Alarielle followed Mavrick out of the small house, her gaze drifting across the village. It was unlike any place she had seen before. The homes, not just houses, were nestled close together, each one adorned in its own unique way—bright flowers trailing down wooden beams, intricate carvings lining doorways, wind chimes made from shells and crystals dancing in the breeze. It felt lived-in, cherished, and loved.
As they walked, the cheerful sound of laughter filled the air. A group of elfling children were playing some kind of magical game, tossing a glowing ball between them with bursts of energy that crackled with light. They giggled and chased one another through the streets, their magic seamlessly blending with their play, as though it were as natural as breathing.
Alarielle's heart so
