| Type | Moving city |
|---|---|
| Located in | Starside |
| Head | Elder and Eldress |
| Inhabitants | Faelings |
Contents
Location
The Traveling City is a moving faeling city in Starside that appears in different woods. The faelings describe it as their home, while outsiders know it as the Traveling City.
Description
The Traveling City constantly moves and appears in different woods, helping it remain hidden from outsiders. According to the Eldress, no human had found the city in centuries before Aris arrived.
Starlight shapes the city’s appearance and protection. A shimmer of light covers the surroundings like stardust, filling cracks in trees, spreading along branches, and glowing in orbs threaded through the treetops. The faelings say they descended from the stars and carry some of that light within them.
The starlight also protects the city from demons, which cannot enter while the light surrounds it. The faelings describe the Traveling City as a home of wonder and whimsy, but strict traditions govern who may stay and who may return.
When Aris first arrives, the Elders only allow her to remain until first light. Anyone who chooses to leave the Traveling City through its gates permanently gives up the right to return.
Relevance
The Traveling City becomes an important refuge for Aris Agron during the Questral and introduces her to Este and the faelings. After Aris arrives injured, the Elders reluctantly allow her to stay until first light. Este helps care for her and later helps save her again after another severe injury. The city also gives Aris a glimpse of a hidden society built around starlight, ancient rules, and traditions that have kept humans away for centuries. Eventually, Este chooses to leave the city and continue with Aris, knowing that the decision means she can never return to her home or sister.
Key Events
| Aris discovers the Traveling City | Aris reaches the hidden city during the Questral and learns that it constantly moves between different woods. The Eldress tells her that no human has found the faelings in centuries. |
|---|---|
| Aris meets the faelings | Aris learns that the city is home to faelings and meets Este, Gallie, and the Elders. She also learns that the faelings believe they descended from the stars and carry starlight within them. |
| Aris is allowed to stay | The Elders initially follow the city’s strict traditions and only allow Aris to remain until first light. Este helps persuade them to offer her basic hospitality while she recovers. |
| The city protects Aris | The starlight surrounding the Traveling City keeps demons from entering, giving Aris temporary safety during the Questral. |
| Este leaves the city | Este chooses to leave the Traveling City and continue the journey with Aris. Because anyone who willingly leaves through the gates is not welcomed back, Este gives up her home and her life with Gallie permanently. |
