The morning sun bathed Solandris in its golden light, casting long shadows over the streets as the kingdom began to stir. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of ash and earth—a lingering reminder of yesterday battle.
Kaelen walked along the cobblestone paths, his pace unhurried. Around him, the signs of the kingdom's resilience were evident. Crumbled walls were being patched up, scaffolding erected around damaged buildings. Knights and civilians alike worked side by side, hoisting beams, stacking bricks, and clearing rubble. The clamor of hammers and saws rang out, like a symphony of recovery and renewal.
Street vendors, though fewer in number, had begun setting up their stalls, offering bread, fruits, and warm broth to those passing by. Children darted around, their laughter a stark contrast to the solemn expressions of the adults. For every smile, there were two faces marked by exhaustion and loss.
