The forest thinned gradually as Shoko, Ariandel, and Tilli traveled deeper, the trees stretching taller and paler, like carved pillars of moonlight. The air changed too. It felt lighter, humming softly under Shoko's skin. He noticed the shift before anyone said anything.
Ariandel slowed beside him. She could feel it as well.
Shoko asked quietly, "What is this place?"
Ariandel smiled with a nostalgia he had never seen from her. "Lunareth. The kingdom of the elves."
The name carried weight. Even Shoko, who had lived most of his early life in darkness, had heard stories whispered about it. Lunareth was known for its beauty, its magic, and something almost unheard of in other kingdoms: peace.
They followed a path of glowing roots, silver veins that pulsed gently under their feet.
"Is it magic?" Shoko asked, crouching down to graze his fingers along the shimmering trail.
"Not magic," Ariandel answered. "Life. The elves call it moon sap. It flows through the oldest trees here. Some of these roots have been glowing for over a thousand years."
Tilli pawed at the light and hissed when it didn't react. Shoko snorted.
"Why does she assume everything is alive just to challenge it?" he muttered.
Ariandel didn't even look back. "She gets that from you."
"I do not challenge everything."
Tilli chirped loudly as if to disagree.
Shoko sighed. "Unbelievable."
The glow grew brighter ahead. When the forest opened, Shoko stopped walking entirely.
Spread across a crescent-shaped cliff was the city of Lunareth. It overlooked a vast lake that shone like liquid stars, reflecting the silver towers and crystalline bridges above it. Every structure was woven seamlessly into the white stone of the mountain, glowing as if carved from starlight.
He whispered, "This is… incredible."
Ariandel placed a hand on his shoulder. "Welcome to one of the oldest kingdoms in the world."
As they approached a crystal bridge, a group of elven guards stepped forward. Their armor resembled layers of silvered leaves, their spears elegant and gleaming.
One stepped toward them. "Lady Ariandel. You have returned."
Ariandel inclined her head. "It has been a long time, Elorian."
Elorian's gaze moved to Shoko, sharp and careful. "And this is…?"
"My student," Ariandel said. "His name is Shoko. He is under my protection."
Elorian nodded. "Then he is welcome." He stepped aside. "The king and queen will want to see you immediately."
Shoko walked closer to Ariandel. He didn't feel threatened, but Lunareth was overwhelming in its grace.
Ariandel leaned down slightly. "Remember your manners."
"I will," Shoko murmured.
Tilli stuck her head out and chirped at a guard, who raised an eyebrow.
Shoko whispered, "Tilli, please do not start a war."
Ariandel added calmly, "If a war starts because of her, it will be your fault."
Shoko's eyes widened. "How would that possibly be my fault?"
"You encourage her."
"I do not!"
Tilli chirped triumphantly.
The guards either did not hear or pretended not to.
Inside the main hall, sunlight poured through tall windows. The thrones were built into a curved stone dais, decorated with vines of white and gold.
The queen rose gracefully. Her long silver hair shimmered like flowing water. Her eyes were a deep green full of kindness. The king beside her stood with calm dignity, strong and steady.
Ariandel bowed. "Your Majesties."
The queen smiled warmly. "Ariandel. You have been gone far too long."
The king nodded. "We feared you would never return."
Ariandel lowered her head respectfully. "Your welcome means more to me than I can say."
Shoko bowed deeply beside her. "My name is Shoko. It is an honor to meet you."
The queen gently lifted his chin. "There is no need for such formality from one so young. Any student of Ariandel is a friend of Lunareth."
Shoko swallowed. Their kindness felt unreal.
The king studied Shoko with interest. "White hair and violet eyes. Unusual traits."
Shoko stiffened slightly.
Ariandel spoke for him. "His past is complicated. But his heart is strong."
The queen nodded. "Then he is welcome."
Suddenly, hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
A young girl ran in, stopping before the thrones. She had long blonde hair that shimmered like morning sunlight and bright aquamarine eyes full of life. Her dress was simple but elegant, pale blue with a silver crest.
She huffed, "Mother, Father, you greeted them without me…"
Then she spotted Ariandel.
"Oh! Ariandel! You look different than your last visit."
Ariandel smirked. "I would hope so after almost ten years."
Elaria's eyes shifted to Shoko.
When she saw him, her expression changed entirely. Recognition. Relief. A warmth that startled him.
Shoko felt his face heat under her gaze.
He bowed politely. "Princess Elaria. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Elaria blinked, cheeks lifting in a soft smile. "You have excellent manners. I like that."
Shoko blinked. No one had said that to him before.
Ariandel hid a small grin.
Elaria stepped closer, studying him openly. "Your magic feels like threads. Fine and precise. Very rare."
"I use string magic," Shoko said. "I am still learning."
"You are talented," Elaria said with certainty. "Most mages cannot manage this refinement at your age."
Shoko's face warmed again. "Ariandel is a good teacher."
Ariandel raised her eyebrows. "You say that like I did not make you work for it."
Shoko quickly shook his head. "You definitely made me work for it."
Elaria covered a small laugh with her hand. "You two really act like mother and son."
Ariandel froze.
Shoko also froze.
The king and queen exchanged quiet smiles.
Ariandel cleared her throat. "We have come seeking aid."
The queen nodded. "You will tell us everything at tonight's council meeting. For now, rest. Lunareth welcomes you."
As Shoko and Ariandel turned to leave, Elaria hurried forward.
"Shoko."
He turned, surprised.
"Would you walk with me later?" she asked. "I would like to show you the gardens. They are beautiful at night."
Ariandel raised an eyebrow at him.
Shoko answered carefully, "If it would not inconvenience you, I would be honored."
Elaria's smile brightened like sunrise. "Call me Elaria when we are alone."
Shoko felt his chest tighten awkwardly. "I… will."
Elaria smiled once more before leaving through the side door.
Ariandel softly elbowed him. "She likes you."
Shoko flinched. "What? No. She barely knows me."
Ariandel shrugged. "Sometimes that is all it takes."
"Stop," Shoko muttered, cheeks warm.
Tilli chirped knowingly.
Later, in the guest chambers overlooking Lunareth, Shoko stood on the balcony. The lake glowed below, stars rippling across its surface.
Someone knocked gently.
Shoko turned as Elaria stood in the doorway. "You agreed to see the gardens with me. Are you ready?"
Shoko nodded silently.
They walked through glowing moonlit paths. Flowers shimmered softly around them, and floating lights drifted like tiny spirits.
Elaria glanced at him. "You are different from others."
Shoko looked down. "Because of my hair or magic?"
"Because of your heart," she answered.
Shoko's breath caught.
"You have suffered so much, and yet you look at the world like you want to understand it," Elaria said. "That is rare."
"I am trying my best," Shoko whispered.
"You are becoming someone important," Elaria said softly. "More important than you realize."
Shoko swallowed. "How do you know that?"
Elaria looked at him with ancient eyes that did not belong to a girl her age.
"I know many things."
Shoko felt a chill of confusion, not fear.
"But do not worry," she said gently. "The future is not fixed. You have the strength to shape it."
He did not understand, but he felt the sincerity in her voice.
They stopped beside a glowing pond. Elaria looked down shyly.
"I am glad you came to Lunareth, Shoko."
Shoko's voice was quiet. "So am I."
Elaria's heart fluttered. She had waited lifetimes for this moment. She had known he was coming long before he ever existed. She had seen his future, the suffering, the power, the light.
But tonight, she simply stood by his side beneath shimmering leaves and soft moonlight.
A new bond took root.
One that would shape everything.