The morning sun filtered gently through the villa's windows, casting warm streaks of light across the polished floors. The aroma of fresh herbs and baked bread filled the air as Alex moved around the kitchen, preparing breakfast.
The news droned softly from the TV, reporting the sudden disappearance of an influential entertainment tycoon and the destruction of a mercenary base.
Evidence of illegal dealings was splashed across the screen, but Alex paid it no mind, his focus on the meal he was creating.
Arwen entered the kitchen, her nightdress flowing elegantly around her, the fabric catching the light just enough to hint at the allure beneath. Her presence radiated grace and quiet temptation, even in the early hours.
Alex's eyes softened as he saw her. "Good morning, love," he said, plating breakfast.
He served Arwen a delicate spread befitting an elven princess discovering the modern world: wildflower honey drizzled over golden pancakes, fresh berries, a salad of tender greens with edible flowers, and a cup of herbal tea infused with lavender and mint.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "It looks wonderful," she said, taking a seat.
As they enjoyed their meal, a small burst of light zipped through the open window.
Lily hovered in the air, her tiny wings fluttering rapidly as she greeted them with a cheery, "Good morning!"
"Good morning, Lily," Alex said with a grin. "Would you like some breakfast?"
"Hello!" Arwen chimed in warmly.
"Yes, please! I don't need it, but I wanna try!" Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
As Alex prepared breakfast for Lily, he glanced at her curiously. "Why didn't you come home last night?"
"Oh!" Lily twirled mid-air. "We were playing all night! There are so many animals in the sanctuary now, it's never boring!"
She buzzed around excitedly, recounting her adventures in the Sahara Forest sanctuary. "There are so many species! The other humans brought them in. But some tried to eat the animals that wandered out of the barrier."
"Interesting," Alex mused. "So they believe the pool's properties might be contained within the animals who drink from it?"
"Exactly!" Lily said proudly. "I helped the fairies instill an instinct so the animals, and their babies, won't leave the barrier anymore." She paused, then giggled. "Can I have another serving?"
Arwen watched in amazement as Lily devoured the portions. "You eat so much for someone so small," she remarked with a smile.
"Is the sanctuary like Pediás?" Arwen asked, her curiosity piqued.
Alex shook his head gently. "Not quite. I created this place on a whim while practicing for the complete Pediás."
"Let's go there after breakfast," he suggested.
Arwen nodded eagerly, her eyes bright with anticipation. They finished their meal amidst laughter and warm conversation. After clearing the dishes, Alex made a few calls, reinforcing his personal connections. He also called Clyde and Helen, and some not so close friends.
Before leaving, he cast magic around them to avoid surveillance. When everything was set, they teleported to the Sahara sanctuary.
The sanctuary shimmered with life and energy. At its heart stood the Crystal Stag, the golden gem between its antlers pulsing with waves of energy that spread across the land.
The pool beneath it glowed with golden liquid, its surface reflecting the light like molten sunlight. Nearby, red flowers from the Moors bloomed, their petals glistening under the gentle care of the fairies who harvested their nectar.
Lily joined the fairies with a joyful whoop, vanishing into the bloom-laden fields. Arwen took in the sight with awe. "The magic here is so concentrated," she whispered. "It feels only slightly less potent than standing beneath the Two Trees in Pediás."
Alex nodded. "This place will thrive for thousands of years," he affirmed. The energy radiating from the pool encouraged plants to grow swiftly; even if the trees outside the barrier were cut down, they would regrow within a day.
"They could plant food here and never fear it won't grow or bear fruit," Arwen observed.
"I hope they realize that soon and learn to help each other," Alex replied, a trace of hope in his voice.
"Shall we visit another world, one that thrived past their differences and hear of their past that we might learn from?" he suggested.
Arwen's eyes sparkled, and she squeezed his hand. "Another world, another universe! We can observe and learn from them."
"Then let's go," Alex smiled. "Lily!"
"Bye, friends!" Lily shouted as she dove into Alex's ring, her laughter trailing behind.
Alex placed the ring on the stone step, took Arwen's hand, and teleported her to Mín Heimr.
They arrived in a cozy elven village, where Alex had prepared a warm cabin for Arwen. The elves welcomed her with open arms and, in true elven fashion, prepared a feast in her honor.
Watching Arwen's joy, Alex smiled. He exited Mín Heimr and placed the ring back on his finger, thinking of the world in his memory.
He vanished in place and appeared in space, where two spaceships kept shooting at each other.