As the conversation shifted, my gaze turned toward Valendra, curious about her background. "So, Valendra," I began, "what's it like being a princess? How is your family, and what role do they play in the Everbright Kingdom?"
Valendra paused for a moment, her sapphire eyes twinkling with a mix of fondness and the weight of responsibility. "Being a princess... it's both a blessing and a burden," she said, a small smile playing on her lips. "On one hand, I've had access to knowledge, power, and opportunities that most could only dream of. But on the other hand, there are expectations—traditions that we must uphold. My family has ruled the Everbright Kingdom for centuries, maintaining its balance and prosperity. My father, King Thalor, is a wise and just ruler, and my mother, Queen Selina, is beloved for her deep connection to the land and the creatures that inhabit it. They both instilled in me the importance of forging bonds with our magical beasts. My family sees them as more than companions or tools of power—they're extensions of ourselves."
I nodded, sensing the pride in her voice as she spoke of her family, but also the weight of duty that came with it. "Your kingdom must thrive under such leadership," I remarked.
Valendra's smile widened slightly. "It does, but we are not alone in this world. There are many kingdoms outside the Zestia Forest—some large, some small, each with its unique races, cultures, and traditions." She paused, as if considering how best to explain. "The world beyond our forest is vast, filled with races like the Dwarves, Humans, Beastfolk,Vampires,Demons and other Elven kingdoms . Each kingdom, no matter how different, shares the same reality: we all depend on the bonds we form with magical creatures. Whether it's for protection, agriculture, transportation, or even warfare, our lives are interwoven with these beings."
I exchanged a glance with Autum and Nerina, both of whom were listening intently. "I can imagine the complexities of maintaining peace with so many races and kingdoms," I said thoughtfully. "How is that managed?"
Valendra's expression grew more serious. "There is an ancient system in place—a council known as the Council of Kings and Queens. Every ruler of every kingdom across the world is part of it. The council meets regularly to ensure peace among the nations, to negotiate treaties, and to address disputes before they turn into conflict. It's not an easy task. There have been wars in the past, but the council was formed to prevent future bloodshed."
"The Council of Kings and Queens?" I repeated, intrigued. "That sounds like a monumental responsibility. How do they maintain order with so many different nations involved?"
Valendra nodded. "It is, and the responsibility is immense. Each ruler is expected to uphold the tenets of the council—peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Of course, tensions arise, but the council serves as a mediator. Each kingdom is allowed its sovereignty, but we all understand that war would devastate not only our people but also the lands and magical creatures we depend on. That's why the council exists—to foster understanding and maintain balance."
"Do all the rulers participate equally?" Autum asked, her voice soft yet curious.
"Most do," Valendra replied. "There are always a few who think they can defy the council's guidance, but they're quickly reminded that unity is in everyone's best interest. It's not just the rulers who benefit—the common folk, the lands, and even the creatures thrive in times of peace."
Nerina, who had been quietly listening, spoke up next. "This council sounds like a rare feat in a world so filled with powerful entities. But what about the youth? How do they learn to build these bonds and maintain peace?"
Valendra's eyes lit up. "That's where the World Academy comes in. It's an institution that spans all nations, where the younglings of every race are sent to learn about the formation of bonds with magical creatures. It's not just a place for learning how to fight or tame beasts—it's about understanding the responsibility that comes with such power. The academy teaches them about diplomacy, respect for all creatures, and the importance of maintaining harmony between the races. The friendships and alliances formed there last lifetimes, shaping the next generation of rulers, scholars, and warriors."
Elowen nodded in agreement. "The bonds we form with our beasts at the academy often become the foundation of our adult lives. It's where Valendra and I met and forged our first pacts with our creatures."
I sat back, processing everything they had shared. This world was far more complex and interconnected than I had initially thought. The Everbright Kingdom, the council, the academy—it all pointed to a delicate balance, one that relied on mutual respect, cooperation, and the unique bonds that each race forged with their magical creatures.
"So," I said after a moment of silence, "this council, the academy—it sounds like they've been successful in maintaining peace. But surely there must be some who oppose this unity?"
Valendra's expression darkened slightly. "There are always those who crave power above all else. Some kingdoms are less involved in the council, more focused on expanding their territory or wealth. And then, of course, there are rogue factions—groups that reject the council's authority and seek to disrupt the balance. We're constantly on guard for threats, both from within and without."
I nodded thoughtfully. "Sounds like a fragile peace, one that requires constant vigilance."
"It is," Valendra agreed. "But it's a peace worth fighting for. The alternative would be chaos—endless war, devastation, and the loss of so much more than just lives."
Autum smiled warmly. "It seems your world is filled with as much beauty as it is danger. Maintaining peace through bonds, diplomacy, and respect for all life—it's admirable."
Nerina nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "And the academy sounds like a place where true growth happens, not just in terms of power, but in wisdom and understanding."
Valendra smiled again, this time more brightly. "It is. The academy is where the future of our world is shaped. Younglings from all races learn together, form bonds with creatures, and, perhaps more importantly, with each other. The friendships and alliances built there often prevent conflicts later on. It's a place of both power and diplomacy."
Autum nodded approvingly. "It sounds like a wise system—nurturing both strength and unity."
"It is," Valendra agreed. "Though it's not without its challenges. Some younglings come from more… volatile backgrounds, and it's not always easy to forge peace where there has been conflict before. But the academy is a place of hope, where we believe the next generation will learn to rise above the mistakes of the past."
I couldn't help but be impressed by the depth of thought and planning that went into maintaining peace in this world. It wasn't perfect, but it was a system that clearly valued harmony and balance—a concept that resonated deeply with me.
I glanced at Autum and Nerina, both of whom seemed just as intrigued. Nerina, especially, looked contemplative. "This council you speak of," Nerina began, her voice as calm and serene as always, "do the other races all agree to its terms? Or are there those who still resist?"
Valendra's expression darkened slightly. "There are always those who resist," she admitted. "The Beastfolk, for instance, are more independent and tend to keep to themselves, outside the council's reach. They see themselves as protectors of the wilds and believe that no ruler should have the right to dictate their ways. While they don't outright oppose us, they don't fully cooperate either."
"And what of the humans?" I asked.
"The humans… they're divided," Valendra said, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. "Some human kingdoms see the value in peace and cooperation, and they send their younglings to the academy. Others are more ambitious, constantly seeking to expand their territory and influence. It's a delicate balance, but we've managed to maintain the peace—so far."
Elowen added, "There are also darker forces in this world—races that thrive on chaos and destruction. The council has done well to keep them at bay, but we can never let our guard down."
The conversation left me with a newfound respect for the interconnectedness of this world. Each kingdom, each race, each bond with a beast—everything was woven together into a complex tapestry of balance and harmony.
As the conversation naturally moved forward, Valendra began to share more personal stories, describing the intricacies of her family. "My older brother, Alaric, is next in line for the throne. He's been groomed since birth to take on the responsibilities of ruling. He's strong, wise, and incredibly dedicated to our people. Sometimes I think he's more suited for the throne than even my father was at his age."
Her eyes softened as she spoke of her brother, and I could tell there was admiration but also a deep weight of expectation behind her words. "But being in line for the throne also means sacrifice. Alaric has devoted nearly all his time to studying diplomacy, battle tactics, and the history of our people. It's hard to see him outside of his duties these days."
"I can relate," I said, recalling my own past. "The weight of responsibility can be isolating."
Valendra nodded, her gaze shifting to the sky as if lost in thought for a moment. "Yes, it can be. That's why I enjoy traveling when I can, like coming here. It gives me a chance to escape, even if only for a little while."
Autum, sensing the shift in tone, interjected softly. "The burdens of leadership can be heavy, but it seems like your family has built a strong foundation for your people."
Valendra smiled at that, a touch of pride returning to her expression. "We have. But the real strength of the Everbright Kingdom comes from our connection to the land and the creatures that inhabit it. Every royal family member forms a bond with a beast early in life, as you've seen with Elowen and myself. My father's bond with the Solar Drake isn't just a symbol of power, it's a partnership that has protected our kingdom for centuries."
Nerina spoke up then, curious. "And what of the other kingdoms? Do they follow similar traditions with their rulers?"
Valendra's eyes brightened as she explained. "Yes, most do. In the Ferranor Kingdom, the rulers bond with great war griffins, while the rulers of the Silverpeak Dwarves form bonds with mighty stone drakes. Each kingdom has its own unique connection to the beasts of the land, and that bond is often seen as a reflection of their values and strengths."
Elowen added, "It's through these bonds that rulers can not only protect their people but also maintain the balance between nature and civilization."
The conversation flowed easily now, touching on the various kingdoms beyond the Zestia Forest. I learned of the Ashen Plains, home to the fierce Fireborn clan, who rode flame serpents into battle, and the Frostforge Enclave, where the rulers tamed enormous ice bears to patrol their frozen borders. Each nation had its own story, its own history deeply intertwined with the creatures that roamed their lands.