Morning arrived within the Veyris Eternal Empire.
The Imperial Gardens awakened beneath the light of countless stars that never faded.
Ancient flowers opened their petals.
Crystal rivers reflected endless skies.
The gentle voices of the World Tree and the Universe Tree echoed throughout the palace grounds.
Kael Veyris walked through the garden with calm steps.
Waiting for him beneath two enormous trees was Aurelion Veythar.
Aurelion smiled.
"I wondered how long it would take before you came here."
Kael smiled faintly.
"You knew I would."
"I always do."
The two old friends began walking together.
Aurelion looked toward the endless branches overhead.
"Do you remember..."
"The first tree you created?"
Kael looked upward.
"I do."
"It has become far more beautiful than I imagined."
As if hearing those words...
A warm golden light descended.
From the heart of the World Tree stepped its guardian.
She walked gracefully across the grass.
Her long blonde hair shimmered like sunlight through autumn leaves.
Her bright golden-yellow eyes radiated warmth and ancient wisdom.
Her long, prominent pointed elf ears gave her the appearance of one of the oldest high elves ever born.
She wore flowing white and gold robes decorated with living vines and blooming flowers.
Every step caused tiny blossoms to bloom beneath her feet.
She smiled warmly.
"Welcome back, Creator."
Kael inclined his head.
"It is good to see you."
Moments later...
A second gentle light appeared.
Soft emerald leaves drifted through the air.
The Universe Tree took the form of one of Kael's wives.
She possessed long, flowing mint-green hair that reached nearly to her knees.
Her emerald-green eyes reflected countless universes.
Long elegant elf-like ears framed her face.
She wore a graceful green dress embroidered with silver leaves that shimmered like galaxies.
She smiled softly at Kael.
"You've been spending more time in the gardens."
Kael nodded.
"They are peaceful."
The Universe Tree laughed gently.
"I hoped you would say that."
Aurelion folded his arms with a smile.
"I've noticed something."
Kael looked at him.
"What?"
"You've become softer."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Have I?"
Aurelion nodded.
"The Kael I met long ago rarely smiled."
"But now..."
"You smile whenever your family is around."
Kael remained silent.
The World Tree smiled knowingly.
"That is called happiness."
Elsewhere inside the Imperial Castle...
Veyloria Kaelthera Veyris walked through one of the palace halls.
Her black-and-silver hair flowed behind her.
Her left eye glowed with deep violet void energy.
Her right eye shone with golden-amber brilliance.
Her curved dark-purple horns reflected the palace lights.
She soon found four familiar women gathered together.
Nyx.
Lilith.
Ignisia.
And Umbryssia.
Umbryssia stood quietly near a window.
She was only 160 cm tall.
Her long black hair flowed smoothly down her back.
Her glowing violet eyes carried the majesty of the Void Black Dragon Empress.
Small obsidian-black horns curved elegantly from her head.
She wore a luxurious crimson-red gown decorated with ornate golden accents.
Black gloves covered her hands.
Black stockings and elegant high heels completed her regal appearance.
Veyloria smiled brightly.
"Good morning, everyone."
Lilith laughed.
"Our little princess is here."
Ignisia smiled warmly.
"Have you been looking for your father again?"
Veyloria nodded.
"I found him."
Nyx tilted her head.
"And?"
"He's talking with Uncle Aurelion beneath the trees."
Umbryssia smiled faintly.
"That is good."
"He rarely speaks with someone who remembers the earliest days."
Veyloria sat beside them.
"Can I ask all of you something?"
Lilith grinned.
"Of course."
"What was Father like before I was born?"
The room became quiet.
Ignisia smiled first.
"He worried about everyone."
Nyx added softly,
"He rarely thought about himself."
Lilith laughed.
"And he was unbelievably serious."
Umbryssia crossed her arms.
"Until someone made him smile."
Veyloria blinked.
"Who did that?"
The four women looked at each other.
Then all answered together.
"Family."
Veyloria smiled.
"I'm glad."
Outside...
Aurelion and Kael continued walking beneath the World Tree and the Universe Tree.
Aurelion looked toward his old friend.
"You know..."
"You created endless realities."
"You gave birth to countless stories."
"But I think your greatest creation..."
"...was never a universe."
Kael looked at him.
"What was it?"
Aurelion smiled as he looked toward the castle, where laughter could be heard from Veyloria, Ignisia, Nyx, Lilith, and Umbryssia.
"You created a home."
Kael followed his gaze.
A gentle smile appeared on his face.
For the first time in countless ages...
The Primordial Nothingness did not think about infinite existence.
He simply listened.
To the laughter of his family.
And beneath the eternal canopy of the World Tree and the Universe Tree...
The Architect of Existence realized that even eternity was brighter when it was shared with those he loved.
End Chapter.