Bad Wolf
The city of Lharakyone stretched out like a living tapestry along the banks of the Lharah Basin, its skyline a beautiful union of elegance and purpose. The rivers wove through the heart of the city and glittered like veins of cerulean, winding between lush terraces and stone promenades. Bridges arched gracefully over the water, covered in vines that soaked up the sun. The intricate designs of the bridges etched with Dyspethian motifs, a whisper of the planet's history.
From the heights of the Jade Skyline District, towers of emerald glass and sleek durasteel rose up like sentinels, their surfaces shimmered beneath the morning light. These towers were symbols of wealth, and ambition. A reflection of a people who had risen from the ashes of despair into prosperity. Yet beyond the gleaming towers, the city's true spirit unfolded. Lharakyone's bustling markets where artisans bartered over colorful textiles, riverside cafes filled with the murmur of conversation, and quiet courtyards where families gathered beneath the shade of climbing vines.
The air itself carried the scent of spice and citrus from the gardens that lined the city's many terraces. This was of course, a deliberate choice, blending beauty with function. Public squares were designed to calm the restless heart, fountains bubbling with crystal clear water drawn from the rivers that fed the Basin.
Peace in the city had not been born of complacency. It was born from resilience that had been woven into its very foundations. Military outposts stood discreetly at the city's edges. Ever watchful guardians, a reminder that Lharakyone's prosperity was protected, not promised. The Commonwealth's presence was unmistakable: efficient governance ensured trade flowed freely, resources were distributed wisely and Dyspeth's industries thrived with a rare independence. Strength in this city and indeed this world did not mean submission. It meant self-sufficiency, a quiet defiance against those who sought to exploit worlds like Dyspeth.
For Ivalyn Yvarro, the city had always fascinated her. And it was one of the many, many reasons she was proud to protect it and all of the Commonwealth's worlds. For Lharakyone was not merely a place of trade or politics. This was a testament to what the Commonwealth believed in: resilience, prosperity earned through purpose, and a people determined to shape their own future.
She had arrived at the Aurelian Terrance. It overlooked the Lhara Basin, this refined yet intimate venue with open-air seating, shaped by the elegant sone archways adorned with carved Dyspethian designs. The scent of citrus blossoms and jasmine carried along the breeze, and the sound of the river below lent itself for a soothing atmosphere. While understated, Ivalyn felt that it was prestigious, a place where quiet deals could be made.
The terrace itself was perched high above the city's central district, nestled within the Crown Quarter, an elevated sector known for its diplomatic residences and cultural landmarks. It was positioned along the cliffside ridges that define the city's upper limits, the Terrace offered an unparalleled view of Lharakyone's vibrant sprawl, a striking blend of marbled streets, copper domes, and lush riverbanks. Below, one could see the narrow canals weaving between districts, while the distant hum of trade and life filtered upward.
Now, all Ivalyn had to do was wait for her esteemed guest to arrive.
From the heights of the Jade Skyline District, towers of emerald glass and sleek durasteel rose up like sentinels, their surfaces shimmered beneath the morning light. These towers were symbols of wealth, and ambition. A reflection of a people who had risen from the ashes of despair into prosperity. Yet beyond the gleaming towers, the city's true spirit unfolded. Lharakyone's bustling markets where artisans bartered over colorful textiles, riverside cafes filled with the murmur of conversation, and quiet courtyards where families gathered beneath the shade of climbing vines.
The air itself carried the scent of spice and citrus from the gardens that lined the city's many terraces. This was of course, a deliberate choice, blending beauty with function. Public squares were designed to calm the restless heart, fountains bubbling with crystal clear water drawn from the rivers that fed the Basin.
Peace in the city had not been born of complacency. It was born from resilience that had been woven into its very foundations. Military outposts stood discreetly at the city's edges. Ever watchful guardians, a reminder that Lharakyone's prosperity was protected, not promised. The Commonwealth's presence was unmistakable: efficient governance ensured trade flowed freely, resources were distributed wisely and Dyspeth's industries thrived with a rare independence. Strength in this city and indeed this world did not mean submission. It meant self-sufficiency, a quiet defiance against those who sought to exploit worlds like Dyspeth.
For Ivalyn Yvarro, the city had always fascinated her. And it was one of the many, many reasons she was proud to protect it and all of the Commonwealth's worlds. For Lharakyone was not merely a place of trade or politics. This was a testament to what the Commonwealth believed in: resilience, prosperity earned through purpose, and a people determined to shape their own future.
She had arrived at the Aurelian Terrance. It overlooked the Lhara Basin, this refined yet intimate venue with open-air seating, shaped by the elegant sone archways adorned with carved Dyspethian designs. The scent of citrus blossoms and jasmine carried along the breeze, and the sound of the river below lent itself for a soothing atmosphere. While understated, Ivalyn felt that it was prestigious, a place where quiet deals could be made.
The terrace itself was perched high above the city's central district, nestled within the Crown Quarter, an elevated sector known for its diplomatic residences and cultural landmarks. It was positioned along the cliffside ridges that define the city's upper limits, the Terrace offered an unparalleled view of Lharakyone's vibrant sprawl, a striking blend of marbled streets, copper domes, and lush riverbanks. Below, one could see the narrow canals weaving between districts, while the distant hum of trade and life filtered upward.
Now, all Ivalyn had to do was wait for her esteemed guest to arrive.