Chapter 28: Decoding Hope
"Wake up!!" Trista shook Samora's arm, who was screaming and thrashing in her sleep. The witch sat up, frightened and heaving. "Was it that nightmare again? Are you okay?"
It took her a few moments to realize where she was. "Y-Yeah, I'm fine." She buried her face in her hands.
"This was the worst I've seen you react to that dream. Was something different?"
"Yes... It was the most vivid version of it I've seen, it felt as though I was there! Dred was in his original form again, but twice his usual size. I also recognized the city this time; it was Janazheim!"
"The Capital...?" Trista's face went pale.
"Yes. By the gods, why do I keep having this dream?"
"Maybe you're stressed? We have all been through a lot lately, and there is more to come. We'll arrive at Janazheim in a few hours, why not take a break when we get there? We'll see Tiafell, Cirris, Mirya, the others!" Trista was excited to see her brother again.
"I do look forward to that, but it's imperative that I get started on deciphering the secrets of the lost volume right away." Having composed herself, Samora stood to get dressed. "We must get going, our destination is but a few miles away now."
"Right." Trista left the covers to put her clothes on. The women packed the tent and their belongings, using magic to condense it into a manageable size. Samora wrote a quick letter to Vasati and cast a spell to send it away. They mounted Ember, then rode off to complete the final leg of their long journey.
After passing through the checkpoint and allowing the guards to board Ember, Samora and Trista finally stood within the walls of Janazheim. The elf was floored by the gorgeous architecture around her.
"This is my first time visiting, but everything is familiar to me." Samora stated.
"Because of your father's memories?"
"Yes. However, viewing it in person is much more exciting." The witch smiled at first, but her expression changed. "There's no denying it now; this is the city I keep seeing in my dream." Trista began to say something, but a woman's voice interrupted her.
"Lady Samora, and Miss Trista?" Vasati approached them, then bowed. "I am Vasati, Chief Advisor to King Escandar. Welcome to Gashua's Capital: Janazheim! I am pleased to meet you both!"
"Ah, yes, it is so nice to meet you finally! I am Samora, and this is Trista, Tiafell's older sister." Samora introduced herself and her companion. "We have heard so much about you."
"Hello." Trista greeted the other elf politely.
"My, your resemblance to Tiafell is uncanny!" Vasati put her hands together. "There are obvious differences, such as your black hair, but you look almost exactly like him!"
"Thank you." The hybrid elf bashfully accepted the complement. "So how is my brother doing?"
"Well..." Vasati started. "He's been melancholy at times since he arrived." She explained the situation with Alto to them. "Tiafell didn't take the news well. He blames himself for what happened and has resolved to find Alto. If not for this determination and his anger, I don't think he would have prevailed against the King."
"Oh Tiafell..." Trista's ears lowered.
"He brushes me off whenever I try to talk to him about it. He simply says, 'I will bring him back to you' and changes the subject.
"What happened to Alto was not his fault, though I understand how hard it is to see beyond your own feelings of guilt." Samora lamented, still having regrets related to her late father. "Anyway, let's go see the King."
"Of course." Their escort guided the travelers through the huge city, pointing out various sights. Eventually, they arrived at the square that was to be dedicated to Marlon's memory.
"My, that is so nice of the King." Trista was moved by the gesture. "Marlon gave me my freedom back and saved my life, at the cost of his own. A selfless man like him deserves to be remembered."
"He was an important man to Gashua, I never had the chance to meet him. You have my condolences, Lady Samora."
"Thank you, Vasati." Samora was observing the area, all of it familiar to her. "Father visited this square quite often." She pointed at an establishment. "He liked getting drinks from that pub. Father passed all his memories, knowledge, and magic to me before he died. It's still a very strange experience; I remember this place like I've been here myself many times. Almost everything looks different now, newer."
"Oh right, Miss Hinako did mention that." Vasati recollected. "The King knew this was Marlon's favorite part of town, that's why he chose this location to be his memorial site. Many of the buildings here have undergone renovations, it's part of a project to modernize the entire city."
"Janazheim
is
the oldest town in Gashua, I'm sure it needs to be remodeled. Anyway, let's not dwell, I must speak with the King as soon as possible." Samora suggested. The three women boarded a trolly, making their way to the castle.
In the throne room, King Escandar sat on his throne with the members of the Elite Royal Guard around him, chatting amongst themselves. Scepter, the King's pet lion, slept at his feet. Tiafell and his friends also waited inside. The three women of the group had gathered around Princess Ingra. Mirya was singing a children's song about frogs and lily pads with the young girl, the two of them clapping their hands together in rhythm. Tiafell spoke with Cirris and Brion. Scepter lifted his head and stood, stretching.
"I sense Trista and Samora, they're on the elevator." Tiafell told everyone.
"Yay! They're finally here!" Mirya squealed. Scepter made his way to the double doors of the room.
"'Big Kitty's' gonna say 'hi' to the guests!" Ingra yelled excitedly.
One of the doors opened, Vasati entered first. Samora and Trista followed behind her, being "greeted" by Scepter, who roared at them. Though nervous, Samora expected this. Trista on the other hand was terrified, hiding behind the witch with an audible "yelp".
"Fear not!" Escandar raised his massive hand. "If Scepter wanted to do any harm, you would not have made it into the room."
Trista peeked around Samora's shoulder to see the big cat looking at her. The feline walked to the side, keeping his eyes on the elf. He nudged her side with his head.
"This is rare," The King was surprised, "Scepter normally doesn't want anyone to pet him other than my daughter. He must really like you!"
Trista timidly and slowly reached out to put her hand on the lion's head, who responded with a purr. Seeing the cat react positively to her touch put the female elf at ease.
"How about that?" Escandar laughed. "Lady Samora, Trista, welcome to Janazheim Castle! I am Escandar, King of Gashua! It is an honor to meet the daughter of Marlon, as well as the sister of Tiafell."
"Likewise, Your Majesty." Samora smiled. "This is our first time meeting, but I remember you."
"I-It's an honor to meet you too." Trista stammered, still quite nervous.
