104 Flocaster (1/2)
”The town boasts a long history of music, tradition, and culture, centering around the City of Jewels that Whitemoor proudly calls Flocaster. No doubt, travelers from all around Silverhart would be enamored by the majesty of the place, a ballad of tales and revelry emphasizing the artistic creativity of most of its citizens. Bards, poets, troubadours, minstrels, and many others who delved in the aesthetic arts… such are the norm here that the Bardic University takes prides upon.
- Valerius Tiberius, Author of 'Adventurer's Guide to Whitemoor, 2nd Edition', 6th day of Ending's Cry, 1443.
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”So this is Flocaster.” Gray took a deep breath of wonder as he marveled at the scenery inside the majestic cultured town. ”It certainly is breathtaking.”
”I agree.” Lily nodded alongside Gray. ”The people around are so lively around here. It's like the whole town is practically a theater, in my opinion.”
'Yes.' Selena agreed as well. 'It's a nice change of scenery from Chadena, that I can say.'
”Hehe, yeah.” Isamu grinned with enthusiasm. ”We are so going to enjoy it here.”
Flocaster, if the average traveler would be describing it, is simply magnificent. The streets are fairly clean with little to no signs of litter, bustling with different activities and entertainment, as evidenced by the many bards and musicians playing around the area with their respective different musical instruments, while the children in the proximity play various parlor games with smiles all over their faces. The town is flourishing, radiating with economic supremacy as townsfolk and merchants at the marketplace interact with one another harmoniously. Craftsmen and artisans of various trade are witnessed at their own stalls or shops, presenting their craftsmanship and talent while selling their products to the public.
Not to mention, the whole area exhibited an atmosphere of liveliness and pure excitement, no doubt thrilled for the upcoming festival that will be held two days from now. Many of the townsfolk are seen preparing many of the decoration, stalls, and entertainment for the said event. Overall, it is of no jest that Flocaster is a colorful town filled with exhilaration.
In Gray's point of view, he sincerely thought that he was in a renaissance fair of some sort back on his past life on earth when he attended such cultural events together with his friends back at college at one point.
”Well my esteemed clients, this is the town you have been waiting for.” Ivan said while driving the carriage that is beside the quartet who are outside walking. ”Flocaster, the City of Jewels.”
”I've read a book regarding the town, and I must say that the description of its grandeur is of no exaggeration.” Gray said to Ivan. Then the former recalled what the latter mentioned outside, something about the High Quarter. As a result, the elf decided to ask about it.
Ivan obliged by telling Gray that the High Quarter is one of the four districts of Flocaster. It's where the renowned Bardic University is located. The High Quarter also served as the residential area for the nobility and wealthy, where they lived in their luxurious Manors. Another notable establishment aside from the University is the Steed Palace, the exalted castle of the town where the Count and his family reside.
The district that Gray and the others are currently is known as the Trade Town. Evident from the name itself, it is the part of Flocaster where the merchants and other people of the various profession make their living around here from their business establishments. During the day, this is the most occupied district of the town where the citizens make their living in conducting their daily work to sustain themselves.
After Ivan explained two of the four districts, for now, Gray decided on their first course of action: to find a place to stay. Fortunately for the gang, the Headmaster offered them the specified gesture, so that's one problem that has been diverted.
”I suppose we'll head on first to the Bardic University.” Gray said to the group. ”A roof on top of our heads is our number one priority here.”
The rest of the gang all agreed with Gray's plan.
”I still have to park my carriage and horse to the stables for safekeeping, though.” Ivan told the four. ”The consultation with the stable master is going to take a while. You may all proceed without me, and I'll catch up with you. If you need directions to the University, you may simply ask the locals, and they'll be happy to assist you.”
”Got it.” Gray nodded in agreement as he and his companions proceeded to make their way to the said location.
Ivan bid them a wave of farewell before gesturing his brown horse to move the carriage in the opposite direction going to the stables of the town.
The quarter is now seen to be trekking throughout the town while marveling at the beautiful sights that surround in their vicinity. As suggested by Ivan, the gang along the way asked a dwarf civilian for directions to the High Quarter, and they were told to just follow the road straight ahead until they reached a staircase that served as the entrance. They were also informed that they'll be passing along Low Quarter as well, the district that houses many of the common-folk.