Dragons & Demons & Wizards, oh my!

Nero

The Fairy Tail wizards followed the knights to the large gates of the obsidian wall, periodically throwing confused glances to Happy who was trying to disappear in the back of the group with his fish. Commander Tel'ai dismounted from her horse and issued commands to the surrounding knights who immediately began taking guard positions along the wall in perfect synchronization.

"Follow me this way, and stay close. My knights may no longer be around but they're still watching, we'll know if one of you strays from the pack" Tel'ai said threateningly. The sun was just beginning to set as the enormous obsidian gates opened for Fairy Tail and they were astounded by the ominous and overwhelming presence of the Draconian castle. Up close you could truly appreciate its illustrious grandeur.

In stark contrast to the castle's foreboding atmosphere was the bountiful and exquisitely maintained garden that surrounded it. Acres upon acres of blooming flowers of all shapes and colors could be seen, and as the sun began to fade the garden soon became illuminated by dazzling fireflies and strange bioluminesce. The garden consisted of plants completely new and foreign to the visiting wizards.

Tel'ai noticed the wizards wandering eyes, "It is known as the Garden of Stars" she said with a smile. "The garden is arranged in such a way to mimic a starry night sky, if you walk the many stone paths in the night you should feel as if you're drifting through space, becoming one with the heavenly bodies above."

"It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen!" Wendy exclaimed with joy. Erza and the rest of her compatriots couldn't agree more.

"Yes, it is said our Empress came here from a falling star and this garden commemorates that journey " Tel'ai said proudly. A small chuckle could be faintly heard in the back of the group as Happy tried to stifle his life and keep himself from rolling his eyes. Please, that Empress of yours wouldn't know the first thing about gardening, she screams when she sees a bug. Happy hilariously thought to himself.

As the group passed the garden they finally came before the entrance of the castle. A large stone staircase ascended up towards the main entryway. The doors of the castle were painted bright red, in a similar style to the two dragon heads on the outer wall. Each side of the double door was oddly shaped. They were curved in such a way to resemble two dragon wings laid upon one another. The stonework showing every intricate detail of the wing's anatomy.

Just who would live in a place like this? The group thought as the winged doors began to slowly push outward. Emerging from the interior of the castle was an incredibly tall man. His eyes were a piercing green color, dark lines surrounding them as if he wore some type of make-up. A well kept beard adorned his face. His features were elegant and refined. He moved as if his feet were too good to touch the stone floor. He wore an exquisite green and gold kimono that descended all the way to the floor and trailed behind him. His silky long emerald colored hair covered by a tall black pointed cap. The man bowed graciously before the wizards who looked at one another hoping one of their comrades would know what to do next.

"Chancellor Nero, I did not expect you would be the one to greet me at the gates" Tel'ai said with sincere shock.

"If that's true then you do understand the esteemed company you are escorting" Nero smiled at the young knight. "Greeting Fairy Tail wizards, and welcome to the Amalgest* Castle, you are our honored guests." Nero finished with another deep bow before the bewildered mages.

A moment past in silence. Then another until Laxus elbowed his grandfather's side to wake him from his dazed state.

"Uh...well...um thank you...your grace?...And your home is truly a wonder" Makarov improvised, trying to sound as formal as possible. Suddenly he felt he was back in E.R.A dealing with the Magic Council.