To Mierrormore

The train click-clacked along the long stretch of track across the vast stretch of countryside. Jazz stands outside the caboose and takes a long whiff of the air as it moves by and watches the track move away from him. He hears the door open behind him, and casually turns his head. Just as he expected, it was Kine, standing steadfast in the doorway, refusing to go any further. 

"come on, Kine, enjoy the view!" 

"I don't want to die, thanks. Come back inside."

"aw, I'm not in any danger! Relax!" Jazz wags his tail a little, amused at Kine's pout. "we will be pulling into Mierrormore Station soon, and we cannot get caught!" Kine rolled their eyes.

"and whose fault is that?" 

"It isn’t hurting anyone~!” Jazz laughed, leaning on the rail. “besides, it'd be nice to see the sunrise on a new year, wouldn't it?" Kine rolled their eyes and backs up into the inside of the car a little more. "suit yourself if you don't want to feel the wind on your face! It's quite exhilarating!" 

"maybe for a dog," Kine grumbled, "though there's not much wind going backward." 

the train let out a whistle as they approached the station. Jazz grinned, letting out a chuckle. He reached into the car, pulling Kine's arm. 

"that's our cue! We are slowing down!" 

"you're crazy, Jazz! Let me go!" 

"no time~!" Jazz roars with laughter as Kine curses, being pulled into a tight hug and jumping from the train, being sure to roll as they landed. The impact surely left bruises, but nothing more. Kine's ears flatten and their voice grumbles "I hate you."

"I love you too, bud!" Jazz chirped, giving Kine a big 'ol kiss on the head. He helped Kine up, and motioned toward the royal City of Meirrormore. They walked up the light-colored sandstone streets, through the alleyways of the tall sand-colored structures, and eventually came upon the city square in all its glory, gazing upon the majesty of Rose Quartz castle that towered over the square behind the palace walls. Jazz took a moment to look around as the residents were hard at work decorating for the festivities. He gave Kine a hearty pat on the back. 

"Ah. Now, remember this? It'll be about seven years ago tomorrow that I took ya in! What do you say? Should we even stay in the same inn? drink until the sun comes up?" Kine rolls their eyes, as he often does, but he cannot help but crack a smile. "there! There it is! That's a yes isn't it?" Jazz laughs and gives Kine another round of pats on the back, "I knew you'd be down for that! Let's go and book our room!" 

"all this, but you refuse to buy a train ticket?" 

"I'm just saying, the train system should be a free ride. Especially if you're not going to bother with the other services and luxuries." the two make their way to the Crystalline Inn, when they spot a cute little Female half-dragon looking over the message boards. Kine just couldn't help but notice. 

"A half-dragon… You don't see one of those too often. Especially outside Mora-Mora." Jazz nods in agreement, watching her take the flyer and making her way to the castle. "Does the local royalty have something advertised there?" 

"one can only assume," Jazz remarks, putting a finger on his lip in thought, "what do you think it's about?" Kine shrugs and pushes open the door to the inn. 

"Perhaps we will find out tomorrow."