After the meal was served, Aelindra leaned back on her chair. She was at peace for perhaps the first time in years.
"It's strange to see all of you together again. For centuries, I feared I'd never hear this kind of laughter again."
Cecilia reached over and touched her daughter's hand.
"You've done well, Aelindra. The world didn't make it easy for you, but you've made it. You aren't called 'wise queen' for nothing. The people respect you and look up to you, and you managed it by being just the kind and gentle person you are."
For the first time that night, Aelindra's composure cracked. Her voice trembled faintly.
"Only because you taught me what gentleness is, its costs, and its value."
Ephyrael looked away politely while Siraaeniel pretended to find sudden interest in his tea. Mina, ever-attuned to emotion, began humming under her breath - a simple, domestic melody.
