Dumblemdore Family: Wizarding Witch World

Sitting cross-legged with the small Elf in his lap, Alvo was practicing his breathing exercises, finishing the intricate runes he had been sketching into his Spirit Sea. As he completed the symbols, he couldn't help but feel a surge of power flowing through him.

Just then, his magical tablet buzzed with a call from Helena. He answered, and Helena couldn't help but furrow her brow when she noticed the small Elf sitting in his lap. However, she refrained from commenting on it. Instead, she asked how he was doing, and they exchanged a few casual words. After their conversation, he ended the call. There were still a few weeks left in the month, and he had decided to spend the day facing creatures from other planes in the simulator.

Looking down at the little Elf, he spoke gently, "Pina, little Pina, keep practicing and remember to read about botany. I'll be back as soon as I can." He then turned to the level 2 apprentice mage who was waiting outside. "Watch over her," he instructed before stepping out.

With that, Alvo set off, ready to test his skills in the simulator for the rest of the day.

Arriving at the simulation panel, Alvo selected the level 3 challenge. He then chose the Dragon race, which consisted of Dragonkins and True Dragons. The challenge was set, and he prepared himself for what would undoubtedly be an intense test of his skills.

Alvo's heart pounded in his chest as the simulation began. Before him stood the massive form of a True Dragon, its scales shimmering like molten gold, wings spreading wide, casting an intimidating shadow over the battlefield. The creature's piercing eyes locked onto him, and a low, menacing growl echoed through the air.

The dragon's mouth opened, releasing a torrent of fire toward Alvo. Without hesitation, he raised his hands, summoning a shield of earth and ice to block the blast. The fire crashed against his defenses, sending a wave of heat that almost forced him to his knees.

I need to be faster, he thought, immediately rolling to the side to avoid the next onslaught. The dragon's tail whipped through the air, and Alvo barely managed to duck, feeling the rush of wind as the tail passed inches from his face.

With a quick incantation, Alvo summoned the waves of ice, this time encasing the dragon's wings in a block of frozen air. The dragon roared, struggling to break free. This was his chance.

Alvo charged forward, casting a series of lightning strikes at the dragon's underbelly. With a loud crack, one of the bolts struck true, causing the dragon to stagger back. But before Alvo could press the advantage, the dragon unleashed a powerful roar that sent shockwaves across the battlefield, knocking Alvo off his feet.

He gritted his teeth, struggling to rise. It's not over yet. The battle was far from won, but he knew what to do next. After a few moments of recuperation, he focused his energy on creating a barrier of wind, allowing him to move faster, almost like he was gliding across the battlefield. He summoned a torrent of fire of his own, slamming it into the dragon's flank, causing it to reel in pain.

After a few more strikes, Alvo finally brought the beast to its knees, watching as the dragon crumbled into nothingness.

Breathing heavily, Alvo took a moment to collect himself. That was close. I need more speed to avoid those shockwaves. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes to center himself before preparing for the next round.

Alvo stood tall, facing his next opponent in the simulation—an ancient Dragonkin. The creature before him was unlike any he had fought before. It wasn't just physically imposing, with massive claws and dark, jagged scales; its aura radiated an ancient power that made Alvo's heart race in anticipation. This Dragonkin wasn't just a warrior—it was a survivor, forged in countless battles.

The simulation started, and the Dragonkin immediately charged, moving with terrifying speed for its size. Alvo barely had time to react before the creature's claws slashed through the air, missing his side by inches. He teleported away, creating distance, and summoned a shield of wind to block the next attack.

I need to outmaneuver it, Alvo thought, trying to shake off the growing tension in his chest. He could feel the weight of the battle ahead. He summoned fire to his hand, sending a wave of flames toward the Dragonkin, but the creature responded with a wave of dark energy, effortlessly deflecting the fire like it was nothing.

The Dragonkin snarled, its eyes glowing with fury, and it launched another vicious attack. This time, its tail lashed out, striking Alvo across the chest. The force of the blow sent him flying backward, crashing into a pile of stone debris that was part of the simulated terrain.

This is bad, Alvo thought, struggling to regain his footing. The pain in his chest was sharp, and the shock from the blow rattled his senses. He quickly cast a healing spell to numb the pain, but the Dragonkin was already on the move, not giving him a second to breathe.

It was fast. Far faster than Alvo had anticipated.

Before he could react, the Dragonkin was upon him, grabbing him by the shoulders and slamming him into the ground. Alvo gasped as the wind was knocked out of him, and the Dragonkin raised a massive claw, poised to strike the final blow.

I can't lose here, Alvo thought, but his body felt sluggish, his movements slower than usual. He tried to raise his hands to summon magic, but his arms were pinned down by the Dragonkin's immense strength.

The creature's claw descended. Alvo barely had time to react as the ground shook with the force of the blow, leaving him dazed. His vision blurred, and for a split second, he thought he saw the world around him spin as the Dragonkin laughed in victory.

He could hear the voice of his mentor, Alartard, echoing in his mind. You need to know when to retreat, Alvo.

But it was too late.

The simulation ended, and Alvo found himself standing in the room once again, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat. The harsh reality of defeat hit him like a physical blow. His mind raced as he tried to process the loss.

What went wrong? He questioned himself. His magic had failed to land decisive blows. He had underestimated the Dragonkin's speed, its ferocity. And above all, he had let his guard down, thinking he could overpower the creature.

He dropped to a knee, feeling the exhaustion from the simulation sink in.

I need to learn from this, he told himself. It's not just about power. It's about strategy, precision... and knowing when to retreat.

With a deep sigh, Alvo got back to his feet, wiping the sweat from his brow. This was a lesson he wouldn't forget. Next time, I'll be ready.

The next challenge was different: a Dragonkin, a humanoid dragon with the body of a man but the fierce power of a true dragon. Standing in front of Alvo was a towering figure, with reptilian eyes and claws that could tear through steel. The creature's wings were tucked against its back, but its muscles rippled with power, every inch of it a testament to its strength.

The battle began as the Dragonkin lunged toward him, swinging its claws with incredible speed. Alvo barely managed to parry the blow, feeling the weight of the strike reverberate through his arms. Not enough, he thought, feeling the sheer force behind each movement.

In retaliation, Alvo used his teleportation to move behind the Dragonkin, striking quickly with his ice and fire combo. The Dragonkin grunted as it was hit, but it recovered faster than expected. It turned with a quick snap of its head, launching a blast of fiery breath in Alvo's direction. He barely managed to raise a shield in time, but the heat still burned through his defenses, searing his skin.

I need to anticipate its moves, Alvo realized, his mind racing as he rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding another fiery blast.

He could feel his stamina waning, but he knew he couldn't afford to back down. Using his magic, Alvo created a series of forceful winds that pushed the Dragonkin back, giving him just enough time to re-group. He then summoned an explosive bolt of lightning, striking the Dragonkin square in the chest.

The creature staggered but didn't fall. Alvo narrowed his eyes. One more strike should do it.

With a swift, calculated movement, Alvo cast a spell that summoned a massive ice storm around the Dragonkin. The freezing winds slowed the creature down, giving Alvo the opportunity to land the final blow. A well-placed fireball hit the Dragonkin's side, sending it crashing to the ground.

Panting, Alvo took another pause. That was a bit too close. I have to be more efficient with my energy.

Alvo stood before the simulation panel, the image of the Ancient Dragonkin appearing once again. The creature's immense size and dark scales seemed to radiate an intimidating presence, and Alvo felt the weight of its ancient power even before the fight began.

As the battle commenced, Alvo immediately teleported behind the Dragonkin, hoping to land a surprise attack. He conjured a massive ball of fire, hurling it toward the beast. But the Dragonkin spun around effortlessly, its glowing red eyes locking onto Alvo's position. With a swift, powerful swipe, the creature knocked Alvo back, sending him sprawling across the ground.

This isn't right, Alvo thought as he struggled to regain his footing. He had underestimated the Dragonkin's agility. It was faster than he'd expected, and its strength was almost overwhelming.

He summoned a shield of wind, but the Dragonkin's claws tore right through it, striking him once more. Alvo's vision blurred as he was thrown to the ground again. The simulation ended, and Alvo stood panting, defeated.

Exhausted, bruised, and nearly ready to give up, Alvo stepped into the simulation one last time. This time, he didn't rush in. He took a deep breath, clearing his mind, and focused on what he had learned from the previous attempts.

This time, he told himself, I'm going to be different.

He began slowly, watching the Dragonkin's movements more carefully. Instead of using brute force, he focused on evasion, keeping his distance. He used his Ruler Symbol, but this time, not to control the Dragonkin. Instead, he used it to strengthen his own mind, making his decisions clearer and more deliberate. He waited for the Dragonkin's attack, then teleported at the last moment, narrowly avoiding its claws.

For the first time, Alvo felt like he was in control, managing to land a few solid blows with his fire and ice magic. But the Dragonkin was relentless, and Alvo quickly found himself cornered again.

I can't keep doing this, he realized. I need to stop fighting like I'm invincible. I need to fight smart.

The realization hit him like a bolt of lightning.

Alvo stopped. He focused. Instead of trying to overwhelm the Dragonkin with magic, he decided to use it as a distraction. He baited the Dragonkin into attacking him with all its might, but instead of meeting it head-on, he dodged and led the beast into an area with less open space.

The Dragonkin's massive body had trouble maneuvering in the confined area, giving Alvo the opportunity he needed. He cast a barrier of wind around it, trapping the creature temporarily.

Now! Alvo thought. He summoned his most powerful magic, amplifying it with the Cruz Mark to enhance his focus and wisdom. He blasted the Dragonkin with ice and fire, each spell landing with precision, and then used his Born to Battle symbol to push himself beyond his limits. With a final surge of energy, he hit the Dragonkin with a powerful strike that broke through its defenses.

The Dragonkin staggered, and for the first time, it faltered. Alvo, panting heavily, pressed the attack, his mind fully focused now. The creature, realizing it was outmatched, gave a final roar before collapsing to the ground.

The simulation ended, and Alvo stood victorious.

Exhausted both physically and spiritually, Alvo returned to his quarters. His body ached from the intense battles, and his mind was overwhelmed with the lessons he'd learned. The constant strain of facing powerful opponents, especially the Ancient Dragonkin, had drained him more than he had anticipated.

He stepped into his room, his gaze landing on the small cot. The room, though modest, felt like a sanctuary now, a place to rest and recover. With a quiet sigh, he shed his armor and robes, feeling the weight of his efforts lift slightly as he stripped away the physical reminders of battle. The small elven girl, Pina, was sitting cross-legged on the floor, still diligently reading through her botanical texts, as per his instructions earlier.

Alvo smiled faintly at the sight of her quiet determination before he turned to the bed.

"I'll be back soon, Pina," he said softly, as if the mere act of speaking to her brought a moment of peace to his otherwise turbulent thoughts.

Pina looked up at him, her large innocent eyes blinking slowly, before nodding with a small smile. "Rest well, Master Alvo."

Alvo chuckled softly, his exhaustion making his smile a bit more tired than usual. He climbed into his bed, the soft fabric welcoming him like an old friend, and for the first time in days, he allowed himself to close his eyes.

His mind raced for a moment—thoughts of the Dragonkin, his battles, his strategy—before he let it all go, letting the comforting embrace of sleep take over. The exhaustion from his trials, both in the simulations and the real world, finally took its toll. Alvo drifted into a deep sleep, a much-needed rest for his weary soul, knowing that tomorrow would bring new challenges.

Henry soon joined them, carrying his small elven companion, Tina, in his arms. When Tina spotted Pina, the two little elves eagerly exchanged smiles before running off to play, their giggles filling the room as they happily explored together.

Henry, watching them for a moment, settled into a chair next to Alvo. He glanced over at the tea set, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Looks like they've found something to occupy themselves," he said, settling Tina on his lap as the small elf playfully reached for his hair.

Alvo chuckled softly, watching the two little ones. "I think they make a good team," he replied, before taking a sip from the tea Pina had so carefully prepared.

Henry nodded, his expression shifting to something a bit more serious. "I was just testing out the Golden Healing Symbol's range," he continued, his voice thoughtful. "It covers about five football fields, which is quite impressive. I can feel the healing aura expand with every step, and when fully activated, it's overwhelming."

Alvo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Five football fields? That's massive."

"Yeah," Henry confirmed, "and it's not just the range, but the intensity. The symbol amplifies healing abilities significantly. It's like being surrounded by a cocoon of pure restoration." He paused for a moment, rubbing Tina's back gently as she settled in his arms. "It's a powerful tool, but it takes a lot of energy to maintain, so I need to refine my control over it."

Henry smiled at his friend, his gaze briefly flicking to the playful elven girls. "Yeah, but that's what makes it all worth it. Constantly pushing ourselves to be better. That's the only way to grow."

As the two friends continued their conversation, the sound of tiny laughter and footsteps echoed in the background, a reminder that even amidst their grueling training, there was still room for moments of peace and joy.

As Alvo scanned the news on his magical tablet, a small chuckle escaped his lips as he read the headline, "Oceania Minister Creates Promotional Film for Elven Battlefield." He raised an eyebrow. "Am I going to become a superstar?" he mused aloud, amused at the unexpected attention his actions were receiving.

His amusement quickly shifted when his gaze fell on the next headline:

"Dragon Plane Declares War Against the Wizarding Plane. Wizards Launch Large-Scale Attack, Forcing the Dragon World to Act, and Seal the World. Currently, the Dragon Plane is Surrounded."

Alvo's expression darkened slightly, concern creeping into his thoughts. A war with the Dragons? That was something he hadn't anticipated. But before he could dwell on it further, another headline caught his attention:

"Titan Plane, After Being Hit by the Dragon Plane, Receives a Helping Hand from the Wizards Against Them, Now Attacked by the Ghost Plane. The War Between the Titans and Ghosts Is Chaotic."

"Ghosts?" Alvo muttered, his mind racing. How can I deal with a ghost? His brow furrowed as he considered the possibilities. His mind flicked back to his arsenal of techniques. Would my True Intent of the Waves be able to harm a ghost?

Without wasting another moment, Alvo stood up decisively. He had always been quick to assess situations and react, and this was no different. If ghosts were involved in the war, he needed to be prepared, and the best way to do that was to test his abilities in the simulations.

"Let's see what I can do," he muttered to himself as he made his way to the simulation panel.

As Alvo entered the room, his thoughts shifted back to the challenge. A ghost was a different kind of opponent, intangible and elusive. Could his True Intent of the Waves, which was rooted in manipulation of the elements, have any effect on something as ethereal as a ghost? He would soon find out.

With a deep breath, he selected the simulation difficulty level and entered the settings. He focused on creating an encounter with a powerful ghost—an opponent that would push him to test his limits.

As the simulation began, the environment materialized before him. He found himself standing in a shadowy, mist-filled landscape, a place of eerie quiet. The air was heavy, thick with the sense that something unseen was lurking.

And then, out of the mist, a ghostly figure appeared. Its form was translucent, shifting like smoke in the air. Alvo's heart quickened as he assessed the situation. This was unlike anything he had fought before.

The ghost floated toward him, its eyes glowing with a cold, otherworldly light. Without hesitation, Alvo focused, his mind drawing the True Intent of the Waves to his hands.

He summoned the wave of earth, sending a massive surge of energy toward the ghost. But the moment the wave made contact, it passed right through the apparition, leaving no trace.

"Interesting," Alvo murmured, his mind already analyzing the result. Earth couldn't touch the ghost—it was too insubstantial. But what about other elements?

He quickly shifted to ice, channeling a concentrated burst of freezing energy. The cold gust of wind surged toward the ghost, the temperature dropping dramatically. The ghost shrieked in response, its form flickering as the ice made contact. It didn't freeze it completely, but it certainly caused the apparition to recoil.

So it can be affected by cold, Alvo thought, his eyes narrowing. But is that enough?

The ghost lunged at him, its incorporeal hands reaching for his throat. Alvo reacted instantly, forming a barrier of wind in front of him to deflect the ghost's advance. The force of the wind sent the apparition back, but it didn't slow down its relentless assault.

"Interesting," Alvo murmured again. "Wind works, but it's not enough to keep it away."

He quickly reviewed his techniques once more, his mind racing. He had dealt with elemental manipulation in many forms before, but this was the first time he had encountered something like this. If I can't harm it directly with my elements, what if I can disrupt its presence?

Alvo shifted his focus, calling upon the True Intent of the Waves in a more concentrated form. He raised his hands, and this time, instead of a blast of energy, he sent a ripple through the fabric of the air itself, creating a distortion—a wave of force that targeted the ghost's very being, not just its physical form.

The ghost recoiled, its form flickering violently, as though it was being pulled between planes. The attack didn't destroy it, but it certainly weakened the apparition, forcing it to become unstable. Alvo could feel the pull of its essence as he forced his technique deeper into the simulation.

"Got you," Alvo whispered, a smirk tugging at his lips as the ghost flickered one last time before dissolving into nothingness.

As the simulation ended, the familiar hum of the room returned, and Alvo exhaled deeply. His heart was still racing from the fight. That was tougher than I thought. But it's good to know that my True Intent of the Waves can affect ghosts in some way. He leaned back, considering his next move.

"I'll need to refine this technique," he said to himself, his mind already at work on the next phase of his training. He had proven that the power of his waves could harm the ghost, but there was still more to learn—especially about how to consistently control such ethereal opponents.

For now, however, he knew that this battle had brought him one step closer to understanding how to deal with the ghosts in the ongoing war. And that was a small victory in itself.

Alvo sat in the quiet of the simulation room, his mind replaying the scene over and over. He thought about the wave of force he had summoned—a ripple through the very fabric of the air, targeting the ghost's essence rather than its physical form. The feeling of the ghost recoiling, flickering as though it were being torn between planes, lingered in his mind.

The technique had been different from his usual elemental attacks. It was subtle, an interference with the ghost's presence in the world, not just an attack on its form. Alvo wanted to refine it, and for that, he needed to give it a name, something that would help him focus on its power and purpose.

After a few moments of thought, Alvo's lips parted, as an idea began to form in his mind. "Essence Disruption," he whispered. The name felt right. The wave hadn't just affected the ghost's body—it had interfered with the very essence that kept it bound to the material plane. Essence Disruption—a technique that could rip through the intangible, destabilizing an enemy's very existence.

Alvo closed his eyes, mentally reinforcing the name. Essence Disruption. The words felt like a key to unlock even more potential within the technique. He could already imagine further refining the power—targeting specific weaknesses in an opponent's presence, ensuring that even the most elusive of beings could be harmed.

He knew that with more practice, Essence Disruption would become a core part of his arsenal, able to affect not just ghosts, but any beings whose existence was tethered to different planes. The technique had vast potential—if he could learn to master it, he could tear apart foes that were otherwise impervious to his traditional methods.

With a final nod to himself, Alvo stood up, ready to continue his training. Essence Disruption would become a key part of his strategy. It was a technique that allowed him to manipulate the very fabric of reality—and that made him feel more powerful than ever.

Alvo entered the simulation room once again, this time determined to test Essence Disruption against more powerful foes—Level 3 ghosts. These were no ordinary apparitions, their abilities far beyond what he had previously encountered. He knew that to perfect his new technique, he would have to understand how to deal with these incorporeal enemies and their powers.

The first ghost appeared, a tall, wraith-like figure that seemed to ripple and flicker, its form shifting between dimensions. Alvo immediately activated his Essence Disruption, sending a wave of force toward the apparition. However, the ghost swiftly disappeared into the air, its form distorting and reappearing behind him.

Alvo's attack missed, and before he could react, the ghost's chilling wail filled the room. A wave of cold, ethereal energy struck him, freezing him in place. The sensation was unlike anything he had felt before—his limbs felt heavy, as though time itself had slowed down. He tried to move, but the ghost's influence held him in place, draining his energy.

The ghost hovered in front of him, laughing softly. Its power was too much for Alvo to handle in his current state. With a final, focused strike, the apparition hit him directly in the chest, sending him crashing to the ground.

"I need to be faster," Alvo muttered under his breath, slowly getting up. He had underestimated the ghost's ability to manipulate time and space. He couldn't afford to make the same mistake again.

Alvo was more cautious this time, analyzing the ghost's movements closely. This apparition was smaller, but its eyes glowed with a sinister intensity. As Alvo prepared to unleash Essence Disruption, the ghost's form flickered and split into multiple copies, each one moving with incredible speed.

Alvo tried to focus, sending a pulse of force at the nearest image, but it evaporated into thin air, only for another to appear behind him. He turned quickly, firing another wave, but it, too, passed through empty space.

The ghost struck. A sharp, dagger-like talon pierced through Alvo's shoulder as one of the specters reappeared right next to him. His vision blurred for a moment as the pain surged through him. He tried to reach for his wand to counter the attack, but the ghost was faster—swooping in again with a barrage of slashing, ethereal strikes. Alvo's body was wracked with pain as he fell to his knees, unable to defend himself effectively.

After two brutal defeats, Alvo decided to change his strategy. He began by focusing on his mental clarity, using his newfound understanding of the ghost's tactics. This time, as the ghost appeared, Alvo was prepared for its tricks. He didn't let his focus slip.

The ghost rushed at him, splitting into several copies, but Alvo had anticipated this. Instead of attacking immediately, he used his Essence Disruption to create a subtle distortion in the air around him, targeting the ghost's very presence. As the specters moved in, he focused on the real one, sensing the pull of its essence.

In a flash of energy, Alvo struck. His Essence Disruption hit the true ghost, destabilizing its form. The other illusions flickered and vanished as the main ghost was forced to become corporeal again. With a powerful second strike, Alvo ruptured the ghost's form entirely, causing it to dissipate into thin air.

"Got it," Alvo breathed, his chest heaving. He had learned to focus on the essence of the ghost itself rather than trying to strike at its fleeting form. The victory was hard-earned, but it showed that his technique was beginning to work.

Confident now in his understanding, Alvo faced a much larger ghost this time, one that loomed above him like a dark cloud. The ghost howled, a cacophony of terrifying sound that shook the walls of the simulation room. But Alvo didn't flinch. He had dealt with the psychological warfare in previous battles and would not fall victim to it this time.

The ghost charged at him with a wave of oppressive energy, trying to overwhelm him with fear. But Alvo closed his eyes and centered his focus. He summoned Essence Disruption once more, this time with a precise intent to target the ghost's essence, not just its form. The distortion in the air around him rippled, like a shockwave passing through water.

The ghost recoiled, flickering violently as the force disrupted its very presence. Alvo pressed forward, his mind sharp as a blade. He struck again with a surge of force, and the ghost flickered before it was torn apart, its form splintering into nothingness. The cold, oppressive aura it carried vanished, and Alvo stood victorious.

"I've got it," Alvo said to himself, his breath steady but his body exhausted. He had learned how to control his power, to focus on the ghost's essence and break through its defenses. His adaptation to the spectral enemy was complete.

After a long pause, Alvo sat down to catch his breath. He had pushed himself to his limits and beyond, learning from his mistakes. His mind raced, already thinking of ways to refine his technique further. But for now, he allowed himself a brief moment of victory—knowing that he had overcome the very things that had once seemed impossible.

Alvo returned to his quarters, feeling the weight of the day's battles still lingering on him. He found Henry seated at a table, casually flipping through a stack of magical newspapers. Upon seeing Alvo enter, Henry looked up, offering a knowing smile.

"Back from the simulators?" Henry asked, his voice casual but with an underlying curiosity.

Alvo nodded, taking a seat across from him. "Yeah, spent the day battling ghosts. Had to refine my technique. I've been learning how to target their essence directly. Turns out the Essence Disruption works wonders when you focus on the core of their being, not just their form."

Henry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Ghosts, huh? I suppose that's next on my list. I'll need to prepare myself. What else have you been up to?"

Alvo sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Dragons. Real dragons. I fought against some of the Dragonkin and even some Ancient Dragonkin. It's a different kind of challenge. A whole new set of rules. But the key to winning was realizing I need to push my limits—constantly." He looked at Henry seriously. "You should do the same. Train to understand your weaknesses and refine your techniques. I can't stress enough how important it is."

Henry nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the advice. "I've been considering that. The ghosts and dragons are definitely on my radar. Thanks for the tip."

Alvo smiled and stood up. "Good. Let me know if you need help. Now, I've had enough of training for today. Time for a break."

As he turned, Alvo noticed Pina, his little elven charge, playing quietly nearby. With a gentle smile, he walked over and picked her up. She giggled softly in his arms, her tiny form fitting perfectly against his chest.

Henry gave him a teasing look. "Going to sleep already?"

Alvo chuckled softly. "It's been a long day. Time to rest. Pina's been so good today, she deserves a nap too."

As Alvo cradled Pina in his arms, he began walking toward his room, his steps slower now, his thoughts already shifting to the comfort of rest. Henry watched him for a moment, the soft sound of Pina's laughter echoing in his mind.

"Rest well, Alvo," Henry murmured, returning to his papers. "Tomorrow's another day."

Alvo entered his room, gently laying down with Pina in his arms. He allowed the peaceful silence to envelop him as he closed his eyes. The exhaustion of the day melted away, leaving only the comfort of the soft, rhythmic breathing of the little elven girl in his embrace.