Divinia | Various! OCs x Reader

[9]: The Fourth Nation

After checking in at Trinae's gates, [Name] and the gang were allowed through once they showed a letter of approval for travel from their father, Lord Ariti.

Amongst the four nations, Trinae is well-known for their overall leniency. This includes their check-in policy for any tourists or travelers. However, the tense look on the guards faces was apparent as they analyzed their appearances and paperwork. It seems as even Trinae was being extra careful during this time, most likely on edge for any spies from Ceir.

But once they successfully got past the gate, it was as if the inside was a whole other world. Immediately, the scent of exotic spices made their way to [Name]'s nose, which they quickly perked up at. There were dozens of street vendors and shops as the four of them walked around, eyes sparkling at the sight that Trinae had to offer. The sound of laid-back laughing and jovial chatter tickled their ears, and so did the breeze that trailed behind them. Friendly eyes and wide smiles greeted the party everywhere they looked, kids played tag an chased after each other. One of them almost fell but Forrest quickly grabbed their arm.

"Be careful!" He smiled at the boy, who gave him a sheepish smile with red cheeks. Then he immediately sprinted off again in pursuit of his friend. Myles gave Forrest an amused look as they walked further into the city, taking in the scenery. Along the way, people yelled out tempting sales and offers, trying to attract the attention of any potential customers.

"Five persimmons for five copper!" a woman with bronze-colored skin and long, dark curls called out, holding up a persimmon.

"Experience what the cards have planned out for you, and get a peek into your destiny!" An old hag sat on the floor shouted, shuffling a deck of tarot cards back and forth. Her frizzy hair pointed out in all directions and she was missing teeth in a few spots.

"The sound of music cannot be tuned out, so why not purchase an instrument here, at Kantel's Finest Pieces!" Bongos were strapped around the man's waist as he delightfully played them, creating a playful beat for the travelers that walked past him.

"Oi! Pretty lady with the pink dress!" a youngster called out, squatting on the floor. A bandana was wrapped around his head, pulling his blond hair back. Vika pointed to herself, as if asking "me?", and he nodded. "Here, it's the juiciest one I have!" He handed her a sweet-looking peach.

"Oh! Thank you," Vika started to rummage around in her satchel. "How much is it?"

He winked, "It's on the house, lady. Seeing your beauty was already enough of a payment for me~"

She stared at him with wide sky-filled eyes. "Umm, is that so? Thank you very much then, sir."

Once they were far enough, Vika let out a soft sigh.

"Is something wrong?" Myles asked, sending her a glance. She gave him a smile back.

"It's nothing. I... just feel a bit guilty for taking this without paying."

He stayed silent for a moment before shrugging. "You shouldn't. If you think of it as him flirting with you, do you still feel bad?"

Vika paused, then she laughed, a sweet and melodious sound coming out.

"I... No, pfft, I suppose I don't!"

Meanwhile, [Name] had stayed silent besides her the entire time. But what the gang didn't know was that their breath had been hitched in their throat since the start. They were completely and fully mesmerized by the view in front of them.

Whenever they read Divinia, it was as if the pages would come to life in their mind. Envisioning each scenery and nation always came easy for them thanks the detailed descriptions provided in the books. When Forrest arrived at Trinae for the first time, [Name] remembered the way their eyes sparkled while taking in each and every single word. It was as if they could feel Forrest's excitement themselves.