Shadow Bands

II. Prominence

 Golden leaves fell onto the ground of the courtyard in the Garden, a place of peace that resided in the Second Ring of the kingdom Kogeer. The Garden looked like an arena and acted as a courtyard or place of meditation for politicians and senate members alike for it was at the center of the Grand Senate building. Green grass and tall trees gave homes to tiny creatures, cushion and shade for those who want to take refuge from their duties.

The afternoon sun began to make way for the night and the daggering wind of Autumn has made an appearance this time.

"Aeris," a distant woman's voice called. "It's getting dark, sweetie! You know how cold it gets when this time comes around."

A couple of giggles came from the bushes.

"Shhh," one voice said. A peaceful silence fell over them. "They're almost out." The winds were blocked by the brushes and the trees, rustling their leaves giving a slight breeze for those who took shelter among them.

"Girls, you're going to catch a cold." The lady said, walking around the corner. Her gray dress flowed down to the floor. Her hair was put up into an ornate headdress that matched her golden hair.

"Hold on, mother. Lyra and I want to see the stars."

"The stars can be viewed in our backyard or anywhere else, Aeris. What makes the Garden so different?"

"The serenity, no light pollution. That kind of sort."

"Serenity?" The mother began to laugh. "You're talking serenity when Lyra is around."

One of the girls shot up from where they lay. Her red hair swayed in the wind and her eyebrows furrowed above her green eyes.

"Senator Veil, what is that supposed to mean?" She said with a smirk on her face.

"It seems like you know what I'm talking about, need I ask your mother how many windows she had to repair since you've been tinkering?" She gestured for Aeris to come to her side. Before the afternoon sun disappeared beyond the Montenyu mountain range, Lyra could see Aeris' golden hair fall down to the middle of her back. Her white dress was less official than her mother's but still formal with the gold linings. "Come now. The senate has gathered and this one I cannot miss. You still have much to learn, Aeris." Senator Veil turned to Lyra as she began to dust herself off. "You should get home. Aeris will most likely be there tomorrow, knowing her." She giggled to herself.

Lyra watched as they walked away into the senate building. She began to scale the large building with her eyes. The doors looked like they were made for giants. Thanks to her discovery of electricity, the Kingdom of Kogeer had a sufficient and brighter light source than that of fire. Lights shined up the towering building and its windows were illuminated from the inside. She couldn't help but smile with her work.

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Aeris stayed one pace away from her mother at an angle, able to see past but still behind her. Many people walked these halls. All sorts of life, even those from the Underworld. They would bow their heads towards each other as they passed. Guards that wore polished gray armor stood posted alongside the outer walls and the occasional doors on the other side, holding their swords in front of them, resting the tip of their scabbards on the ground and one of their hands rested on the other on top of the pommel bringing it forward as if it was part of their uniform.

Pillars erected on the outer walls between windows, arching their way to the other side where they ended. It reminded Aeris of a rib cage but with a white interior. A purple carpet expanded as far as the endless corridor and lights lined the corners of the ceiling.