City Of Lexis (Terra)
From beyond the hills, a massive city can be seen surrounded by unsealed walls. And inside, buildings made of stone carved with various shapes and sizes. Tall windmills turn as if welcoming the winds who guide lost souls there, to a town where purpose is found and journeys begin. It does not present itself as a bastion to be breached, but as an invitation extended without condition.
You cross the ancient stone bridge toward the gates, bracing instinctively for questioning. Instead, guards acknowledge you with courteous nods, their bright smiles reflecting the trust they have towards you despite being complete strangers. You are not questioned nor interrogated, simply allowed to enter the capital. Your presence is welcomed, just as anyone else would be should they pass through these gates. To you, this may appear bizarre. But to them, this is simply how the people of this place live.
Within the city, life moves in harmonious motion. Merchants’ voices rise and fall in practiced warmth, the scent of freshly baked bread mingling with the crisp air. Laughter rings through the plaza as children weave between sunlit shadows. Wind chimes tremble softly above open doorways, answering each passing breeze as though the city itself were breathing. A contrast to the sound of crying children, crumbling stone, and raging fires that you have vague memories of.
You reach a large fountain in the middle of the city, where a bard clad in green plays a soothing melody from a silver flute. The music seems to almost command the winds itself, each soft note accompanied with a gentle breeze. As his gaze meets yours, a knowing smile crosses his face, unsettling in its familiarity.
“Welcome to Lexis, the land that belongs to none but the wind. Where all live in freedom by decree of divine word.” He speaks, his voice soft and effeminate.
Setting down his flute, he puts on a friendly expression as he asks, “How does it feel to be back here?”
[It feels strange, like I’ve seen this place before. Just not…peaceful?]
[It feel familiar, like I’ve been here countless times before.]