Gently lifting her arms out to her sides, Tristan took a step forward and hovered her foot over the edge of the building.

  "You crazy ass woman!" Vral screamed. "Wait!"

  "What are you doing?!" I darted forward, cutting through the crowd of goblins to where I thought she'd land, and readied myself to catch her when she fell.

  Vral appeared beside me. "You gotta catch her!"

  Tristan's face never wavered as she leaned forward and leapt from the rooftop.

  For several feet, she fell like stone. As she fell, her lips worked, and energy rippled from her hands and feet.

  [Slow Fall]

  White energy radiated from her hands and feet, and her fall became a slow descent, one controlled by the angles of her hands. With perfect grace, she floated down to us. As she did, the resurrected people in the crowd all began pointing and murmuring to one another.

  While I couldn't make out much, the name "Ura-Elathiel" was audible over and over again.

  Was that who this was? If so, then what happened to Tristan? Was her grandmother piloting Tristan's body? Was she aware right now? Or had something happened to her?

  After a few moments, "Tristan" landed in front of me. She took a step forward, and her glowing eyes searched every inch of me before flicking down to Vral. When she was done, she stepped close and extended her arms. With an expression of pure love, she wrapped me in a tight hug and gently guided me to the ground, then pulled Vral into the hug, too.

  "Tris... this is embarrassing..." Vral whispered.

  I sank my head into Tristan's neck and breathed deep. "Tristan, are you in there?"

  Tristan pulled away and, with a subtle shift in her expression, her serene smile turned into her usual grin, and she said, "I'm right here." Pressing her hands to our cheeks, she continued, "But it's not just me in here."

  Her expression changed again. A look of profound kindness filled her eyes, but it was laced with sadness, too. "Tristan" searched our eyes and eventually whispered, "I regret that I was never able to meet my grandchildren in life. Alas, the world's needs take precedent over our own." She swallowed. "Still, I'm glad to be afforded this opportunity. It's a kindness few will ever know."

  Vral's brows knitted. "Tris has grandkids? When'd that happen?"

  I put my hand on Vral's head and stroked her hair. "Are you Ura-Elathiel?"

  "Tristan" inclined her head. "I am."

  "Huh?" Vral grunted. "Come again?"

  In response to her declaration, the entire crowd grew excited.

  "It's the Shining Lady!"

  "She's returned!"

  "I can't believe it!"

  I took Tristan's hand in mine. "I'm Alex, and this beautiful woman down here is Vral." I shifted my hand to Vral's shoulder. "We're your granddaughter's partners."

  Ura-Elathiel's eyes grew wet. "I'm so glad to meet you. And please, the pleasure is entirely mine, Alex and Vral." Wrapping her arms around us both once again, she pulled us close and rubbed the back of our heads in the most comforting, maternal gesture ever. "Thank you for taking such good care of my granddaughter in my absence."

  Vral pressed into Ura-Elathiel. "This feels so nice..."

  Wrapping my arms tightly around Ura-Elathiel, my mind raced. How was this possible? And was she here for good? Was I engaged to Tristan and her grandma now? Having absolutely no answers, I let my mind fade and enjoyed the moment. It wasn't often that someone got to experience the pure love of their partner's late grandma, after all.

  For a long time, we sat like that. Sometimes, Tristan would come back and kiss our lips, cheeks, necks—anything she could kiss, really. Other times, Ura-Elathiel hummed that same song that Tristan and Na-Ya always hummed and ran her hands through our hair.

  Eventually, though, the moment passed. "Tristan" stood, wiped her cheeks, and turned to the crowd, which had been getting more and more excited. Lifting a hand toward them, she took a breath and said, "My dear friends. It has been far, far too long since I was last able to speak to you."

  The crowd murmured for a few moments before growing silent.

  "First, I owe you an explanation." Her eyes scanned the crowd. "When Zylla and Avara attacked our fair city one terrible night long ago, I was away, helping the Hero and her party end the terrible conflict that had afflicted us for so long. With great effort and untold sacrifice, we were successful in the end."

  Nodding and murmuring to one another, the crowd was clearly relieved to hear the war had ended from their own leader's lips.

  Her eyes growing misty, Ura-Elathiel continued speaking. "However, when I returned, I found nothing but the echoes of all those I held dear." Fresh tears fell from her eyes. "All of you who called this place home, who sacrificed everything to found this city, were gone. And yet, your souls were tied to this very earth, forbidden from ever returning to the Goddess's light. When I learned this sad fact, I was heartbroken."

  At her words, many people teared up in the crowd.

  "In the remaining years of my life, I traveled far and wide, learning the methods needed to restore this city to its former glory. All the while, Ushai and the Great Mother watched over your souls as you slept." She pointed at the crystals. "Unfortunately, I learned that the magic required to bring you back was beyond anything we mortals are capable of. None of them was strong enough to cast such magic alone. Thus, using the Great Mother's Dragonvein to store mana, I set a plan in motion." She pointed at one of the nearby crystals. "It took centuries to gather the energy needed to restore you, and now, you are alive once more. However, the years were long. So, so long. For that, I apologize."

  The crowd shouted that she had nothing to apologize for, and followed those words with praise and tears.

  Ura-Elathiel's throat caught, and even more tears streamed from her eyes. Wiping her cheeks, she continued. "Alas, while you have returned to true life, my time is limited. I am a mere spirit clinging to this realm through the blood of my granddaughter. And soon, I will fade."

  The entire crowd began murmuring.

  "You can't go!"

  "Don't go!"

  "We need you!"

  "Do not be sad for me, my friends. I once lived for many centuries, and my time has come and gone. Now, I long to return to the Goddess's side, as well as the side of the man I loved." She softly smiled. "In my travels, I met a man. A great man, who became the High King of Istaera in our time together." She pressed a hand to Tristan's chest. "With him, I had two daughters, and those daughters have since had children of their own. This woman is of my blood. Her name is Na-Tristan. In the coming days, you will come to know her well." Reaching a hand out, she touched Vral and me. "And these are the ones who share her heart." She pointed at Vral and me.

  The crowd eyed us warily.

  "Uh, hi..." Vral said shyly and waved.

  I nodded to them.

  Ura-Elathiel continued. "Alex and Vral are their names. Through Tristan's memories, I have learned that they are steadfast, true, and loyal. Know that I acknowledge them as the consorts of my heir. I ask that, through the kindness that I know is within your hearts, show them the respect you would afford to me. I believe that these are the ones who will restore this place to its rightful glory."

  As the members of the crowd looked between Ura-Elathiel and us, I watched as many of them, but not all, began nodding.

  "Also, know that, while it was my and Tristan's magic that restored you to life, it was Alex's words that roused your souls from their slumber. Likewise, it was Vral who brought them both to this place. Without their actions, as guided by the hand of the Goddess, all of you who call this place home would still be asleep in the shadows of our ruined city."

  If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Her words were having an impact. Most of the crowd seemed to be receptive to her words.

  "Know, too, that it was always my dream to make this place one of healing and acceptance." She pointed upward, toward the Dreaming Crown. "That is why I named the great tree as I did. Please know that, when I am gone, my wish is for you to carry my dream into the future. My only wish is to see this land become one that all people can call home." She turned and looked at the large group of goblins.

  Under her scrutiny, the goblins all shuffled uncomfortably.

  Ura-Elathiel pointed to the visible crystals around us. "Know, too, that my magic is still incomplete. In the coming days, weeks, months, and years, more souls will be pulled from the shadows to return to the light. I ask that you welcome them back to this world and share my words with them that they might carry my will forward."

  "We will!" One woman screamed.

  "We promise!" a man shouted.

  Ura-Elathiel inclined her head. "The coming days will be hard. Much must be done to restore Caer-Elath-Sylnareth to its former glory. But you are strong, people of this land. I know that you will persevere." She pointed at all of the trees, bushes, and vines filled with fruit. "But, strong as you are, you will need help. To assist you in getting reestablished, I have given you one final gift. It is for all to enjoy."

  After hearing her words, several people in the crowd reached out, plucked some fruit, and began eating.

  Just then, some people parted in the back of the crowd. Three figures were making their way through the crowd toward us.

  When they got close, I realized who they were.

  Ro's face was impassive as he walked through the crowd. In his arms was Irileth, who was pale but alive, and Na-Ya was behind him, looking equally pale and very confused.

  "Irileth!" Ushai leapt from the rooftop and darted through the sky. A breath later, Irileth was in her arms.

  Na-Ya stroked the harpy's head and whispered something before she and Ro continued past the women.

  When he was close, Ro shook his head and said, "I don't know how you do it, brother." He put his hand on my shoulder. "I look away for a minute, and you've performed kind of miracle or another."

  I laughed. "This one wasn't on me." I pointed at Tristan. "It was all her."

  "Of course it was. Tristan's amazing." Na-Ya walked up and hugged me. "Are you three okay?"

  "Yeah, I think so." I let her go. "Great job saving Irileth."

  She laughed. "Yeah, thanks." Her eyes fell to Vral before drifting to Tristan. "I saved one person while Tris saved a hundred. I'm a real hero."

  "She grew a whole damn forest, too," Vral said.

  Ro looked at Tristan, the crowd, the trees and plants, then back at Tristan. "Are you saying our little Tristan did all of this?"

  Na-Ya slowly stepped up to Tristan. Carefully looking her face over, she whispered, "I know my Tristan better than anyone. This isn't her."

  Tristan inclined her head. "You are perceptive, my granddaughter."

  Na-Ya's brows furrowed. Then, slowly, her eyes went wide. "Are you...?"

  "I am." Ura-Elathiel wrapped her hands around the priestess. "I am so glad I was able to meet you, too." Addressing the crowd, she said, "And this is my other granddaughter and her husband, Na-Ya and Ro-Saleh."

  The crowd looked away from the trees and took the elves in.

  Slowly, carefully, Na-Ya's arms wrapped around Ura-Elathiel. "I've heard so much about you..." She started sobbing.

  For a long time, Ura-Elathiel stood there, stroking Na-Ya's hair as she had ours. Then, when Na-Ya wiped her face, Ura-Elathiel pulled Ro into the hug and loved on him, too.

  As they embraced, the crowd began whispering.

  "... I can see the resemblance..." A woman replied.

  "... It's uncanny..."

  "... The eyes..."

  "... Looks just like her..."

  Eventually, Ura-Elathiel untangled herself and turned to the crowd. "Know that this is the final time I will speak to you all." Ura-Elathiel bowed deeply. "Know that I have always been honored by your choice to settle here. Your dedication to our home will be remembered forever."

  "Don't go!" One woman screamed.

  "Stay with us!" A man stepped forward, hand extended, and brushed her fingertips.

  Ura-Elathiel shook her head. "My time has come. I must return to the Dreaming Crown, now. However, know that I will always be with you in spirit. And the ones I have chosen to succeed me will surely guide you in my stead." With those words, she turned and, with a whisper, floated into the air.

  "Whoa!" Vral shouted as her feet left the ground.

  Na-Ya was next, followed by Ro. Then, I felt myself grow light, too.

  The crowd shouted up at us as we floated upward. In seconds, we left the street below and were standing on the rooftop beside the Great Mother and the others.

  "It is time," Ura-Elathiel stroked the Great Mother's neck. "Please, my old friend. Take us home."

  The dragon lifted its massive head, then extended a wing so we could climb up.

  One by one, we climbed onto the dragon's back. Once we were situated, Ark and the others stepped closer.

  "Nuh uh," Vral held her hand up. "You fucks got your turn. It's my turn now."

  Ark crossed her arms. "Who made you the boss?"

  Vral stuck her chin up. "You heard the hot spirit lady. I'm a consort. Not you."

  Sticking her lip out, Ark looked at me and asked in the poutiest tone I'd ever heard, "Boss?"

  "Don't you fucking dare," Vral hissed.

  Damn woman... How could I do this? I shook my head at the goblins. "Sorry, guys. I need you down here helping out."

  Ark's face lit up. "Helping out?"

  "You... you need us?" Grort asked beside her.

  Nodding, I said, "You five were my first vassals. That basically means you're my right-hand people."

  "R-right hand?!" Klart squeaked.

  "You think we're people?" Frik added.

  "That's right! I'm going to need your help a lot in the coming days, and there are a whole lot of goblins down there who don't know what to do with their lives right now. I bet they'd like some of their own to guide them." I was getting the hang of this leadership thing. "Also, this city's in shambles. I'm especially going to need your help getting it put back together."

  Slowly, a wide grin split all five of their faces.

  "We're important!" Klart puffed his chest out.

  "Sounds like a lot of work," Lutz grumbled.

  Frik slapped the back of his head. "Yeah? So what? Who else'll do it if not us?"

  "That's true." Lutz stood up. "We're kind of a big deal, now, huh?"

  "The biggest deal!" Frik slapped his back.

  Grort put his hands on his hips. "You just wait, boss. This place'll be spit shined when we're done with it!"

  "Come on, dummies! You heard the boss! We've got work to do!" Ark pushed her crew toward a staircase set into the far side of the roof. In a breath, their excited chattering echoing down the stairwell was all that was left of them.

  Looking back at us, Ura-Elathiel asked, "Are you ready, my children?"

  I nodded. "We are."

  Tristan's grandma stroked the Great Mother's ear.

  The dragon stood, shook its head, and flapped its massive wings. An instant later, we were soaring through the air.

  The city fell away beneath us in seconds, rooftops shrinking, streets turning into thin lines between blocks of stone and green. The wind whistled in my ears as the Great Mother's massive wings beat against the air. It was exhilarating

  Vral let out a wild laugh beside me, gripping the dragon's fur with both hands, and shouted, "I'm riding a fucking dragon!" Shaking her head, her black hair rippled with every beat of the dragon's wings.

  In front of her, Na-Ya had both arms wrapped around Ro's waist. Her eyes were wide as she stared down at the city below. "Don't look down," she muttered, immediately looking down again. "Yeah, definitely look down."

  Ro, calm even now, leaned slightly to peer over the edge. "Wow. You can see so far from up here!"

  Tristan laughed in front of them, the sound familiar and bright. "Isn't this is incredible?"

  The Great Mother's scales, partially hidden beneath her thick fur, shimmered beneath us, catching the orblight as we climbed higher. The air grew cooler, thinner, too, and the wind began carrying the scent of leaves and sap just before we reached the lower boughs of the Dreaming Crown's canopy. Then, when we reached the center of the canopy, the dragon banked gently, circling upward and inward toward the center of the trunk. Branches thicker than houses passed around us, and in them, there were openings leading into what looked like living spaces.

  Did the harpies live up here in the branches?

  As I took it all in, the Great Mother slowed. Ahead of us, carved into one of the largest boughs near the crown, was a massive platform of polished wood. It stretched outward like a runway, its edges lined with softly glowing crystals. With a final beat of her wings, she descended and settled onto the platform with a deep, rumbling exhalation.

  For a moment, none of us moved. Then Vral threw both of her fists into the air and screamed, "I did it!" Jumping up onto her feet, she ran up the dragon's back and practically tackled Tristan from behind. "Thank you thank you THANK YOU!" Wrapping the quarter-elf in as much of a bear hug as she could, given her size, Vral cackled as she kissed up and down Tristan's leg.

  Blushing, Tristan turned and knelt in front of Vral. Smiling, she said, "We all made this happen, love," then reached out to pull Vral into a proper hug. Before she could pull Vral in, Vral blew past her hands and, with a manic giggle, threw herself at Tristan, lips first. Their lips collided, and Tristan's eyes closed as her hands found Vral's face.

  Not wanting to intrude on their moment, I turned to find the dragon had lowered her wing, providing us with an off-ramp. I climbed down more carefully, my legs slightly unsteady.

  It's not every day you got to ride a dragon, after all.

  Once I felt steady on my feet, I turned and took in the canopy. All around us, there were rooms, chambers, hallways, even storage spaces, carved into the massive tree's bark. Dotted everywhere, there were countless crystals softly flickering in the dim light. From the look of things, it was clear that the harpies did, in fact, call the tree's canopy home.

  Turning to take in the view, my breath caught as I realized how high up we were. From this height, all of Istaera was visible below. The marshes of Velmire met the plains of Calvareth below. The Solara sea was visible to the east, and to the west, the mountains of Tharoven stood tall against the western portion of the Great Wall, which was just barely visible from here. To the southwest, the Tower of Stars was more visible than ever before. Hell, far across the sea, I could just barely make out the edge of Deneir, and Deneir was .

  I couldn't help but soak it all in.

  Beyond the land itself, one thing that stood out was the shimmering, rainbow-colored wall that now surrounded the city. It looked identical to the swirling vortex... thing that had surrounded Vral and me down on the street, but it had expanded dramatically. In every direction, there was an almost aurora-looking rainbow that stopped right when the last buildings stopped at the edge of the city, and it rose nearly as high as the Dreaming Crown, too, before fading away.

  I had no idea what that meant, but it definitely meant something.

  "Come on, everyone," Tristan said, her fingers tracing my shoulders as she brushed past me. "We have something to show you." With measured steps, Tristan walked toward the tree's center, where a large archway was carved into the bark.

  "You heard the pretty lady who tolerates our shit." Vral grabbed my hand. "Let's go!"

  A minute later, we'd passed through the massive archway and found ourselves in the very center of the Dreaming Crown. And there, in the center of it all, a stair-lined dais rose from the center of the tree's polished age rings, and in the center of that, about fifty feet above the top of the dais, there was a massive crystal slowly twirling in the air and glowing with a brilliant, prismatic inner light.