer of city lights was beginning to bloom against the deepening sky. Like stars descending to earth, the lights broke the darkness, promising warmth, life, and movement.
The next thirty minutes passed in relative quiet, save for the rider's occasional humming and the distant chirping of night insects. Elyon watched the city grow larger, its shape forming clearer outlines—a mix of towers, peaked roofs, and softly glowing lanterns strung across narrow streets.
Finally, they entered the city.
Elyon's eyes widened as he took in the spectacle around him. Starline City was like nothing he had seen before—a unique blend of old arctic architecture and Polish-inspired construction. Thick wooden beams met with intricately carved stone walls, and buildings leaned close to one another as if whispering secrets. Delicate icicles clung to rooftops and window frames, refracting the golden lights that illuminated the city.
Strings of bulbs hung above the streets, swaying gently in the wind, suspended by ropes tied from post to post. The lights cast a warm, inviting glow on the cold concrete roads below. Streetlamps stood at each corner, their flickering flames dancing within glass casings.
Elyon took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace settle over him. The city exuded a calm, almost surreal tranquility. There was beauty here—not just in its buildings or lights, but in its very atmosphere. It felt safe, grounded, almost untouched by the troubles that seemed to follow him from elsewhere.
As they approached the entrance earlier, he had noticed only a single guard posted there. The man barely looked up as the carriage passed through the stone archway. No questions, no inspection. Just a glance and a nod, as if it were another ordinary evening.
"That was quite foolish of that guard," Elyon thought, frowning slightly. "He might be reprimanded later by his superiors." In times like these, when unrest stirred beneath the surface of even the most stable kingdoms, security should not be so lax. Yet Starline City seemed to defy that logic, trusting in its own quiet strength.
The streets bustled gently, a testament to the city's enduring life. Children played along the edges of the road, chasing each other with laughter in their voices. People strolled about, talking in soft tones, bundled in cloaks and scarves. Shop windows glowed with warmth, showcasing goods from across the region—textiles, carvings, glowing crystals, and baked treats whose aroma drifted temptingly through the air.
As the carriage rolled deeper into the city, the lights seemed to shine even brighter, as though welcoming Elyon personally.
"Here's your stop," said the rider, pulling the reins and bringing the horses to a gradual halt beside a small open square. A modest fountain stood at its center, frozen at its uppermost tip, the water having turned to ice in mid-flow. Behind it was a narrow street leading toward the central district.
"Oh, right," Elyon said, suddenly aware of his surroundings again. He gathered his satchel and climbed down from the carriage, his boots clicking softly against the paved road. The cold hit him properly now, a brisk reminder of the season, but the nearby lanterns and hum of activity made it bearable.
"Here," he added, turning to the rider as he reached into his coat pocket. He handed over forty copper coins, the metal clinking faintly between them.
"Thanks for the help."
The rider took the coins and gave a brief nod, his expression relaxed. "Mention not, kid. See ya around," he replied with a faint smile, tipping his hat slightly. With a soft whistle and a flick of the reins, he guided the horses forward. The carriage rolled away, disappearing slowly into the bend of the street, the sound of wheels fading into the hum of city life.
Elyon stood alone now, watching the people go about their business, the shops glowing like little hearths of warmth. He turned his gaze upward to the strung lights above, swaying in the gentle breeze.
Elyon stood on the cobblestone street, the last traces of the sun long vanished behind the rooftops of Starline City. A soft wind passed through the alleys, carrying the scent of baked bread, burning wood, and distant laughter. Lanterns flickered above him, their glow painting golden reflections on the stone road.
He crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, still taking in the vibrant city. In his mind, a quiet thought stirred.
"Now that I am in the city… what should I do?" he wondered, shifting his gaze from the warmly lit shops to the winding alleyways beyond.
Suddenly, his belly let out a long, loud rumble.
"Man, I haven't eaten anything since my journey began." He chuckled quietly, placing a hand over his stomach. The hunger hit him all at once now—his throat dry, his body aching for something warm and hearty.
"I wonder what kinds of food Starline City has." His imagination conjured up roasted meats, savory pies, and maybe even some hot stew simmering in a tavern kitchen.
But practicality returned as he remembered his priorities. "But first, I must find a place to stay," he told himself. "Then I'll go to the Academy."
Looking around, Elyon scanned the street corners and alleys for any sign of lodging. The buildings surrounding him were mostly shops, homes, or closed-off businesses. Lanterns hung from storefronts, casting long shadows across the stone walls, but none of the signs bore the familiar look of an inn.
"Maybe I should ask someone," he thought.
Just then, a passerby—an older man in a thick coat—walked by, carrying a satchel. Elyon stepped forward and called out.
"Um, hello—can you help me?"
The man turned around, his brows raised in mild curiosity. He looked Elyon up and down, quickly assessing the travel-worn youth standing before him.
"I'm new to Starline City," Elyon continued. "Do you know any place where I can find an inn?"
Understanding dawned on the man's face, and he nodded. "Just follow the main road. You'll see a sign that says 'Rose Inn.' Can't miss it. It's a great place to spend the night—quiet, clean, decent meals."
Elyon nodded gratefully. "Thank you for the help."
The man gave a polite nod in return and continued on his way. Elyon turned back to the main road and started walking, his eyes scanning every sign and doorway he passed.
As he walked, he took in more of the city. The cobbled streets were slightly damp from the early evening dew, and the buildings lined up like sentinels on either side. Flowerpots hung from windowsills. The smell of spices wafted from a bakery he passed. A street performer played a gentle tune on a lute near a fountain. Children laughed as they played with wooden hoops near the curb. Despite the hour, the city felt alive—but not overwhelming. It had rhythm, balance. He liked that.
After a while, Elyon spotted a wooden sign swinging gently above a warmly lit doorway. Burned into the wood in graceful lettering were the words "Den Inn." Just as the passerby described.
The building itself was modest but charming—made entirely of well-kept timber with flower pots flanking the entrance, their tiny blossoms adding a burst of color. A soft yellow glow spilled from the windows, illuminating the road with a welcoming warmth.
Elyon stepped through the doorway into the inn.
Inside, the atmosphere shifted. The room was quiet, cozy, and filled with the rich scent of wood polish and stew. A few patrons sat at scattered tables, speaking in hushed tones or sipping drinks. The fireplace crackled quietly in the corner. The tavern wasn't bustling—far from it—but it had the peaceful stillness of a familiar place.
Behind a wooden counter stood a man, maybe in his early thirties, reading from a worn book. He had short, dark hair and a calm demeanor. Elyon approached him, stepping up to the desk.
"I'd like to book a room, please," he said, his voice a little more confident than he felt.
The man looked up from his book, blinking as he took in the sight of the young traveler.
"Well, well, well. Don't we have a young man on an adventure," the innkeeper said with a slight smirk. He leaned forward on the counter. "Let me guess—you're one of those kids from Starfall, right?"
Elyon's eyes widened. "How did you know?"
The innkeeper chuckled, closing his book. "Not a lot of young folk come to this inn unless they need a place to stay before heading to Starfall Academy. Most of the students who aren't nobles stop here for a night before enrollment. You've got that look in your eyes—curious and a little lost."
Elyon nodded slowly, a bit taken aback by how easily the man had read him.
"Well, enough about that," the man said, reaching under the counter. "So, how long are you planning to stay? A week? A month?"
Elyon hesitated, thinking. But before he could answer, the man continued.
"Let me tell you this—you can only stay one day."
"One day?" Elyon blinked. "Why only one?"
"Because there are dormitories at the Academy. Most students move in there after registration. You won't need to stay here longer unless you get kicked out—which, let's hope you don't."
"Oh," Elyon said, surprised. He hadn't known that. He had assumed he'd need lodging for at least a few days.
"It'll be five silver for the night," the man added. "That includes breakfast in the morning."
He turned to a shelf behind him and grabbed a brass key, spinning it once in his fingers.
"Hey," the innkeeper added, smiling slightly, "you seem like you've got no idea what you're doing."
Elyon gave a small, sheepish laugh. "I… I'm learning as I go along."
"Ah," the man chuckled. "One of those types. I see."
He set the key down on the counter. "Room 25. Up the stairs, second door on the left."
Elyon reached into his pouch. "But I haven't paid yet."
"You can pay in the morning when you leave," the innkeeper said, waving him off. "You look like you could use the rest."
Elyon nodded, picking up the key. "Thanks," he said softly.
The man returned to his book with a satisfied hum.
As Elyon climbed the stairs toward his room, he felt the fatigue of the road settle deeper into his bones. His stomach still rumbled, but at least he had shelter for the night. Starline City was unfamiliar, yes—but it was starting to feel like a place where he might find his footing.
And in the morning, his real journey would begin.
Elyon was grateful for the man's hospitality. As he stepped into the room offered to him, he took in its plain and modest appearance—just a single window, a wooden desk, and a bed beside it. It was nothing special, but Elyon didn't care. Weariness settled over him, and he drifted into sleep almost immediately.
The morning sunlight streamed gently through the window, waking Elyon from his deep rest. He rose, feeling refreshed, and made his way downstairs. The warm scent of breakfast greeted him—tea, biscuits, and freshly baked bread buns laid out neatly on the table. He sat down and ate in quiet appreciation, savoring the simple but comforting meal.
As he finished, the man from the night before entered the room and greeted him with a friendly tone. "Hey, kid. I didn't catch it last night—what's your name? Where are you from?"
"I'm Elyon," he replied, brushing crumbs from his lap. "I'm from Vender Village, a small place near the Liria Kingdom."
"Hm, never heard of it," the man said with a shrug, then smiled. "But nice to meet ya, kid. Name's Rick."
The two exchanged pleasantries, and Elyon prepared to leave. He thanked Rick for his kindness and stepped out into the streets, beginning the next leg of his journey—his first day at the Academy.
As he walked through the city, Elyon noticed a stark contrast to the night before. The streets, once buzzing with life, now felt quieter and more subdued in the morning light. The towering buildings loomed overhead, but his attention was drawn toward the massive structure in the distance.
Starfall Academy.
From afar, it was a breathtaking sight—grand towers reaching into the sky, surrounding the central building like protective sentinels. The Academy stood vast and imposing, its entrance alone larger than many entire homes. Elyon made his way toward it, crossing a stone bridge that spanned a calm, glistening stream. As he stepped onto the Academy grounds, he immediately sensed a different energy—one that felt heavy with purpose and mystery.
Near the entrance stood a tall figure with pointed elf ears, spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose. He seemed preoccupied, taking letters from incoming students, sorting them briskly. Elyon approached him and handed over his own letter of acceptance.
"Please wait at the main hall before the ceremony," the elf said, barely glancing up.
Elyon nodded and entered the grand hall.
The moment he stepped inside, he was struck by the splendor of the place. The floor was made of deep crimson marble, polished to a mirror sheen. Towering statues lined the walls, crafted with such detail and elegance that they seemed almost alive. The architecture exuded both grace and power, a testament to the legacy of the Academy.
Other students were already gathered in the hall, standing in small groups or alone. Some were dressed in ornate, fashionable clothing, clearly tailored and expensive—nobles, without question. Others wore simpler garments, more practical and worn, marking them as commoners. The divide was subtle, but present. Though no words were spoken between the two groups, the tension was palpable—especially among the nobles, whose proud eyes scanned the room with veiled judgment.
Elyon stood quietly, observing everything.
After a few minutes, the murmuring quieted as a group of individuals entered the hall. They were teachers, easily distinguished by their robes, and among them were people of varying races—humans, elves, dwarves, and more. At the center of them walked an old man with a long white beard, his posture dignified despite his age. He wore a flowing white robe, adorned with silver threads that shimmered under the light.
The room fell completely silent as he stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. With a calm, powerful voice, he began to speak.
"Welcome to Starfall Academy."