Valdeis
Follow the main road north beside the river's west bank, through the lower city along the path which slopes upward as the merriment and chaos of town is left behind. Enter Valdeis through the defensive wall circling the entire region and marking the transition into the Aitanaes' proclaimed capital, although the declaration holds little validity or practicality among the people. Valdeis Passage becomes Lower Valdeis after passing through the first set of watched gates and climbs past the wealthy district inhabited by rich merchants, Nobility, and aristocrats with their town villas and larger farming estates due west into Upper Valdeis. Onward to discover the Temple of the Gods, its magnificence reveals countless different places of worship pertaining to the deities, patrolled by armoured guards ensuring the safety of their sacred grounds. Women stand watch over the Goddess Ilmera wielding great labrys with sharp blades, men before her son, Tyneyr bearing long swords with equally keen edges. Priests in flowing robes with coloured cords of identification oversee the proceedings, and studious Initiates divide time between following and receiving instruction with armfuls of books and keen ears, and classes in seminary. Citizens from many backgrounds flock for prayers to their chosen, and askings for blessing, forgiveness or curse.
Journey further north-west and in the distance two tall towers rise, standing side-by-side marking the peak Valdeis. Nepe the spiral of learning, Salk that of secrets, identical in design except the doors of the former remain open and welcoming while the latter is shut at all times. The staircases within the pair are climbed by none other than noble-blooded practitioners of magics and their Allure. Beneath the shade of a large oak, a cluster of new students are gathered with a pile of twigs apiece. Watch as they concentrate one by one, attempting to reach the ball of energy within them and channel it along the arm and from the fingertips. Hoping for a puff of smoke or a spark marking the beginning of their route to success. A shout of glee shatters the absorption of all others as flames consume one pupil's rough pyramid and so, the next generation takes their first steps to greatness. Wander away from the celebration and back toward the river, crossing to the right bank and continuing along the winding road as it weaves upward and onward where an enormous palace looms like a stone fairy-tale, both pointed and crenellated turrets reaching high toward the Divine Realms. Grim-faced royal guards with keen gazes patrol the towering walls and overlook the magnificently detailed gates set firmly into the stone. Through the gilded iron and Aurum design, an expanse of manicured gardens is glimpsed surrounding a front courtyard at whose centre an elaborate fountain bubbles cheerfully. Stained glass windows winking in the light from their hidden niches among the artistically panelled glass.