The afternoon sun bathed Bryndis in golden light as thousands of merchants gathered outside the towering gates of the newly constructed district. The air buzzed with anticipation, a sea of finely dressed traders, guild representatives, and curious onlookers pressing forward, their eyes wide with wonder.
At the forefront stood Sylvaine Mercer, her petite frame dwarfed by the massive archway behind her. She adjusted her earth-toned tunic, fingers brushing against the small geomancy charms at her belt—a nervous habit. Beside her, Alric Voss leaned casually on his cane, his sharp hazel eyes scanning the crowd with practiced ease.
"Is this even possible?" one merchant had asked weeks ago, skepticism lacing his voice as he studied the blueprints.
Now, as the gates loomed before them, that skepticism had melted into awe.
