The Fifth Chapter | The Faux Shores

The Fifth Chapter | The Faux Shores

Alvera tucked a few strands of blonde hair behind her ear as the wind blew harshly. She was basically riding on Cedrick's back, his wings carrying them both towards The Faux Shores. Cedrick said it would be more exciting that way. Thankfully, he wasn't flying too high off the ground, just a few feet higher than the trees that surrounded them.

For the first time, she could take an actual look at the sky, but instead of it being blue like she was accustomed to, it was a deep shade of iris purple. There was a severe lack of clouds, which Alvera appreciated. Three suns of different sizes were aligned in the sky, shining down on them both, however, they weren't actually producing that much light. They were also moving faster than a sun normally would on Earth, but she wasn't surprised. A pack of winged beasts flew higher overhead, several roars erupting from them.

"Are those... dragons?"

Cedrick looked up, momentarily distracting himself and all but falling into the trees. This almost made Alvera shriek at the sudden drop.

"Yes, actually. Seems like some of the ravens are finally leaving their tunnels," he replied as he steadied himself once more.

That statement made absolutely no sense to Alvera, but she nodded anyway. She watched as they flew off into the distance before she looked back down. The scenery below her passed in a blur, but even at that, she could tell the landscape was changing. The once dense cluster of trees was thinning out slowly.

Soon, the trees had cleared out entirely, and the grass turned into sand. Cedrick flew forward a bit more before landing on the shore. Alvera was honestly surprised at how smooth the landing was, considering he had almost nosedived in the trees earlier. He crouched so she could get down and then retracted his wings again.

She took in the view. The golden sand stretched for miles in both directions and the crystal clear water rocked gently, uniting with the purple sky on the curved horizon in front of her. She took a deep breath, smelling the saltiness of the sea breeze as it gently kissed her skin. God, she loved the shore. Granted, it wasn't a traditional shore, but it was a shore nonetheless.

"So, this is The Faux Shores? Why is it called that?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

"Is it just landscape? That would be rather underwhelming."

"Trust me, it's not."

He walked backward, locking eyes with Alvera as he inched closer and closer to the water. Alvera looked at him, confusion playing on her face.

"Cedrick, you're going to fall in," she stated flatly.

"That's the point, M'lady," he smiled before he stepped back more, finally reaching the water. He basically sunk into the sea without moving a muscle and he didn't even seem fazed. She ran closer to the shoreline and looked in the water, trying to spot Cedrick underneath the waves, but to no avail.

"Cedrick?... Cedrick!" She called out.

His head popped out from the water, but something was off. His hair wasn't wet, neither was his face and the small part of his tunic that wasn't hidden underwater was also dry. Was this a fairy thing? Certainly not, right?

"What are you doing in there?"

"Come with me, Alvera."

"You want me to get into the water with my clothes on."

"I wouldn't ask you to take your clothes off, would I? Trust me, you're not going to get wet if that's what you're worried about."

"So, do I just... jump in?"

"Go right ahead," he replied, his head dipping underwater and disappearing once again.

Alvera pulled off her boots, took a deep breath, and dove into the water. Almost immediately, she felt a tugging sensation, like she was being yanked downwards. The sheer force of the pull caught her off-guard, making her gasp and accidentally swallow water. She clasped her hands over her mouth as a reflex, but before she could start struggling, the water spat her right out again. She landed on her knees, and a groan escaped her lips. She sputtered as she balanced on her hands and knees, trying to steady herself and cough the water out of her lungs.

"Jesus, that hurt! You should have just told me I would drown if I jumped," she said, in between gasps of air.

"If I told you, you wouldn't have jumped, would you? Don't worry, you'll get used to it eventually."

Was she going to have to do this often?

He extended his hand to her, and she took it gratefully as he helped her up. The height difference between them was a lot more pronounced without the heels on her boots making up for some of it. He was a good five inches taller than her now, making her five foot eight inches look small in comparison. She felt herself sinking and instinctively looked down at her feet. But, in place of the sand, she thought she would see, she was met with a flat, glass-like surface that seemed to be made out of water. She pulled her foot out of where it was sinking in slightly and took a few steps forward, making soft ripples in the water.

Something, or rather someone, suddenly appeared in front of her and let out a high-pitched chirp, catching her off guard. She jumped back and looked up, only to be met with dark green eyes and shiny, dried tear streaks. A small female stood before her, looking confused, probably at Alvera's reaction. Her skin was a creamy, chocolate brown and her hair, in sharp contrast, was dark blue. It was pulled back in a messy attempt at a bun with a few stray locks falling out. There was a small blue crystal lodged in the middle of her forehead, glowing slightly. She was clad in a short, teal green dress and was barefoot, like Alvera. On the back of each of her ankles, a small pair of wings were attached, and they fluttered constantly, as she levitated just off the ground.

The female in front of her let out a few more chirps and squeaks, sending them both a smile and showing off her pearly whites. Cedrick replied with some chirps of his own, and Alvera stood there, not understanding a single word of their conversation. She glanced around, only to realize that they were basically in the middle of nowhere. She could make out tall... things in the distance, but she couldn't pinpoint what exactly they were.

"This is Lena Stone. She's an Illusionist and a good friend of mine. She also doesn't speak English," Cedrick said, trying to draw her attention.

"Yes, I gathered that much."

"I'll have no problem translating for you though. All she asked was if you'd like to be shown around, but unfortunately, we don't have much time to spend here. I still need to take you around the other Realms and get you back home before anyone realizes you were ever gone. However, we do need to visit one important place."

Although Alvera was a bit upset that they would have to rush through everywhere, she hated the thought of even having to explain to her stepmother where she was more, so she showed no resistance. She felt herself start to sink, so she took a few steps forward.

"Cedrick?" she asked, "Why do I feel like I'm sinking into the floor?"

"Well, the wings on the back of an Illusionist's ankles basically help them stay grounded on the surface of the water without falling through and ending up on the shore again. On the downside though, since their wings are so small, they can't fly very high, but they can swim very fast," he explained.

"Well, you don't seem to be having a problem staying grounded."

"I come here often, so I know how to avoid it."

"Care to let me in on your secret?" Alvera asked.

"Unfortunately, that's another thing that can't be taught. For now, you'll just have to stick to moving around constantly."

A few more chirps and squeaks left Cedrick's lips as he spoke to Lena. She gave an enthusiastic nod before she started walking, actually touching the ground this time, and gesturing for them to follow her.

"So, where are we going?"

"Well, you are going to be the queen of one of the Realms soon, so naturally, it's important that you're formally introduced to the other Royals. We're going to go see Lord Colton, Lena's father. He rules over the Faux Shores. However, I must warn you, he is somewhat... eccentric. Don't be surprised if he overwhelms you with questions you cannot answer."

"I can handle that."

Being a royal, Alvera was accustomed to interviews and questions. At banquets, at balls, even on the street, she would be questioned. She never really had an opinion on it. It was just one of her duties. The only time the interrogations annoyed her was when the person asking was being rude about it. That really pissed her off.

The scenery around them was... different. It was mostly comprised of shades of blues, which made sense. The whole place was technically underwater, or more like on the other side of the water.

Was that why it was called the Faux Shores? Because the shore was basically a front for a Realm gateway?

She could feel the water swishing around her, slowing her movements because of how dense it was. However, even though she could feel the water, it was also like there was nothing there. She could breathe easily and she felt like she was breathing air, not water. She was curious about how it worked, but she just chalked it up to some magical force she wasn't aware of.

As they got closer to the tall things Alvera had seen before, schools of fish circled around and swam past them. The air started filling with all sorts of noises, none of which Alvera could understand. She felt like she was visiting a foreign country without studying the language ahead of time. So instead of bothering herself with trying to understand them, she opted instead for asking Cedrick questions. At least he could speak English.

"You mentioned Illusionists earlier. What did you mean?"

"Remember when I said that everybody has a type of magic they specialize in? It's determined by your native Realm. So, an illusionist is anybody who comes from The Faux Shores. They specialize in the 'Art of Illusion and Illustration'. They can make people see things that aren't real or aren't there. They can also shapeshift into people, provided they have a sample of the person on hand. Their illusions have time limits though, and they can only copy the physical characteristics of people. Their magic doesn't normally work on other magical beings, but if an Illusionist has enough skill, mental control, and the right genes, they can do it. However, it's not an easy task at all."

"So, if you were to rank them, how powerful is this Realm compared to others?"

"You can't really compare the Realms. They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but if I tried, I'd say that they're solidly in third place both offense and defense-wise. Their magic can be rather powerful if they're trained in it properly, and it can be used to take out an opponent without even having to lift a finger. They can pretty much make anyone see anything." There was a slight pause, "Well, not anyone."

"Meaning?"

"There are laws against magical beings using their magic on non-magical beings, provided their magic actually works on them anyway. We really don't like involving ourselves in non-magical affairs."

"You don't want humans seeing your world?"

"Humans can be... selfish."

"Good point."

Soon enough, they had made their way into the underwater city. It was absolutely breathtaking. All around Alvera stood structures that towered over her and everyone else around them. Some houses seemed to be made of glass and crystals piled high on top of each other. Each of them was designed into intricate shapes with pointed edges and subtle curves. Spirals and layers dominated the sky. There were underwater plants and corals scattered across the ground and growing over some of the buildings.

To contrast the deep blue of the water, long strings of glowing, spherical rocks attached themselves to each building, connecting them and effectively lighting up the surrounding area. Structures that resembled jellyfish stood tall and luminescent, net-like structures connected them to one another. The rest of the city was out of her sight, seemingly blurred by the pure depth of the water-like substance around her, giving the illusion it went on forever. It was like a metropolis underwater or what many would assume Atlantis would look like.

People were going about their life everywhere you turned. Some were walking on the surface of the water, others swimming higher up. Cedrick was right, they did swim very fast. Chirps and squeaks were coming at them from all directions, which she tried, somewhat successfully, to tune out. There were sea creatures swimming around them and even a few octopi and squids attached to the higher sections of the buildings. A moment later, a dark shadow blocked off some of the sunlight that reached the water from the surface. She looked up instinctively and was met with the belly of what seemed to be a blue whale with multiple fish swimming around it, but she could have been entirely wrong. The whole place seemed bizarre.

After she had finished taking in the view with her eyes, Alvera heard Lena let out a few excited whistles as she started running. Cedrick grabbed Alvera's wrist and pulled her along, encouraging her to run as well. Not even up to a minute later, they came to what Alvera assumed was the center of the city, or at least something close. They had made their way into a sort of underwater clearing through one of the many paths that led to it, and Lena finally stopped running.

"We're here," Cedrick announced.

That much was obvious.

Before them stood a shipwreck. A big one at that. Without even knowing, they had basically left the busy atmosphere of the city that had once engulfed them. The whole place was significantly quieter as if they were on some sacred ground. The silence was a bit eerie if Alvera was being honest. The air felt different from the rest of the city. It was like the metaphorical winds around them had changed direction.

The main attraction sat lopsided, leaning against a large rock. The wood was old, and the ship was barely holding itself together. It was significantly darker in that empty area than in the bustling city they had passed through, making it harder the actually see. Three masts stood tall; the main one sat in between two smaller ones. The sails had rips and tears, basically rendering them useless. A forgotten anchor sat lifeless a few feet away, somehow hooked into the water-like floor underneath them, half of it not even visible.

"This is where Lord Colton lives...? Hardly seems fitting for someone of such a high status, or am I not understanding something?"

"No, you're very much right. It really does not look ideal from the outside, but the inside will probably surprise you."

Lena let out a chirp in, what Alvera assumed, was a sign of confirmation.

"Now, shall we?" Cedrick asked.

Lena swam over to the small cave created between the wreck and the stone, disappearing into the darkness. Cedrick and Alvera followed. Hidden in the darkness, a wooden door had been carved into the side of the ship. Lena knocked on the door twice, kicked it once, and then let out a rather loud screech, effectively catching Alvera off guard and making her flinch. Cedrick, on the other hand, didn't even seem fazed.

The three of them stood there for a few seconds, waiting for... something. Several loud crashing and thumping sounds came from inside the hollow wood before the door cracked open and a man's head peaked out. He looked to be on the older side, maybe in his forties? But honestly, he was a magical being so he could be hundreds of years older for all Alvera knew. His steely silver eyes darted around, taking in the three beings that stood before him. He pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose, stroking his gray beard, which matched his gray hair, as he opened the door wider, standing straight in front of them. He was, admittedly, taller than expected. If Lena hadn't been there, Alvera would have been towered over by both Cedrick and Lord Colton. He was dressed in rather casual wear for a Lord. Or at least something casual for a Lord on Earth, but this wasn't Earth.

"Ah, Visitors! Rather unexpected, but come in all the same," he said enthusiastically, stepping aside and gesturing them in.

Alvera was a bit shocked that he spoke English. She just assumed they all spoke in whistles and chirps. Was she wrong? Surely not, right? As they passed the busier places, she didn't hear a single person speak anything remotely close to English. Maybe it was because he was a Lord. It was probably necessary for conversing with other Royals.

Lena let out another chirp and walked into the ship. Cedrick let Alvera pass first and then followed, Lord Colton shutting the door behind them. Cedrick was right, the inside did surprise her. It was like she had stepped into a totally different place, not a rotting shipwreck. It looked a lot like a standard castle. Intricate architecture, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, casting dim lighting, and mostly neutral colors slathered everywhere. There was an unusually high amount of bookshelves lining the walls and books scattered on the floor. Some of them were suspended in mid-air, but Alvera decided against asking questions because... magic, right?

Lord Colton gestured to the chairs on the other side of the room and told them to sit down. The couch stood out in the room, looking like it didn't belong. It was totally out of the color scheme and oddly shaped, so was every other chair or couch there. They all took a seat, and Lord Colton asked them what their business was.

"This, Lord Colton, is Alvera. She is on track to be the new queen, after... you know."

That caught Alvera's attention. After what?

"Ah! So this is her? I've heard so much about you," he replied, smiling.

He flicked his wrist, summoning a book and a feather pen over to him. He started taking notes about... God knows what, and threw questions at her as well.

"Now, how old are you? Did you know about any of this before Cedrick came to find you? I assume your father didn't tell you, right? Have your powers started manifesting yet? I'd love to see you try to use them. Can I see your wings? Or your flying? How many of the Realms have you visited? Have you at least met any of the council members? Cedrick, you better have taken her to see Graham already. Have you visited your own Realm? I'm sure your subjects would love to meet their future queen. Have you tried riding a dragon? They're so fun, and a bit hard to tame. I'm not sure how the Ravens do it, honestly. Oh! Have you seen The Forbidden Text or the Tapestries? What am I even saying? Cedrick probably already showed them to you. He's obsessed with those things. I have a feeling the Ravens would really like you. I assume you haven't met them? Cedrick, why haven't you taken her to see them yet?"

Alvera let out a nervous laugh, having not heard half the questions, there was an even lower possibility of her somehow answering them. He spoke very fast. Eccentric, just like Cedrick said. She caught Cedrick's eye and gave him a 'help me' look. He caught on immediately and started assisting her in answering his many, many questions. After a good thirty minutes, Lord Colton was finally satisfied with his questioning and sent them on their way. Lena led them back to where they came from. She gave Cedrick a tight hug and Alvera, a wave accompanied with a smile, then let them leave. Cedrick helped Alvera get back to the other side and followed behind her.

The feeling of crossing over was a lot more enjoyable. At least she didn't feel like she was going to drown that time. She was able to hold her breath, and thankfully, the water didn't just spit her out. It raised her up more gently than the last time, letting her land on her feet instead of on her knees. Cedrick smiled at her when he got out of the water.

"I see you're standing this time," he teased.

She rolled her eyes playfully and asked him where they were going next.

"To go see the Angels. Are you ready?"