As the group stood before the grand altar glowing under the soft blue candlelight, silence fell. The air grew heavy, laden with a stillness full of meaning. Suddenly, beside the altar, a stone door adorned with intricate carvings slowly began to open. The gentle sound of stone scraping against stone echoed through the hall.
From behind the door emerged a woman. Her hair shimmered white, cascading like silver silk reflecting the candlelight. Her face radiated calm and grace, yet faint lines whispered of the burdens life had once placed upon her. She wore a simple pale blue robe, yet something extraordinary emanated from her presence—a maternal aura so warm, it made anyone feel safe.
"That's my mother..." Brisena whispered, her voice barely audible. But before she could finish her sentence, Rogg and Robb were already in motion.
Without hesitation, both men ran toward the woman, their eyes brimming with emotions long buried."Mother!" they cried in unison, their voices cracking under the weight of tears that could no longer be held back.
The woman—Mother Brigita—froze. Her eyes widened in disbelief. But only for a moment, before she stepped forward, arms open, embracing her sons tightly as if afraid they might vanish again.
"My sons... my sons..." she murmured with a trembling voice. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she held them close, clinging to them with the desperation of sixteen years of longing.
That embrace was the answer to all the yearning they had kept locked inside for so long. Rogg and Robb wept in her arms, repeating the word Mother again and again, like a sacred chant they once thought they'd never utter again.
Brisena stood motionless, her eyes welling up. She tried to hold back the sobs, but her heart wouldn't let her. Slowly, she stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the woman who now cradled her brothers with such unshakeable love.
Brigita looked up from the embrace, her soft eyes falling on Brisena. "My daughter... Brisena..." she said gently. Her voice seemed to cut through time and space, echoing deep in Brisena's heart.
Without a word, Brisena stepped forward and joined the embrace. Now, the four of them were wrapped in a long, warm hug that washed away every wound, every loss, and every ache they had carried all these years.
Yara stood near the doorway, eyes glistening as she watched the scene unfold. She had always known Rogg to be strong and determined, but she also knew how deeply he missed the family he believed lost forever. Her tears flowed freely—not from sorrow, but from an overwhelming joy.
After a while, Rogg pulled away slightly from the embrace and beckoned Yara closer."Mother," he said, his voice thick with emotion, "this is Yara. She is my wife."
Yara smiled softly, though her eyes remained wet. She bowed respectfully, but her movement was halted by Mother Brigita, who gently took her hand in hers.
"No," Brigita said in the deep, melodic tongue of Rhazab. "No need to bow. You are part of this family now."
Yara couldn't hold back her sobs. She embraced Mother Brigita tightly—and for the first time since losing her own family, she felt the warmth of a mother again.
"How beautiful you are, my dear," said Brigita, brushing a hand through Yara's long, soft red hair. "Your eyes shine like the deep ocean... and your hair, red as blazing fire. You bring warmth into this family."
Rogg, now cradling little Rex in his arms, smiled proudly. He gently handed his son to his mother, who took him with trembling hands, overwhelmed.
"And this, Mother," Rogg added, "is your first grandson. His name is Rex."
Brigita held the tiny boy close with great tenderness. Rex—usually so lively—simply stared up at the elderly woman with wide, innocent eyes, as if he understood the significance of her embrace.
"What a handsome boy you are, Rex," Brigita whispered, kissing his forehead. "You are the future of this family, my child. The light that lies ahead."
Brisena, standing beside them, offered a small smile. Seeing her family united like this was a joy she had never dared to dream. The weight she carried in her heart seemed to lift, replaced by a profound peace.
But the warm moment didn't last. Light footsteps echoed from the direction of the altar door. When they all turned, they saw Vuuxi standing there, his expression solemn.
"I apologize for interrupting," Vuuxi said, voice low yet firm. "The Elders request the presence of Mother Brigita and everyone else in the grand reception chamber. They say the time for the family's induction has come."
Brisena nodded in understanding, while Brigita gazed at her family with deep affection."We'll only be a while," she said softly. "We'll meet the Elders now, but we'll have time to talk more afterward."
Rogg and Robb nodded, though clearly reluctant to end the reunion so soon. There was so much they wanted to ask their mother. Yara smiled gently, while Rex began to squirm slightly in Brigita's arms, as if not wanting to be separated from her.
Holding Rex close, Brigita led the group toward the chamber. She brushed Brisena's cheek gently."You've protected and brought them back so well, my child," she said. "I'm proud of you."
Brisena gave a faint smile, her eyes revealing the deep love and respect she held for her mother."I only did what needed to be done," she replied softly.
Brigita nodded, and together with Vuuxi, they began walking. Before the altar doors closed, Rogg and Robb glanced back once more, awe in their eyes for the splendor of the Aeternum Vale.
Rogg, Robb, Yara, and Brisena stood in quiet reflection, absorbing all that had just occurred. Though brief, that reunion had changed everything. They were no longer scattered, grieving souls—but a family, reunited under the light of Aeternum Vale.
The chamber they entered was magnificent, radiating power and ancient history. The walls were etched with intricate carvings depicting the long journey of the Doliex tribe—from the birth of their civilization to the present day. At the center stood a large round table made of polished black stone, reflecting the soft flicker of the towering candles surrounding the room.
Seated around it were the Great Elders of the Doliex, robed in garments adorned with emblems of dignity. They were spiritual leaders, guardians of tradition, and wise counselors revered by the entire tribe. Their presence alone made one feel small in the face of such greatness.
As Rogg, Robb, Yara, and Mother Brigita entered, every eye turned toward them. One elder, an old man with a white beard nearly brushing the tabletop, stood first. His voice was deep yet gentle as he said,"Welcome, children of the Earth Gods," in the reverent Doliex tongue.
Rogg hesitated, puzzled by the greeting. But he quickly bowed, recalling all Vuuxi had taught him."Greetings to the honored Elders," Rogg replied in fluent Doliex.
Silence filled the room. The Elders exchanged glances, surprise and admiration clear on their faces. One of the women, her face marked by age yet glowing with charisma, smiled softly."This child is not only strong but also wise. Your speech is flawless, my son."
Mother Brigita—known among the Elders as Mother Zeeva—smiled proudly, holding baby Rex."I no longer need to translate your words," she said. "My son is remarkably gifted."She looked at Rogg with love, then stepped toward an empty chair among the Elders, a clear sign that she was one of them—respected, with a place of honor.
"Please, sit, my children," said the same female elder, gesturing gracefully. Her voice was gentle but carried undeniable authority.
They all gathered around the large table. Yara felt slightly out of place amid such grandeur, but she kept her composure, holding tightly to Rogg's hand, drawing strength from him. Rex, on the other hand, seemed utterly calm in Brigita's arms, his big eyes curious as they scanned the room.
Mother Brigita began the meeting by introducing her family."Allow me to present my family to you," she said warmly, turning to Rogg. "This is my eldest son, my pride, Rogg. He has shown immeasurable courage and wisdom."
Then she looked to Robb with a fond smile."This is Robb, Rogg's younger brother. A mighty soul, protector of his kin, and a true warrior."
She turned to Yara."And this is Yara, my beautiful daughter-in-law. A radiant light within our family."
Finally, she kissed the forehead of the baby in her arms."And this is my grandson, Rex. I believe he will grow to be one of the greatest in the world."
The room filled with warm smiles and respectful gazes, but Brisena's voice suddenly broke the silence.
"So they're the only ones you're introducing? Am I invisible, Mother?" she said with mock annoyance, though her grin betrayed her jest.
Laughter rang throughout the chamber. Even the usually stern Elders chuckled. Vuuxi, standing at the edge, smiled broadly at the familiar playfulness of the young lady he served.
"Of course not, my shining jewel," Brigita replied with affection."Brisena, my strong and brilliant daughter. Without her, this family would never have come back together."
Brisena beamed with pride at the praise. She cast a teasing glance at Vuuxi, who merely shook his head with an amused sigh.
As the laughter faded, the Elders began discussing the history of the Doliex and the significance of Aeternum Vale. They spoke of how this valley had served as the tribe's spiritual and mystical core for centuries. One tall Elder with sharp eyes spoke of the magical forces guarding the place.
"Aeternum Vale is not only a home to our ancestors," he said. "It is the heart of the Doliex's spiritual power. Every stone, every stream here holds a spirit preserving the world's balance."
The same woman Elder continued,"And you, children of the Earth Gods, have a great role in safeguarding that balance. Your presence here signals a change in the tribe's destiny."
Yara, listening intently, felt a little overwhelmed. She turned to Rogg with questions in her eyes, but he simply squeezed her hand tighter in reassurance.
Mother Brigita, understanding her daughter-in-law's unease, smiled gently."Do not worry, Yara. You are part of this family now. Whatever comes, we face it together."
The conversation continued—tales of the Doliex's golden past, their struggles, their bond with the forces of nature. The Elders spoke with passion, but also with wisdom so profound that each word felt like a sacred teaching.
As the meeting neared its close, one of the eldest men stood and turned his gaze upon Rogg and Robb."You are the sons of Mother Zeeva, which makes you heirs to a great legacy. But remember—true strength lies not in what you possess, but in what you do to protect the weak."
Rogg bowed his head solemnly, honored by the words."I will do whatever it takes to protect my family and the honor of this tribe."
Robb, usually the quiet one,...