Arrival in Drak’Zir Village
The Salgaran transport ship descended smoothly toward the spaceport of Drak’Zir Village, a remote settlement in Salgar territory. Situated near the Sanctum of Orchids, the capital of the Salgar City-State, Drak’Zir served as both a trading hub and a gateway to the mountain stronghold beyond.
As the hangar’s upper gates retracted, the transport glided downward with precision, landing gently on a circular stone platform at the center of the port. Though sleek and efficient, the spacecraft appeared almost dwarfed by the massive landing structure that surrounded it.
Inside the vessel, Akashma turned to Tlandar.
“This is our first stop before continuing to the Sanctum of Orchids,” she explained. “We are now within Salgar’s territory, but tread carefully. This village is quiet—secluded from the rest of the world. It is the perfect place to prepare for our journey ahead. Be vigilant, stay close to me, and follow my lead. They will likely be expecting us outside.”
Tlandar peered through the viewing panel. The spaceport was eerily silent.
“It’s very quiet,” he observed.
The Salgaran pilot moved toward the spacecraft’s exit, pausing for a moment.
“Well done, Akashma,” he said. “I’ll return to my post now. Safe travels to both of you. May fortune favor your path.”
With that, he stepped inside the cockpit. The transport’s thrusters ignited, lifting the craft smoothly into the air. It ascended swiftly, disappearing past the spaceport’s opening gates, which promptly sealed shut behind it.
Without hesitation, Akashma led Tlandar toward the exit gate of the landing hangar. Approaching the electronic access panel, she swiftly entered a sequence of coded commands. The massive steel doors groaned as they slid open, revealing a dimly lit corridor ahead.
The gate locked behind them with a resounding metallic clang.
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Through the Spaceport’s Corridors
The corridor stretched endlessly, its high-arched ceilings and dim lighting casting elongated shadows across the polished metallic floors. It served as a central hub, branching into numerous passageways that connected different sectors of the Drak’Zir spaceport.
Tlandar glanced around, taking in the scale of the structure.
“This place is enormous,” he murmured.
“It has to be,” Akashma replied. “This corridor leads to every part of the spaceport, including storage bays, security outposts, and supply docks. Ships from all over Salgar pass through here to trade and refuel.”
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They walked in silence, passing by dozens of sealed gates along the way, each leading to a different part of the complex. The air smelled faintly of engine lubricant and cooled metal, remnants of the ships that had passed through before them.
Finally, they reached the far end of the corridor, where another reinforced gate blocked their path. Akashma approached the digital access panel and quickly input a second security code.
With a soft mechanical chime, the gate unlocked and slowly parted, revealing the world outside.
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Stepping into Drak’Zir Village
As they stepped through the gate, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The cold, metallic sterility of the spaceport was replaced with the warm, earthy scent of the village air. The stone pathways of Drak’Zir stretched ahead, lined with wooden market stalls, stone buildings, and small gathering plazas bustling with activity.
Akashma led the way.
“Welcome to Drak’Zir Village, Tlandar,” she said. “This is a Salgaran port settlement—small, but essential. It serves as a waypoint for traders, travelers, and those journeying to the Sanctum of Orchids.”
Tlandar took in the village’s charm, its mix of rugged simplicity and hidden sophistication. Though primarily a trade hub, Drak’Zir boasted marketplaces, taverns, and supply stations, all catering to the needs of those passing through.
Akashma gestured toward the towering mountain range looming in the distance.
“Beyond those mountains lies our destination,” she continued. “The Sanctum of Orchids is hidden deep within them. No roads lead there, no maps mark its location. Those who attempt to find it without a guide never return.”
Tlandar studied the distant peaks, their sheer cliffs wrapped in veils of mist and shadow.
“That’s our path?” he asked.
“Yes,” Akashma nodded. “We will climb through those mountains by foot. But first, we should eat. Drak’Zir is known for its food—simple, but excellent. We should take the opportunity to rest before our journey.”
Tlandar glanced back at the village. “Then let’s get something to eat and prepare for the climb.”
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Salgaran Cuisine & Rest Before the Journey
The village bustled with life as Tlandar and Akashma made their way through its narrow streets. The scent of roasting meats, freshly baked bread, and simmering stews filled the air, drawing them toward the heart of the marketplace.
They browsed the stalls, taking in the vibrant displays of local goods—dried spices, woven fabrics, polished gemstones, and intricate handcrafted weapons.
Tlandar purchased a sturdy rucksack, filling it with travel essentials and fresh food from the market. Akashma, ever disciplined, carried only what she needed, already familiar with the terrain ahead.
As twin suns sank behind the mountains, they sought lodging for the night.
At a modest but well-kept lodge, they rented a room for ten kuprix, securing a comfortable space with ample room and a clear view of the mountains beyond.
Tlandar set his rucksack down beside the bed and exhaled.
“This place is nice,” he admitted.
Akashma inspected the room with a nod. “It will do for the night. Eat, rest, and prepare. There is a bath if you wish to use it. Tomorrow, we climb.”
She pointed toward the window. Through it, the shrouded peaks of the Salgaran Mountains stood in the fading twilight, their silhouettes casting long shadows across the land.
Tlandar settled into his bed, removing a small leather-bound journal from his belongings. Under the dim lantern light, he began writing—recording the first steps of his journey.