Valenca

Eventually, the trees of the mountains began to give way to farms and open fields. As they reached the end of the forest, Sirene stopped and motioned for Julia to come closer.

"Yes?" Julia asked, and noticed Sirene looked a bit serious.

"You best keep that fancy magic of yours hidden." Sirene said in a half-whisper.

"I already know that, why do you think I asked if the road was clear earlier?" Julia countered, whispering as well.

"Just making sure you get it. Come on." Sirene said, continuing to walk.

The sun was low in the now orange sky as they passed through the farmland surrounding Valenca. A shadow of its former self compared to the massive city it was in Sirene's youth, the evidence of former glory was everywhere if you knew where to look, from decaying walls far beyond the current city walls, to remnants of buildings in the fields.

"This city's glory has long since passed, hasn't it?" Julia asked, as she looked around at the ruins surrounding them.

"When I was in my 30s, this was one of the largest cities in Southern Karand." Sirene said, sounding slightly sad. "They squat in the ruins of greatness."

"Greatness?" Julia asked, as someone waved at Sirene, and Sirene waved back. Sirene looked back at Julia and nodded before speaking.

"Once, this was the capital of the Rozen Republica, the greatest republic of ancient Karand and not just because it was my homeland."