On the outside of the castle gate, a green outline took shape, solidifying.

  The first step through with Eden's Dawn at her side, was Lucina. "No way."

  Her eyes followed the brick road to the outside of the building, where her gaze locked onto its highest point. Three separate towers connected to the main body of the building. On top of the towers, three jade green flags with yellow markings in the shape of a bird holding a branch. It wasn't just taller than the Riser's home but wider too.

  "Now this is what I thought a castle would look like, not a mansion... Wait, that sounded wrong."

  Laughter was closely followed by the Riser family stepping through before the portal closed as they were all behind her. Like her, Red had Breaker in its scabbard, wearing the same armor he had just cleansed days prior and with his scarf around his neck. But Lyn, Hector, and Roy simply wore their more casual clothing.

  "Sorry, I didn't mean to insult your home. I just well...

  "Don't worry about it." Achilles spoke up. "I was the same way when Igneel brought me along as a personal guard. I do like our home better but compared to the castles the others live in it does look small compared to them."

  The two turned to meet Lyn's laughter. "Come on, Achilles, your reaction was much funnier." The man froze while the elf grew curious. "The first time he saw a castle, he nearly fainted at the sight."

  The brothers quickly joined her, much to their father's disappointment. "You know, Lucina, even compared to this, the castle in Sabot is even bigger."

  "Wait, really?" Her eyes darted between Red and Roy, looking for confirmation, with a simple nod for an answer, before she looked back to Lyn. "Can we go see that?"

  Her sudden desire to see a new location only made the family laugh as a whole.

  "You just arrived and you already want to leave? Lucina, I'm hurt." Turning to the voice, they watched Morgen walk down the brick road. "And here I was looking forward to seeing you again."

  Roy was the first to break away from the group and launched himself at her. The half-elf was quick to catch him in a hug. He didn't hesitate to show off his wrist. "Thanks for the wristband, Morgen."

  "I'm glad you liked it, Roy. It took me a few days to make." She couldn't resist the urge to ruffle his hair before returning her gaze to them.

  However, the moment they all approached, there was a gleam in Morgen's eyes. The moment Red stepped within range and with a nonexistent guard.

  She snatched Red, lifting him off the ground, hugging him. Much to his dismay and newly formed embarrassment.

  "Morgen! Put me down!"

  Even with the added weight of his armor, although it was on the lighter side, Morgen picked him up with ease. But when he squirmed in a futile attempt to break free, her grip tightened and laughter bellowed.

  "Now why would I want to do that?"

  The display continued, Red still tried to escape from Morgen's steel grip.

  "Cause I'm not a little kid I'll be sixteen tomorrow!"

  "Well, that's a good reason why I shouldn't put you down. Because I better enjoy this while I can before you get too big."

  Still trapped in her grasp, Red looked to his family for help.

  His mother and father just looked at each other before smiling at the situation. "Well son. you should have seen that coming."

  Changing from his parents to his brother. He was met with a mocking grin and a shrug.

  Before he could even ask Lucina. She waved her hands, signaling that she wasn't getting involved.

  Dejected at the responses, he went limp. Morgen, with a smile, thought that he had just gave in, accepting his fate. But the moment she loosened her hold on him. He broke free from her hold and made sure to put distance between them, using both his rival and brother like barriers.

  Morgen was anything but upset, running her hand through his hair, and turning back to the group. "So how about we move along, I'm sure my guest would like to see more of this place, correct?"

  The elf nodded and they followed Morgen.

  —

  Walking down the brick road a few of the smaller surrounding buildings caught her eye. People made their way in and out of the structures, waving or bowing as they took notice of Morgen. Many of them appeared to be dressed in maid and butler uniforms.

  But one of the buildings caught Lucina's attention. Mounds of dirt were being brought in followed by an assortment of plants.

  "Hey Morgen, what's that?"

  "Oh that, it's the castle's greenhouse. There we grow medical herbs and flowers. We even have a couple of fruit trees. Looks like the gardener is changing out the soil."

  "I see."

  The closer they got to the castle door, the more impressive it became.

  The sisterly Morgen spun around to face the group. Her black and blue dress followed her sudden movement, wrapping around her before settling in place.

  Her attention fell to Lucina as she stood outside the castle walls, presenting her home to the girl.

  "And this is the front entrance to Lyeonya Castle." Her hands gestured to the building. "This building has been in my family's name for over seven hundred years. Each stone carries a part of that history and have their own stories. In fact, both the castle and city used so much wood and stone from Lyeonya Forest during their constrain that the forest shrank."

  The sudden thought of deforestation caused Lucina to lose some of her excitement. Her ears even started to shift and slightly point downwards, a detail that didn't go unnoticed.

  "But, because of the noticeable loss, the first laws to be passed were to preserve and help restore it. And during those centuries, it has returned and even surpassed its former glory."

  "Really?" That did the trick as Lucina perked up. "Can you tell me some of those tales, Morgen?"

  "Sure, but in the meantime, Red should be able to tell you some of our history of this, or if you want, you can go explore the forest.

  I'll join you later. I have a few things I need to take care of."

  Looking from Morgen to Red, excitement grew in her. But that excitement slowly changed with the arrival of a new set of steps. Their origins caused Lucina's wonder-filled eyes to grow narrow.

  "Good afternoon, Lyndis, Achilles." Raiden approached. Pit was at his side, waving to Roy who returned the gesture.

  "Raiden, it's nice to see you," Lyn spoke first. "Does this mean Johanis is already here?"

  Morgen's laughter brought attention to her for a moment. "No that isn't the case, you see Raiden here will be acting in his father's place for the summit."

  Lyn and Achilles looked at each other before turning their attention back to him. "Well, then, I look forward to working with you. Hopefully, you're easier to work with than your father."

  "I can only do my best to meet your expectations." His attention quickly shifted. "Hey Red, I've been meaning to talk with—

  "Come on, Red. You've been here before, so show me around." Lucina didn't even hesitate, grabbing his hand and pulled him away. Glaring back at Raiden, she ran off with a stumbling Red. His cloak and scarf moving in the rush, leaving most of the group laughing at the sight.

  Only to have Roy yelling at her to "Wait up" as he chased after them.

  While they found the sensation humorous. Watching Red get dragged off, Morgen smirked at Massedon's representative. "Looks like someone isn't too fond of you Raiden."

  "I guess so."

  As the laughter started to calm, Achilles turned his attention back to Raiden. "So should we expect any other surprises?"

  He looked relieved to change the subject. "Outside myself, there shouldn't be any major changes. The only other change is that Vanessa will be the only one present. Perseus, along with his father and sister, are currently out boating in Sea Cove, so they won't be in attendance."

  The only one to laugh at the news was Lyn. "Hahah, from the sounds of it she's missing out on some fun. I pity her. I beat the timing was a heartbreak for her, having to miss out on the smell of the sea and warm wind in your hair."

  All but Lyn's laughter was cut short when a sudden frigid breeze swept by them. Pushing through her hair and clothing as slight frost started to appear on their clothing. Their teeth started to chatter, well, everyone but Lyn.

  Turning to find an open portal that led to a frozen tundra. Watching the Solarious family made their arrival. It was a literal cold welcoming.

  Achilles wrapped his arms around her, trying to siphon off some of his wife's heat. Smiling at the act, rubbing her hand on his unshaven face, Lyn watched as Lupan and Mavis walked hand in hand with Lycan right behind them. "Well, at least they are in attendance."

  —

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  'Destination, unknown.'

  'Location, Lyeonya Castle.'

  'Reason for running, keeping Red away from that jerk.'

  Lucina just pulled Red along with Roy tailing them. Even with no idea of where she was taking them, passing by smaller buildings as she ran along the outside of the castle's walls.

  The residents gave them passing glances before they returned to whatever tasks they were taking care of, some even laughed at the sight.

  "Hey Lucina, do you even know where you're going?"

  Still, she ignored Red when he called out to her, she didn't stop until she was forced to.

  The reason, Red finally planted his foot down, bringing them to a stop. This finally gave Roy the chance he needed to catch up to the pair. "Lu... cina, could ya... slow down next time?"

  "Eheeh, sorry, Roy." Rubbing the back of her head, an awkward laugh escaped.

  As they took the moment to catch their breath. Red just adjusted his vambrace so it won't it come loose. "So, what was the cause of the sudden run, Lucina?"

  "Oh, that well, I was hoping you'd show me around, and well, I guess I got ahead of myself."

  The brothers looked to each other before looking back at her. "Well, then, wouldn't it have been better to have Morgen help show you around? I mean, she knows the nocks and canines better than I ever would."

  Lucina seemed to visibly freeze at the comment.

  Her eyes darted, trying to find an answer, looking around, trying to see if there was anything she could point to to help change the subject. In her search, the rapid tapping of footsteps went unnoticed by her.

  ""RED!!""

  Only to watch two small bodies collided with Red, bringing him to the ground. A head of blond and another with brown and a blue stripe laughed over his groans.

  Red didn't even need to look at the pair to know who was. "Jason, Ardee. What's with you guys and always greeting me like this?"

  He was met with laughter from the two as even Roy joined in.

  "You know, Red, maybe they would stop if you stopped letting them."

  Watching a woman with braided, dark midnight blue hair. When Diana approached, the pair hopped off Red. Looking between the kids, her gaze fell on Lucina. "I see we get to meet again, Lucina. I must say this is quite the surprise."

  "Wait you're Diantha, right?"

  Diana laughed at being called the wrong name, but it did little to bother her. "It's Diana, but I don't mind. It's still nice to see you again Lucina."

  "Sorry, ma'am." The elf felt herself shrink.

  "It's alright, you'll have plenty of time to remember if not today then sometime in the future."

  With the group's attention back on her, Red used the moment to get out from underneath Jason and Ardee. Disappointment only invaded their faces for a moment before they smiled at him. "Miss. Diana, how are you doing? Is Thorin not with you?"

  "I'm quite well, as for my husband. He's off talking with Astera. He's just trying to see what might be prioritized for the discussions this time. So, I was looking after these two when they happened to see you running around."

  While their conversation continued, Jason turned his attention to Roy. Ardee chose to turn her attention to Lucina.

  "OK, and what about Sigurd and Amber, are they not here?"

  Her smile, along with Adree's, lessened. "It looks like the poor dear caught a fever, so Astera told me that Sigurd was staying behind to look after her." Soon her smile came back. "But let me ask you, what are you kids up to?"

  "I kinda got excited and sort of forced Red along with me," Lucina spoke up this time. "It's the first time I've seen a place like this so I kinda got ahead of myself."

  Diana simply smirked. "Well, it looks like you chose a good tour guide. I'd recommend the forest first. Red and Morgen tend to spend a lot of time there, so he should know his way around there."

  "Hey, Mom, can we tag along with Red?" Jason spoke up.

  "Yeah, can we, Miss. Diana. I promise I'll behave." Ardee quickly followed suit.

  The two bombarded her with their pleas, and with a smile, she gave in. "I don't mind, but I think you're asking the wrong person."

  Red didn't even have to blink before the two started to bombard him with their pleas. Quickly looking to both Roy, who just laughed at the sight, and Lucina, who thought it over before nodding. "Sure I don't mind if they tag along, its that ok with you Red?"

  Lucina's approval only served to intensify their efforts. "Hey, hey calm down. It's fine you two can come along."

  The two started to cheer, and even Roy couldn't help but join in. The young trio locked hands and started to spin in circles.

  'What did I get myself into?' He couldn't help but mentally laugh at himself.

  "Now, kids, you all know this means that you will have to listen to him, correct? So try not to cause him any trouble."

  "Don't worry, Mom," Jason pulled away as he faced her. "I won't."

  "Come on Mis. Diana, since when do I ever cause any trouble?" Ardee's grin was the biggest of the trio. "Now let's go!"

  She started walking in the direction of the forest. "So Lucina, last time you said you were from Eden Village right? What's it like there? Is the Rainbow Tree really as big as they say and are the leaves all made up of different colors?"

  They barely took one step towards their destination, and Ardee was already throwing question after question at Lucina, who did her best to answer them as quickly as she could.

  —

  Each representative took their set around a wooden table, but while some were flicking through documents, many had their eyes on Raiden as he looked over his own set of documents.

  But of the group, the first one to break the silence was Vannassa. "Look while I like to get this done and over with, isn't this the first meeting supposed to be tomorrow?"

  The room was quickly filled with murmurs, only to have Silver speak up. "Normally, yes, but the other day when Raiden came by to inform me that he would be taking his father's place, I decided that we should have a small meeting to try and set up what we want to discuss. This way we can avoid another incident like what happened in Phera last time and so we don't overwhelm the young man right out of the gate."

  "I see, so what does everyone think we should cover first?" Vanessa was quick to change her tune.

  "Well, Vanessa." Raiden was the first to answer. "I was hoping we could clear up some of the sea borders. I know we've had ships cross into each other's region, and they lead to some disputes so hopefully, with some insight from others here. I'd like to come to a palatable agreement for us both."

  "I see, if that's the case, then I'd like to talk about allowing some permitted fishing vessel access to travel through the waters near your land."

  "While that one seems more personal of the two, I'm sure we can find an agreement."

  The two continued to speak, leaving the others to observe.

  Achilles leaned over to Lyn, barely speaking above a whisper. "Looks like we might be able to make some progress for once."

  "I know, maybe if we're lucky, Johnais will just give the role to Raiden permanently."

  Thorin couldn't help but join them. "Who are you kidding? That windbag is only going to give this up when he's six feet under."

  Still, they couldn't help but laugh, laughter that brought Raiden's attention towards him.

  "By the way, Lyndis." She turned her attention back to him, only to find a file in front of her. Opening it she looked it over. "I heard you were still looking for signs of irregular monster activity as of late so, I went to the Plains Hunter guild and was able to get some information that is in the same vein as what you're looking for."

  She didn't respond as she looked through the files. Scanning the papers, something stood out.

  "Wait, there was an increase in dungeon bombings?"

  There was a quiet moment before loud, deep laughter broke out.

  They all turned to see Thorin. "Whoever's doing that sure does know how to have some fun! I remember seeing the looks on those poor bastards when they were forced out from the depths and into the sunlight. AHAHA.... Ahah..." He could only watch as everyone soon started looking at him, disappointment filled their eyes.

  "Why am I not surprised that a Neanderthal-like you would find enjoyment in that." Lowins groaned, rolling his eyes.

  "I gotta say, I agree." Mavis's thick accent was so joined.

  The agreement caught Lowins off guard. "Never would I have thought I'd be agreeing with a–

  "I mean, where's the sport in that? Where's the hunt? That's the best part of looking for them. What's the point of settin up a trap that just sends them to ya."

  And just like that, Lowins was proven wrong and fell quiet.

  Silver was stuck thinking about the information. "Strange, that practice has been outlawed for a little over a decade now. But that's just how it goes. Sometimes, if the reward is worth it, people will take risks."

  "So looks like we found a topic for tomorrow." Lupan finally spoke.

  Lyn watched everyone started to slowly branch off with each other, trying to agree on what topics should be discussed for the coming days.

  "Looks like Raiden is already adjusting well to this, wouldn't you say so, Lyn?"

  Looking to Astrea, nodding in agreement. "We'll just have to see how this continues in the future."

  —

  Their feet moved through the leaves that littered the floor.

  Birds chirped while they rested in their nest, calling out to their partners, only to coo upon their arrival.

  The sound of crickets helped form the forest's melody, other bugs buzzed as they flew, adding to the melody.

  Red just let the woodland musical run through his ears.

  "So, is your sword made of wood? Do you ever have trouble cutting things with it?" Ardee spoke, eyeing Eden's Dawn as they followed Red through the forest.

  "Yeah, I don't want to be rude, but I don't see how wood can be as effective as metal." Jason was left unimpressed, almost curious at the thought.

  "The whole sword is made from a branch of the Rainbow Tree; it took my father a few days to carve it." But her attention quickly changed from Ardee to Jason. " And I'll have you know that Eden's Dawn is just as good as any other blade out there. I've cut down enough monsters to see its effectiveness." Pulling her blade from her sheath

  Roy and Red laughed, watching Jason seemed to back down the moment he was told off. "You know Jason, not about how strong or sharp your weapon is it's all about who is wielding it." Tapping Breaker, the small clang of metal against metal, regained their attention.

  "So Red, I know Morgen talked a little about Lyeonya Forest's history, but where are we going?"

  "Well, that's easy." Still walking through the greenery. "Morgen would always take me out here to show off all the different areas this place held. But the one she favored the most was a waterfall that's close to the forest's edge."

  "That sounds like fun."

  However, as Lucina kept pace with Red's lead, their young companions didn't see the same appeal.

  "Come on, Red, why are you going all the way over there?" Jason was the first to make his displeasure known.

  "Yeah, my feet are starting to get sore. Can't we take a break?" Roy followed suit as the pair took a set on the floor.

  "Come on, you guys can rest when we get there!" Ardee was the only one of the three to not share their sentiment.

  "Ardee, I'm not taking another step until we've had a break." Jason's stone-faced response was in complete contrast to Ardee's energized disappointment.

  It quickly led the two to bicker. Roy just sat on the sidelines watching as the two slowly got louder over time, drowning out the forest's melody.

  "Come on, would you guys calm down?"

  Lucina watched as Red tried to separate the two, only to be met with failure. She couldn't help but laugh.

  'Well, guess I'd better give it a try.'

  "Say, Red, while they take a break, want to have a match? I don't think we'll get interrupted out here."

  That got their attention, and it quickly changed their tune.

  "You're gonna accept, right Red?"

  "I know you two were having a match last time, I want to watch from the start!"

  Jason and Ardee looked as if they wouldn't take no for an answer. Even Roy looked ready for the spectacle.

  "So, Red, what do you say? Up for the challenge?" A smile followed her taunt as Eden's Dawn left her side, and the blade's tip was soon pointed at him. "That is, unless you're scared."

  Quiet "ohs" and "ahs" echoed around him. Looking around him three pairs of eyes looked at him, longing to see a contest between the two, while the pair before him welcomed him to accept.

  Breaker left its sheath as its blade met Eden's Dawn; the tip of its edge was pointing at a smiling elf.

  "It looked like you haven't left me much of a choice."

  The two took their place, facing each other under the forest opening. Crimson and Azure traded glances before they launched themselves at the other.

  Sacred wood and pasted-down metal clashed, and their collisions slowly started to become a part for the forest's melody.

  Roy cheered with each clash while Ardee and Jason were left intrigued.

  Each time one of them would strike the other would guard as a following counter was made.

  Breaker came soaring down and Lucina evaded. Swinging Eden's Dawn, Red deflected the blow with his vambrace.

  As time went on soon the only sounds that could be heard came from their clash. The birds' song slowly grew quiet until they went mute, even the bugs followed suit.

  Seeing an opening, Breaker moved over the ground towards Lucina, only to have her leap away.

  They both used the moment to catch their breath.

  Crimson and Azure locked eyes, smiling as they gave the other a break

  'This is almost like the first time we fought, Lucina really has been working herself to the bone.'

  His eyes moved from Lucina to Roy, Ardee, and Jason, the only ones making some kind of sound. 'Well, better make sure I give them a show and return her efforts.'

  The moment he took a step forward, Lucina raised her guard as a faint foul odor reached him first. 'What the hell is that, it smells like something died. Wait... then did it get so quiet? The only other time I recall something like this was in Pinecone... Forest...

  His charge stopped, crimson eyes shot away from a confused Lucina, scanning the area, as the brush started to shake.

  "Red, are you–

  "LUCINA LOOK OUT!!"

  Rushing to her, there was a low growl that stole her attention.

  Three horrified screams got caught in three young throats, and the smell of blood filled the air, a body was sent flying across the floor.