Lilith understood that feeling. Entire civilizations had vanished during the Cataclysm. Even among elves, history from before that era remained frustratingly incomplete. Finding an untouched society from that age was nothing short of miraculous.
Lyria looked toward the two rulers.
"I imagine you’re wondering why we never attempted to leave."
Atheline nodded.
"The thought crossed my mind." She smiled. "We did, long ago. Our ancestors tested the Veil many times. They discovered something unexpected."
She gestured toward the surrounding forest.
"The Veil was designed to keep danger out, but after the world changed... It also prevented us from finding our way back. The outside became unfamiliar and the pathways no longer aligned. So eventually..."
She looked toward the peaceful village.
"...our people accepted this place as home."
There was no bitterness lingering in her voice.
The night had grown deep. Children gradually disappeared into their homes. Music softened. Lantern flowers slowly folded their petals.
The village became quieter.
Lyria looked toward the moonlight filtering through the leaves.
"It has been a long day." She smiled warmly. "And tomorrow will be longer still."
Atheline returned the smile.
"I suspect we have enough questions to occupy several weeks."
"So do we." Lyria laughed softly. "Our children have already invented dozens of stories explaining where you came from."
Lilith raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"One insists you descended from the moon. Another believes the little fox guided you here because she secretly rules the outside world."
Atheline glanced toward the fox, which was still asleep surrounded by fairy children.
"...I wouldn’t dismiss that possibility too quickly."
Lyria laughed, a clear, melodious sound that echoed gently through the night.
For a brief moment, it felt as though the burdens of kingship, diplomacy, and the ancient mysteries surrounding the Cataclysm had faded into the background.
They were simply travelers sharing an evening with people who had been separated from the world for untold generations.
Eventually, Lyria inclined her head.
"Please rest. Tomorrow, after breakfast, we’ll gather in the Hall of Memories. There..." She looked from Lilith to Atheline. "...I will answer every question our records can answer and perhaps..."
Her eyes held a spark of curiosity equal to their own.
"...you can tell us what became of the world after we closed our gates."
Lilith nodded.
"We would be honored."
Atheline smiled.
"I think tomorrow will be a day neither side will ever forget."
Lyria wished them a peaceful night before quietly departing along the softly glowing path.
The royal couple remained beneath the great tree for a little while longer, gazing up at the countless lights suspended among its branches.
.
.
.
Morning arrived gently within the hidden sanctuary. Unlike the outside world, dawn here seemed almost reluctant to disturb the tranquility of the forest.
Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the colossal canopy, illuminating countless droplets of dew that clung to leaves and flowers. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the delicate fragrance of blooming plants and fresh spring water.
As the first light reached the village, the glowing flowers that had illuminated the settlement throughout the night slowly folded their petals. Crystal lanterns suspended among the branches dimmed one by one as natural daylight reclaimed the forest.
Birdsong gradually replaced the quiet melodies of the previous evening.
Lilith stood on the balcony of their guest residence, looking over the peaceful village below. Already, fairies had begun their daily routines.
Some tended gardens that seemed to grow more vibrant with every passing hour. Others crossed elegant bridges suspended between the trees, carrying woven baskets filled with fruit and herbs. Children laughed as they chased glowing butterflies through the open spaces between homes.
It felt strangely ordinary. After discovering an entire civilization thought extinct for countless centuries, Lilith had expected something grander; instead, it was simply a peaceful morning.
Atheline stepped onto the balcony beside her, carrying two wooden cups filled with fragrant tea.
"I don’t think I’ve slept this well in years."
Lilith accepted one of the cups.
"The Aether here is incredibly calming."
He nodded.
"I noticed; my power stabilized almost effortlessly during the night."
She smiled faintly.
"I experienced the same."
Neither had deliberately trained before sleeping, yet the hidden sanctuary itself seemed to nourish anyone living within it. It was another reminder that this place truly belonged to another era.
Breakfast had been prepared in a nearby communal pavilion overlooking one of the village’s crystal-clear streams. Unlike royal banquets, the meal was shared by everyone together.
Families sat wherever space was available. Elders spoke quietly over steaming cups of herbal tea. Children eagerly reached for fresh fruit while their parents gently reminded them to slow down.
Nobody seemed concerned that two foreign monarchs were seated only a short distance away. The atmosphere remained warm and relaxed.
One elderly fairy smiled as Atheline sampled another unfamiliar fruit.
"You seem to enjoy our food."
"It would be difficult not to." Atheline smiled in return. "I’ve never tasted fruit this fresh."
The old fairy chuckled.
"Our orchards have had several thousand years to mature."
Several nearby fairies laughed softly. Lilith found herself smiling as well. The humor here was gentle and simple.
After breakfast concluded, one of the younger attendants approached their table.
"Lady Lyria is waiting for you."
Lilith inclined her head.
"We’ll be there shortly."
The fairy bowed politely before leading them deeper into the village. Instead of taking the central pathways, they followed a quieter trail that wound gently uphill through the forest.
The further they walked, the older the surrounding trees became. Eventually they reached a magnificent structure unlike any other building they had seen.
The Hall of Memories.
Rather than standing separately from the forest, it had been grown around the trunk of an ancient tree. Its entrance consisted of two enormous living roots arching together naturally, forming a graceful doorway.
Delicate carvings covered the wood, depicting forests, stars, rivers, and winged figures dancing beneath a towering tree.
Atheline paused to admire them.
"They’re telling a story."
"They are."
Lyria’s familiar voice greeted them from inside. She stepped forward with a welcoming smile.
"Our history."
She gestured for them to enter.