Liora awoke in the morning, greeted by the natural aroma of wood, leaves, and flowers that seemed to invigorate her spirit. Her sleep had been deep and restful, likely due to the exhaustion from the previous day or perhaps the calming vibes of Verdantia.
Despite the heartfelt conversation she had with the king before retiring, where he poured out his emotions as both a ruler and a father, Liora felt no burden from his earnest request.
Instead, she was genuinely pleased at the prospect of helping mend the fractured bond between Elowen and her father, as Liora firmly believed that family was the most precious treasure in life.
However, she still puzzled over how and when to broach the subject with Elowen. Comforted by the lack of urgency, Liora rose from her bed, took a refreshing bath to clear her mind and body, and prepared herself for the challenges ahead.
About thirty minutes later, a soft knock echoed at her door—but this time, it wasn't the maid. Elowen's voice called out teasingly, "Are you awake, Liora? Don't tell me you're still lounging around because of all this comfort."
Liora, who had already finished getting ready, dashed toward the door and flung it open without hesitation, startling Elowen slightly. Without warning, she embraced her friend tightly.
Confused but amused, Elowen quipped, "You know the delicious dinner last night wasn't my doing, right?"
Liora chuckled softly and held her even tighter. Curious now, Elowen asked with a playful laugh, "So what did I do to deserve such an enthusiastic hug so early in the morning?"
Liora finally released her embrace, looked into Elowen's eyes, and smiled warmly. "It's your kindness, sincerity, patience, and care," she replied earnestly.
Elowen raised an eyebrow, silently urging her to elaborate. Liora continued, "After learning about your current situation—how easy it would have been for you to abandon me instead of accompanying and supporting me, even risking your life—I realized just how much I've taken you for granted."
She stepped back slightly, bowed deeply until her back was parallel to the ground, and added humbly, "I only now realize how insufficient my gratitude has been compared to your sacrifices and unwavering dedication."
Elowen approached her junior, gently placed her hands on Liora's shoulders, and guided her back upright. Pulling her close once more, she whispered tenderly, "Your hugs are more than enough, Liora. Regardless of my status, I will always stand by your side and support you—for eternity."
The two women embraced for several moments longer, exchanging silent thanks and basking in the warmth and sincerity they shared. What began as a professional mentorship had evolved into a profound friendship, a bond that brought peace and joy to their hearts.
With renewed spirits, they stepped outside together, heading toward the Lord of Wood Temple located in People's Square. As they descended the stairs, laughing and chatting along the way, Elowen playfully teased Liora about testing one of the Royal Tree's magical tools by jumping off—a suggestion Liora adamantly refused every time.
Before reaching the temple, they passed through an open field where soldiers trained with fervor and intensity. On the wall near the entrance, an inscription caught Liora's eye:
"The strongest roots grow in silence—but when the time comes,
they crack stone and topple giants.
So too must our blades lie still until the moment of command,
then strike like the storm beneath the canopy." — Magnus Verdantia.
Noticing Liora slow down to read the words, Elowen explained casually, "That's from my great-grandfather, King Magnus Verdantia, the fifth ruler of Verdantia. Every king leaves behind writings like these wherever they wish, making them part of their legacy."
Liora smiled thoughtfully, responding, "I love these inscriptions—they're filled with meaning, tradition, and inspiration. They preserve Verdantia's culture beautifully."
Pleased by Liora's appreciation, Elowen added, "My grandfather, Kael Verdantia, was the sixth king. Before him came Thorne Verdantia, Silas Verdantia, Alden Verdantia, and the very first king…" She paused dramatically, prompting Liora to guess. "Let me think… Hmm…"
Unable to resist, Elowen revealed, "Of course, it was one of the Ten Saints—King Theodore Verdantia! Didn't Sanctora Academy teach you that?" Liora laughed awkwardly, scratching her head. "Haha… maybe they did, but I might not have paid enough attention."
Elowen burst into laughter, teasing, "If I were your teacher, I'd punish you for sure, Liora! Maybe by pushing you down those stairs earlier!"
Liora gasped, exclaiming, "Elowen! Why are you obsessed with throwing people off staircases?" Still laughing, Elowen shrugged nonchalantly.
"Because if you tried it once, you'd love the adrenaline rush!" Shaking her head vehemently, Liora retorted, "Nope, never going to happen."
"But wait," Liora interjected thoughtfully, her eyes widening with realization, "doesn't that mean your father is the seventh king? And after him, you'll become the eighth ruler—Verdantia's first queen in history!"
Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm as she spoke, clearly excited by the monumental significance of this fact . To Liora, it felt like Elowen was destined to carve her name into the annals of Verdantia's legacy, a figure who would symbolize not just strength but also groundbreaking change.
She imagined how much pride and responsibility must come with such a role, picturing Elowen seated on the throne, leading her people with wisdom and courage.
Elowen, however, responded with characteristic nonchalance, shrugging lightly as if the weight of the revelation barely registered. "Hmm, I guess so," she replied casually, her tone laced with amusement. "I never really thought about it, to be honest."
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, and she added playfully, "Honestly, all these royal titles and lineages aren't exactly what keeps me up at night."
Liora tilted her head slightly, studying Elowen with admiration mixed with disbelief. How could someone so poised and powerful seem so indifferent about their future as a ruler?
For Liora, the idea of becoming a queen carried an almost mythical allure—a culmination of generations of leadership, tradition, and sacrifice. Yet here was Elowen, brushing it off as though it were no more significant than choosing what to wear for the day.
"You don't find it exciting?" Liora pressed gently, leaning forward as if trying to bridge the gap between their perspectives. "You'll be the first queen Verdantia has ever known!"
"That's… incredible. It's like stepping into uncharted territory, breaking centuries of precedent." Her words hung in the air, filled with awe and reverence.
Elowen paused for a moment, her expression softening as she considered Liora's perspective. While she didn't share the same level of excitement, she couldn't deny the weight of what Liora was saying.
Still, her response remained grounded. "I suppose it is kind of cool when you put it that way," she admitted, scratching the back of her neck sheepishly. "But honestly, I've always seen myself as someone who fights on the front lines, not someone sitting on a throne giving orders. The thought of ruling… well, it feels strange, almost foreign."
"Not to mention if I have to make a decision that goes against my conscience. For what? Politics? Fame? Wealth? Show off my authority? Or maybe a rather noble goal like for the good of the people? But what if it goes against my wishes, my own good?"
Elowen paused for a moment, before ending the topic by saying. "I don't know Liora, I don't want to think about it, at least for now."
Her gaze drifted momentarily toward the horizon, where the lush greenery of Verdantia stretched endlessly under the morning sun.
Perhaps deep down, Elowen understood the gravity of her destiny, but she preferred to focus on the present—the battles they faced today, the lives they sought to protect now—rather than dwell on the distant future .
Liora smiled warmly, sensing Elowen's reluctance to embrace the grandeur of her impending role.
"Well, whether you like it or not, history will remember you," she said softly, her tone tinged with affection. "And I have no doubt you'll make your ancestors proud, Elowen. You already do."
For a brief moment, there was silence between them, broken only by the rustling leaves overhead and the distant chirping of birds.
Then, with a mischievous grin, Elowen broke the solemnity. "Alright, enough of this serious talk. Let's get moving before I start feeling too much pressure from all this 'queen' business!"
As they resumed walking, Liora couldn't help but marvel at Elowen's humility and strength. Despite her casual demeanor, there was no denying the immense potential within her—a leader in the making, even if she refused to see it herself.
As they reached the temple, they encountered Elder Amir Solanki, who appeared hurriedly preparing to leave. Sensing his urgency, Elowen asked curiously, "Are you heading somewhere, Elder?"
Bowing apologetically, Elder Amir replied, "Forgive me, Princess Elowen, Miss Liora. I must rush to the Woodedge Tree District—there's unrest among the temple congregants."
"May we postpone today's trial until tonight? This matter is urgent." Frustrated but trying to remain composed, Elowen frowned. "What? You're serious? Is there anything more important than Liora's trial right now?"
Before Elowen could escalate further, Liora gently touched her arm and reassured her. "It's alright, Elowen. We can wait until tonight—it's just a postponement."
Rolling her eyes in frustration, Elowen relented. "Ugh, fine. Hurry back once you're done, Elder." With a sheepish laugh, Elder Amir excused himself, saying,
"Thank you for understanding, Miss Liora, Princess Elowen." As he departed, Elowen muttered under her breath, "Yeah, yeah… what else can we do?" Meanwhile, Liora offered a small, awkward chuckle.
Once Elder Amir was gone, Elowen slumped onto the nearest temple bench with a heavy sigh. "Finally, it's happening here too." Perplexed, Liora sat across from her and inquired, "What's happening, Elowen?"
Taking a deep breath, Elowen explained, "The unrest stems from the influx of immigrants fleeing fallen kingdoms after the Demon Race's invasions."
"Gritstone Kingdom has become overwhelmed, so many refugees have been relocated to districts like Woodedge Tree in Verdantia.
Liora still had many questions in her mind, asking Elowen. "Wasn't there no survivor from the fallen kingdoms? Why are there still so many people?"
Elowen answered with more serious tone, "The kingdoms of Ironhelm and Eldermere Kingdom still managed to evacuate a small portion of their citizens, before being attacked by the demon race, Liora."
"And from other kingdoms that fell first, many people from those kingdoms are leaving and visiting other kingdoms, especially the kingdoms to the east, the remaining human kingdoms today."
"So they never experienced attacks from the demon race, initially, it was only a few, but over the years of course, they reproduced and became many."
"But why would they riot?" Liora pressed, clearly concerned. Elowen elaborated patiently.
"Remember, we're all descendants of the Ten Saints' civilization. Each of us carries fragments of their culture, principles, and ideals—and some grow fanatically attached to them."
"When differing ideologies collide, especially among displaced communities desperate to reclaim their identities, conflict becomes inevitable."
Liora nodded thoughtfully before posing another question. "Why do most of them stay in Gritstone rather than spreading out to places like Sanctora?"
Elowen hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Hope, Liora. Pure hope keeps them rooted there... They dream of returning home someday, staying close to their ancestral lands. Right now, Gritstone is the closest human kingdom to their lost territories."
Observing intently, Liora felt a spark within her—a realization that this collective yearning could strengthen humanity's resolve against oppression.
Elowen continued, her tone growing softer yet resolute. "Many of them fight directly for that hope, training tirelessly and joining battles on the frontlines—even if they weren't born warriors or mages."
"They strive, sacrifice, and contribute to the Human Race Alliance in countless ways, not just militarily. Yet, differences inevitably arise, as seen in today's unrest. But I believe—no, I hope—that these challenges won't extinguish their dreams."
"I hope so too," Liora murmured, echoing Elowen's sentiment. Breaking the somber mood, Elowen stood up briskly.
"Enough gloom! Let's channel this frustration onto the training grounds, Liora. Sweat it out!" Startled, Liora stammered, "Y-you mean… is that even allowed?"
Grinning mischievously, Elowen strutted toward the exit. "I'm a princess, Liora. Who's going to stop me?" Chuckling nervously, Liora followed closely behind, marveling at Elowen's audacity.