Orion

Orion couldn't help but stare. "Would you look at that," he breathed, "We're really here."

Lyra, nestled beside him, craned her neck to catch a glimpse. "It's like the stars decided to build their own home."

"I thought the stars lived in the sky," Gee piped up, his gaze torn between the sky and the city.

San, tapping Gee's shoulder, chuckled, "They do, but perhaps they vacation in Noctis Serenitis."

Orion couldn't help but chuckle at San's whimsical thought. "A star's vacation spot, huh? Not a bad thought."

Eirene, rummaging through her pack, produced two hooded cloaks. She handed them to the sylphs with a smirk. "Cities might be novel for you two, but I doubt the city folk have ever seen sylphs. Best blend in."

Gee frowned, tugging at the foreign fabric. "Feels like I'm putting on a potato sack."

San, adjusting her hood, giggled, "Well, look on the bright side, now you can't get sunburned by Luna Lux!"

Orion smirked, watching the playful banter, feeling a warmth in the pit of his stomach. Here they were, on the brink of something grand, and yet, they could still find humor.

Eirene, securing her own belongings, nodded towards the entrance, "Ready to make an entrance?"

Gee, feigning a deep, noble voice, declared, "After you, my lady. Lead us into this... star's resort!"

The group erupted into light-hearted laughter as they took their first steps towards Noctis Serenitis.

The closer they got to the Astral Gates, the clearer the constellations carved on it became. Orion squinted, recognizing a few patterns, and for a moment he was transported to his childhood nights studying the stars.

"Halt!" The sharp voice of a guard brought him back. A pair of them stood ahead, their armors reflecting the city's luminescence.

Eirene, taking the lead, offered a warm smile. "Good day. We seek entrance to Noctis Serenitis."

One of the guards eyed Gee and San skeptically. "Not many wear hoods in this light. What are you hiding?"

Gee's eyes darted nervously while San subtly nudged him. "Fashion?" she offered with a hopeful shrug.

The guard wasn't amused. "Remove the hoods."

Orion sensed the unease building. He took a step forward, "There's no need for that." The guard's eyes locked onto Orion's. With a deep breath, Orion continued, "I am Orion, a Seraphim and a member of the Nobilis class."

The guards exchanged a glance, the weight of the revelation evident. "And they are?" the second guard inquired, pointing at the group.

Orion, puffing out his chest slightly, responded, "My entourage."

Eirene raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching into a half-smile. "Entourage?"

Gee whispered to San, "I thought we were friends."

San whispered back, "Shh, let him have his moment."

The first guard cleared his throat, his posture more relaxed. "Apologies, Seraphim. You may proceed." He gave a nod to his colleague who began to push the gates open.

Orion nodded, taking the lead. As they walked past the guards, Eirene leaned close, her voice dripping with mock pomp, "Your entourage will remember this, Seraphim."

Orion grinned, "As long as my entourage gets us a good night's rest tonight."

They continued onward, their steps echoing their combined relief and anticipation.

The massive Astral Gates creaked open, and the city sprawled ahead of them, an awe-inspiring spectacle of ethereal light and architectural wonders. The Avenue of Stars stretched out, flanked by the mesmerizing white-leaf trees. The trees seemed to dance, their pale leaves rustling, playing with the lights and shadows.

Orion's earlier bravado melted into humility at the grandeur surrounding him. "Stay close," he urged, pulling Lyra closer to him, his voice filled with a mix of wonder and concern.

"It's... beautiful," Gee whispered, his nervousness momentarily forgotten. San, her eyes wide, nodded in silent agreement.

As they wandered deeper into the heart of the city, the towering structures and vast plazas gave way to more intimate streets and alleys. Eirene, scanning the surroundings, remarked, "We need to find a place to stay for the night."

A narrow lane led them to a quaint stone cottage with a wooden sign that read, "Lodgings Available."

"This looks promising," said Eirene, approaching the door.

A middle-aged woman answered. "Greetings, travelers. Looking for a place to rest?"

Eirene nodded. "How much for a night?"

The woman appraised them briefly. "Five gold coins."

Orion hesitated, remembering the dwindling contents of their purse. Eirene, sensing his concern, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. She handed over the coins, her face betraying no emotion.

The woman smiled, counting the coins. "Welcome. Make yourselves at home."

As the door closed behind them, the reality of their new surroundings began to set in. They were in Noctis Serenitis, the grand city of dreams and challenges. And for tonight, at least, they had found a sanctuary among the stars.

As the group settled into the warmth of the cottage, Orion couldn't help but marvel at how such simple accommodations could feel like the grandest palace. It had been a long journey, and every muscle in his body yearned for rest.

Gee and San, relieved of their restricting hoods, playfully darted around the room, their giggles filling the space with a warmth that was as comforting as the flickering hearth.

Eirene, ever the pragmatic one, turned to Orion, her arms crossed. "You'll need to visit the city's administration first thing tomorrow. The Nobilis pension isn't something we can delay on."

Orion nodded, sheepishly avoiding her gaze. "About the 'entourage' comment earlier..."

She raised an eyebrow, but there was a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh? That? I’m always honored to be a party to the Seraphims.”

He blush and chuckled. "I promise, next time, I'll introduce you as our leader. Happy?"

Eirene smiled, but before she could reply, a knock sounded at the door.

Curious, Orion made his way over and cautiously opened it, expecting perhaps a neighbor or a city official. His heart stopped. Standing there, bathed in the gentle glow of the sun, was a face he never expected to see again.

Orion let out a shocked whisper, "You... How...?"