The morning sun rose over the mountains, painting the valley in shades of gold and amber. The birds were singing. The breeze was gentle. The world was peaceful.
But for Ethan, peace was a responsibility. Something he had to nurture. Something he had to protect. Something he had to share with the world.
He stood on the porch of the global council building, watching the light spread across the buildings below. It had been three weeks since the successful meeting with Thomas and his delegation. Three weeks of watching the bridge between the two communities grow stronger. Three weeks of watching the fear slowly fade and hope slowly bloom.
The delegation had returned to their community and shared what they had learned. The conversations had continued. The understanding had deepened. The brid
