When they arrived, the place was alive with movement.
Dozens of elves were decorating the courtyard with flowing silken cloth, petals of glowing flowers, and intricate wooden carvings that shimmered with faint enchantments.
Some were carrying baskets of fruits and sweets, while others were aligning elegant chairs around a beautifully adorned altar platform. The scent of fresh blossoms and wood polish filled the air.
Liana blinked.
The entire place was bustling. Too bustling.
Then a loud voice rang from across the yard.
"Mom! It's Liana!!"
She turned quickly and spotted him—Giullis, her fourth sibling. Tall, sharp-featured, wearing a half-buttoned shirt, sleeves rolled up, and clearly in the middle of helping with setup. He waved wildly with both arms.
"Where!? Where is she!?" came a more refined, commanding voice.
