The sun had just begun its slow ascent over Lornwood, casting a pale golden light over the newly formed council chambers. It was far from grand—just an open area cleared of rubble in the center of the city—but it served its purpose. The discussions from the previous day had planted the seeds of cooperation, but Emily knew that sustaining that unity would be a battle in itself. Today would be about moving from ideas to action.
Emily stood outside her tent, looking out over the city that was slowly coming back to life. Small columns of smoke rose from the cookfires as people prepared for the day's work, and the distant sound of hammers striking metal echoed from what remained of the blacksmith's forge. It wasn't much yet, but it was a start.
Rafael joined her, looking more rested than he had in weeks. His armor was freshly polished, though its many dents told the story of battles past. "You ready for today?" he asked, his voice light but edged with concern.
