Feeling ready to tackle the climb up the mountain, you and your friends head south, and leave Norora.
 
Once outside of the town’s antimagic field — and out of sight of any guards —, Moonflower takes a moment to give you some of your items back.
 
You get Blue Choker of Aquatic Respiration, Blue Striped Scarf, and 12 Bronze Bits!
 
You put the items away in your sidereal bag, and thank Moonflower with an affectionate nuzzle, before beginning your ascent.
 
As you follow the cobblestone-paved road, a light drizzle begins to fall from the sky. Though it doesn’t seem to bother her, you decide to ask Smoke how she fares in the cold weather, what with wearing only a scarf.
 
Smoke: “It’s not so bad. I’m a dragon, so the more fuel in my stomach, the better.”
 
Taking the hint, you offer her another one of your gemstones, which she gladly takes off your hooves.
 
You give Gemstone to Smoke.
 
Smoke: “Don’t mind if I do!”
 
Smoke tosses the treat up in the air, then catches it in her mouth with a shattering crunch. Satisfied, she pats you on the head as thanks.
 
Smoke: “Hmhmm! So, why are we going up there again?”
 
Your party briefs its newest member about Moonflower’s trial to become her clan’s new Oracle, as well as your own quest to destroy the Philosopher’s Stone. Your tales of epic proportions leave the dragon somewhat skeptical, but curious nonetheless.
 
Along the serpentine path, you pass by several ponies and caravans on their way to and from the capital. While most of them stay at a safe distance, some look past your unusual companion, and return your friendly greetings.
 
It doesn’t take long before you start to feel the road’s incline and your gear’s weight working against you. And though your destination is still far from reach, you carry on, slowly but surely…
 
A few hours pass. Rain has long since turned to snow, blowing in the cold north wind, and the scenery, faded away behind a curtain of white.
 
Finally, in a mist of swirling icy flakes, Elysia comes into view. Tall spires jut out of grimly austere stonework, lined with cold metal pipes, and topped with snow-capped roofs. Among the washed-out tones of the imposing cityscape, only the vibrant red and gold banners of the Order of Dawn stand out.
 
In the distance, standing atop the highest central platform is the silhouette of a massive castle, towering above its surrounding, and rivaling even the mountain’s summit. For an instant, you get a strange feeling of déjà vu.
 
You shake it off, and focus on what is ahead. A drawbridge leads across a natural moat of rushing water, and to a large open gate. Guards posted on each side watch you arrive, though they do not stop your scaly friend this time.
 
Knight: “Welcome to Elysia. Keep your weapons stowed, and stay out of trouble.”
 
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