Lyssara descended.
Not as an invader.
Not as an ally.
As witness.
Her presence forced stillness.
Enough, she said.
Even Velkarion paused.
This realm exists Lyssara declared. Therefore it holds truth.
She turned to Lorien.
And so do you.
He bowed lightly.
Careful. They'll think we're close.
Lyssara stepped into the center of the arena.
Lorien Vale. If you continue unchecked, existence fractures.
She then faced Velkarion.
If you suppress him completely, stagnation returns.
Silence.
Even war paused.
Lyssara's eyes glowed brighter.
This is not annihilation. This is evolution.
Lorien tilted his head.
Oh.
She looked directly at him.
You are forcing growth.
Then to the gods:
And you are reacting with fear.
Velkarion's aura flared violently.
You would defend him
No, she answered calmly. I will test him.
She raised her hand.
A mirror formed between her and Lorien.
Inside it
A vision.
A future where the Carnival consumed everything.
No balance.
No structure.
Only endless absurdity.
Lyssara met his gaze.
Is this what you want
For once
Lorien did not immediately joke.
He looked at the vision carefully.
Then softly said:
No.
The mirror shifted.
Another vision appeared
A reality frozen in perfect divine order.
No change.
No laughter.
No growth.
Dead calm.
Lorien shuddered slightly.
Definitely not that.
Lyssara nodded.
Then choose.
Behind them, Velkarion and the others watched carefully.
Lorien touched the crack in his mask again.
Then snapped his fingers.
The Carnival stabilized.
Not shrinking.
Not expanding uncontrollably.
Balanced.
For now.
He looked at Lyssara.
Temporary intermission.
She inclined her head.
For now.
The gods withdrew.
But this was not peace.
It was preparation.