Three Years Later
Araluen Kingdom – Village of Lunala
Home of the Blackwood Family
Morning sunlight spilled gently over the village of Lunala, brushing the rooftops with warm gold and giving the air a sleepy, peaceful glow. The Blackwood home sat near the heart of the village—simple, wooden, always warm from the hearth—and today it seemed to hum with quiet excitement.
Inside, the scent of fresh bread and spiced fruit filled the kitchen as Elysia Blackwood tied the final ribbon around a small basket of treats. It had been three long years since the three families had last stood together. Life had slowed in Lunala, but distance had done nothing to weaken their bond.
Aran stood by the doorway, leaning one shoulder against the frame as they watched Elysia work. Beyond the house, Lunala's winding paths twisted like gentle streams between lantern posts, each shimmering faintly in the morning glow. Aran breathed in deeply, a sense of gratitude swelling in their chest. Time had changed much—but the roots of old friendships had only grown deeper.
Elysia turned with a soft smile. "Rena, go get Cassi."
Their eldest daughter, Rena, perked up immediately. "Yes, Mom!"
Beside her, little Tista hopped on her toes, clutching the hem of her shirt. "Can I go with Mom? Please?"
Elysia chuckled and brushed a strand of hair behind Tista's ear. "Yes, Tista. You can go with."
"Yay!" Tista squeaked.
Rena took her sister's hand, and together they set off down the familiar path toward the Tron Forest. The forest loomed in the distance, ancient and serene, but the girls navigated the trail with easy steps. They knew exactly where to find their sister—Cassi, as always, stood in front of the massive Gigas Cedar, a sacred tree older than any map or record.
The wind rustled through the leaves as Rena and Tista disappeared beneath the forest canopy, laughter bouncing between the trees.
Araluen Kingdom – Capital City Valeron
Castle Saefel – Silverwing Royal Family
Far from the quiet serenity of Lunala, Castle Saefel buzzed with the energy of its morning routines. Sunlight glinted off polished marble floors and high crystal windows, filling the grand hall with gleaming brilliance.
In a private antechamber, King Morok Silverwing adjusted the clasp of his ceremonial mantle, the fabric embroidered with the emblem of the Silverwing line. Despite the formal attire, there was a rare ease in his expression.
Queen Lochra circled her children with a practiced eye—one trained equally by motherhood and royalty. She brushed a bit of lint from her daughter's sleeve, smoothed her son's unruly hair, and checked once more that everything was in place.
Albus, unable to contain his excitement, practically bounced in place.
"Do you think they've changed? Do you think they'll be taller? Do you think the village will have new food—"
"Albus," Lochra said gently, fighting a smile. "Breathe."
Beside him, Severus stood composed yet undeniably eager, her silver eyes gleaming with anticipation. She clasped her hands behind her back.
"I hope Cassi's been practicing," Severus murmured. "She always surprises us."
"Oh, she definitely has," Morok said with a chuckle. "They never do anything halfway."
With preparations complete, the Silverwing family gathered at the courtyard. For once, there was no formality in their steps—no kingdom duties weighing down their shoulders. Today was a day of reunion, friendship, and warmth.
And perhaps the castle itself felt it, for the wind through its banners seemed lighter than usual.
Araluen Kingdom – Sentinel's Veil
The Verhen Mansion
At the Verhen estate, morning light filtered through tall glass windows, casting shifting patterns across the marble floors. The manor was alive with its usual calm activity—sophisticated, orderly, yet filled with a subtle warmth.
Meron Verhen fastened his cloak with practiced ease before glancing toward the hallway, where muffled voices and hurried footsteps echoed.
"Orion!" Sylpha's voice called from upstairs. "Your boots! Again?"
Meron smiled.
A moment later, Orion came thundering down the stairs, hair slightly tousled, boots now firmly on his feet.
"I'm ready! I'm ready—wait, are we leaving now? Where's Jirni? Did she finish her braid?"
"I did," came a graceful voice behind him.
Jirni, calm and poised, descended the stairs with her usual elegance, her hair braided neatly with a pale ribbon. Despite her composed demeanor, her eyes glittered with excitement.
Sylpha stepped beside Meron, smoothing the front of Orion's tunic. "They're more excited than they were for the spring festival," she whispered.
"Can't blame them," Meron replied warmly. "Three years is a long time."
He looked at his children—Orion vibrating with energy, Jirni smiling softly—and felt a familiar swell of pride. The world often demanded much of the Verhen family, but days like this made all the challenges worthwhile.
Together, they stepped out into the sunlight of Sentinel's Veil, ready to meet with the friends who had become as dear as family.
Araluen Kingdom – Village of Lunala
Home of the Blackwood Family
As the Silverwing family and the Verhen family arrived at the Friend's home, the children were the first to leap from the carriages. Their laughter rang through the air as they rushed forward, greeting one another with tight hugs and excited chatter. The adults followed at a calmer pace, exchanging handshakes, fond smiles, and the kind of easy conversation that comes from long-standing friendship.
While the grown-ups settled around the patio to catch up, Orion, Severus, and Cassi slipped away toward the open field behind the house. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, scattering warm gold across the grass, and the familiar thrill of friendly competition buzzed between them.
"Let's see what you've been practicing," Orion challenged with a grin.
Severus answered by drawing a circle in the dirt with the tip of his boot. The earth inside the ring trembled, rising and shaping itself into a small, sturdy bear. Its features were rough but endearing, and it gave a rumbling growl before settling at Severus's feet.
Not to be outdone, Cassi lifted her hands, calling a thin ribbon of water from the nearby pond. It twisted upward in a graceful arc before folding into the sleek shape of a fox. The watery creature flicked its tail, droplets sparkling like tiny sapphires as they scattered in the sunlight.
Orion closed his eyes briefly, feeling the familiar pull of both elements around him. With a focused breath, he brought water and earth together, forming a graceful bird—its wings made of rippling water, its body molded from smooth clay. It hopped once, twice, then fluttered into the air with a soft splash-crumble of wings.
The three children watched each other's creations with wide smiles, admiration, and a spark of determination. Each new conjured animal, whether made of shifting water or solid earth, became a little grander, a little more detailed, as they took turns showing what they had learned.
Their laughter carried back toward the adults, who paused their conversation just long enough to smile at the sound—proud, amused, and grateful for the rare moments when life felt so easy and full of wonder.