Axis Betelgeuse was a bright gem on the sea. Lanterns that burned on pure magic floated along the walkways of the city, illuminating everything in an orangish glow. Passersby were warmed by the lanterns as winds whirled in off the ocean. If it weren't for the smell of salt on those winds, Vera would have thought she stood on land. The walkways beneath her feet were solid and steady with no hint of waves moving beneath them. There were no towers, no stone spires, but somehow Axis Betelgeuse was enormous under the stars. Not since Vera was a little girl standing under the Arches of Inalen had she felt such awe. The architecture of the city was ornate and smooth, as if the Sun Elves invited a Dwarven artist to apply his work to pine instead of granite. Vera ran her fingers along one of the wooden pillars outlining the door to Naevain Auvraeshel's apartments. She came here at the Lady's behest, having received a note from Naevain that she had an item of particular interest at her home. Vera assumed the elf was referring to the paintings that Vera wanted to obtain while in the city. Only now, having seen parts of Axis Betelgeuse, she was unsure any canvas or letter could capture the craftsmanship and pure miracle it took to run such a city. If only Eragos could have seen this himself.

Vera frowned and placed her hand over where her locket rested beneath her uniform. Faxril had permitted neither her nor Naevain to go to Nimudrim's workshop with him. He wanted his proposal to be as genuine as it could be, which meant that he relied on his own voice first and foremost. Vera had never seen her brother so determined to be diplomatic and humble. Weapons and military personnel on The Archer caused a stir in Axis Betelgeuse and Faxril sought to appease the population, as well as the government that Naevain had acted against. The treasures he’d stripped from the brigantine were given to the city as a gesture of goodwill. If only he hadn’t been motivated by vengeance, Vera might have admired Faxril.

( If only. )