Newcomers

 PART TWENTY
Three figures made their way cautiously through the entrance tunnel to the grand arch. In the lead was a woman, Iva, who had long black hair and a friendly face.

The others were men, Dione, Iva's brother, whose face and hair somewhat resembled his sister, but appeared less confident.

 Leon, Iva's husband came third. He looked decidedly grim. His hair was brown and mostly covered by a hat. His eyes were brown, unlike the others, whose eyes were blue.

 As they progressed they drew closer together until the arch was reached. It lit up on their approach, with a suddenness that made them jump.
"Ha! Told you so." Iva laughed.
"You did say the same thing about all the other caves." Her brother pointed out. Her husband said nothing. At one side of the arch was a uniformed man at a desk who beckoned them over.
"Good morning sir." Iva greeted him, setting down one of her bags.
"Good morning." The man smiled, blandly.  He clicked something on his computer and asked, "Are you new to Ivan?"
"Yes, we are. We're on the long march."
Iva grinned broadly at him while Dione smiled awkwardly and Leon remained expressionless.
"Are you planning on staying long in Ivan?"
"Uh..."
Iva hadn't expected this. No stories of the hidden city had been like this, she had always been told it was a wonderful land full of happy people and nobody ever thought of leaving or anything, that was why the long march was so important, it wasn't like a holiday.
"We're not sure." Dione broke the silence. "We'll have a look around first."
"I'll need your names, ages and relationship." The man slid a touch pad toward them, as if he were giving them a death contract. They all typed in the required information and handed it back across the desk. The man reached into a drawer and pulled out three bangles and three cards.
"These will get you into the palace if you want to stay in the city," pointing to the bangles, "and these are for purchasing the things you need." Holding out the cards. "There's 1000 centros on each one of those. You can't use cash."
They took the objects and pocketed them.
"Enjoy your stay." The man smiled his bland smile again and watched them around the next corner.