The grandeur of Eldorith's royal throne room is breathtaking. The high, vaulted ceiling stretches above, with sunlight streaming in through towering stained-glass windows, casting brilliant hues of blue, green, and gold across the floor. Ornate tapestries line the walls, each one depicting scenes of past Eldorian triumphs and legends, and before us stand King Bjorn, Queen Ameria, and their son, Prince Ragnar, seated regally in their thrones, their faces solemn yet filled with respect and pride.

  We kneel, heads bowed, on the polished marble floor, feeling the weight of the moment pressing upon us. The silence in the room is profound; not a single murmur or rustle from the crowd that flanks us on either side, rows of noblemen, women, and Eldorian soldiers in ceremonial armor, each standing at attention. I can sense DP-8 perched on my shoulder, its beeps absent as if even the droid recognizes the gravity of the occasion. My heart pounds as I feel the eyes of the entire court upon us.

  Among the crowd, I catch a glimpse of King Alduin and Queen Myra, their faces alight with joy and pride, their eyes shining as they watch us kneeling before the throne. King Bjorn, his robust frame cloaked in royal blue and adorned with a golden crown, rises slowly from his throne and descends the steps with a commanding presence. His sword, a masterfully crafted weapon with intricate engravings along the blade, catches the light as he approaches, each step a deliberate and dignified movement. He stops before me, and though he doesn't lift his sword with hostile intent, the air is charged with ceremony.

  The king holds his sword flat, the blade parallel to my shoulder, and he lightly taps the blunt side of the blade on my right shoulder, then my left. My heart swells, knowing what this means. King Bjorn's voice, strong and resonant, echoes through the chamber. "Rise, Sir Ryu." As I stand, I feel a quiet pride, a smile hidden beneath my mask as I lift my head.

  The king moves to Talia, repeating the solemn gesture. "Rise, Sir Talia." She stands, beaming, though she struggles to contain her joy, her posture reflecting the honor and respect she feels.

  King Bjorn approaches each of our companions in turn. "Rise, Sir Apollo." Apollo stands tall, his armor gleaming in the sunlight. "Rise, Sir Rebecca," he calls, his voice filling the room, and Rebecca rises, her expression one of respect mixed with pride.

  The king moves next to Nikko, who kneels with barely restrained excitement. "Rise, Sir Nikko." She jumps to her feet, grinning from ear to ear, her tail swishing with joy, unable to contain her excitement as the crowd lets out a small chuckle at her enthusiasm.

  Finally, he steps in front of IG-22, the droid's red eyes unwavering. "Rise, Sir IG-22," Bjorn declares, and the droid stands without a sound, as still and emotionless as ever.

  King Bjorn steps back, surveying us all, his voice carrying over the gathered crowd. "For preventing great calamity from falling upon Aranthia, for stopping a great evil from rising, and for saving not just Eldoria, but all kingdoms of Aranthia, I hereby grant you the titles of Knights of Eldoria."

  The chamber erupts into cheers, the nobles and soldiers raising their fists, clapping and calling out praises. The noise fills the vast room, the echo of celebration resounding off the walls. I look around, seeing Talia's eyes shining, Nikko's face lit up with pure joy, Rebecca nodding with a look of satisfaction and pride, and even Apollo seems to straighten with a sense of honor.

  "The heroes of Eldoria," King Bjorn proclaims, his voice booming, "the heroes of Aranthia!" The cheering grows louder, reverberating like thunder, a crescendo of admiration and gratitude. For a moment, I feel a warmth spread through me, a sense of belonging in a place where I once felt like an outsider.

  King Bjorn raises a hand to quiet the room, his voice calling out over the softened noise. "And now, let us make our way to the banquet hall to celebrate this victory!"

  We follow the gathered royals and soldiers out of the throne room, down a grand corridor lined with statues of past kings and heroes, until we reach a set of wide, ornate doors that swing open to reveal the royal dining hall. It's a sight to behold—a long, grand table covered in pristine white cloth, piled high with the finest foods Eldoria has to offer. Golden-roasted meats, platters of vibrant fruits, exotic cheeses, and countless delicacies glisten under the glow of the massive chandeliers above. Barrels of wine and ale are rolled in by servants, their polished brass spouts gleaming, while a group of musicians in one corner strikes up a lively tune.

  Everyone gathers around the table, nobles and heroes alike, each taking a seat amidst the buzz of conversation and laughter. I find myself seated between Talia and Nikko, Rebecca beside Nikko, each of us basking in the celebratory air. The sight of such a feast fills me with a sense of wonder, a reminder of the gratitude and respect the people of Eldoria hold for us. The droids have long left, returning to the Crucible.

  King Alduin and Queen Myra are seated across from me, and King Alduin raises his glass to us with a proud nod. I nod back in respect, feeling a deep bond with the elven king who had been steadfast in his support throughout our journey.

  As the lively chatter fills the room, King Bjorn rises at the head of the table, a broad smile on his face as he lifts his goblet and taps it with a silver knife, the ringing sound drawing the room to silence. The musicians pause, all eyes turning to him.

  "I want to raise my glass today," King Bjorn begins, his voice strong and filled with gratitude, "not just to the heroes of Aranthia, but to King Alduin and Queen Myra, who brought essential aid to my people in our time of need." He turns to them, his smile warm. "I can't thank you enough," he says, lifting his goblet in a gesture of honor.

  King Alduin lifts his own goblet, his expression one of quiet pride. "It was our privilege, King Bjorn."

  A wave of cheers follows, and King Bjorn continues, his voice filled with pride. "It brings me great joy to report that Eldoria is returning to normal. The wildlife has begun to return to our forests, the waters of our rivers are no longer bitter, and our crops have begun to grow again. The illness that plagued our lands has finally lifted." He pauses, his gaze resting on each of us in turn. "For that, you have my deepest thanks."

  I feel the weight of his words settle in, the reality of our actions and sacrifices taking root as I glance around at my companions, each one of them sharing in this profound moment.

  "So, eat and drink until you are merry!" King Bjorn's voice rings out, and the hall erupts in cheers once more as he sits, the feast officially begun.

  The music resumes, lively and joyous, as plates and goblets are filled, and laughter ripples down the long table. Talia leans over, nudging me with a playful grin. "Not bad for someone who wasn't sure he could handle all this, hmm?"

  Stolen story; please report.

  I chuckle, feeling the warmth of the room settle over me. "It's more than I ever expected," I admit, my voice soft. "But I couldn't have done it alone."

  Nikko, barely able to contain her excitement, digs into the food, her tail flicking in delight. "Papa, this is amazing!" she exclaims, her voice filled with awe as she tries nearly everything within reach.

  Rebecca chuckles, taking a sip of her wine as she watches Nikko with fond amusement. "I have to admit, it feels good to see everyone in such high spirits."

  Talia raises her goblet, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she leans toward me. "To new beginnings?" she asks, her gaze warm and hopeful.

  I clink my goblet against hers, nodding. "To new beginnings," I echo, feeling the weight of those words as they hang in the air.

  As the night deepens, I take a moment to look around, taking in the laughter, the clinking of goblets, the music filling the hall. For so long, I had been haunted by shadows, by threats lurking at every turn. But here, surrounded by those I trust, those I care for, a profound peace settles over me, a feeling I realize I had been searching for all along.

  The food and drink flow freely, each dish a testament to Eldoria's culture and hospitality, each glass raised a reminder of the battles won, of the friendships forged in the crucible of fire. I catch Talia's eye, and she smiles at me, her hand finding mine under the table, giving it a gentle squeeze. I squeeze back, grateful beyond words for her steady presence through every step of this journey.

  King Bjorn stands once more, calling for another toast, his voice carrying the weight of pride and relief. "To Aranthia's heroes," he proclaims, his gaze meeting each of ours, his respect unmistakable. "May their courage and honor continue to inspire us all."

  I raise my glass high, my voice joining in with the others as we toast to the journey, to the land we fought to protect, and to the family I've found amidst it all.

  As the hours drift by, the grand feast gradually winds down. One by one, the royals begin to take their leave, each bidding farewell to King Bjorn and Queen Ameria with words of gratitude for the wonderful banquet. The night's lively chatter quiets as the crowd thins, and soon only a handful of guests remain, engaged in relaxed conversation, their laughter mingling softly with the fading notes of the musicians' last song.

  Some nobles have fallen asleep right at the table, heads resting on their arms or nestled into plush cushions, lost in dreams beneath the dim glow of chandeliers. Watching them, I'm reminded of the feast back in Greenhill. I smile, recalling how the townsfolk had celebrated so wholeheartedly, despite all the hardships they'd faced. King Bjorn had told me earlier how Greenhill, like the rest of Eldoria, had suffered through recent calamities yet pulled through in the end. I feel a pang of nostalgia and a warm sense of relief—perhaps I'll pay Greenhill a visit sometime soon.

  A gentle pat on my shoulder brings me back to the present, and I turn to see King Bjorn standing there, King Alduin by his side. "Ryu," Bjorn says quietly, "would you join us in my study?"

  I glance over to check on everyone. Nikko has fallen fast asleep in her seat, her soft breathing barely audible, her head resting against Rebecca, who looks pleasantly buzzed, her eyes half-lidded as she talks animatedly with a couple of the remaining guests. Talia, meanwhile, is deep in conversation with her mother, Queen Myra, both of them laughing softly over something private.

  Not wanting to disturb them, I nod to the two kings and quietly follow them out of the banquet hall. They lead me down a long, dimly lit corridor to King Bjorn's study. The room is grand yet welcoming, lined with dark wooden shelves filled with old books, scrolls, and artifacts that exude history. Massive windows span one wall, offering a breathtaking view of Eldoria, the city bathed in the cool light of the stars. Though it's difficult to make out the finer details of the cityscape so late in the night, the faint glow of street lanterns weaves through the streets below, like rivers of light cradling the kingdom's heart.

  Bjorn gestures toward a wide, comfortable couch near the window, and I sit down, feeling the plush fabric under me. King Alduin takes the chair beside me, and Bjorn settles into an armchair across from us. He leans forward, a look of gratitude and respect on his face.

  "I wanted to thank you personally, Ryu," Bjorn begins, his voice warm and genuine.

  "Your Highness, there's no need for that," I say, shaking my head. "You've thanked me and my companions more than enough already."

  Bjorn chuckles softly. "Here in my study, with only friends present, you don't have to be so formal. Just call me Bjorn," he says with a welcoming smile, and I nod, relaxing slightly.

  Bjorn's expression turns thoughtful. "Is there anything you want, Ryu?"

  I blink, surprised. "You want to give me more? Bjorn, the banquet, the knighting... that was more than enough," I say, genuinely humbled.

  Bjorn exchanges a knowing look with Alduin, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "That was just for the public, Ryu. A formality, you might say," he explains, leaning back in his chair. "We want to grant you something truly meaningful. Whatever you wish for."

  "Something that belongs to you alone," Alduin adds, nodding in agreement.

  The offer hangs in the air, and I look between them, their expressions sincere and unwavering. "Are you certain?" I ask, my voice cautious but curious.

  Bjorn nods firmly. "Without question. Whatever you want, Ryu—name it, and it's yours."

  The room is silent as I consider this. The idea of asking for anything is... strange. After everything, I have my friends, my freedom, and peace—for the first time in years, I feel content. But then Bjorn, with a mischievous glint in his eye, raises a suggestion with a chuckle. "Perhaps my daughter's hand in marriage?"

  Beside him, Alduin's face shifts subtly. His brows knit together in what seems like mild annoyance, a flicker of irritation flashing in his eyes. "Bjorn..." he says in a low, restrained tone.

  Bjorn waves off Alduin's reaction with an amused grin, clearly not bothered. "Oh, come now, Alduin, it's just a suggestion," he says with a carefree chuckle.

  I shake my head, laughing lightly as I respond, "Thank you, but I'm already spoken for."

  Bjorn lets out a hearty laugh, seeming satisfied with my answer, and Alduin's expression softens, a hint of approval in his gaze. "Fair enough," Bjorn says. "But the offer still stands—whatever you truly desire, Ryu."

  I take a deep breath, leaning back in the chair as I reflect. "Honestly, I already have everything I ever wanted," I begin, my mind sifting through the moments of hardship and joy that have led me here. But then, an idea forms—a future, one I hadn't allowed myself to consider until now. I meet Bjorn's gaze, my voice resolute. "I'd like a piece of land—a place where I can build a home for myself and my family."

  Bjorn's face lights up with a broad smile. "Granted," he says without hesitation. "It will be yours, wherever you wish."

  I nod gratefully, then turn to Alduin, my gaze steady as I make my next request. "And with your permission, Alduin... I would like your daughter's hand in marriage."

  Alduin's expression softens, a gleam of pride in his eyes, though there's a faint look in his eyes, as if he already knew my request. "Is that so?" he asks, the approval in his tone unmistakable, as though he'd hoped for this outcome all along.

  I nod, feeling the depth of my own words. "She completes me," I say, my voice unshaken. "I can't see a future without her."

  Alduin's smile widens, and he nods, clearly pleased. "Only on one condition," he says, a note of playfulness entering his voice.

  "Name it," I reply, ready to agree to anything he asks.

  Alduin chuckles, leaning back. "The wedding shall be held in Inyeth Themar," he says, his eyes gleaming with pride for his homeland.

  A laugh escapes me, soft but genuine, and I nod. "Of course, Alduin. I wouldn't want it anywhere else."

  Bjorn chuckles, watching us both with a look of satisfaction. "Then it's settled," he says. He reaches over to a decanter on a small side table, pouring the deep, rich wine into three goblets. The aroma of the aged vintage fills the air, adding a subtle warmth to the already intimate moment.

  Handing one goblet to Alduin and another to me, he lifts his own, the ruby liquid catching the soft candlelight. He meets both our gazes with a proud, almost paternal gleam in his eyes.

  "To new beginnings," Bjorn declares, his voice rich with emotion, "and to the union of two kingdoms."

  Alduin nods with a smile, holding his goblet high. I raise mine as well, feeling the weight of the moment settle over me like a mantle of honor. The three goblets meet with a quiet clink, each of us sharing in a silent promise of what lies ahead, and I take a sip, savoring the bold flavor of the wine and the significance of this moment. I take a deep breath, feeling an overwhelming sense of peace settle within me.