6 Golden Lotus River City

With the first light of dawn, they broke camp and resumed their journey towards Golden Lotus River City. The sky above the forest was alive with the vibrant colors of daybreak, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of dew-kissed grass. The rest of the journey was uneventful as they traveled the moss-covered pathways.

As they emerged from the depths of the Emeraldwood Forest, the towering pagodas of Golden Lotus River City came into view. Majestic silhouettes sparkling in the golden light of the rising sun shown in the distance. The city shimmered like a jewel against the horizon with its golden-lined and crimson red colored pagodas that rose above tranquil rivers that flowed throughout. 

The city located in a flood plain had architecture that was a stark contrast to the mountainous and medieval stone buildings found in Swallowtail Mountain City. In Golden Lotus River City there were elegant bridges spanning across the flowing rivers that weaved through the city.

The cityscape spanned an area that was ten times the size of Swallowtail Mountain City. The streets were a modern marvel of beauty that only city planners that included water elementalists and earth elementalists that had combined their ingenuity would create. 

Lassim watched in awe as they approached the city as it was his first time seeing the city. The sight filled him with excitement and anticipation to enter it's gates.

As they neared the city entrance, however, their excitement was tempered by the sight of the massive influx of people crowding the area.

The annual ceremony drew visitors from all the nearby cities and prefectures of the Aurora Kingdom that surrounded Golden River Lotus City. The streets were bustling with activity as families and travelers alike made their way to witness the awakening of the next generation of spirit warriors.

The city is one of the only locations for thousands of miles with the necessary grand exalted altar of the Gods required for the spirit awakening ceremony.

"Looks like we may be here a while," Everard remarked, his voice tinged with resignation as the carriage slowed to a halt in the queue. "The city is overflowing today."

Uncle Gryphon nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of movement. "It's to be expected though. The Spirit Awakening is important and our young master is finally having his turn. Everyone wants to witness the next generation of spirit warriors take their first steps on the path to greatness and we're the same."

As they waited patiently in line, Lassim's gaze wandered to the guards stationed at the city entrance with their crimson red armor gleaming in the sunlight. He couldn't help but feel a sense of joy knowing that soon he would be among their ranks as a fully-fledged spirit warrior too. He day dreamed about the day he too could control an element of his own.

Suddenly, a murmur ran through the crowd as the guards caught sight of the Vanthar family crest emblazoned on their carriage. With a swift nod of recognition, the guards signaled for the carriage to approach, clearing a path through the throng of people.

"Stand aside! Make way for the Iron Marquis and his family!" one of the city guards called out, his voice ringing clear above the noise of the crowd.

Lassim watched as the guards escorted them through the gates with a deference reserved for noble families. The guards saluted the carriage as it passed.

Crossing the threshold into the the bustling streets of Golden River Lotus City, they stretched out before them alive with the bustle of a city much larger than anything Lassim was used to. 

As heLassim stared out the window of the carriage, Uncle Gryphon leaned over to him.

"Don't get too excited just yet. We will need to head to our hotel in the inner city first," he said, his voice cutting through the noise of the bustling streets. "We'll have plenty of time to explore later."

Nodding in agreement, Lassim leaned back in his seat, his eyes still wide with wonder as they crossed the ornamental wooden bridges that crisscrossed over the city's waterways.

He couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the beautiful wind koi that populated the rivers, their scales shimmering in gorgeous shades of green and red as they leaped gracefully out of the water from time to time. Sometimes soaring overhead, almost flying like birds, across the passersby's. 

After awhile they arrived at the inn they would be staying at. The Iron Marquis was quickly greeted by the sight of a kind looking old innkeeper that rushed to welcomed them with a warm smile after seeing their carriage pull up.

"Welcome to the Sparkling Light Inn," the innkeeper said, his voice gentle and welcoming. "I trust you had a pleasant journey?"

"We did indeed," Everard replied, returning the innkeeper's smile. "Although the forest floor is comfy, we'll be needing rooms with actual beds for the next two nights."

The innkeeper chuckled and nodded. He then led them up to the second floor, where he showed them to their rooms. The innkeeper didn't even bother mentioning how much the rooms or meals would cost. Knowing the wealth of the Iron Marquis estate, he knew he'd be more than pleasantly compensated than usual by not asking for any money at all.

An average night at most inns would typically cost 3 mid-grade elemental source stones but during the time surrounding the ceremony he could easily charge the nobles 20 stones or more. Usually they tipped that much for single meals though, so it wasn't worth even mentioning.

Lassim's eyes widened with delight as he took in the cozy interior, complete with plush beds and a view overlooking the bustling streets below.

After settling in and putting away their luggage, they made their way downstairs to the inn's dining area where the innkeeper had prepared a delicious lunch for them.

Lassim eagerly dug into his meal, savoring the new flavors of the city as he listened to Gryphon and Everard discuss their plans for the day. Lassim would be free to explore with his uncle Gryphon tonight while Everard headed towards the exalted altar of the Gods to speak with the priests in preparation for tomorrow's event.

After finishing their meal, Lassim and Gryphon stepped out onto the bustling streets of Golden River Lotus City. Lassim was eager to explore the sights and sounds of the city, while Everard separated from them and disappeared off into the distance through the crowd.

Lassim couldn't help but be drawn to the colorful displays of the street vendors as they walked around. The stalls were each adorned with all manner of goods and trinkets.

One particular vendor caught his eye, their table piled high with delicate looking candies made from the scales of wind koi. They gleamed with a sugary sparkle. 

"Welcome, young master, to my humble stall!" exclaimed the stall seller, a jovial twinkle in his eye and comical grand gestures. "Allow me to introduce you to one of our city's most exquisite delicacies: wind koi fish scale candy! I promise there's nothing like this in the Iron Marquis' territory."

The stall owner clearly had seen them pass by in their marked carriage earlier and caught a glimpse of their faces. 

He gestured grandly to a tray filled with shimmering candies, each one crafted from the scales of the city's majestic wind koi fish. "Made from the finest scales, these are infused with the wind koi's essence that they use to fly, which in turn makes these candies said to bring good fortune and financial prosperity to those who partake. Please, try one!"

Intrigued by the seller's description, Lassim reached out to pick up one of the candies, marveling at its iridescent hues and delicateness. "What do they taste like?" he asked, turning to the seller with a curious expression.

The seller chuckled, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Ah, that is the beauty of wind koi fish scale candy, young sir," he replied. "Each bite is a symphony of flavors, with notes of sweetness and fishy saltiness dancing upon your tongue. The wind element surely adds some fun too. It's an experience like no other, I assure you!"

With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, the seller encouraged Lassim to try. "Go on, give it a taste," he urged. "I promise you won't be disappointed!"

Lassim hesitated for a moment, then popped the candy into his mouth. As the flavors exploded across his palate, a smile spread across his face. It was unlike anything he had ever tasted before! The balance of sweet and fishiness that left him craving more, but the most fun part was the a slight popping sensation. It bounced around his tongue to his delight. 

Lassim turned to uncle with a grin. "I'll take a bag, please," he said, to which his uncle reached for his pouch. His uncle doting on his nephew, easily paid the one low-grade elemental source stone for the bag.

Continuing their stroll through the city streets, the duo soon found themselves outside an alchemist's store. Its windows filled with an array of mystical potions and elixirs that bubbled, sparkled and fizzed.

He has seen the alchemist stores in his Swallowtail Mountain City before, but he was usually never too bothered to go inside due to the Iron Marquis estate having it's own store of recovery potions within the armory. It was unnecessary in his eyes.

Intrigued, Lassim stepped inside, his sight widening at the variety of colorful vials that lined the shelves. Each with different labels describing their names and uses. He saw;

Tranquil Waters Tonic: This potion soothes the mind and calms the spirit, providing a sense of inner peace and clarity amidst chaos and turmoil.

Serpent's Venom Serum: A potent concoction made from the venom of the elusive forest serpent, known for its ability to enhance physical strength and endurance.

Blossom Bloom Elixir: Infused with the essence of springtime blossoms, this potion enhances the drinker's natural charm and charisma, making them more persuasive and likable to others.

While Lassim was distracted by the myriad potions on display, Gryphon quietly approached the counter and engaged the alchemist owner in conversation. After a brief exchange, Gryphon stored into his pouch the purchase of a small vial labeled "Spirit Encouragement."

As they left the store, Gryphon handed the vial to Lassim with a smile. "Consider it a gift, lad," he said. "This potion will help your awakened spirit grow stronger and faster. It's important we give it all the help it can get during its incubation period."

Grateful for his uncle's thoughtfulness, Lassim thanked him before storing the vial away safely into his pouch. He actually was able to recall the effects of the potion as he had seen it's label briefly. 

Spirit Encouragement Potion: Crafted by skilled alchemists using rare and exotic ingredients, this potion is designed to nurture and accelerate the growth of an incubating spirit. The potion enhances the connection between the spirit warrior and their elemental companion during the initial incubation phase after spirit awakening. It helps the mote to grow in size and density more quickly at a rate of 2x per vial used. Additional uses have diminishing returns. 

He recalled that the potion didn't even have a price tag on it, which typically Lassim knew that this was an expensive gift to be cherished. His thoughts filled with joy and love for his kind and caring uncle.