The Elders exchanged looks—brief flickers of silent consensus—before their leader stepped forward again. Her hands folded neatly over her ceremonial sleeves, her expression carved from calm neutrality.
"The destruction of the Sylvanel sanctuary cannot be undone," she said. Her voice was soft, but the weight behind it pressed into the room like an iron seal. "The roots of the World Tree touched that site. Its resonance is broken. No restoration is possible."
Valttair watched Elenara's knuckles pale around her staff. 'Ancestral wounds do not heal. And she will not forgive.'
The Elder continued.
"Given the severity of the offense, the Council of Elders proposes three resolutions."
Silence rippled outward. Even Icarus lifted his gaze.
The Elder raised one finger.
"First: full compensation.
Resources, artifacts, items, sacred offerings—whatever House Sylvanel deems appropriate for reparations."
Roderic smirked as if he anticipated negotiation profits.
A second finger rose.
