Newcomer Welcome; The Dusk

“So this is the big city? I like it! I have only stayed briefly in big cities on assignments with my family.”

In the light of the Blue Moon that hung overhead the Dusk, two enormous, gorgeous dragon wings could be seen extended out from a petite frame wearing a long, puffing dress. Her eyes pierced brightly from beyond her silhouette, gazing down with a red intensity like that of a laser -- sharp and keen.

She lowered, yet only gently, by letting her wings level themselves about her waist, folding over around the frame of her dress and becoming like her dress, itself. Floating down from the sky was none other than the one spoken of by Khrona -- hair a luscious blonde, curled to twin pigtails on either side like drills and hands gloved with a spider-like silk. Her garments underneath her dragon wings seemed lacy and spider-like, relatively gothic lolita with a mix of steampunk. Twas Queen Archdeath, herself -- known formally as Chroma, Tabitha or Shinritha, in this form -- that graced the presence of the newcomer with her own.

"Good Evening," Queen Archdeath spake with a very monotonous, yet high-pitched tone; something shrill like a bat yet dull like a machine. "I Know My Father Has Already Introduced Me," she continued to say as she finally lowered completely to the ground, resting herself softly upon the crystalline street, "Yet, I Require A Formal Introduction Of You." Queen Archdeath smiled, her pale face seeming warm and inviting despite how terrifying her demeanor may have been upon her arrival (much like her father in his younger days).

"What Is Your Name And What Do You Seek Of My Land, The Dusk?"

“My name is Illmani Zoldyck. Raised an assassin, chose to learn to heal others. I brought here on Khrona’s recommendations.”

Queen Archdeath smiled, then bowed humbly to Illmani. "Welcome To The Dusk," she would say somewhat emotionlessly. "Feel Free To Make Yourself At Home." Queen Archdeath turned, her hips swaying as she moved; yet before she awayed herself, she paused and looked back over her shoulder, inquiring of the newcomer, "Is There Anything You Need Of Me, Or Shall I Leave You Alone To The Veritas And The Dusk Citizens?"

The rather busy city was filled with activity from the Dusk Citizens. To each, they did as they pleased. Some would be found meandering in the park or the streets whilst others asked the Servicemen for directions or other general assistance. They seemed to lead their natural pleasant lives in the city, going to work and engaging in mundane sorts of entertainment. There was much to do and see in the Crystal City of the Dusk, and the people that lived her were far too wrapped up in their business to notice each other...

However, this did not serve so for the Queen.

When Queen Archdeath was made apparent to the Dusk Citizens, they not only all knew who she was, they paid their respects to her by either bowing or expressing some form of reverence from a distance, as not to interrupt her.

They did, however, notice that the Queen, herself, was speaking with someone who was unfamiliar. Most of the Dusk Citizens knew who was part of the city and who was not, as they each had characteristics of the city that seemed to teem from their very beings. In fact, most of them were the Dusk Villagers that resided in the Dusk Village before it was frozen in time and changed into a city at all. They were quite intrigued by the strange face and became curious about this supposed tourist and her affiliation to the Queen... But none dared go out of their place.

The Dusk Citizens continued on their way, only passing glances and reverence, as not to cause traffic jams in the streets and get the Servicemen riled up.

Life went on.

"It is very nice to meet you. I hope you do not mind me living and running a business in your city" Illmani says as she notices the villagers and waves and gives a friendly smile.

Queen Archdeath smiled, saying to the woman, "Do As You Wish. I Would Enjoy Seeing What Sort Of Commerce You Can Bring To This City." Though the city did not grow nor shrink because of it being frozen in crystal, there were artificial means of causing it to expand -- mostly using the Mechanica, if not solely. "If You Need Assistance With Anything, Please Ask One Of The Servicemen Who Are Located All Around The Dusk. They Are Mechanica Built Especially For The Task Of Assistance, And Are Something Like Police Officers." Queen Archdeath expanded her wings again, creating a powerful gust as she did so. "Otherwise, You May Ask One Of The Dusk Citizens For Assistance, Though Most Of Them Are Too Busy To Really Do Anything Outside Of Their Routine Work Schedule." Queen Archdeath looked down solemnly, wondering why they enjoyed that type of lifestyle. Without it, they would surely become idle and resort to obnoxious or even dangerous behavior, but she pitied them that they had to be occupied at all times in order to prevent that. She truly did hate how their minds worked.

"Anywho," Queen Archdeath interjected, flapping her wings a bit to get herself lifted off, "I Will Be Returning To My Manor, Which Is Located On A Floating Island Hovering Above The Dusk. You Can Get There By Following The Crystal Bridges That Lead Out Of Town. Those Crystal Bridges Are The Only Way To Travel On Foot, So Unless You Have Means Of Flight Or Teleportation, You Will Be Needing To Cross The Crystal Bridges To Get To Other Locations In The Veritas." That was all that the Queen had to say to Illmani, other than, "It Was A Pleasure To Meet You," and, "I Will Be Off Now."

"Adieu." With that, Queen Archdeath took off with a powerful flap of her wings, shooting herself up high into the air and into the light of the Blue Moon, where a floating island would suddenly swoop in under her and seem to catch her before swerving around and returning to its place in the sky where it was previously.

“Thank you so much” Illmani says turning to Khrona. “I feel at home here.”

After seeing the Queen leave and give her regards to the newcomer, some of the Dusk Citizens were feeling generous about assisting her, and one of them shouted to her, "Hey! New girl! You can ask a Serviceman or some other Mechanica for some help around the Dusk if you're lost or trying to accomplish something!" The nice guy gave her a thumbs up and continued on his way.

There were other Dusk Citizens that were somewhat envious of the fact that this newcomer got such special treatment from the queen, and they let it fester within them as they continued to watch... eventually revolving their normally scheduled day around her, now.

"Thank you so much Khrona. It seems you are alone a lot. I will be glad to serve you as your assistant."

"What lies ahead of the true form is one of simplicity and not one of regret."

His voice echoed through the aisle of the city. He set a presence of pure power. Of light. His energy could be felt by all in the city. Their once proud warrior had returned. He came in a beam of light that touched down right before the mighty tree. He placed his hand upon its marvelous bark.

He had longed for this moment since he left the planet in search of his parents. Lin had finally returned from his mission abroad. He was ready for the next trial ahead.

"My dear friend... how have you been?"