They didn’t have a chance to stop for long the rest of the trip to the capital. Even when they paused at the various stops, hardly anyone got on or off. Wisteria was eager to use her new weapon, but she didn’t complain at all about the delay on that front. She was so well-behaved for her age, it always impressed Alister. The train crossed over into the archduchy of Meran, and soon the capital city of the kingdom was in view. Kids plastered their faces against the glass, so he could barely see it at first. They crossed a wide river, and then Merron was right there, larger than life.

The climate here was far different from Rythwith. Instead of a swamp or marsh, the capital sat on relatively flat and dry plains against the northern edge of the huge lake… or was it a sea? He’d have to ask about that, too. If one went even further north they’d hit the desert, before they reached the gigantic mountain ranges that split the continent. The worst of the desert was in Duke Xalo’s territory to the east, though. Here, it was temperate, and large areas were arable so most of the farming of the nation happened in the Meran Archduchy.

The city was built around a centuries-old castle that stood, spires and all, in the center like a monument. Even as worried as he was internally, Alister couldn’t help but stare wide-eyed at the marvel. Buildings were tall and built of brick and wood with plaster to keep the temperature consistent. The colors were wild. Most of the homes opted for some shade of blue, but no two were exactly alike. Aqueducts ran small rivers through the city on archways, and the train as well came in on a wide stone arch before tucking itself into the station.

The royal castle in the center was the tallest of the buildings, a series of thick stone walls and spires that stood vigil over the rest of the city. None of this would have been possible five thousand years ago.

Demerieth would love to see it.

“Alister, stop biting your nail,” his mother chastised in a hushed tone, “Look proper. This is the capital. There will be a lot of eyes on you. I don’t know what’s got you nervous but it’ll be fine.”

“Ah… yes. Sorry,” he muttered, straightening himself. He was only eight, but like hell if he would act that way. Wisteria was fiddling with her dress to the side, asking Alliana if it was really okay for her to walk with them. His mother assured her no one would argue her decision. He gave her a supportive little nod before they stepped off into the station.

The knights had the station itself locked down from anyone unnecessary, even lesser nobles were barred from the area as the king and archduchess were waiting there to meet them.

The king wouldn’t have been identifiable if not for the bright gold metal band around his head with purple jewels interlaced in a fine braided pattern. He was a human man of normal stature, around 5’9” or 5’10”, with a fit build and a wide fatherly smile on his face. His beard was neatly trimmed and his hair was tied back in a thick blonde braid with slightly greying hair. Nothing about him screamed of being kingly. He didn’t even stand with an air of power, he just looked comfortable and excited like someone opening a present.

The archduchess beside him looked far more regal, a darker-skinned elven woman with lavender hair that went down to just below her waist in soft waves. She looked to be a foot taller than him, almost 7’ in height. From what Alister could recall, this had to be Callibella Meran, the wife of the late Nathaniel Meran whose funeral they were there to attend. She was dressed in muted black colors and looked exhausted. He felt bad for her… to lose a loved one was never easy.

But far from somber, the king greeted his guests with an excited, “Blas! Alliana!” followed by a hug and jovial laugh from the man to the two, “It’s been too long. When was the last time we saw each other? What… three years? It's a shame I don't get to see Salvador this time, but the lovely Alliana is a fine replacement," he said with a wide grin.

This got a smile from everyone, especially Alliana who sported a soft blush, “My King, you’re too kind…”

He waved her off and stopped to Alister’s eyes, “And hello little Alister! It’s been at least five years since last I saw you. You’re so much bigger now! I heard you got a full recall. That’s incredible. I bet it can be hard on your parents though… Here, c’mere.” The king motioned and scooped Alister up onto his hip, content to carry him around, “I know you have the memories of an adult and all that but indulge me for a bit, if you would.”

Alister could do nothing but give a squeak of discontent. Wisteria gave a soft giggle, half hiding behind Alliana, but that was enough to gain the king’s attention. He peeked around Alliana to look at her and his smile widened, “Oh hello there! And who are you, little miss?”

Wisteria was shaking, but curtsied and bowed her head, “I… I am Wisteria O’neah, my King. F-Friend of the young lord Alister Severin.”

“I’ve taken her and her mother under my wing, King Augustus,” Alliana explained.

“Oh! Wonderful. I’m happy for you, Alister,” the king said, hugging Alister to his side again, turning the poor boy’s cheeks red, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Wisteria. I am King Augustus Mare the Third. King of this wonderful nation of Mare. Please excuse me, but I’ve got a lot of nobles to say hello to!”

He took the disgruntled Alister with him, but what could Alister do? This was the king. Nothing he could say would be appropriate.

Wisteria let go of a stiff breath, looking to Alliana, “That was stressful. He’s… a little strange, auntie…”

“That’s our king for you,” she said, sighing as she watched the King greet Felthinus and the others, “He’s a kind soul who cares for his people deeply. Don’t let him fool you, though. He can be serious when need be. He’s not the king for no reason.”

“…Yes ma’am,” Wisteria muttered, trying to imagine it.

Alliana and Blas walked up to the archduchess, giving her a polite head bow. Alliana gripped the woman’s hands, “I’m so sorry, Callibella. I wanted to head this way as soon as I heard he was ill. I’m so sorry he’s lost… I can’t imagine…”

Callibella gave a tired smile in return, “…Thank you, Alliana. It’s… I’m alright. Dwelling won’t bring him back. I just want to get this funeral over with. The doctors and healers don’t know what happened to him… even after an autopsy. They couldn’t figure it out. Their best guess was some sort of poison, but not one that an assassin would have. Something slow, and not in food or whathaveyou. But his funeral shouldn’t be some depressing thing… he’d hate it if it was all somber music and tears. I hope the food is good, at least.”