Submission (#3515) Approved

The winds were mild carrying a faint scent of wet earth and decaying leaves as it ruffled through Jiaolong’s fur. He padded along the uneven cobblestone path gazing around at the golden yellow trees running alongside it. This region had always fascinated him, bringing about more questions than he could get answers for. How did the trees always manage to stay in this state of perpetual autumn without losing all their leaves or rotting on the branches? How were there always shades of red and yellow littering the streets and fluttering in the breeze, yet the trees remained full and colorful? He had been caught lost in his thoughts staring at a tree branch more than once. Maybe if he’d stay and watch it for long enough he’d uncover their secrets…

The voice of his friend far up the path jostled him from his thoughts and he bounded after him. Today was the day they arrived in Il'durahn! They crossed the stone bridge leading into the capital and as suddenly as they passed through the entry gates the air was alive with chatter and commotion. Buildings here were a mix of wood and stone with tall colored roofs that blended seamlessly into the scenery. They were packed tightly along narrow winding roads that seemed to disappear among the cramped buildings. His eyes flitted around distractedly, looking at as many storefronts, decorative flags, and local elnin’s attire as he could take in. There seemed to be more scholars with cloaks and book bags walking the streets than anything else. He would have felt out of place if not for his caretaker being a noble scholar herself.

They had arrived at the inn where they’d be staying for the next few weeks while his caretaker worked on her research project. The inside of the building felt warm and welcoming, if not a bit stuffy. He couldn’t wait to go back out and see if he could uncover some of the mysteries of this place. But for now, after the long journey and rubbing his sore pads, he was ready to accept what his elders had always told him; That was just the magic of Bellmoril.