For once, he had not come on official business. Despite his initial disdain for most people, he had grown fond of a select few individuals. There was one individual, though, who he had made a deal with. That funny, silver tongued merchant had done Lewis a great service. But now, he had gone missing. Was it convenient that his disappearance coincided with this legend appearing after so long? A place where treasures were abundant and untold secrets were plenty? The place that was claimed to be paradise on earth.

Lewis scoffed. Lord Raith was right about how the world was. This was a trick of the light, nothing more. He would not be fooled by this obvious trap of a land. Still, he did owe the merchant a debt. And knowing the fool, he would be here searching for the next big thing to find, sell, or trade.

The lush jungle surrounding the ornate palace was hot and muggy. The scent of moisture in the air was throwing off the boy’s senses, and there was little to contrast the natural foliage and the shadows it cast. If someone wanted to hide here, it would not take much to do so. But Lewis had little care for hesitation here. He was not here ins service of his God, but instead in service to himself. He shouldn’t have enemies here.

But I would have no friends here, either. The thought barely crossed his mind as he took his first few steps into the forest. With ease, he launched himself into the trees, and started towards the center, where he figured he would find his quarry.

As the jungle thinned, he found himself stopped to admire the beauty of the great citadel that lay before him. It was a place of serenity, a place that felt like home. He was reminded of how the old guild hall felt before he was cast out. This place brought out that feeling.

Comfort. A sense of belonging.

“A lie.” The words he spoke aloud broke the spell. He shook his head, trying to banish the thoughts that had invaded his mind. This place is dangerous. There was little time to lose. Lewis was discovering that even with his training, every second he remaining in Kavala was a chance for him to slip and become one of the many who had become trapped.

It’s not just Raile. There will be others… He wondered just how many would be here, entrapped. Despite his hatred of the weak, he felt an obligation to save them. Those fools of the light…without the shadows they cast, what worth did they truly hold?

Standing in the midst of the jungle was a wild man with long, golden hair and crimson eyes. He was clothed in a patterned garment with bold blacks and reds, while obsidian and gold adorned his arms and neck. "So this is the rumored golden paradise the human traders had spoken of." Arms crossed, the lion-headed lord set his gaze upon the horizon, upward towards the gleaming spires that shone in the dazzling sun. His arrival was brief, and he had immediately passed through the white sand beach into the thick of the rainforest. Mithras had heard from the walking machines that their master had gone missing during her attempt to inspect the new island, and her whereabouts were currently unknown. At first he didn't believe them. Surely she was simply planning something, she was a wily one after all. Like a polecat, she would always find a way out of the most dire situations. No matter what others said, he wouldn't accept the possibility that she had fallen prey to whatever was it that was causing people to vanish. She wasn't that weak. 

Nevertheless, Mithras didn't deny he was concerned for her. Perhaps there was some truth to those doubting words from the lips of those metal servants. Having left Mount Qala in the care of his most trusted followers, he ventured forth to find Shiloh without any reservations. As of yet, everything from the rumors had proven itself true. The land was beautiful, rich in abundance. The people here lived in prosperity with little care or want. There was no sickness, no poverty, no signs of a power hierarchy among the common folk. Everything here reminded him of the grand empires of the lands settled by mortals in the age of conflict between the primal lords of his plane. Cities and strongholds were built like this one to pay homage to whichever one the people worshiped. One of the primal lords he had subdued and usurped in his years of conquest had such a citadel, and upon the death of their patron the entire populace tore down the old images and refashioned new ones in his likeness. 

With this in mind, Mithras paid close attention to the choice of subjects used in this land's decorative art. It would seem the people here were quite superstitious, yet also spiritually apathetic. They had murals glorifying the tales of heroes and monarchs of old, yet they themselves were content to eat, drink, and be merry. Having seen his fill of the sights that the lowest steppe of the city had to offer, he ascended to the commoner's district to resume his search. It was then that he was met by a young maiden bearing a golden platter, laden with food and drink.

"Greetings traveler and esteemed guest. Welcome to our beloved kingdom. Master, would you care to have a drink? Our city's ambrosia is a spirit unlike any other–cleansing the mind and the body." 

Her hair was long and styled into a series of looping rings while sheer gossamer wrapped about her shoulders and arms in a delicate shawl. Pure white pearls adorned her neck in layers and her beautiful face was pleasing to the eye. She offered to him a golden chalice, inlaid with jewels and mother of pearl.

"In honor of the travelers like yourself who have come to our fair city, we have prepared a great feast. You are welcome to join us in the grand terrace by the lotus garden on the south side of this district." Her words were soft as silk and sweeter than honey.

Returning her smile, the lion-headed lord did not sense any ill-will or malevolent intent from her. Taking the chalice, he replied: "I have no reason to refuse. Guide me there." He was not one to shy away from partaking in festivities. Besides, the mention of this feast had piqued his interest. He was curious. 

The extravagance was on a level that Lewis had never seen before. This land was a far cry from what the assassin had seen, even past the ugly wealth that he had once stolen from. No, this realm held something beyond wealth. It was something almost mystical. Whatever it was, it was alluring…

Lewis kept to the darkness as he had been trained to do. It wasn’t that he was trying to sneak in. If anything, the people of this land were welcoming. Overly so. It was as if they knew that the wealth and prosperity that they shared was more than enough to deter anyone who would do them harm. The boy paused as he slipped past those “guarding” the gate. There had been someone, a long haired man who had come through. He was not of Kavala, and it showed in his patterns. When he had approached the people, they did nothing past granting him what appeared to be offerings.

Lewis was immediately reminded of the fae. It was one of the things he read about in growing his knowledge under the tutelage of Lord Raith. Eat nothing. Drink nothing. Take nothing that is offered, for you don’t know what the payment asked is. The thief in him knew better. Whether or not they had ill intentions, Lewis would abide by the rules of the fae. It was safer that way.

Silently he followed the golden-maned man, the assassin keeping well into the shadows and attempting to mask his presence.

Watch and observe.

How would the locals interact with him? How would he fare against the pull of this paradise? There were so many questions, and this man was seemingly going to help answer them. Better him than me.

Still, Lewis felt that there was something more to it all. The people here were merry and carefree, as if they had nothing in the world to worry about. But there were faint cracks in it all. He could feel it. He just didn’t know how. Something felt…off.

This feeling was confirmed by mere accident. Lewis found himself paused in a dark corner, waiting for the large man to do something. Above him, though, he noticed a beautiful, blue flower that had not been there when he stopped. The corner grew even darker, but the flower seemed undaunted. If anything, it seemed to be thriving. Vines were visibly growing upwards.

At once, Lewis felt one of the locals move towards him at a frantic pace. Lewis went to reach for his blade, but immediately noticed that their eyes were not on him. This woman, one of the ones who was relishing in offerings now had a panicked look on her face, her eyes locked on to the flower above Lewis. She moved into the corner, shoving Lewis aside as though he were nothing more than a small piece of furniture.

There were others, too, who had noticed more of the blooming flowers.

“What…is happening?”

Displaced from view, as cautious as a fox, bare feet carefully moved the young kitsune through the crowds. Despite all strangers being approached by the maidens, offered ambrosia and lotus treats, Akira went by unnoticed. Her amber optical orbs took in the beautiful outfits, golden platters, the demeanor of the natives. She saw how they gaily approached everyone, how they insisted their consumables be sampled should they be refused. Yet, their jovial expressions turned to that of detest when certain vegetation stretched its presence into their view.

The locals attacked the blue floral vine with prejudice, their abhorrence palpable as they yanked, hacked, even burned it. Akira frowned at the sudden change of emotions and demeanors. How could someone so welcoming, so sweet and alluring turn around and become so vicious and vengeful and back again in a matter of seconds? As she continued to move through the locals, a white and grey dwarf flying squirrel scampered between the crowd's feet and disappeared as it began to climb Akira's black leggings until it came to a rest on her shoulder.

"The flowers seem to drain the color of the world around it." Neera whispered softly. Both of them had a sense of unease about the place. Of course, Neera was always on alert when she was actually with Akira since she took her duty to protect the child rather seriously. The young kitsune felt an ever-present tug on her mind since she entered the city as if something wanted her to stay and be at peace here. This was, after all, something the guild was striving for, was it not? A safe place for orphans to be, where there is no harm to befall them, to keep them safe as they became a family.

It was a familiar scent that caught her attention amidst the strong aromas of honey and lotus blossom, one she knew only too well. Akira followed it curiously, wondering why he, of all people, was here. Did Raith send him? Was Raith upset about people vanishing and the luring dreams? A local rushed into a corner where she could clearly see Lewis being shoved out of the way. Silently, she approached him, allowing her invisibility to peel away to reveal herself to him. Opposed to her typical fondness for bright kimonos, Akira wore a dark eggplant-colored longsleeved top trimmed in a lighter eggplant color. It covered one shoulder as she had the other deliberately off the other side. Underneath was a wine-colored tube top. A black open front skirt exposed her legs, her tail had wrapped around the back of a leg to keep out of sight. Her white hair had been pulled back to a single point, wrapped by a braided strand of hair before allowing it to cascade down her back.

"Look closely, Lewis. Look as the flower drinks the light, the color from the world. They… detest it." Her voice was soft and low as she carefully spoke, her amber gaze locked on the brilliant blue as its vine was violently ripped out. "It absorbs it as if removing the magic from this place. We just don't know why yet."

As he had been busy conversing with the young woman, their talk was cut short when she and several others suddenly turned on someone who had been silently watching like a pack of wolves. But then–his assumptions were proven wrong when the one skulking about was pushed aside as a minor inconvenience and their hands reached for a simple creeping vine that had just started to bloom. It was quite a sight; the once peaceful youths and maidens turning vicious like wild dogs all for the sake of a single plant. When the vine was left mutilated and torn beyond all recognition, it was thrown aside out of sight. Mithras took advantage of the sudden diversion to discreetly dispose of the ambrosia, tilting the chalice to empty its contents into a nearby fountain. With everything so gilded, they would be none the wiser. When the Kavalan woman and her cohorts were finished with what they had done, they dispersed while she turned her now smiling face back to the other new visitors that had just entered her field of vision. 

"I am terribly sorry that you two had to see that, those unsightly weeds have been cropping up quite often as of late. I humbly apologize for not greeting you sooner! Welcome to our fair city, travelers. We will be holding a feast in the grand terrace in honor of visitors like yourselves who have come to our kingdom. The feast will be starting soon, and it would be a shame for it to start without you." 

With her repetitive spiel over, she returned to Mithras, who smiled and gave her his now empty chalice. Upon seeing it not a drop was left, the woman was pleased. "I pray the ambrosia suited your tastes?" She asked. "If I were to describe it, words would fail me." Replied the lion-headed lord. And indeed he spoke the truth, as none of it had ever touched his lips. The woman then motioned for him to follow her towards where the feast was being held and walked ahead of him. While her back was turned, Mithras threw a glance towards the two strangers before turning on his heel. Whether they chose to leave the city out of self-preservation or come along to fulfill their curiosity, that was their decision to make. As for him, his reasons were the latter. Rather than trespass, he would allow the kingdom's citizens to lead him to where he wanted to go. The fox cannot enter the hen house unless the door is left unlatched, and so would investigating prove easier when the Kavalans had lowered their guard.

Lewis sensed her before he even saw Akira. If he was surprised, he did not show it, and instead focused his shock to the events that had transpired. After forcefully removing the azure blue flowers, the residents of this strange land went back to their almost transient nature. The teen’s brow furrowed.

Before the assassin could speak with Akira, the two were approached by the individuals who had been tending to the blond-maned man. Lewis did not like their almost aloof nature, speaking to the pair as though they had only been overlooked. Just what game are they playing? Lewis took a glance back to Akira. His heart skipped a beat for a moment. Every time he met Akira, she spurred a foreign emotion inside of him, like a shock to the system. It was, in a way, almost tiresome how clockwork it was. But that didn’t matter now.

“Do not touch anything here,” he whispered below his breath, knowing she would hear. Her mention of the blue flowers had not gone unnoticed. I’ve never seen a magic like this before. “I’m looking for someone. Your help would be appreciated, Akira…” He looked forward to see the man from earlier was watching.

The assassin turned his full attention to the attendants, and took a half hearted bow. “We would be honored to attend your feast. Please, by all means, lead the way…” regardless of whether she had seen through his lie or not, she seemed content with his answer. She took a brief moment to speak with the blonde man, speaking of ambrosia. Lewis wondered if the man was foolish enough to have consumed it, but the overall thought was gone in a flash.

Lewis tugged Akira to follow, and walked up to the stranger.

“Would you mind a bit of company?’ Lewis asked. The silver haired boy was much shorter than the man, and his appearance almost felt in complete contrast to his own. Lord Raith had taught Lewis enough to at least recognize when there was someone who held a great power. If something were to happen, having this man with them would prove beneficial.

Now that the invisibility was no longer concealing her presence from the natives, they were approached as if they were previously unnoticed. Amber eyes sparkled with curiosity, hiding the confusion within. How were the flowered vines weeds? Was that simply a term for anything unwanted to them? Lewis gave her his warning and she wondered if she would have even tempted by their honeyed words and tempting treats without it. Regardless, it warmed her young heart knowing that he cared for her in his way.

"Of course," she replied to both warning and request. As Lewis bowed, she gave a small dip of her head with a shallow curtsey, instinctively acting accordingly for the ruse. Akira even managed a smile. It was completely up to the woman to judge how genuine the smile came across. Yet, everything was dashed by surprise as Lewis's fingers grasped her sleeve and tugged it as his feet began to carry him forward.

Neera used this opportunity to bound from Akira's shoulder to Lewis where she rubbed against his cheek in greeting before settling comfortably on his shoulder. She began to groom her face and Akira couldn't help but smile, barely able to contain a giggle. As Lewis addressed the stranger, Akira took in his beauty, his height, and his golden hair. In short, she was rather intimidated by how in awe she was in his presence. Her smile did not waver. "We would be… honored if you allow us to… accompany you," she chimed in a bit haltingly as she conjured the correct words Celeste had taught her. Would Lewis notice? Would Raith ever change his mind about her?

The lion-headed lord turned to the two with a smile, baring his teeth in a grin. "I have no objections; it is a feast after all–the more the merrier wouldn't you say? Besides, I have a feeling we will see something interesting very soon." The act the fox and the boy put on was completely lost on the Kavalans as all attempts at falsehood flew over their heads. The three were led through the pristine streets until they came upon a carved stone archway with steps leading up to the grand terrace. The marble balustrades were overgrown with lush bougainvilleas, flowering jasmine, and pothos. Bright yellow datura flowers hung from the archway like golden bells welcoming their arrival. Through the archway they could see tables and seating for many, all covered in fine silks and cushions. Gossamer and silk banners were hung around the terrace in gold and white, gently swaying in the breeze. There was an abundance of tropical foliage and trees for shade, with everything surrounding a large pond filled with golden lotus flowers in bloom. The pond was more akin to a small lake for its size, there was even a gazebo by the water while a gilded ivory bridge spanned from one side to the other. The tables were laden with all kinds of food imaginable, however they were more on the vegetarian side with few dishes that had meat. There was fish and seafood, but nothing roasted. 

There was a sweet fragrance like flowers and honey that filled the atmosphere while many guests were already present. Soft stringed music and singing in an unknown tongue hummed in the air like a lullaby, adding to the seemingly halcyon mood. Among the guests, there was a satyr who was being attended by several youths and maidens. The beastly fey creature was indulging himself in the ambrosia, practically drunk. For those who knew of their kind, satyrs were not ones to become drunk so easily. And while he was practically struggling to hold the pitcher, the satyr still kept trying to imbibe more of the golden liquor. When he became so sluggish that he could no longer move, the Kavalans came to lift him up and carried him into a guest villa that was a little ways from the terrace. It would appear that those who had too much to eat or drink from the banquet were taken there so they could rest undisturbed, while freeing up seats for new guests. 

"Come, come have a seat." The woman's melodic voice beckoned them to the tables. She brought them to a set of cushioned chairs before some carved hardwood tables draped with white cloth. The branches of a jacaranda tree formed a lavender canopy above, while a carpet of bell-shaped flowers littered the ground. Although it was midday, it was comfortably cool here. With the same static smile, the robed lady said: "Please help yourselves to the food and drink. If you need anything else, one of us will come by to attend you shortly." She then turned to walk away, while a few other attendants left the terrace to bring in more guests. Once it was clear that no one was paying attention to them, Mithras stood up and began to explore on his own. He had never been one to simply follow orders when told, and he certainly wasn't going to change now. His movements were discreet, taking one of the filled chalices while pretending to walk the perimeter of the pond to admire the view. He would have to limit his actions lest he draw the attention of another one of those nosy natives. When he had walked a good distance from them, his crimson eyes spotted what he had been looking for. 

Hidden by the base of the plumeria bushes, there was a single morning glory vine that had stealthily sprouted in the garden. It had wrapped itself around the roots, and had managed to stay out of the Kavalans' view. There was a blooming azure bud that had just opened, and with one motion he pinched it off before anyone else could see it. He tucked the flower away into his robe, continuing making his rounds about the pond. Crossing the bridge, the lotus flowers were like a sea of gold against the dark green water. A beautiful sight to behold, they all emitted a thick heady perfume that he recognized from the ambrosia. Whatever effects the ambrosia had when consumed, they must have come from these flowers. The mere scent alone was almost intoxicating. He returned to where he had been seated earlier, and watched as several armed mercenaries were ushered in as the latest additions to the banquet. There was greed and bloodlust in their eyes, but that would soon change once they had their first taste of what the feast had to offer…

Looking, listening, and waiting were all traits that Lewis had learned from birth. With his most recent training, he had honed and elevated those skills to the point where it was second nature. Everything he heard and saw was tucked away for later use, and if it came down to it, he could stay still for hours on end without so much as twitching. At least, no one would be alive to prove it if he had moved.

This setting was almost perfect for it. Members of every class were present at the gigantic feast table. There were low class citizens who had lucked into the paradise, lavishing in what could only be considered as a once in a lifetime chance. There were those of the working class too, eating and drinking merrily while discussing family trades and secrets. And of course, the high class society, those who were rotten to the core. Those who lived in this lifestyle day to day, draining the life from those who were beneath them.

Lewis half expected to see the corruption here as well. He expected jealous glances towards the “equal” rights that were given at the table. He expected to see the high nobles glance at the assassin and his friend, and note their “unworthy” stature, and send for them to be removed immediately. Yet, curiously, this did not come.

No, even the nobles were entranced in this feast. As with the satyr earlier, they were indulging in an almost grotusque kind of way. For a moment, Lewis wanted to get closer, and listen in. Perhaps he could get leads on-

As the lion-man made his own rounds, Lewis found himself at the center of the next round of foods and drinks. All around him, golden plates filled to the brim with meats and vegetables were passed around and set in the center of the orante table. Lewis, with his limited experience in high class meals, couldn’t quite tell what had been placed in front of him, though he did recognize a few of the more well known vegetables as he had stolen quite a few of them.

He wondered, briefly, what the meal would taste like. This was an opportunity like no other. The smells coming off of the meat were divine. It was likely roasted in the same ambrosia that was in the chalices. The scent alone was causing the boy to salivate, his stomach rumbling in response.

The attendant must have heard, because at once a plate was produced for Lewis, and sat down in front of him.

“I really should-” Lewis started.

“We insist,” said the attendant, her sultry voice hanging in the air. Her fair smile was captivating, her eyes dazzling. Was she always like this? “No one needs to go hungry now.”

He looked back down to the food almost dazed. Just a bite wouldn’t hurt, right? After all, it did look delicious. Lewis picked up his fork and knife. He had never really been one for formal dinners, but it just felt right for some reason.

As they were led through the archway, Akira's eyes grew wide at the feast. So much food was put out, so many people were lounging around. Music softly lingered in the air, the sweet music soothing her frantic heart. The aroma was so fragrant with the delicate flowers and buffet spread that she realized her mouth was watering. Amber orbs did not follow the satyr who was carried out, instead rested upon the mound of food that ladened the tables. She allowed herself to be led to the comfy seats, the tip of her tail happily flicking up and down where it was supposed to be rested. 

Akira looked up at the stranger they had accompanied and was about to call out to him when she saw a platter of golden fishcakes, obviously glazed with something. "Shiny," she breathed to herself, already imagining the buttery flavor mixed with a heavenly ambrosia glaze that was sure to be spectacular. She reached out, delicately picked a cake up and was bringing it to her lips–

Pain shot through her hand as she yelped, dropping the cake upon her lap. A small white and grey dwarf flying squirrel had its teeth nearly embedded into her skin! Akira blinked. Not just any flying squirrel… That was Neera! "Neera, that's rude," she scolded. "Remember your mission, child! You promised not to touch anything here." "But what's the harm of one little bite?" the foxling asked.

Neera sighed, tapping one tiny foot on Akira's wrist. "Open your eyes, child. Look around! What do you see?" There were men and women eating, some beginning to act like they were drunk, others were already beyond drunk. Each and every single one of them seemed to be satiated with what they had already consumed, always looking for more to stuff down their throat. Another passed out and was carried to the tent to rest. The foxling frowned. "Gluttony…" And in the shadows, ducking behind a tree… Was that…? Akira rubbed her eyes and looked again, turned to Lewis and shook his arm. "Lewis! I saw Xeik! Don't tell me that is who you are looking for."