Ludwig spent the night among the elves.
It was strange how peaceful the forest could feel after everything else.
Not safe. Ludwig had long stopped confusing beauty with safety. The elven lands were full of things that smiled softly and could kill without disturbing a leaf. The World Tree itself carried a presence so vast that sleeping beneath it felt like resting inside the palm of a god that had decided, for now, not to close its fingers. But compared to Solania, Sloth, imperial dungeons, and palace politics, the quiet breathing of the forest almost felt gentle.
Almost.
