SKY CITY OF CAELUM

Some time had passed, from the council meeting. Philip stood gazing out the window stroking his short beard, as he gazed at the capital, the heart of the white wolves, the city of wonders and dreams. The floating city of Caelum. It was a wondrous sight such that one would hold their breaths looking at it and not realize. The city as it was called, floated in the sky, far above the lands of Illis. Mountains and lakes, rivers and streams, plains and earth all made up the mystifying city. it was a constellation of masses that made up the space, with bridges and portals connecting one area to another, the city was divided into zones, residential and commercial, out skirts and industry.

The whole of Caelum looked so delicate that it appeared it might fall at any moment. With no pillars to make it stand, the city was imbued with magic and all sorts of creatures existed in it, from massive dragons flying from one part to another, to giants resting on the mountains besides, fairies and wizards, humans and demons. The city was the epitome of co-existence between species where none were racist no one judged based on the kind or type of creature, miles above the ground. Caelum was the symbol of progress, like stars in the heavens.

And yet Philip read between the lines, through the facades, he saw the great floating islands in front of him, a waterfall flowing down through the clouds to an island below, but his eyes went beyond, beyond the crystals that would soak up the rays of the sun and shine like giant pearls dazzling the viewer for a bit. Philip's eye caught sight of a human thrown off the edge. He saw him plummet to his doom; he saw all those who stood by, stand by. It was far, but he saw the body burst into flames and end in a pool of water only to be washed off.

It wasn't happening then and there, Philip had the gift of gazing into the past, looking upon the memories of a place, and so what he had seen had transpired some time before.

With a sigh he shook his head. Humans were low, lower than most "greater" beings that existed. In the past they were food and playthings for the stronger species, but the white wolf had brought change, so that those low beings could also enjoy the city of dreams, but alas, everything was not as perfect as it appeared, as he had just seen, humans were discriminated against in private. They were playthings and food for those who had the thirst for it. What was held in public went into private practices. A lot had been done but so much more was due.

Philip closed his eyes and breathed deep, affirming his cause, his belief, he was a mere man amongst Gods, he would never get second chances, everything had to be executed exactly as it had been planned.

...

There was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?"

"Master," it was Azul's voice.

Philip smiled, Azul was an old friend, a trustworthy one.

"Enter..."

And the giant frame of Azul made its way in, his heavy dark brown (almost black) hair tied in a ponytail behind him, his face fresh. At times like this Philip was reminded of Azul's past, the traces of nobility apparent to see, for the giant frame donned magnificent clothes. He looked strong yet so gentle.

"It is almost time master; the Banquet will start soon."

Philip smiled, that understanding smile of his that tore through all the layers of the person in front.

"Azul," he said, ready to accompany his Captain. "How long has it been since you and I became friends."

Azul nodded in response before answering, as they started walking out the room.

"Longer than I can remember, shorter that I would like," He answered truthfully, his words reflected his heart.

"Do you remember my wife? my son," Philip asked thinking back.

"Yes master, I remember them well, I remember Kai's father too, and his mother, those were better times."

"Indeed, they were, my friend, indeed they were," replied Philip as they walked off towards the beautifully designed carriage that had come to pick them up.

...

The streets had brick lined roads, and artificial streams flowed along them, the water emissive so that it glowed blue. Caelum had a variety of climates that it donned, with magic of course, what it wore then was the moods of an autumn evening yet the settings of spring.

The paths were lively, children played as adults worked, musicians and performers jeweled the streets with shops and stalls all along the way.

As the carriage drove onwards, the messy quarters started to change, the distinction between the classes of citizenry was apparent.

Although life seemed easy in the great city, but luxuries were expensive. whereas it appeared anyone could thrive with a simple life, those who were rich stood apart.

The carriage crossed over a small bridge and the gentle shaking over the brick road stopped, the path it now crossed was smoother. The people outside were dressed differently as well and the stalls and kiosks that were frequent before were nowhere to be seen.

The air itself felt fresher as Philip closed his eyes inside, rubbing them gently with his hand.

"Did you see something distasteful master?" Azul inquired.

Philip, who was deep in thought simply shook his head. he preferred being in Aube, he preferred his small village, his small inn, his few people. As he sighed gently, he realized how old he felt, missing even the passing clouds that rested over his inn. memories... so many memories... but now he was here, in this city.

This place that had seen so much it was too much to take in. It burdened his mind, it strained his eyes.

The passing carriage approached yet another bridge, it was wide and had statues stationed at intervals on either side, separating the destination from the surrounding area.

It was a large building, like a colosseum, built in a grand manner... standing separate from all the rest. It was here that the master and his captain were heading.

As the carriage finally came to a stop, the door was opened and a familiar face greeted the two, it was Mardukas, Commander from the hundred and sixtieth corps. Azul remembered him from before when they led the hunt for the assassins. Mardukas bowed gently as both Azul and Philip dismounted one after the other.

Leading them inside the grand structure, Mardukas signaled a man inside, who went on ahead.

The entrance portal of the structure greeted them, truncated, it stood tall, various patterns and designs decorating it, the sky behind it highlighting its contours as well as shading it. The building was a theater, a hall, an auditorium that for the evening had been reserved for Master Philip.

As they entered, an entire assembly of people greeted them, headed by a beautiful lady. Azul bowed slightly from beside Philip who instead had a smile, a smile of a father who meets his children after years of separation.

Philip, his captains and their associates had gathered after a long time, arranged as a present for Philip. Azul was the one responsible, using the opportunity provided by the summons to Master Philip which had brought him all the way out to the grand city.

After a formal greeting Philip was invited to the stage, his partner, his captain, Azmia. It was tradition to start off a ball with the dance of the senior most attendees.

As Azul and the others smiled, hoping to see something that might be funny for Philip and Azmia to do, they ushered them onstage and soon positioned them under the spotlight.