Chapter 131

Elise and I took the long way back to Naevira.

Which, in the demesne, meant we walked.

No folding space, no bending distance - just two people crossing a field, because the last thing I wanted was to startle her. We moved hand in hand through the tall grass, the bioluminescent moths rising and settling in slow waves around us. The night should have been breathtaking. It was breathtaking.

But I barely noticed it.

My attention stayed fixed on the woman beside me.

Elise caught the light in a way that didn’t feel entirely natural. Her pale skin, her snow-white hair - braided with careful precision - and the simple white dress she wore all reflected the glow around us, bathing her in a kaleidoscope of hues. Pastel colors slid across her like living paint. Her smile was soft, radiant. Her gray eyes shimmered with borrowed illumination.

My heart always beat a little harder near her.

I **** myself to look ahead as we neared the entrance point.

Naevira stood in the tall grass, almost lost in it - covered from head to toe in moths. They clung to her shoulders, her arms, her hair, their soft light pooling across her form. For anyone else, they would have scattered. Instead, they gathered. Even the bats seemed to have forgotten their hunger, hanging lazily from the sleeves of her dress, unmoving despite the feast surrounding them.

“Naevira,” I called softly.

She flinched. Her gaze snapped to mine with sudden intensity - then softened into a sweet smile.

The moths stirred, the bats shifted - but none of them fled.

Elise and I closed the distance. At thirty feet, everything changed. Naevira’s expression twisted - fear cutting across her features - and then she was gone.

The moths and bats exploded upward in a single, sweeping wave, light and shadow crashing together as wings filled the air.

Elise stiffened beside me, concern flickering across her face.

“I’ll go talk to her,” I said, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

I stepped forward to where Naevira had stood.

Her dress lay in tatters on the ground. Beneath it, a tight knot of brambles pressed into the earth - vines coiled and compact, thorns angled downward like roots digging deep.

“Naevira?” I asked gently. “Is that you?”

I nudged the vines with my finger. They twitched.

So she hadn’t vanished - just… retreated. Burrowed into herself, into the ground, until only the surface remained.

“It’s alright,” I said. “I’m here. I told you I’d protect you. I meant it. Elise isn’t going to hurt you.”

“I know,” she answered from somewhere beneath the tangle.

“Then why are you hiding?”

There was a pause. “She feels like the moment before something ends,” Naevira said quietly. “Not the ending. Before it. Like… the expectation of loss. Of sadness.” Another pause. “She feels… familiar.”

I blinked.

That was… deeper than I expected. And a little unsettling.

“She’s not going to hurt you,” I said again, softer this time. “And I’m right here. You’re safe.”

The vines shifted.

Slowly, they pulled free of the earth, uncoiling like something drawn up from deep water. Brambles twisted and braided together, reshaping, building structure. Limbs formed. A torso. A head.

Then the mycelium bloomed. Gray-white filaments spread across the woven vines, smoothing, softening, becoming flesh. Within moments, Naevira stood before me again - bare, unmarked, impossibly clean despite having just been half-buried in the ground.

She bent and picked up what remained of her dress. The torn fabric hung limply in her hands. “My dress is ruined,” she said, her voice carrying a quiet, bottomless sadness.

“It’s alright,” I said gently. “You’ve got others. And I can make you a new one.”

I reached out with my Will.

Threads of kelly green gathered at her neck - appearing from nowhere. They spun and wove themselves into cloth, draping over her frame in smooth, flowing lines - forming an empire waisted dress. A moment later, cobalt blue threads ed them - forming an overlayer that settled across her shoulders, sleeves blooming wide and elegant, the front lacing itself closed. Gold and red followed, stitching delicate patterns of leaves along the collar and cuffs, like autumn caught in thread.

Naevira watched in quiet wonder as the clothing formed around her, her hands lifting slightly as if she could feel the threads move.

When it was done, I held out my hand. She took it without hesitation.

I hummed, and she lifted lightly off the ground. A soft, delighted laugh slipped from her as her feet left the earth. Boots formed around them - leather and cloth shaping themselves into something sturdy, practical, but nice enough to complement the dress.

I lowered her back down.

Her smile lit the night. She spun once, skirts flaring gently as she ired herself.

Then she ed Elise. The excitement softened. She stilled, composed herself, and dipped her head slightly.

“Thank you,” she said, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, her eyes bright in the shifting glow of mothlight and aurora.

* * *

“I apologize for my reaction,” Naevira said softly, her eyes lifting to meet Elise’s with careful hesitation.

Elise looked no less uncertain. “It is alright,” she replied, her Elithae still carrying that faint, lingering accent. “I did not mean to frighten you.” She didn’t move, as if even a single step might make things worse.

“You said she felt familiar,” I said gently. “Do you feel comfortable getting a little closer?”

Naevira nodded.

We approached together - her hand still wrapped around mine, not loosening for even a moment.

As the distance closed, I felt the shift. Elise’s discomfort tightened, subtle but unmistakable, like a held breath. But Naevira didn’t recoil. Didn’t even flinch.

We stopped an arm’s length away.

“I am Naevira,” she said, dipping into a small, graceful bow. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Seth has told me much about you. He holds you in very high regard… as is expected of a husband.”

A faint blush touched Elise’s pale cheeks. “I am- We are not yet wed,” she corrected quickly. “Not formally.” She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “I am Elise Rosecroft, Adept of Void.” She returned the bow, more restrained.

When we’d first met, Elise had been an apprentice - both to Master Edevane and to the political machinery of Morentis. Their council of wizards measured power in two ways: magic and influence. Most had one. The ones who mattered had both.

Elise had always had the first in abundance. The second… had taken time.

After the war, the council had been **** to acknowledge her - elevating her to Acolyte whether they liked it or not. She was too visible. Too powerful. Too difficult to ignore. Over the years since, she’d learned to navigate the rest of it. Carefully. Reluctantly.

She still preferred the quiet order of her library. But she’d made it clear - she would not be something they could move at will. Now she stood as an Adept, carrying more influence than she ever wanted, and wielding it with a precision that made it hard to challenge.

“How do you feel?” I asked Naevira.

“I am well, thank you,” she said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

I chuckled. “I meant, how do you feel around Elise?”

Naevira’s gaze flicked to me, then back to Elise, studying her with quiet intensity.

“She still feels like sadness ed,” she said at last. “But… I am not uncomfortable.”

I nodded, then looked to Elise. “And you?”

“I am fine,” she said. “Only… curious.” Her attention had shifted now, her earlier hesitation giving way to interest. “Is it true you were born from a Weeping Gallows?”

Naevira tilted her head slightly, considering. “I do not know,” she itted. “The first thing I is… Seth’s voice.”

* * *

The two of them talked for a long while.

Elise asked questions - endless, precise, curious. Naevira answered as best she could, then turned those same questions outward, asking about the world, about people, about everything she didn’t yet understand. And somewhere along the way, they both started talking about me as if I wasn’t standing right there.

I didn’t interrupt.

They settled into each other faster than I expected. Not instant friendship - but there was a connection. Whatever tension had been there at the start faded within minutes, replaced by something easier.

They were both a little awkward. Neither cared. They didn’t try to be anything else. And somehow, that was enough.

After about an hour, I finally stepped in.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourselves,” I said, “but I think someone’s getting tired.” I glanced at Elise with a smirk.

“Is that someone you?” she shot back, grinning.

Naevira lifted a hand to her mouth, trying - and failing - to hide a smile.

“It’s possible,” I itted. “But we should head back. And you-” I took Elise’s hands, drawing her closer, “-need your sleep. I want you healthy.”

“You’re one to talk, mister stay-up-all-night-in-your-workshop.” She swatted lightly at my arm.

I saw Naevira flinch - just a little - out of the corner of my eye.

“I’m working on it,” I said. “I had a project. Something important. It’s finished now.” I smiled faintly. “Means I can spend more time with my beautiful women… once I’m home.”

I kissed her.

“Fine,” she said with a mock huff. Then, to Naevira, “Keep him out of trouble. He needs supervision.”

“I love you,” I said, pulling her close again, resting my forehead against hers for a brief, quiet moment.

“I love you, as well,” she replied softly.

She stepped back, composure returning. “It was very nice meeting you, Naevira. We will see each other again in the morning.” She dipped into a small bow.

Then she was gone - moving quickly, the demesne folding around her as she made her way back toward the library in only a handful of steps.

I watched her go, then turned back to Naevira.

“Ready to head back?” I asked.

She nodded, smiling.

I took her hand and stepped us back to the inn.

* * *

Elise stepped into the inn room just before dawn, excitement practically spilling off her.

We grabbed a quick breakfast downstairs, then headed out into the waking city. The shops were still shuttered, so the three of us wandered instead - taking in the architecture while the streets remained quiet enough for Elise to breathe easily.

She filled the silence with history. Highcoin, like most of Caldris’ cities, was ruled by a council formed from the five dominant guilds - the Blacktide Haul and the Eastwake Consortium, both controlling shipping; the Aureate Reserve, which held the city’s wealth in its quiet grip; the Argent Contract, arbiters of law and agreement; and the Stonewright Guild, who shaped the very bones of the city. Others existed, of course, but those five ruled.

Trade flowed through Highcoin like blood. East to west, west to east - linking Ilyr’Vaeneth to Morentis, and beyond that to Bronzewell, where Arvellia and Esmori met in a constant exchange of goods and coin.

We crossed beneath one of the great bridges, its high arch stretching across the river. Elise pointed out the anchor stones - older than the city itself, older perhaps than the First Silent War. No one knew who had built them.

Up close, they looked untouched by time. The edges were too sharp. Too clean.

And they hummed. Not audibly - but I felt it. A quiet resonance against my Faith. Unmade choices and unrealized potential.

Highcoin had never fallen in war. Disrupting the trade that ed through it would cost too much - more than any victory could justify. And those who had tried… rumor said they’d been quietly paid to leave instead.

As the sun climbed, the city stirred. More people filled the streets - and just as quickly gave us space. Elise’s presence had that effect. She, in turn, guided us down quieter paths, pointing out statues, carvings, guild halls - details I would have missed entirely.

Then a bell rang somewhere in the city.

Elise lit up. “That’s the start of trade,” she said and promptly dragged us toward the Gilded Ledger.

The bookstore stood three or four stories tall, its black and red brickwork dressed in blind tracery and narrow buttresses that gave it an understated elegance. Stained glass windows caught the morning light and scattered it across the street.

Inside, the space opened into a two-story library. Shelves lined the walls nearly to the ceiling, with shorter rows cutting through the center. A broad staircase led up to a balcony wrapped in dark hardwood, its railing carved with books, faces, quills, and scrolls. The air smelled of ink, parchment, and faint sandalwood.

There were only a few patrons. Elise ignored them entirely and marched straight to the counter.

“Mister Goldfield, it is a pleasure to see you once again,” she said.

The older man didn’t flinch. He smiled warmly, adjusted his glasses, and studied her for a moment. “My Lady… forgive me. You seem familiar, though I cannot place you.”

“That’s quite alright,” Elise said, undeterred. “It has been nearly twenty years. I am Elise Rosecroft - formerly apprenticed to Theobold Edevane, Morentis’ Master of Void.” She gave a small curtsy.

Recognition lit his face. “Ah! Yes, his promising student. I recall you hiding among my shelves while he searched for you.” He chuckled. “You were much smaller then.”

A blush crept across Elise’s cheeks.

“How is your master?”

Her smile dimmed. “He ed, not long after our last visit. I have few details… but I know he held this place, and you, in high regard.”

Goldfield’s expression softened. “My condolences. He was a brilliant man and will be missed.”

She inclined her head.

“Now then, what may I help you find?”

Elise brightened instantly. “Yes! I’m looking for Foundations of Aetheric Science, Volume Four - Instability Events and Containment Failures. And, if you have it, Master Theorist Jorun Vale’s third lecture on harmonic resonance in complex spellwork.”

Goldfield stroked his chin. “Rare, both of them. Let me check.” He opened a massive ledger and began flipping through its pages.

I leaned in to Elise. “We’ll look around while you catch up.” I kissed her cheek. “Let us know when you’re ready.”

Naevira and I drifted into the shelves.

The sheer volume of knowledge here would have stunned me if not for Elise’s library. Instead, I found myself quietly impressed.

I glanced at Naevira. “I should have asked earlier. Can you read?”

She tilted her head. “I’m… not sure. I don’t understand these words.” She gestured to the book on a nearby shelf.

“Let’s find something in Elithae,” I suggested.

It took some searching, but we found a small section tucked between Khuldren and Drath texts.

“How about this?” I said, pulling down a book.

Her fingers brushed the cover. “Bending the Living Wood,” she read slowly. “By Elder Ilyraen Lioraethyn.” Her face lit up. “I can read!”

“Excellent,” I smiled. “Take a look at what they have here. If there is anything that interests you, let me know.”

She stayed there, quietly exploring, while I wandered.

I didn’t need reference material - not with Elise’s collection - but I found things for the children.

For Lilae, a story told through recipes and letters. A warlord’s firsthand from the Bone Years for Torvek. For Issa, a reflective tale of memory and friendship. Something dark - a story of quiet grief and unraveling for Brinja. For Mak, a merchant’s guide to the Iron Nation. For Tib, an old sailor’s journal.

I also found a cookbook from Esmori for Mirri and a diplomat’s memoir spanning three nations for Serah.

There was no children’s section to this store, so I would need to look elsewhere for something for Morien and Briva.

When I returned, Naevira held a book close to her chest.

“Find something?” I asked.

She nodded.

A collection of personal s - refugees fleeing war. Not what I expected. But I didn’t question it.

We added it to the stack and made our way back to the counter.

Elise now stood beside three towering piles of books - each nearly three feet high. She beamed at us. “I’m almost finished.”

“Need help carrying those?” I asked.

“No,” she said. “I’ll make a few trips. If you don’t mind waiting.”

“Anything for you,” I said, kissing her cheek again.

She flushed.

Her total came to over two thousand gold. It was an obscene amount of money, but it was hers to do with as she pleased. And these books made her very, very happy.

Elise thanked him, lifted the first stack, and stepped - vanishing into the demesne.

Goldfield’s jaw dropped.

I smiled. “She does that.” I set my books down. “She’ll be back.”

He glanced between the empty space and me, then adjusted his glasses and composed himself.

My purchase came to a much more modest five gold and change. As I paid, Elise reappeared, grabbed another stack, and vanished again.

Goldfield recovered faster this time.

“Mind if I leave this here for a moment?” I asked, gesturing to Unity.

“Not at all, sir.”

I took my stack of books, minus the one Naevira had selected, and stepped to the demesne.

I returned with Elise and gave the clerk a smile. Elise picked up her last stack of books. I kissed her once more, and she disappeared again.

“Thank you,” I said to Goldfield, reclaiming Unity. “Have a good day.”

Naevira and I made our way back out into the city.