The Dreaming Land

Chapter 27: Moon Glass

The Molten Plateau separated the Dreaming Mountains from the Shattered Dunes, the dark grey stone ridges rising up against the drifting sands on the western edge of the desert. The further the group travelled into the Scarred Lands, the more dangerous a place it became. Atop the plateau, pools of bubbling magma rose to the surface, with rivers of lava cutting through the land.

This place, and the mountains overlooking them, had been formed by Tephim's fall. The damage would have been much worse to the planet had the moon not caged itself in the dreaming land several hundred years ago. The air above was smoggy and grey like the barren, rocky land bellow it. Only one city dared to stand here in a land where nothing grew; Volkanholm.

Built on the edge of a lake of lava, the city was made completely out of metal. It used the magma for energy, syphoning its heat. The city reeked of iron and steel works, a smell they group just couldn't imagine getting used to. Even the walkways were plated with iron, clanking underfoot. In the distance, the distinct sounds of factory work echoed off the tall, metal buildings.

Here, they saw many things the rest of the world didn't have. Gas lamps illuminated the smoggy streets with their soft glow, steady glow. Mechanical doors and moving signs grabbed their attention as they passed different kinds of stores, enticing them to come in and spend what little money they had left. Greenhouses built on rooftops, defined by their glass walls and ceilings, where anyone could grow their own food in this desolate place. It was as if they'd somehow stepped into the future.

Even the inn was highly technical. The front door slid open as they stepped up to, triggered by a pressure plate under their feet. Behind the bar, gas lamps illuminated painted glass signs from behind, advertising various brews of beer. The room they got was amazing, too. Unlike the typical two or three story buildings they usually stayed in, this one was almost its own tower in comparison. Their room overlooked the city from high up through a window made of thick, difficult to break glass.

"This is such an amazing place." Misha gaped, staring out the window, "Just look at that view!"

"I saw a sign for a bathhouse a little ways down the road," Imara said, setting her pack down, "care to join me Misha?"

"Oh yes please." She said excitedly, setting her things down as well.

"In that case I'll go get some shopping done," Orius said, "we're leaving tomorrow. No excuses."

"I'm going to go see the magicians outlet here," Quintir said, counting out his coins, "they say that this place is a haven for ingenuity. I must see if their mages share in this."

"Sounds good." Orius said.

"Uh oh..." Imara said, the group turning to look at her.

"What's wrong?" Misha asked.

"My necklace, it's..." She panicked for a moment, but then froze, "I left it in the ruins, by the pool side when Ryoku captured me."

"The one your mother gave you?" Quintir asked.

"Yes, that one." She frowned, "I can't believe I just left it there."

"This may sound odd," Quintir asked, "but do you recall what kind of gemstone it was? Amethyst or quarts perhaps?"

"I'm not sure," She shrugged, "i just know that it would sparkle in the sunlight whenever I went swimming with it on back home. I never take it off, except for that one time... go figure, I guess."

"We could try to find a new one?" Misha suggested.

"No, it wont be the same..." She shook her head, "That one was special, I got it from my mother on my first mission. She said it would bring me good luck, and it has. On that mission I cut my first arrow from out of the air, saving the life of another clan member. I've never taken it off since."