The first light of dawn filtered through the high, narrow window of Junna's chamber, casting soft rays of gold across the stone walls. She stirred from her bed, the disciplined rhythm of her morning routine already set in motion. Rising from the linens, she took a deep breath, her mind clear and focused, ready for the duties that lay ahead. Today was a day of importance, for the Core Seven would gather once again in council. After donning her armor, polished to its usual brilliance, and strapping her sword at her side, Junna stepped out into the cool morning air. The Defender's Ring was already awake, soldiers and workers moving about, preparing for their duties. Junna passed them without a word, her thoughts already on the journey ahead, toward the Sanctuary, the heart of Corintopia, where the Core Seven would convene.
Her steps carried her beyond the Defender's Ring, toward the second district of the city, the Ring of Service, overseen by Cusi, the Cleric. This district was a stark contrast to the militaristic precision of the Defender's Ring. Here, the focus was on healing and care, both for the people and the creatures that sustained the city's needs. As Junna walked through the streets, she observed the staging grounds, large, open spaces used by the Core Seven's forces for planning and assembling campaigns. The fields were eerily empty now, their usual activity halted due to the impending council meeting. Normally, these grounds would be teeming with soldiers, commanders, and couriers preparing for battle or missions across the wastelands. But today, the banners of the Core Seven hung still, untouched by the wind. The Ring of Service housed more than just staging grounds. Lining the streets were buildings dedicated to the care and well-being of the people, hospitals, apothecaries, and warehouses stocked with supplies for both soldiers and civilians. Junna passed a bustling apothecary, its staff preparing remedies and salves for the city's inhabitants. Nearby, a hospital stood, its doors open to those in need of healing, while orderly lines of citizens waited for their turn to be seen. The second ring was not just a place of healing for people, however. Beyond the hospitals, vast pens held domesticated creatures, many of them mutated by the harsh conditions of the outside world. These animals, used for transportation and as a source of food, were carefully bred and cared for under the watchful eye of Cusi's clerics. Junna spotted several of the creatures, hulking beasts with armored hides, bred for endurance in the wastelands. Though they were far from the creatures of the old world, they were now essential to Corintopia's survival.
As she walked, her gaze drifted toward a large building at the far end of the district, Cusi's Lodge. The structure was grand, built from the same white stone that defined the city, but its design was softer, with arched windows and domed roofs that gave it an air of tranquility. This was where the Core Seven met to discuss their larger campaigns, planning the strategies that would shape the future of the New Renaissance. From a distance, Junna could see the staff moving in and out of the Lodge, preparing for the upcoming meeting. Cusi, ever the diligent cleric, ensured that everything was ready for the Core Seven's gathering. His wisdom and care for the people were unmatched, and under his watch, the Ring of Service thrived.
As she continued her journey toward the inner walls of Corintopia, Junna allowed herself a brief moment to reflect. Each of the Core Seven had their role to play in the preservation of humanity, and Cusi's was perhaps one of the most vital. His oversight of the city's health, both physical and spiritual, ensured that Corintopia remained strong, even in the face of the harsh realities of the outside world. But there was no time for contemplation. The Sanctuary awaited, and with it, the decisions that would shape the course of the days to come.
Junna's journey brought her to the gates of the Third Ring, known as the Ring of Commerce, under the supervision of Kira, the ranger. This district, unlike the Defender's Ring and the Ring of Service, was alive with activity. The sounds of trade and conversation filled the air as merchants called out their wares, and citizens moved between the stalls, haggling for goods and services. The streets were lined with vendor stalls, auction houses, and workshops of every kind, tailors, blacksmiths, jewelers, all bustling with life and business.
The architecture here was different as well, inspired by the Renaissance, with cobbled streets and brightly colored banners hanging from the stalls. The buildings were a mixture of stone and wood, their windows open to the streets, displaying finely crafted goods. The air was rich with the scent of spices, baked bread, and the occasional waft of incense from a nearby apothecary. It was a place of trade and exchange, where the lifeblood of Corintopia flowed.
As Junna passed through the gates, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure standing near one of the vendor stalls. Kira, the ranger and overseer of the Ring of Commerce, stood with her back to the crowd, examining the goods laid out before her. Clad in light armor and a long cloak, Kira's presence exuded a quiet strength. Her sharp eyes were fixed on a collection of fine leathers, her fingers running across the surface as she spoke with the vendor. Junna approached her, her footsteps quiet despite her heavy armor. "Kira," she called out, her voice carrying over the hum of the market.
Kira glanced up, her expression softening as she saw the paladin. "Junna," she greeted, her voice light but firm. She turned away from the vendor and stepped toward her, a hint of a smile playing at her lips. "I didn't expect to see you here so early." "I'm on my way to the Sanctuary for the council meeting," Junna replied, nodding toward the path ahead. "I thought I'd pass through the Ring of Commerce on my way." Kira gave a small laugh, glancing back at the bustling market behind her. "It's as lively as ever. Trade has been strong, despite everything."
Junna nodded, her eyes drifting over the crowd. "It's good to see the city thriving. How are things here?" Kira shrugged slightly, her gaze following Junna's as they began walking side by side through the crowded streets. "Busy, as always. The merchants have been complaining about the increased taxes, but they're still making profits. And the auctions have been drawing in a lot of attention, especially with the recent influx of rare goods from the outer settlements."
"Rare goods?" Junna asked, raising an eyebrow.
Kira nodded. "Yes. Some of the traders from beyond the city walls have been bringing in artifacts and materials we haven't seen in years. It's been driving up prices, and the auctions have become quite competitive. I've had to step in a few times to keep the peace." Junna smiled slightly. "I'm sure your presence alone is enough to keep them in line." Kira chuckled. "Sometimes. But other times, it takes a bit more... persuasion." They walked in silence for a moment, weaving through the throngs of people as they moved from one stall to the next. The sound of bartering and the clink of coins filled the air, a testament to the prosperity of the Ring of Commerce. Junna could see that Kira's district was flourishing, a place where the economy of Corintopia thrived, feeding the lifeblood of the city.
"And how is the Defender's Ring?" Kira asked, glancing over at Junna. "Still keeping the peace on the front lines?" "As always," Junna replied. "Though we've had some... complications recently. A few individuals have been stirring trouble in the outer settlements. Nothing we can't handle, of course, but it's something to keep an eye on." Kira nodded thoughtfully. "The outer settlements have always been volatile. The more we expand, the more difficult it is to keep everything under control. I'm sure the council will have plenty to say about that today." "I expect they will," Junna agreed. "But we'll manage. The Core Seven always does."
Kira smiled at that, her eyes glinting with confidence. "Of course we do." As they continued walking, the path ahead began to curve, leading them toward the inner gates that separated the Ring of Commerce from the next district. Junna knew that soon they would reach the Sanctuary, where the Core Seven would gather to discuss the future of Corintopia. But for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace, walking beside Kira as they made their way through the heart of the city.
As Junna and Kira continued their journey, they left behind the bustling Ring of Commerce and entered the largest district in Corintopia, the Ring of Sanctuary, the residential heart of the city. Here, the energy of the market was replaced by the hum of daily life. Stone-paved streets wound through rows of inns, taverns, and houses, their architecture sturdy yet inviting. It was a place of rest, a haven for the citizens of Corintopia and for travelers seeking shelter from the harsh world beyond the city walls. "This is Cormac's domain," Kira remarked as they passed a busy tavern, its doors open to reveal a group of travelers sharing a meal inside. "The people here rely on his guidance as much as they do on the Core Seven's protection."
Junna glanced around, taking in the sight of families and individuals moving through the streets, their faces calm, even content, a stark contrast to the tension she was used to seeing on the front lines. The Ring of Sanctuary was the beating heart of Corintopia, where the city's permanent citizens lived alongside visiting merchants, traders, and wanderers. Here, they found respite in the many inns and taverns that lined the streets, while the houses offered a permanent refuge for those who had chosen to settle within the safety of the city. "The citizens here seem well cared for," Junna observed. "Cormac's oversight has served them well."
Kira nodded. "He's always been good at balancing the needs of the people. It's not an easy task, managing both the spiritual and practical concerns of a district this size." As they walked deeper into the district, the large Temple Lodge came into view. It was an impressive structure, its tall, sweeping arches and intricate stonework a testament to the monk's leadership. This was where Cormac, the embodiment of Temperance, tended to his duties, counseling citizens, overseeing the spiritual well-being of the district, and ensuring that balance was maintained in all aspects of life here. From the main road, Junna and Kira spotted Cormac standing near the entrance of the Lodge, engaged in conversation with two of his staff. The monk, clad in simple robes despite his high station, exuded calm and authority. His movements were slow and measured, a reflection of his disciplined nature. Even from this distance, there was a sense of order and tranquility surrounding him, as though the very air around the Temple Lodge was infused with peace. "He's always in control," Kira said, her tone appreciative. "No matter what happens in the city, Cormac remains unshaken."
Junna nodded in agreement but said nothing. Cormac's role was vital to Corintopia, but her mind was already focused on the next leg of their journey. There was still much ground to cover before they reached the Sanctuary, and time was growing short. The two women continued walking, their conversation drifting back to the state of the city and the upcoming council meeting. The sun climbed higher in the sky as they moved through the district, passing rows of houses and inns, each one filled with the quiet rhythm of daily life. The streets grew quieter as the day stretched on, and by the time the evening began to settle in, they had nearly reached the far side of the district.
"We won't reach the gate until morning," Kira remarked, glancing at the lengthening shadows. "We should stop for the night." Junna agreed, her eyes scanning the nearby buildings. They were close to one of the few places in the district reserved exclusively for the Core Seven. The Silver Branch Tavern, a quiet, unassuming establishment nestled between two larger inns. The sign above the door was discreet, but those who knew of its existence understood that it catered to only the highest members of Corintopia's leadership. "We'll rest here," Junna said, her tone final. They stepped inside the Silver Branch, where the atmosphere was far more subdued than the lively taverns they had passed earlier. The interior was tastefully furnished with dark wood and soft lighting, creating a sense of privacy and calm. A few of the staff greeted them respectfully, knowing their status without a word needing to be spoken.
After ordering dinner, Junna and Kira were led to a private parlor room at the back of the tavern, away from prying eyes and ears. The room was small but comfortable, with plush chairs and a low table set for their meal. The faint scent of roasted meat and fresh bread wafted in from the adjoining kitchen, promising a simple yet satisfying feast. As they sat down to eat, the weight of the day's journey began to lift, and the conversation between them grew more relaxed. They spoke of their duties, the state of Corintopia, and the preparations for the upcoming council meeting. The meal passed in quiet companionship, the bond between them as strong as ever.
"I wonder what Cormac's take on the current situation will be," Kira mused, breaking the silence as she set down her cup. "He always has a way of seeing things from an angle the rest of us overlook." Junna nodded, though her thoughts were already on the larger picture. The Core Seven would soon gather to discuss matters that would shape the future of the New Renaissance, and she knew that each member would bring their own perspective to the table. Tomorrow, the path would lead them to the Sanctuary, and with it, the decisions that would define the fate of Corintopia and the world beyond.
Junna and Kira sat in the quiet of the parlor, the soft murmur of the tavern beyond barely reaching their ears. The meal had been finished, and the two women were enjoying the brief respite before tomorrow's council meeting. But the peace didn't last. The door to the parlor opened, and Sira stepped inside, her expression serious. Her swift and purposeful movements immediately caught Junna's attention. Something had happened.
"Paladin," Sira began, giving a respectful nod before turning her gaze to Kira. "Ranger. I have an urgent message." Junna set her cup down, her sharp eyes focused on Sira. "What is it?" Sira stepped forward, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "We've found Delson Snow's hideout. A team was sent to investigate, and they managed to breach his defenses... but it came at a cost."
Junna's brow furrowed. "What cost?"
"Six soldiers were killed in the process," Sira replied grimly. "Delson had set traps around the perimeter of his hideout, carefully laid, difficult to detect. By the time our team managed to get through, they had already lost several men." Junna's jaw tightened, her mind racing as she processed the information. Delson Snow was no ordinary fugitive, he was cunning and resourceful, and his actions had now cost the lives of loyal soldiers. But Sira wasn't finished. "When they finally reached him," Sira continued, "they found Delson lying unconscious. There were no signs of a struggle or any external injuries. We're not sure what caused his condition, but he's alive."
Kira leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And where is he now?" "The team is transporting him to the Sanctuary," Sira answered. "He should arrive by tomorrow afternoon." The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the news hanging in the air. Junna's thoughts churned as she considered the implications of this unexpected turn of events. Delson Snow had finally been found, but at a heavy cost. And now, he was being brought directly to the heart of Corintopia, to the Sanctuary, where the Core Seven would convene. Sira bowed her head slightly, recognizing the gravity of her message. "I thought you should be informed, Paladin. I'll return to my duties unless there's anything further." "Thank you, Sira," Junna replied, her voice calm but resolute. "You've done well. Keep me informed of any updates."
Sira gave a final nod before turning and leaving the room, the door closing softly behind her. Junna sat in silence for a moment, her mind turning over the details of Sira's report. Delson's capture had always been a matter of importance, but now that it was happening, now that he was being brought to Corintopia, the situation felt more urgent than ever. Six soldiers had lost their lives in the effort to bring him in, and for what? An unconscious fugitive?
"It seems Delson's finally caught up with us," Kira said, breaking the silence. There was a sharpness in her tone, one that matched the unease Junna felt. "At the cost of six lives," Junna replied, her voice low. "His traps were more dangerous than we anticipated. He's always been reckless, but this..." Kira shook her head. "It's not surprising, given his history. He's always been good at outsmarting his enemies, even if it costs others in the process." Junna's gaze hardened. "He'll be dealt with. The council will ensure that justice is served."
Kira leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "And what of Delson Snow Sr.? How will this play out with him? His son being brought in like this... it's not a simple matter." Junna's lips pressed into a thin line. That was the question at the heart of it all. Delson Snow Sr., the leader of the Core Seven, had always been a figure of strength and stability. But the situation with his son was delicate, to say the least. The entire city would be watching, and while Delson Jr. needed to be held accountable, it couldn't be done in a way that would undermine the Core Seven's leadership.
"It will be handled carefully," Junna said finally. "Delson must answer for his actions, but the matter will be kept as private as possible. We cannot afford to show weakness now, not with everything at stake." Kira nodded slowly. "I just hope the council can manage the fallout. This is bound to stir up more than a few whispers."
"It will," Junna agreed. "But we'll control the narrative. The people need to see that the Core Seven are still in control, still capable of protecting them, no matter what challenges arise." Kira fell silent, her gaze distant as she considered the weight of the coming days. The council meeting, the arrival of Delson, and the decisions that would follow, it was all building to a crescendo, and the fate of Corintopia hung in the balance.
For now, all they could do was wait.
The weight of the conversation hung between them, but both women knew there was little more to be said that night. The decisions would be made in the coming council, and the fate of Delson Snow would soon be in the hands of the Core Seven. Kira rose from her seat, giving Junna a small nod. "We'll deal with it tomorrow. For now, we should get some rest." Junna stood as well, her expression as composed as ever. "Agreed. Good night, Kira."
"Good night, Junna," Kira replied with a faint smile, before turning toward her own quarters. As Junna made her way back to her chamber, the quiet of the tavern settling around her, she knew that tomorrow would bring a storm of decisions and revelations. But for tonight, she allowed herself the brief reprieve of rest, knowing that the morning would come all too soon.