The Archon's presence filled the courtyard with an aura of warmth, yet tinged with an air of ancient power.
Standing beneath the ethereal glow of the golden canopy of the dome, she was a figure of grace and majesty.
Her gaze moved over each of them, lingering kindly, almost as if she were greeting familiar faces.
When her gaze finally rested on Amiyan, her expression softened in a way that no one could mistake.
"Welcome, travelers," she spoke, her words seemed to drift like music through the courtyard, calming and captivating all who heard it. "And welcome back... my child."
The words left an eerie silence in their wake. Roshan's jaw dropped slightly, her eyes darting between the Archon and Amiyan in pure disbelief.
Altan, exchanged a bewildered glance with Elliot. Even Wuxian, usually confident and composed, couldn't mask his surprise, his brow raised in astonishment.
"I'm home, Mother" Amiyan's voice was barely above a whisper. There was a vulnerability in his eyes, a tenderness none of them had seen before.
The Archon's smile deepened, an almost imperceptible trace of pride glinting in her eyes.
"My child," she replied, her voice as soft as the rustle of leaves in the wind. "You've done well. I was so worried."
The group was frozen, caught between amazement and awe, each of them struggling to process this revelation.
The Archon, this venerable, god-like figure, was Amiyan's mother? As if sensing the many questions swirling in their minds, the Archon turned her gaze upon them.
"I must commend you all for your bravery," she said, her gaze sweeping over them, a look of genuine gratitude flickering across her face.
"You fought fiercely against those who sought to harm the children of this land. For your courage and loyalty to my son, I offer my sincerest thanks."
Elliot felt a strange warmth at her words, though he kept his expression neutral.
Roshan, on the other hand, looked close to bursting with pride, her face alight with satisfaction.
"Your words honor us, your eminence," Wuxian replied, stepping forward with a slight bow, his tone reverent. "But we only did what was right."
The Archon chuckled softly, a sound like distant bells chiming. "How noble," she murmured, her eyes twinkling.
"Yet, I insist. Please, do not deny me this small gesture of goodwill." Her tone held a playful edge, as though Wuxian's modesty amused her.
Roshan, never one to miss an opportunity, saw her moment and seized. She cleared her throat, her eyes alight with barely-contained excitement.
"Since you insist, then, um… would you mind, perhaps, offering some gold for my journey back to Parthemia?"
The Archon grinned, clearly amused with her request.
Wuxian's face flushed as he quickly stepped over, clamping a hand over Roshan's mouth.
"Forgive my friend's… boldness," he stammered, his face red with embarrassment. "I assure you, we do not mean to impose on your benevolence."
The Archon's laughter was light and soft, like leaves brushing against one another in a gentle breeze.
"Oh, I don't mind at all," she said, her gaze warm as she glanced at Roshan. "Your honesty is refreshing. There is no shame in asking."
Altan took his chance and bowed politely, his tone respectful yet earnest. "If I may be so bold, a ship for our journey would be greatly helpful. Travel by sea would ease our passage."
Wuxian, still reeling from Roshan's request, turned to Altan with an exasperated look. "Not you too!"
The Archon covered her mouth, chuckling softly at their banter. "Worry not, young one," she said to Wuxian with a soft smile.
"I do not mind such requests. Had it been the Fire Archon you'd approached, then perhaps your caution would be wise. But I am not so quick to anger."
Wuxian sighed, visibly relieved, though he gave Altan and Roshan a pointed look. "Consider yourselves lucky."
Altan's face split into a grin. "Lucky indeed. But since we're already setting off, why not join us, Wuxian? I'll pass by Xia on my way to Tangli. The company would be welcome."
Roshan leaned in, crossing her arms with a playful pout. "No fair. I want to join you too!"
Altan smirked. "You can if you want. Instead of the shorter sea route, you can cross Tangli's desert to reach Parthemia."
The Archon's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly. "Ah, but that path is perilous. The desert is not kind to wanderers. It teems with beasts that even seasoned travelers find challenging."
Elliot, who'd been quietly absorbing the conversation, looked up, his curiosity piqued. "Beasts?"
The Archon nodded, her gaze faraway as if recalling some distant memory. "Yes… Long ago, that desert witnessed a fierce clash between three ruling Archons, all vying for dominance across the continent."
"The battle was so intense that even today, millennias after the war, dense mana stills lingers in the sands, mutating any creature that lives there into something… monstrous."
"We'll be fine. My tribe passes through that area every year", Altan reassured.
Roshan nudged Altan playfully. "So that's why you look the way you do!"
Altan rolled his eyes, but the Archon chuckled, amused by their lighthearted exchange.
Her gaze then shifted back to Wuxian, a knowing look in her eyes. "Then, for the child who would ask for nothing," she said softly, her voice almost teasing, "you will not leave here empty-handed."
Wuxian's eyes widened, and though he tried to mask his excitement, the glimmer in his eyes gave him away.
The Archon's gaze held his for a moment, an understanding passing between them. "I will have weapons crafted for your journey. They will be of the highest quality, forged to endure any peril you may face."
A spark of excitement flickered in Wuxian's expression before he composed himself, bowing low. "Thank you, Archon. Your generosity humbles me."
The Archon's gaze softened as she smiled. "As for the rest of you, since you insist on crossing such dangerous lands" she continued, "make a stop at the Isle of Pygmaia. I will send word ahead, and they will aid you."
A reverent silence followed as the group absorbed her words. Finally, her gaze turned to Elliot. Her eyes softened, as though sensing something deeper within him.
"And you, young one?" she asked, her voice gentle, almost inviting. "What is your heart's desire?"
Elliot hesitated, feeling the weight of her gaze.
He took a deep breath, summoning his courage, and finally spoke.
"Can you… send me to another world?"
A ripple of shock spread through the group. Wuxian and Altan exchanged confused glances, while Roshan's eyes widened, her expression reflecting her surprise.
The Archon, however, looked more nervous, even wary.
"Another world?" she echoed, her voice laced with a sudden gravity. "Where did you learn of such things?"
Elliot swallowed, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "I… I come from another world," he said softly.
"My soul does, at least. I was living in a world called Earth. But then… I ended up here, in this body."
Wuxian's gaze sharpened, his expression hardening with skepticism. "Another world? Are you serious?"
Elliot nodded, his face solemn. "I don't know how I got here… But this body—it isn't mine."
Roshan's expression shifted from shock to curiosity, and she opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came out.
The Archon's face paled slightly, her hand trembling as she pressed it against her chest. "It cannot be…" she murmured, as though speaking to herself. "Is it truly that time already? But it's far too soon…"
The group exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the air palpable. Amiyan stepped forward, concern shadowing his features. "Mother… what's wrong?"
The Archon took a deep breath, steadying herself, her expression resolute. "Fear not, my child," she said, her tone firm but comforting. "This matter is something the Archons will address. You need not worry."
She turned back to Elliot, her gaze softening. "As for your request, traveler… I am afraid I cannot grant it."
"The world you speak of, Earth… it is beyond my reach. However," she paused, considering her next words carefully, "there may be another Archon who could answer your questions. Seek them if your journey leads you near."
Roshan's eyes glinted with renewed curiosity. "Wait—are you saying other worlds actually exist?"
The Archon regarded them with a gentle smile, as though savoring a secret she could finally share.
"Indeed," she said, her voice filled with an ancient knowing.
The group looked at one another, faces lit with wonder and trepidation. Each felt a sense of destiny calling.