Elarion did not feel like it was built it felt grown.
The city stretched across spirit trees whose silver branches intertwined high above the clouds.
Elegant bridges woven from living roots connected towering structures glowing with magic.
Waterfalls descended through the city like streams of light and spirit lanterns floated gently between branches.
Everywhere nature and civilization existed as one.
Even Kael, who rarely looked impressed by anything stopped staring long enough to mutter "Now I understand why Valtheris never invaded this place." he said.
Lina smirked. "They'd probably get lost in the trees before reaching the gate " she said.
As the group entered the capital attention followed them immediately.
Whispers spread quickly through the streets. People said:
"The Hero…"
"He's alive…"
Some elves looked amazed and others looked nervous.
Because if the rumors were true war might not be behind.
Elder Sylvain guided them through the city toward the district, where the great spirit tree towered above all others. "The Queen awaits " he said.
Before they reached the palace several figures descended from a platform.
They were guards and at their front stood a woman, with long emerald hair tied behind her back and silver armor etched with spirit markings.
She was Commander Seris and her sharp eyes immediately locked onto the humans, Ronan.
"So, you were alive all this time." Commander Seris said.
Her tone was not hostile, but cautious very cautious.
Sylvain spoke calmly.
"Don't do anything unnecessary Commander Seris, they are under my protection."
Seris nodded once though her gaze stayed on Ronan.
She did not look away from Ronan.
"The capital is unsettled. News of Valtheris crossing our borders has spread quickly."
Kael frowned "That fast?" he said.
"Little remains hidden here in Elarion." Seris said.
As they went deeper into the capital another person came up quietly.
This was an elven woman in white robes that flowed.
Golden markings glowed on her sleeves.
This woman was Priestess Mirelle.
When her eyes fell on Ronan her face changed.
She was not scared of Ronan. She was worried about Ronan "Oh my, that curse." she said.
Ronan looked at her with narrowed eyes "You can feel it, the curse?" he said.
Mirelle nodded slowly "The curse is tied to the power might even greater than the gods." she said.
Before they could say more the palace doors opened.
The hall was silent.
A woman came forward she was very elegant.
She was old. She had a strong presence.
This woman was Queen Aelira Elarion.
Her hair was silver and white it went down her back.
Her eyes were golden as they rested on Ronan.
For a time, nobody said a word.
Then the Queen smiled a little. "You lived longer than I thought you would Hero Ronan." she said.
Ronan almost laughed. "Good to see you are also doing well Queen Aelira Elarion." he said.
The room felt a little better. Not much better.
Everyone knew that something important had happened.
The Hero, Ronan had come back to the heart of the Elven Kingdom.