A few days after the attack by the Hunters of the World Trees, peace once again settled across the Veyris Empire.
The Imperial Gardens were glowing beneath countless stars.
Ancient roots stretched beneath the worlds connected to the Forgotten Root Network.
Gentle breezes carried glowing leaves through the air.
For once.
there were no battles.
No cosmic threats.
No mysterious invasions.
Wukong immediately became suspicious.
"Something is definitely planning to attack us."
Kael Veyris looked up from his tea.
"Can you go five minutes without predicting disaster?"
"No."
"Fair."Near the heart of the gardens sat many of the Empire's most powerful figures.
Eldara sat with her arms crossed.
Verdelia sat quietly beside Seralyth.
Ashvattha watched the stars.
Aeon calmly adjusted her glasses.
Virelya Kael listened nearby.
Marigold enjoyed the evening breeze.
Luxryth Solaris and Zeraphiel discussed celestial phenomena.
Ashenback sat beside Anemone.
Akra laughed loudly with several dragon knights.
And nearby.
Kaelithra Veylscara stood quietly observing everyone.
The Universe Tree smiled warmly.
"This gathering reminds me of ancient ages."
Ashvattha nodded.
"Only with considerably more chaos."
Everyone immediately looked at Wukong.
"I refuse to accept responsibility."
Nobody believed him.Not far away.
Kaelignis, Lyra's Kaelry, Elyrion, Veyloria, and Seralyth sat together.
Lyra pointed toward Aeon.
"She's probably visited more worlds than anyone here."
Aeon thought for a moment.
"Possibly."
Elyrion immediately opened a notebook.
"Tell me everything."
Aeon stared at the notebook.
"Everything?"
"Everything."
Aeon sighed.
"This may take several centuries."
Elyrion smiled.
"Perfect."
Nearby.
Seralyth was asking Verdelia questions about World Trees.
Verdelia still seemed shy.
But she no longer hid behind bushes.
That alone was progress.As the evening continued, several gathered around Kael.
Marigold smiled.
"The Empire grows larger every year."
Kael nodded.
"The people make it possible."
Luxryth laughed.
"Still humble."
Akra pointed toward him.
"That's why everyone likes him."
Kael immediately regretted being the center of attention.Later.
the gardens grew quieter.
Many people wandered through the glowing pathways beneath the World Trees.
Kael found himself walking beside Lilith.
The night air was calm.
Lilith smiled softly.
"It has been peaceful lately."
Kael nodded.
"A rare luxury."
For a moment they simply walked together.
The stars reflected in the crystal ponds nearby.
Lilith gently rested her head against his shoulder.
"Let's enjoy the peace while it lasts."
Kael smiled.
"I think that's a good idea."Elsewhere.
Ignisia stood watching the horizon.
Her dragon horns gleamed beneath the moonlight.
Kael approached.
Immediately Ignisia smiled.
"There you are."
"You sound as though I disappeared."
"You were gone for almost twenty minutes."
Kael laughed.
Ignisia folded her arms.
"My flames burn for you alone."
Kael had heard that line before.
She still meant every word.
Ignisia leaned against him.
The fiery dragon goddess looked surprisingly relaxed.
For a while.
neither spoke.
They simply enjoyed the peaceful night.Far from the others.
Kaelithra stood beneath a flowering tree.
Shadows moved gently around her.
She seemed lost in thought.
Kael eventually joined her.
Kaelithra glanced toward him.
"You always find me."
Kael shrugged.
"You usually stand in quiet places."
A small smile appeared on her face.
For someone normally so serious.
it was rare.
The shadows around her calmed.
The atmosphere became peaceful.
Neither needed to say much.
The silence itself was comfortable.At the center of the gardens.
the Universe Tree watched everything.
Ashvattha sat beside her.
"Your family keeps growing."
The Universe Tree laughed softly.
"So does yours."
Nearby.
Verdelia talked with Seralyth.
Sylvaria laughed with Lyra.
Marigold and Luxryth shared stories.
Aeon answered Elyrion's endless questions.
Akra challenged several knights to sparring matches.
Anemone and Ashenback admired the stars.
The Empire felt alive.
Not because of power.
Not because of battles.
Not because of legends.
But because of the people within it.Eventually.
the stars shone brighter.
The gardens became quiet.
The daughters returned home.
The World Trees rested.
The queens continued talking beneath glowing leaves.
And Kael Veyris sat beneath the branches of Ashvattha and the Universe Tree.
Watching his family laugh together.
For one peaceful evening.
there were no enemies.
No wars.
No cosmic disasters.
Just family.
Friends.
And a home worth protecting.