Elanore stood up inside of a temporary cave. All of her companions were gathered around her. Palentis stood at the center of everything as a shelf table to conduct important operations. Elanore's mother stood beside her, and on the other side the not-dragon was holding her hand.
"So, mistress, why did you bore a hole into the ground? Couldn't we have used that temple for a meeting?"
Elanore clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You understand nothing, disciple. If I had used that structure, it would be no different from admitting I am someone else."
Pot flapped his wings in acknowledgment. "Yes, indeed, Our Majesty must have planned something fantastic to gather us all here like this. Is it a conquest? World domination perhaps? Either way, I will be at her beck and call. We even have her royal steeds on standby."
The two royal steeds barked.
Penelope looked at them longingly. "They're so cute. Can I pet them?"
"Yes," Ella said with a snap of her fingers, and the wolves moved closer. As her mother got to work petting their smooth fur, the witchpire placed a hand on her chin. "We have quite the conundrum, my people."
"A conundrum?" Palentis asked.
"Indeed, there are a few problems. We were teleported away from our original location into this ridge line. I got my mother back here, and we have started her power leveling. Though, now we are back to square one. The construction of our empire has to continue, but we have no destination..."
Pot tipped his cauldron body. "Mm, you are quite right, Your Majesty. May I suggest that we start building it here?"
Elanore shook her head. "No way, I don't want to live in a desert. Besides, mom wouldn't like that, and we still have to give her a tour of some things in this world."
Palentis opened his wooden mouth to speak next. "Why don't we try the elven forests? There are plenty of spaces, and I am sure once they know who you are, they will let you build anywhere, great one."
"Denied."
Naela raised her hand.
"Yes, not-dragon!"
"You said you wanted to do some exploration. Deep within these dry ridges, there is a civilization of desert dwarves. They've built a city of sandstone and clay that we can visit, and I am sure you and Mother will enjoy their unique way of mining."
"Unique way of mining?"
The only response she got was a teasing smile from Naela.
"Alright, fine, we will go to this dwarven city. Mother can use one of the royal doggos, and we can ride together on the other one."
///
Sandstone stretched across a huge gap in the ridge line. It formed a wall that blended into the surroundings. The entrance wasn't covered by a door. It was a large opening the wall, and on the top of it Dwarven archers stood at the ready.
By the time, the group reached the entrance, the wolves were already overheating from the desert. Elanore unsummoned all of her object friends and doggos alike, leaving her with only her mother and possibly future wife. That thought called forth butterflies in her stomach as she once again imagined herself at an altar.
She shook her head rapidly and watched the entrance as a dwarf walked outside. For the first time, the witchpire had finally met someone that was shorter than her while not being a child. This little man was short but wide. He wore clothes that allowed airflow inside of the scorching place.
They reminded Elanore of middle eastern desert attire from Earth. Next to him, he had a war hammer that was even taller than he was. On the end of the metal handle, there was a giant sandstone block. It was as big as her cauldron. Though, not nearly as hollow.
The man spoke in a gruff, dry voice. "Travelers? We weren't informed anyone were coming."
"It's a bit of a surprise, I guess."
The tanned skin man raised an eyebrow. "A surprise? You have anything to prove where you came from?"
Naela tapped on Elanore's shoulder and whispered. "That medallion, mistress."
Elanore summoned it from her inventory and dangled it in front of him.
"Do you mind?" He asked.
Elanore shook her head.
The dwarf took it and inspected it in the light. "It seems like the real deal. I guess you all came from the south? We'll permit your entry..." he handed back the device and his eyes scanned the trio. "Welcome to Ankyloridge, pink ones. You will be closely monitored while you're here, so don't try anything funny."
"I wouldn't dream of ever doing something like that," Elanore said.
"Good, name is John if you need anything from the guards. Ask for me, and they'll be sure to send word." He stepped aside, and the group entered.
Once they crossed over, Elanore was in shock at the place. There were several different bridges connecting from ridge to ridge at different elevations, and most of the city was elevated above the ground on platforms. Sandstone structures stood against the cliff faces, and on the side of the entrance, there was a long and thick staircase leading up towards the city.
Though, there was also a big building beneath the largest platform that had a giant sign on it. "Elevator, for the weak or elderly, use this building. Wait...they seriously have an elevator here? I am shocked."
Naela nodded. "Yes, mistress. I never got to use it the last time I visited this place. Do you want to try it?"
"Of course! What about you mom?"
"Hey, I am not quite an elderly citizen, you know?" She chuckled into her hand before grinning. "Though, I am quite curious about it like the two of you."
"Great, we're all in agreement then."
The group walked towards the large building and entered through an opening. Once again, there was no doorway, but Elanore felt a feeling of magic power dancing against her skin as she crossed it.
Inside of the building, there was a large platform made of the same stone making up the rest of the fortress. Behind it, there were several crystals illuminating magic power. Though, what shocked Elanore even more than that was what was on the platform.
There was a saddled Ankylosaur with a large bulbous tail at the end. On either side of the dinosaur were gigantic pouches with tons of different metals inside. A dwarf rode on top of it and called towards the crystal operators behind him.
"Several tons of haul. Get me up there, boys."
"On it!"
They channeled their magic power and pressed their palms against the crystals. The platform shone with orange light and levitated up the shaft of the building slowly, until it arrived at the city above them.
A dwarf with a clipboard walked over to the dumbfounded girls. "Your names please."
"Elanore, Penelope, and Naela."
"Alright, you three will take the next lift."
"Wait," Elanore said as he began walking away, "what about the payment?"
"We don't charge for the lift, but you're free to tip. There is a stand for collecting tips above."