plotted starter for @royalcaretaker
In all of his traveling between realms, Asra had never come across a place like this before.
Normally there were at least some similarities from realm to realm, whether it be something as overt as the design of the buildings or as subtle as the green color of the grass. As soon as he stepped through the portal to this new realm, though, not a single familiar sight greeted him. The ground on which he stood was barren and cracked, the burnt orange surface gouged with age-old scars. To one side a range of razor-sharp mountains jutted from the earth like the teeth of a great beast; to the other side a massive building loomed above the barren landscape, its appearance unlike any Asra had seen. Even the color of the sky was different here, rich purples and plums a blotched backdrop to the distant stars.
It was fascinating. With all the curious fervor of the Arcana to which he shared a connection, Asra started towards the structure in the distance, diverting from the straight-and-narrow path to investigate the endless sights that caught his eye. By the time he neared the structure he was bursting with questions, but when he tried to stop a group of passing people to learn more about this new world, his bubble of delighted curiosity was swiftly popped.
They didn’t seem to care about his lack of hostility. In moments he found himself surrounded by a cage of wicked spears and harshly shouted words that he couldn’t understand. Trying to reason with them proved fruitless, but even so, Asra was far too curious about this place to leave so soon.
And so he submitted, hoping that if they took him to whoever was in charge he could at least get some answers—about the place itself and why one of the guards kissed him as soon as he gave into their custody. It seemed the realm’s residents were as unorthodox as the place in which they lived.
Even while he was being led and spear-point, Asra ate up the view of this new world. It was obvious when they entered the building that it was a castle of some kind, judging from the ornateness of every surface compared to the castle in Vesuvia. Eventually he was led into what looked like a throne room, and instantly he met the eyes of the imposing figure standing at the dais.
The guards brought him forward to stand in front of the man, and Asra nearly fell over from how far he had to look up at him. Most people would have been afraid, but even as a prisoner Asra was too excited to be frightened.
“I have to say, this is quite a welcoming committee.” His head tilted just so, letting out a light laugh at his own expense. “I haven’t been to many places where the guards kiss their captives.”
