That morning, the air in Smokeland—particularly in Lumindale—was cold, as if harboring secrets left unspoken. The eastern sky gradually shifted from a dull gray to a golden hue before blooming into a bright blue, marking the beginning of a journey to Aeternum Vale—a place few had ever reached, and even fewer truly understood.
Brisena led the group with steady but cautious steps. Their path began at the valley's base, climbing a staircase of ten thousand shimmering obsidian steps. The stones were laid in such a way that the ascent was not steep, but gradual—each step feeling like a doorway to another world, pulling them further away from the realities of the outside. The wind carried the fragrance of wildflowers mingled with the scent of damp leaves.
Midway through the journey, they crossed a suspension bridge spanning steep ravines. The bridge appeared old, yet remained sturdy—adorned with ancient carvings that glowed with a soft light. As they crossed, the deafening roar of a waterfall beneath reminded them of the daunting depths that waited below.
Yara, usually composed, clutched Rogg's hand tightly as he carried the sleeping Rex."Do all Doliex have to go through a path like this to reach Aeternum Vale?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
Brisena turned and offered a faint smile. "Not all. This path is reserved for those who are specially invited. Aeternum Vale is more than just a place—it is a symbol of trust and mystery."
Robb, already exhausted, leaned against the bridge's rope rail. "It feels like we're walking into another dimension. This place doesn't feel like our world at all."
Brisena regarded him with a serious gaze. "That's not just a feeling, Robb. Aeternum Vale exists between our world and a higher one. It is where the boundaries between human strength and magic begin to blur."
Still carrying the sleeping child, Rogg asked, "Why did your mother choose to live in a place like this, Brisena? Wouldn't Lytherial or even Lumindale be much more comfortable?"
Brisena fell silent for a moment, her eyes fixed forward. Then, carefully, she replied, "My mother has lived in Aeternum Vale since before I was born. Every month, on the tenth night under the crescent moon, she descends to Lytherial to walk among the people. The next day, she visits Lumindale to meet with the Doliex warriors. She remains there until the full moon rises, then returns to this place."
"What drives her to do that? Doesn't she miss living among her people for longer?" Rogg pressed gently.
Brisena sighed deeply. "There are reasons I cannot fully explain. But believe me—if she deems the time right, and if she sees that your destinies are intertwined with hers… she will tell you herself."
"Destinies?" Yara asked, intrigued. "Are we really connected to your mother in such a way?"
"All will be revealed when you meet her," Brisena replied, avoiding their eyes.
As they approached the final step, Robb groaned, "How much farther? My legs and back are about to give out."
Brisena pointed to a towering stone wall ahead. "Beyond that wall is one last bridge. After that, we'll arrive at the Aeternum Vale Hall."
Though exhausted, Rogg remained observant. "Why didn't Vuuxi come with us? Where is he now? I haven't seen him since last night."
Brisena stopped in her tracks, as if weighing her answer. "Vuuxi holds a special place in my mother's heart. Her trust in him surpasses even that placed in elder Veynor Lauxi."
"Why?" Yara asked. "What makes Vuuxi so special?"
Brisena turned her gaze toward the horizon, as though recalling a distant memory. "He was just a child when my mother rescued him from Blacksand. When she first arrived in Whiteheaven, Vuuxi was already with her. I don't know the full story—even Veynor Lauxi never revealed his origin."
Rogg sensed there was more left unsaid. "Then why did she send him to find me?" he asked, hoping to draw more from her.
"Precisely because he is my mother's most trusted. He was sent to ensure my safety during the journey," Brisena answered firmly. "And once his mission was complete, he returned to Aeternum Vale last night to report back to her."
At last, they passed beyond the great stone wall—and what lay beyond took their breath away.
Aeternum Vale stood resplendent. A hidden valley surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains, where time seemed to flow differently. The valley shimmered with white crystalline buildings, each glinting like they were carved from moonlight itself. At its heart stood a grand domed hall, supported by towering pillars that radiated with a soft, silvery glow.
Rogg stood in awe at the breathtaking sight before him."I've never seen a place like this. It feels as if we've stepped into the realm of the gods."
Brisena offered a faint smile."Aeternum Vale was created with the aid of power from a higher realm. Every structure here is a manifestation of harmony—between nature and magic."
As they approached the main hall, a massive double door carved from gold and silver slowly opened before them. Inside, the chamber was bathed in a soft glow emanating from luminous stones embedded in the ceiling. At the far end stood several women with regal composure. Their robes, woven from pure white silk threaded with silver, shimmered as they moved. Each wore a delicate crown fashioned from spiraling vines adorned with blue gemstones.
"Welcome to Aeternum Vale," one of them greeted, her voice gentle but carrying immense authority. "The Mother has been expecting you."
Brisena stepped forward and bowed with reverence."Greetings to the Luminara Sanctics. I have brought them, as Mother instructed."
One of the women turned her gaze to Rogg, Robb, and Yara. Her eyes were piercing, as if able to see straight into their souls."Your journey has been long and wearying. The Mother is still engaged in the sacred rite. There is much she must attend to... You may wait a little while."
They were then led to a magnificent chamber and offered the finest food and drink.
Yara tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat—as if some unseen force gently restrained her. Her hunger, however, was stronger. Without saying a word, she reached for the food that had been laid out.
Rogg finally broke the silence."Brisena? Why were we brought here?"
The woman gave a faint smile."You will know soon enough. But first, rest. Eat. Treat this as your home. The Mother will join you shortly."
Brisena rose gracefully and walked toward Rogg."Let me hold Rex for a while," she said softly, extending her arms. Rogg handed the baby over with a quiet smile, watching how effortlessly Brisena cradled him.
"Please, eat as much as you like," Brisena told them all. "Consider this home. Every dish here is the finest we have to offer for travelers like you."
Rogg and Robb began to eat heartily, though much of the food was unfamiliar. There was golden, spiced bread with a warm, inviting aroma; vibrantly colored fruits found only in Smokeland; and meats infused with mysterious herbs that made every bite feel enchanted.
"This food is incredible," Robb said, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Absolutely," Rogg added. "I've had forest honey before, but the honey here... it's fresher—richer, somehow."
Meanwhile, Yara still seemed uneasy. She sat carefully, her fingers brushing the edge of the ornately carved wooden table, her eyes drifting from one detail of the room to another. The intricate stone engravings, the tall candles burning with soft blue flames—everything whispered of magic.
Brisena noticed Yara's hesitation and gave a small smile."Don't worry, Yara. This is a safe place—for all of us. You'll grow accustomed to it," she said as she gently fed Rex a piece of pink, glistening fruit.
Rex devoured it with delight, earning a soft laugh from Brisena."You'll grow up to be the greatest soul I've ever known," she whispered, brushing a hand over the baby's soft hair.
Rex squirmed playfully, as if understanding her words. His bright eyes gleamed with hope—like a silent promise: Yes, I will be the light for everyone.
Rogg, now full, stood and walked toward the balcony overlooking a vast cliffside. His gaze stretched far into the distance."This place... it's unlike anything I've ever seen," he murmured. From there, he could make out the Whiteheaven Palace—small and distant against the towering cliffs that cradled Aeternum Vale.
"I still don't understand, Brisena," he said, turning to her. "Why hasn't your mother greeted us herself? We've traveled so far to get here."
Brisena, seated again with Rex in her arms, met his eyes calmly."The Mother is likely still engaged in prayer with the elders. Today is a sacred day in Aeternum Vale, and that ritual must not be interrupted," she explained. "But I'm sure Vuuxi has already informed her of our safe arrival."
"What kind of ritual?" Yara asked, her curiosity evident. "Is it related to the gods you worship?"
Brisena nodded slightly."The prayer is offered to maintain the balance between our world and the other realms. The elders believe that Aeternum Vale is a bridge between them—and it's our duty to preserve that harmony."
"This place really does feel... otherworldly," Robb murmured, his gaze fixed on the flickering blue candles that almost seemed to breathe.
Brisena smiled faintly."That's why my mother chose to live here. Aeternum Vale is a place full of mysteries—but also immense power."
Yara looked at Brisena, suspicion glinting in her eyes."But why does your mother only come down once a month? Places like Lytherial and Lumindale are remarkable too. Doesn't she miss living among her people?"
Brisena hesitated for a moment, then answered softly,"When you meet her... she'll explain everything herself. There are many things about her that even I don't fully understand."
"Even you don't?" Rogg raised an eyebrow.
Brisena simply gave a faint smile, then turned her attention back to Rex, offering him a small spoonful of honey from a tiny silver cup.