The Skystriders descend toward a broad terrace built into the hillside. Water channels run along the edges, feeding fountains that spill down to lower levels. Gardens spread across the terraces in dense greenery. Native shrubs and wildflowers are left largely undisturbed. The stone paths curve gently around roots and rock.
We arrive near a wide entrance carved into the hill itself. The stone beneath us is smooth, faint glowing lines running through with arcane shapes, pulsing with energy. The Skystriders fold their wings, and everyone dismount. I walk alongside the group as the butler leads us forward.
The passage opens into a grand hall.
It's massive. High ceilings supported by columns carved to look like living trees. Balconies overlook the main floor from multiple levels. At the far end, a raised platform holds a table that overlooks the rest of the hall.
A herald stands near the entrance. When he sees us, he straightens and projects his voice across the hall.
[Herald] "Announcing the guests of honor! Wright, from the Goddess's oracle! Eldrin of the High Elves, the legendary Skyblade! Lucien and Seraphina, from the legendary party Grivers! Spirit Queen Sylphaeris! And their distinguished companions!"
Everyone in the hall turns to look.
[Ignatia] "How unbecoming. One would think my arrival warranted an announcement."
She's on Yuki's shoulder, tail flicking with irritation.
[Yuki] "He probably doesn't recognize you in that form."
[Ignatia] "That's no excuse."
The crowd is diverse. Beast folk of every variety. Humans in fine clothing. Elves, dwarves, demons. Even a few merfolk moving through the crowd on legs. Adventurers in practical gear stand alongside nobles in formal attire.
Tables line the hall, laden with food. Roasted meats on platters. Fresh fish displayed on beds of ice. Vegetable dishes arranged artfully. Breads of different types. Fruit displays that look almost too perfect to eat. Desserts on tiered stands. The variety is staggering.
Queen Vorath stands from her seat at the raised table and gestures to us.
[Vorath] "Welcome! Please, join me!"
We make our way through the hall. People bow respectfully toward Eldrin as we pass. Others glance toward Lucien and Seraphina, murmuring under their breath. Several people's eyes widen when they see Sylphaeris, recognizing what she is. More than a few people look at me with confusion, probably wondering who I am.
We reach the raised platform and take seats at the table. The view from here overlooks the entire hall.
[Vorath] "I'm glad you could make it. How did you find Thornhaven?"
[Seraphina] "The wine selection was exceptional. Truly remarkable vintages from regions I hadn't even heard of."
[Lucien] "The craftsmanship district was impressive. High-quality work."
[Vesper] "The enchanter had interesting array techniques."
[Liora] "The garden districts were beautiful. The way nature is integrated into the city is remarkable."
[Takeshi] "The academy's combat training was intense! In a good way."
[Yuki] "The magical theory classes were amazing."
[Aiko] "The healing techniques they teach here are really advanced."
Queen Vorath smiles, satisfaction clear on her face.
[Vorath] "I'm happy to hear that. Thornhaven takes pride in welcoming all peoples."
[Wright] "I visited the Adventure Guild. Got some interesting information about the Celestial Spire dungeon."
[Vorath] "Ah, one of our greatest treasures. Did Gareth give you the full tour?"
[Wright] "Just talked in his office. He also mentioned the Saintess who's favored to win tomorrow's tournament. Said she's reached the ninetieth floor of the dungeon solo."
Queen Vorath laughs, that same hearty sound from earlier.
[Vorath] "The Saintess is actually here! Let me call her over."
She raises her voice, projecting across the hall.
[Vorath] "Aurelia! Come here for a moment!"
Movement near one of the tables. A woman stands and makes her way toward us.
She's young, maybe early twenties. Honey-blonde hair pulled back in a hasty ponytail, strands already escaping. Bright blue eyes that drift slightly, like her mind is elsewhere even as she walks. Lean and athletic, the kind of build that comes from relentless training.
She wears modified white combat garb. Not the flowing robes you'd expect from someone called a Saintess, but practical reinforced clothing designed for mobility. The fabric shows signs of use and repair.
She reaches the platform and bows to the Queen.
[Aurelia] "Your Majesty? Did you need something?"
Her voice is gentle, soft-spoken.
[Vorath] "I want to introduce you to our guests. This is Wright. He's the one managing the farm that's feeding the refugees."
Aurelia's eyes widen. She turns to look at me directly, her gaze meeting mine. For just a moment, something flickers across her expression. Her eyes go distant, like she's seeing something else entirely. Then she blinks and the moment passes.
[Aurelia] "You're... thank you. I mean, really, thank you. Without that food, so many people would have... I don't know how to express..."
She trails off, her hands fidgeting.
[Wright] "I just did what I could. Don't worry about it."
[Eldrin] "Wright is being modest, as usual. He's accomplished quite a lot in a short time. Not unlike how he was teasing me earlier about my old adventuring title."
Eldrin's expression is perfectly neutral, but there's a hint of satisfaction in his tone.
[Wright] "I wasn't teasing. I was just curious about the 'Skyblade' thing."
[Eldrin] "Of course. Just as I'm curious about why someone with your capabilities chooses to present himself as a simple farmer."
Queen Vorath glances between us, a grin spreading across her face.
[Vorath] "Aurelia, would you like to join us?"
[Aurelia] "Oh! Yes, I'd love to. Thank you."
As she takes a seat at the table, she spots Sylphaeris. Her eyes brighten.
[Aurelia] "You're the spirit from earlier today!"
[Sylphaeris] "Caught already? I was hoping to be more mysterious."
[Aurelia] "Of course I noticed. You just appeared while I was training and started talking to me. That was... surprising."
[Sylphaeris] "I sensed someone with a goddess blessing nearby and couldn't resist peeking. Then I found you punishing yourself in the name of self-improvement. It was adorable."
[Aurelia] "You gave me some good advice about mana circulation."
[Sylphaeris] "You were already doing well. I just pointed out a few things."
Aurelia's shoulders relax a bit, though she still glances around like she's not quite sure she belongs here. We eat and talk. The food is excellent. Roasted meats seasoned perfectly, fresh vegetables prepared in styles I haven't seen before, breads that are warm and soft.
[Vorath] "So, Aurelia, why don't you tell our guests about your time in Aldencrest? I'm sure they'd be interested."
Aurelia sets down her fork. The softness in her expression hardens.
[Aurelia] "It was frustrating. Really frustrating. They paraded me around like... like a trophy. Every time I wanted to help the common people in the streets, they'd tell me there was urgent need elsewhere. They'd relocate me to another area, saying my powers were desperately needed. But it was always just to heal some noble who'd overindulged at a feast or twisted an ankle stepping off a carriage."
[Takeshi] "We went through something similar."
[Aurelia] "You did?"
[Aiko] "The king summoned us to Aldencrest. Brought us to this world as heroes, but really he just wanted to use us as propaganda."
[Yuki] "They paraded us around and had us smile and wave. It was awful."
[Takeshi] "Wright saved us and got us out. Now we actually get to explore this world properly."
Aurelia nods slowly.
[Aurelia] "Then you know what it's like. That feeling of being trapped, being used."
She looks down at her plate.
[Aurelia] "I realized I needed to get stronger. If I was strong enough, they couldn't push me around. So I started training. Any time I had free, I'd train. I have a healing blessing from the Goddess, so I'd use it to recover and train more."
[Aiko] "Wait, you have a healing blessing?"
[Aurelia] "Yes. Why?"
[Aiko] "So do I! The Goddess granted it to me when I was summoned."
Aurelia's eyes brighten.
[Aurelia] "Really? That's wonderful! Do you use it for combat too?"
[Aiko] "Not really. I focus on supporting others and keeping everyone healthy."
[Aurelia] "That's the traditional use. I went a different direction. Use it to reinforce my body and enhance my strength."
She pauses.
[Aurelia] "I was... I was actually planning to start a rebellion."
[Takeshi] "Really?"
[Aurelia] "Really. I was so angry. But then the Goddess made her proclamation, and everything collapsed so quickly. The king and nobles were judged. The country fell apart."
She looks up, her blue eyes focusing.
[Aurelia] "So instead of fighting, I helped people escape. Led groups of refugees out of the cities and toward safety. And now I want to go back. Help rebuild properly this time. Make sure things are done right."
[Wright] "That's commendable. We're planning to help with that as well. We'll support the returning residents and help them establish sustainable food production."
[Eldrin] "After we leave Rathen, we're heading to Respera for trade talks. The goal is to establish trade agreements so the crops grown in the newly reformed Aldencrest territories can be sold to other nations. It will create an economic foundation for the country."
[Lucien] "Economic stability will help ensure the population has better lives and consistent work. It's a crucial step in the rebuilding process."
Queen Vorath nods.
[Vorath] "I'm not joining the talks myself, but I've sent Chancellor Selis ahead to represent Rathen. I'm terrible at that sort of diplomatic dancing, so I granted Selis full authority to negotiate on our behalf. She's far better suited for it."
Aurelia's eyes drift, then snap back to focus.
[Aurelia] "All of this is happening? Trade agreements and farming programs and... I didn't realize the scale. Thank you. All of you. I'll do my best for the rebuilding effort. I promise."
[Wright] "Speaking of which, how are you feeling about the tournament tomorrow?"
Aurelia's jaw sets. She raises her fist.
[Aurelia] "I'll win. First place. One punch at a time."
Queen Vorath laughs loudly.
[Vorath] "I like your confidence! Though you should know the competition is fierce this year. There's Krath, the minotaur who specializes in axe combat. Massive strength, nearly unbreakable defense. Then there's Silvara, a demon mage who uses shadow magic in creative ways. Very unpredictable fighter."
[Vorath] "There's also Garrin, a dwarf who fights with twin hammers and earth magic. Reef, a merfolk who's adapted water magic for devastating close-range combat. And Zephyra, a harpy who uses aerial tactics combined with wind blades. All of them are strong contenders."
[Aurelia] "I'll beat them all."
She says it without arrogance. Just simple confidence.
[Wright] "Sounds like it's going to be fun to watch. I wish I could join."
[Everyone] "No."
The response is immediate and unanimous.
[Eldrin] "We've been over this."
[Lucien] "It would not be appropriate."
[Seraphina] "Absolutely not."
[Sylphaeris] "You'd ruin it for everyone."
Aurelia's face goes pale. She looks at me with wide eyes.
[Aurelia] "If you joined, I'd have no chance of winning. None at all. Please don't."
She blurts it out, then her hand flies to her mouth.
[Aurelia] "I mean... that sounded rude. But it's true. You're terrifying."
[Wright] "Terrifying?"
[Aurelia] "Yes. Very much so. I can feel it. The strength. It's like standing next to a natural disaster that's choosing to be polite."
Queen Vorath raises her eyebrows.
[Vorath] "Well, that's quite the description."
[Wright] "I'm just a farmer."
[Aurelia] "Farmers don't feel like that."
She says it in that same gentle tone, like she's commenting on the weather.
[Eldrin] "She has a point."
I sigh and let it drop. No tournament for me, apparently.
The conversation continues, flowing to other topics. The food keeps coming, and the atmosphere is relaxed despite the formal setting.
Queen Vorath keeps the conversation moving, includes everyone, laughs often. Aurelia gradually relaxes, though her eyes still drift occasionally before snapping back to focus.
The banquet stretches into the evening. Music starts playing from somewhere, and some people begin dancing in the lower hall.
It's a good night.