Discover L (Book 2) | Complete |

~ First Impressions Are Lasting ~

The remainder of the trip to the Elf kingdom was short and thankfully uneventful, the actual entry was the tricky part. Robbie was huffing that he had to come back and enter on foot, despite Bryce's warning before about how it worked. The atmosphere in the group sobered somewhat when they came upon two tall, grey stone pillars; each of which had beautifully carved woodland patterns adorning the four sides.

A path led between the two pillars and meandered deeper into the lusciously green forest. From experience, and Keeper knowledge, L knew when they crossed through the pillars correctly, that forest wouldn't be where they ended up. She could see images, memories and book references about the Elf kingdom; she knew protocol and traditions, and some of the security measures put in place to guard the Elves.

She could have entered by herself with no problems, but she knew the procedure and did as she was told. They formed a single file line, with Bryce levitating horizontally in the middle of the procession. He was a little delirious now, L assumed from the healing magic, and kept mumbling about dancing Ogres. L held back her smile and moved towards the pillars.

She felt a wave of magic wash over her when it was her turn to pass through the tall monuments. This was where they had gotten the idea for the scanner back in Lymasia. The only difference being, if this security measure found you to be an unwanted guest, it would attack with no questions asked. L pushed away the knowledge she had on cases where that happened and let out the breath she didn't know she'd been holding.

They were all accepted in and the royal guard held their positions; two leading the way and two covering their backs. They followed a path through trees belonging to a different world. They grew to mountainous heights, with smooth bark in shades of blues, purples and greens, their willowy branches swayed and L was sure she could hear whispering. Twinkles of light accompanied them and L caught sight of houses up in many of the trees they passed.

They wound their way through the ethereal forest for several minutes before they came out of the closely crowded trees. L and Robbie stopped where they were, staring around at the sprawling metropolis in front of them. Buildings were dotted as far as a Supernatural eye could see, on land and in the trees above; they were made of natural materials and also a strange, teal coloured stone that L knew was mined in a quarry somewhere North of the kingdom.

The sky gave off a greenish glow and L couldn't make out what the weather was up there. For once, she didn't actually know why that was, apparently nobody had cared to find out in the past.

"It's a bit different to the vision, isn't it?" Robbie mused, his eyes wide, taking it all in.

"It's definitely different seeing it in person." L replied thoughtfully.

The royal guard soon hurried L and Robbie along, but they continued to stare and take in the sprawling city of Eldercrest as they made their way through. It had everything a thriving species could ever need; homes, shops, a marketplace, multiple businesses L knew of but couldn't pinpoint from where they were.

They passed a number of Elves, of various heights, ages and appearances, who stared and whispered their curiosities upon seeing L, Robbie, and finally Bryce. L could hear that some didn't recognise him for who he was, instead simply remarking on his state of ill health. Others understood perfectly well and whispered their worries, though they still had no idea about her or Robbie.

L would have liked to keep it that way, she had come here for one reason and she didn't need to be distracted when they all found out who she was. She knew word would get out eventually, it was inevitable, she just hoped they'd have the potion and be out of there by the time it happened. But first things first, they needed to get Bryce patched up and actually ask for the potion.