Robin's Blood

Page 16, Ch. IV

Once in the clear on the other side of the boggy outer reaches of the lagoon, the guards left Robin and Faye's side, gave a quick salute, and swam quickly back towards the lagoon. "Well, that was... different." Faye huffed as she trudged out of the mud and onto solid land, followed by Robin. "Yeah.. do you think that prophecy is true?" Robin asked as she turned to Faye. "Im not sure.." Faye responded as she shivered, "I-Is it just me, or d-did it ge-get freezing sud-suddenly" as she wrapped her arms around herself. Robin did the same "Yeah... it is," she shivered as well. As they stood, snow fell around them. "This is weird...." Robin said as she looked around. In the distance, a huddle of mountains covered in snow and smoke rose from behind the rocky hills that Robin and Faye stood behind. "A fire!" Robin and Faye cried out simultaneously as they hurried toward the smoke. Once they reached the top, they could see where the smoke was coming from. In front of them was a vast mechanic city with buildings that rose 30 stories, smoke, and steam streamings from pipelines covering the outside of every building, filling the air with smog. Fairies swarmed the streets, and 1920s-style motor vehicles chugged along the roads. A symphony of honking and talking flew through the streets while a man carrying a wick on a pole walked down the sidewalk, lighting candles in each streetlight.

Faye and Robin strolled down the other side of the hill and into the city, mesmerized by the hustle and bustle. They looked around in amazement at the cars and clothing being worn. Suits with oversized heavy jackets and tall black top hats were worn by older men, while young men and boys wore pants with a belt, a button-up shirt, and either a vest or suspenders. Huddles of women strolled along the streets together wearing different colored flapper dresses and a flouncy jacket or feathered boa used as a scarf. The wealthier-looking women tended to walk with their husbands or children and wore pearl necklaces and cloche hats, which matched their dresses. All the clothing had holes in the back, allowing the wings of all the fairies to sit outside of the clothing. Everything with a steampunk fashion and feels, matching the surrounding cityscape.

Along with the fairies, other types of creatures roamed through the city streets, not all dressed in the same attire as the fairies, but all wearing coats. As Robin looked around, observing all the creatures, she realized that Faye and herself were the only two ill-prepared people; needing jackets. "We should find a store somewhere and get some warmer clothes," Robin told Faye. Both girls glanced around as they walked until Faye noticed a promising-looking clothing store. "Over there!" she called to Robin, grabbed her arm, and dragged her toward the store. The storefront was marble with a large carved stone arch around classic oak french doors with glass interiors and twirled metal work. The stone arch had two angels carved into the corners gesturing down towards the doorway. "This looks way too fancy. How much money do you have?" Robin asked as she twisted her head back and forth from the storefront to Faye. "Enough," Faye said confidently as she pulled Robin into the store.