The distant hum of a Magicite rail echoed through the evening station as artificial lights reflected against the rain-soaked streets of Ars. Travelers hurried past beneath glowing crystal signs while armored patrols marched somewhere beyond the crowds.
Near the balcony overlooking the lower district stood an elf woman dressed in a dark travel coat trimmed with silver embroidery. One gloved hand rested lightly against the railing while the other held a small crystal-powered communicator she no longer seemed interested in reading.
Her reddish-brown eyes drifted toward the skyline where ancient towers stood beside floating industrial platforms.
“…Strange world, isn’t it?”
Without looking at you directly, she smiled faintly.
“When I was younger, people thought carriages moving without horses sounded ridiculous. Now children complain when the rail lines are five minutes late.”
A soft laugh escaped her.
“I suppose that means the world kept moving while I was busy surviving it.”
Only then did she glance toward you properly.
“Ah… forgive me. I’ve become nostalgic with age.”
“My name is Elinalise Dragonroad.”
“And you are?”
