Heading out from the wilderness, Ard crosses the great bridge into the city, forced to marvel at how much more advanced it is than the world he's been trapped in. He walks unchallenged among his people, who stand respectfully out of the way of a member of the hunt.
Heading through the city, he hears the sounds of partying and feasting, seeing dancers and artists littering the streets for one of the many, many festivals of the Aen Aelle. Finally, making his way through the throng, he sees his family's estate. He's satisfied to see that it's in good repair, though he only sees the family crest above the door, not the personal crest of one of his relatives, meaning that he's not sure who's in charge.
Looking out front, he sees an obese Aen Aelle leaving the estate, recognising him as a local business magnate, though failing to remember his name. Behind him, he sees a face he knows well.
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Evir'i, the family's head servant, farewells the businessman. Hailing from a world of immortal but pacifistic elves, Evir'i was taken as a slave and sold to Ard's family, but was freed after generations of faithful service, becoming employed by them. Diligent, faithful and kind, Ard's family trusts her implicitly, and Ard has known her all his life, even partially having been raised by her.
Giving a bow to the exiting businessman, Evir'i turns and heads to go back into the house. Looking around, Ard sees that even if he doesn't want to announce himself, getting into the house won't be hard. Slaves work in the grounds, but he knows several rear entrances, and even an escape tunnel that leads straight into the building.