When Lua and Gwen arrived at the houses of healing, they informed Kal and Katara about the need to wait a few more days for the audience with the high king. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Lua suggested a tour of Arlathania, offering everyone the chance to admire the beauty of the oldest city on the continent. Inala, already recovered, and Sin seemed excited about the idea, while Katara considered the experience a romantic outing with Kal.
The first destination chosen by Lua was the great library of Elaria, an architectural marvel that integrated the elven nature essence. Upon announcing their arrival, Inala expressed her dismay at the prospect of exploring books, but the initial reluctance soon gave way to amazement at the magnificent interior of the library. Lua revealed that all the world's knowledge resided there, sparking Gwen's interest in books on specific types of magic.
Gwen, enchanted by the possibility of deepening her knowledge about barrier magic, decided to dedicate the rest of the day to exploring the vast resources of the library. While Lua confirmed the existence of works on countless types of magic, Gwen's excitement reflected the shared fascination of all in the face of Elaria's cultural and historical riches, marking the beginning of a journey of discovery in the elven city.
After hours immersed in the treasures of knowledge of Elaria's grand library, the group decided to explore more of the elven city. Gwen, already decided to remain among the books, was not the only one to make such a decision; surprisingly, Sin also chose to stay, delving into studies. Kal, confused by his brother's insistence, ended up agreeing, admiring Sin's sudden thirst for knowledge.
Lua, with the wisdom and kindness that characterize her, then proposed that the rest of the group accompany her to one of Elaria's holiest places. She led Kal, Katara, and Inala to a hidden grotto, home to a cyan river whose waters shone with an unequaled purity. It was Riverberion, the cradle of magic, where the essence of elven life and the primordial power of magic converged.
"Inala, where are light feet going?" Kal asked, noticing his sister being irresistibly attracted to the mystic waters. Inala, with eyes shining with curiosity and a slight smile, confessed feeling as if the river was calling her, an echo of the memories of the grotto of the heart in Nannu that she could not ignore.
Lua observed the moment, perceiving Inala's deep connection to the surrounding magic. She explained to Kal that such attraction was a sign of an intrinsic connection with magic, common among those especially attuned to its pure flow. It was a call home, to the welcoming embrace of primordial nature from where all magic derived.
Concerned, Kal requested that Katara keep an eye on Inala, a task she accepted with hesitation. Although she wished to explore the city alongside Kal, she recognized her duty as a priestess of primordial light in assisting and protecting those touched by magic. Thus the group divided, each following their own path in search of knowledge, protection and, above all, understanding of the mysteries Elaria still had to reveal.
Lua accompanied Kal to the last stop of the day, as they walked, Kal noticed a large tree presenting itself behind a hill, it was an immense tree that scratched the skies. Lua noticing that Kal admired the great tree said "It seems you've discovered where we're going".
She pulled Kal so they could go faster to a gated entrance and protected by elven guards who seeing Princess Lua, let her and Kal enter the site. Suddenly Kal was facing a large tree that reigned alone in front of a mountain that streamed with crystalline waters down its rocks that descended to the roots creating an epic vision of wonderful marvel.
Before that legendary natural wonder, Lua stands before the great tree and says, "Eraloth, Pillar of Elaria. Said to be the first tree in the world, planted by the goddess Terran herself, Eraloth is the oldest tree and mother of all others in the world. In history, after Terran planted Eraloth, she grew in the middle of the dry and barren land and was so beautiful that the gods themselves protected her. Luminus, the god of light, raised this mountain range around her while Acuos, god of the seas, made clear and crystalline waters run to her and the goddess Selerian, goddess of peace, blessed her with eternal life so that her beauty would never be lost to time. When my people arrived in these lands, Eraloth already existed."
Kal clearly saw that this tree was no ordinary one, it truly transcended time and, as with almost everything precious to elves, Eraloth also emanated a pure, primordial mana. "This is my favorite place here," says Lua. "I can understand why, beyond the pure mana that permeates the place, this view - if one only saw this and died, their life would still be worth it," Kal adds. However, Lua sits in the grass before the tree and asks Kal to sit beside her. "But that's not what amazes me..." said Lua. Intrigued, Kal asks, "Then what intrigues you about her?"
Lua continues, making Kal even more intrigued. "They say this tree was planted by the goddess Terran, and it grew beautiful and strong in a dry and lifeless land, other gods seeing the tree were enchanted by such beauty and together helped it become more powerful than ever, the god Luminus, god of light, raised this mountain range around it, the god Acuos created crystal clear rivers and made them descend from the mountains to bathe its roots and finally the goddess Selerian, goddess of peace, blessed it with eternal life." Kal looked at the tree admiring it as Lua continued. "Look closely at it, he is strong and beautiful, crowned with beautiful leaves and adorned with branches that shine like the crystalline waters around it, it is the most beautiful tree in the whole world!" Kal was pensive and silent looking at the tree. "But you know, Kal, with all that, when a strong wind comes, it still sways. When autumn and winter arrive, it still loses its leaves and if we cut it down it would probably die. My mother used to tell me that it doesn't matter if you are a king or peasant, if you are a princess or commoner, if you are powerful or someone common, in the end, under this great sky we are all equal." Lua gets up after saying this and as she turns to leave looks at Kal and says "Remember this always, Kal."
Kal and Lua spent some more time contemplating Eraloth, until a servant of the high king approached Lua and said that her father would be giving a great feast that night and that she could invite all her friends. Kal then returns the way he came and goes collecting all his siblings and friends with the news that they would have to attend an elf feast of Elaria that night. None of them had formal attire, but Lua as princess of the realm said it would be easy to provide.
Lua decides that everyone needs a touch of elven elegance for an impending feast in Elaria. She takes them, then, to the most renowned elven tailors in the city, known for weaving dresses that seem to float in the wind and shine under the starlight. Kal, initially distrustful of such delicate clothes, ends up entangling himself in meters of luminous fabric, trying to find the sleeve of an apparently endless tunic. Lua, entertained, cannot contain her laughter at seeing Kal more wrapped up than a Solstice present.
Inala, meanwhile, is fascinated by the colors and shimmers, choosing a dress that changes color as she spins, making her look like a small falling star. Sin, determined to maintain his image of a serious young man, chooses an outfit that ends up being much more pompous than he intended, with feathers and foliage making him look less like a warrior and more like a participant in an ancient ceremony.
Katara and Gwen, accustomed to more functional clothes, find themselves lost among silks and velvets, choosing pieces they find beautiful but that make them look like they've just stepped out of an old painting, earning amused comments and fashionista advice from the elven tailors, who insist on adding more layers and accessories.
In the end, everyone emerges from the tailoring transformed and somewhat out of place in their new elven clothes, ready for the party but still adjusting to the feeling of being dressed for a magical ball. The group walks through the streets of Elaria, attracting curious looks and admiration, while trying to maintain dignity - and keeping their clothes in place. The preparation becomes a cherished and hilarious memory, promising to be just the beginning of the adventures of that night.
Wrapped in their new elven garments, the group boards an elegant carved wooden carriage pulled by horses that seemed made of light and shadow. They pass along paths illuminated by magical torches swinging gently in the night breeze, silently gliding toward the high king's palace. Everyone's eyes widen at the ethereal beauty of the elven night, where the stars seem to dance in the sky, echoing the magic announced in the celebration.
Upon arriving, they are received with a spectacle that challenges their expectations: far from the contemplative serenity they associated with elves, the party is a whirlwind of color, music and laughter. Elven musicians, with their bright string instruments and flutes that capture the breath of winds, create melodies that make the heart vibrate in an ancestral rhythm. Dancers move with such grace that they seem to float, their steps weaving magical patterns in the air illuminated by sparks of light.
The food, a parade of flavors that speak directly to the soul, is served on tables adorned with glowing flowers and dew-filled fruits that seem to contain the first dawn's dew of the world. The elves, known for their tranquility, reveal a capacity for celebration that transcends mere joy, a pure expression of life and connection with the world around them.
Kal, Lua, Katara, Inala, and the others plunge into the party with renewed curiosity and a deeper appreciation for elven culture. Laughter and conversation flow freely, with each new encounter teaching them more about the undaunted, joyful spirit of elves. Lua, sharing knowing looks with Kal, guides them through the celebration, each moment weaving unforgettable memories under the starry mantle of Elaria.
At the high king's palace party, an unforgettable scene unfolds when Kal and Lua begin a dance to the sound of elven music. With movements that flow with the naturalness of the breeze through leaves, they dance, capturing everyone's attention. Katara watches, an odd mix of admiration and jealousy tinging her expression. The already lively party gains new levels of joy and animation as more couples join the dance, inspired by the evident harmony between Kal and Lua. The moment is a high point of the celebration, a symbol of the enchantment and magic surrounding the elven night.
As the party unfolded into a vibrant celebration of music and dance, a moment of suspense captured everyone's attention. The cheerful melody abruptly ceased, and whispers filled the air as High King Ellanon made his majestic descent down the palace's grand stairway. At his side, hand in hand, was the ethereal figure of the same beautiful woman Lua had seen before, whose radiant presence silenced the crowd. A servant stepped forward, his voice rising above the respectful silence: "Blessed be before all High King Ellanon and his companion, the Winter Queen, Hivernia."
The revelation brought a sense of reverence and admiration, as curious, fascinated gazes turned to the royal pair. Hivernia's presence, a legendary figure shrouded in mystery, at the high king's side indicated an occasion of profound significance, not just for Elaria but for the whole world. This moment marked the beginning of a new chapter in elven history, revealed under the watchful eyes of all in that magnificent hall.
As the music starts again, filling the great hall with vibrant elven melodies, the celebratory atmosphere is rekindled. All resume dancing, wrapped in the joy and magic of the moment. Among them, Kal spins merrily with his sister Inala, lost in the music and fraternal bond. In this fleeting moment of pure happiness, the majestic figure of the Winter Queen Hivernia, accompanied by High King Ellanon, crosses the hall with a presence that captures gazes.
Her eyes meet briefly with Kal's, fixing on him with an enigmatic intensity. However, Kal, completely absorbed in dancing with Inala, does not perceive the weight of that gaze or the possible significance of this moment. The party continues, but that brief silent encounter between Kal and Hivernia leaves hanging an unspoken question, a mystery that will still unfold.
After the end of the party, with the music now silenced and the hall emptying, Katara approaches Kal with a gleam of expectation in her eyes. She hesitates for a moment before softly requesting a dance she had awaited all night. Kal, surprised but visibly touched by the request, accepts with a gentle smile. They find a quiet place on the palace balcony, where, under the silvery light of the moon, they dance in silence. This intimate moment, with only the moonlight as witness, represents not only the fulfillment of a simple desire but also a deeper bond forming between them.
Kal and Katara danced without music as the moon shone over them, Katara had her heart racing and sweaty palms, despite the dance she knew that Kal didn't even know her desires, and that she would have to hold that feeling for at least a little longer. However, she felt she could make the most of that moment, and in the middle of the dance, Katara lays on Kal's chest. Feeling that Katara was enjoying the moment, the young warrior was only silent and continued leading the fox girl until night's end.
Suddenly their silence and dance is broken by the appearance of one person. "Forgive me, have I interrupted something?" asks a voice. Kal and Katara look and see the same woman who had been walking with Ellanon. Immediately Katara leaves the spot, but when Kal goes to leave the woman asks "What do you think of Elaria, the great elven kingdom?" Trying to be as polite and educated as possible with a queen from a distant realm, Kal replies: "I am liking it very much, it is like being in a magical place." The woman quickly says: "I come from a kingdom with the same mystic as this place, it is beautiful and different, you should visit one day, I guarantee you will like it!" Kal smiles and asks the woman what the name of her kingdom is, but at the moment she was going to say, an unexpected servant calls her back to her chambers.
Realizing her time had ended, the woman smiles and says she would like to talk to Kal again sometime, while the young man just agrees with a nod of his head. Kal remained without understanding much, as they had had a brief conversation and nothing more. But he just forgot and quickly returned to the dormitory, where Inala slept heavily and Sin remained clinging to some book he had removed from the library that morning.
The next morning, all were gathered at a bountiful table, with varied and delicious elven foods prepared for Princess Lua and all ate together, it was a moment of joy and levity. Lua observing while all laughed and had fun, began to cry subtly. Inala, who had her mouth full, asks why Lua was crying; at that moment everyone thought it was something important and turned their attention to Lua. "These moments remind me of the ones I used to spend with my mother, she thought the simplest things were the most important, she taught me to value these things, I just want to say how happy I am with all of you here!" replied the princess.
With childlike innocence, Sin asks Lua where her mother was, to which she lowered her head and said: "My mother died over 35 years ago...". That revelation left everyone agape, as how could Lua have moments with someone who died over 35 years ago. Gwen, finding this very strange, asks Lua how old she is, and she responds "I am 56 years old..". An even bigger revelation that left everyone's jaws dropped more than ever. "56!!" responded Inala. "Not even my mother was 56 years old, you are very old Lua." Kal, embarrassed, simply puts his hand over Inala's mouth while begging Lua for forgiveness. "Father said we mustn't ask a maiden her age, you airhead!" Lua just gives a smile and explains: "We elves live for countless years, we reach adulthood at 60 years old, so I am but 4 years from being a true adult." She explains, even though everyone is still perplexed.
After breakfast, Lua's servants brought a message that all the elves had been summoned to the gates of Paradise. Lua and the others go there immediately. On the way to the Gates of Paradise, Lua warns them that nothing they've seen can compare to the gates, it is the most sacred and beautiful place for elves, a place of mysticism and miracles. As Lua explained, as all were approaching they noticed a large crowd in the surroundings, dressed in clean white garments, the elves were seated around the site, facing the location. All received white robes and were invited to be seated before a site. Due to the crowd, little could be seen of the site and the youths were curious to see what was happening.
When High King Ellanon's voice echoed over the place asking for all to be seated, Kal and the others were able to see a grand gate adorned with pure, bright gold, enchanted runes circled the gates and branches bearing Elaroth's magnificent leaves crowned the gates, Riverberion's crystalline waters touched the place and behind the gates a great mountain erected by the god Luminus himself, and a divine waterfall descended from the center of the mountain with a cleft precisely at the center of the falls allowing the glorious sun's rays to gently and purely touch the waters descending before it. An enchanting, divine vision, for them all, this was absolutely not the work of human or elven hands, it was something greater.
The Gates of Heaven
The High King summons the Winter Queen Hivernia to approach before the gate, and from high above a light blinded the top of the gates. Descending from there was Arath, the avatar of fauna, who alighted before all assembled atop the Gates of Heaven. When finished, Hvernia, Ellanon and Arath himself turned before the people. All immediately knelt and reverenced the beauty of the majesty of those standing high atop the gates. With a wise, deep voice, from the highest point of the gates, the Avatar of Fauna spoke in the ancient tongue:
"The time has come for the Gates of Heaven to open, it has come for the world to change!"