Because they learned how to cooperate while remaining different.
The Sovereign Houses had predicted disaster.
Instead, trade increased.
Border disputes decreased.
Nightveil families returned home.
People rebuilt businesses.
Children returned to schools that had once been damaged by conflict.
Life continued.
Ordinary life.
That might have been the greatest victory of all.
I finished another section of the painting before my fingers became too cold.
Fine.
Perhaps Modric had a point.
I put down my brush.
He noticed immediately.
“Finished?”
“Taking a break.”
“Because you are cold.”
“No.”
He smiled.
“You are.”
“I need perspective.”
“You need gloves.”
I walked toward him.
“Move.”
“There is an entire blanket.”
“You are in the warmest part.”
“How did you determine that?”
