Morning came quietly over Lunareth.
Silver leaves drifted softly through the air. The village slowly awakened beneath glowing spirit lanterns.
Despite the peaceful scenery tension lingered among the group.
They gathered near the village entrance, where Elder Sylvain waited calmly beside Elven escorts.
"The soldiers from the capital are prepared to escort us." Elder Sylvain said.
Elira stepped forward.
"Then I must decline." Elira said.
Everyone looked at her. Her expression remained composed but firm.
"My kingdom is already under suspicion by Valtheris…" Elira said. "If I remain away long without informing my father it may worsen the situation." she added.
Kael nodded slightly "She's right Valtheris is looking for an excuse to conquer Kaelmyra." he said.
Elira clenched her hand lightly. "The King of Valtheris already suspects Kaelmyra of rebellion and if he learns that we found the Hero…" she said.
Her voice lowered. "He may openly declare us traitors." she added.
There was silence. Then Elder Sylvain spoke calmly.
"Valtheris pursued the Hero into our lands..." Elder Sylvain said.
Everyone looked toward him. Elder Sylvain's expression hardened slightly.
"By protecting Ronan, the Elven Kingdom has already considered as traitor by Captain Vaelor of Valtheris." Elder Sylvain added.
The words settled heavily. Even Kael had no response.
Elder Sylvain continued.
"Whether we wish for conflict, it no longer matters. Valtheris crossed our borders willingly without consent and order our adventurers to capture the Hero." Elder Sylvain said.
Tomas frowned.
"Then the Elves will now become targets too." Tomas said.
"Yes, we already are involved in all of this." Elder Sylvain replied.
A quiet realization spread among them. War was no longer distant.
It was approaching, slowly inevitably.
Elder Sylvain looked at Elira directly. "That is precisely why you should come to Elarion and have an audience with the Queen." he said.
Elira blinked slightly.
"The Queen and the other Elders must decide how the Elven Kingdom will respond and Kaelmyra cannot stand alone against Valtheris if they truly wanted to conquer Kaelmyra." Elder Sylvain said.
Kael's expression darkened. "An alliance " he said.
Elder Sylvain nodded once "Perhaps the one in many years " he said.
Lina crossed her arms. "If Valtheris plans to attack, they better gather allies from other Kingdoms before they start breathing fire at your gates." Lina said.
Tomas immediately agreed.
Elira hesitated, not out of fear. Responsibility.
Then her gaze shifted toward Ronan. He had remained silent the entire time.
He was. Thinking, blaming himself.
Elira could see it clearly because without Ronan none of this would be happening.
Elira stepped closer toward Ronan. "This isn't your fault." she said.
Ronan looked slightly surprised.
"Valtheris chose this path and they wanted Kaelmyra to submit fully." Elira said quietly.
Something softened briefly in Ronan's eyes for a moment and then it disappeared again.
Eventually Elira exhaled slowly.
"Well, what are we waiting for." Elira said.
Elder Sylvain gave a nod. "Then let us move before Valtheris makes their move." he said.
The journey toward Elarion began.
They traveled through forests unlike anything the others had ever seen.
Massive spirit trees towered endlessly overhead. Glowing streams flowed between silver roots.
Ruins older than kingdoms rested quietly beneath vines and moss.
Along the way some elves recognized Ronan immediately.
Hunters bowed respectfully. Old villagers whispered softly.
"It's the Hero." they said.
Others simply smiled sadly as if greeting someone thought long lost.
During one stretch of road Ronan slowed slightly.
A memory of elven warriors training beneath silver leaves.
There was laughter and peace. Then it was gone again.
The curse stole it before Ronan could fully grasp it.
By evening the trees finally. Everyone stopped.
Before them stood Elarion, the silver capital of the Elves.
It was built among spirit trees that touched the clouds themselves.
Bridges of living roots connected glowing towers and countless spirit lights floated through the evening sky.
Elira stared speechlessly. "Beautiful " she said.
Elder Sylvain gazed toward the city quietly. "May it remain that way." Elder Sylvain said.