Tragedy of Divinity

Chapter 26: Morning Among the Golden Boughs

The first light of morning filtered through the golden leaves of Eryndral, casting the room in a warm glow that felt at odds with the Nexus's usual chaos. Seraphine woke early, her years in the Nexus having conditioned her to rise with the first signs of daylight—or whatever passed for daylight in these fragmented worlds. She stretched and glanced toward the other bed.

Lucian was already awake, leaning against the far wall with his arms crossed, his dark eyes staring out the window. He looked as though he hadn't slept at all. Quintin, however, was still sprawled out on his bed, snoring softly, with his pack of snacks clutched like a lifeline.

"Morning," Seraphine said, her voice quiet to avoid waking Quintin.

Lucian didn't respond immediately, his gaze still fixed on the city outside. Finally, he said, "The elves rise early. If you're planning to explore, now's the time."

She nodded, understanding his unspoken meaning. The elves were cautious of outsiders, and wandering around too late in the day might draw unwanted attention.

The trio stepped out into the bustling city a short while later. The morning air was crisp and carried the faint scent of flowers, though none were visible. The elves moved about gracefully, their steps silent on the wooden walkways as they went about their routines.

Quintin, still half-asleep, yawned loudly. "Why are we up this early? Couldn't we explore after breakfast or something?"

Lucian shot him a withering look. "The elves aren't known for their patience with outsiders. If you want to avoid becoming an unwelcome guest, it's best to move quietly."

"Noted," Quintin muttered, rubbing his eyes.

The trio made their way through the winding pathways of Eryndral, marveling at the city's architecture. The buildings, crafted from the living trees themselves, seemed to pulse with a faint life force. Bridges of woven vines connected the massive trunks, creating a network of pathways that spanned the entire city.

"This place feels… timeless," Seraphine said, her voice tinged with quiet awe.

"It is," Lucian replied, his tone neutral. "The elves have existed here for centuries, maybe longer. They've mastered the art of bending the Nexus to their will without letting it consume them. A rare feat."

Quintin's eyes widened. "Wait, so they're like… Nexus veterans? How'd they manage that?"

"They don't fight the chaos," Seraphine answered, her gaze distant as though recalling something. "They adapt to it. They've found a balance between creation and destruction. It's something few civilizations in the Nexus can achieve."

"Or maintain," Lucian added.

They arrived at the heart of the city, where a massive tree stood taller than the others, its trunk engraved with intricate patterns that glowed faintly. Elves milled about, some carrying baskets of glowing fruit, others tending to what looked like gardens growing along the tree's surface.

"This is the Life Tree," Lucian said, gesturing toward the towering structure. "The heart of Eryndral. It sustains the city and its people, keeping the chaos of the Nexus at bay."

Quintin whistled softly. "That's… impressive. But what happens if something happens to it?"

Lucian's expression darkened. "Then this city becomes just another fragment in the Nexus's endless cycle of destruction."

Quintin winced. "Right. So, don't touch the tree."

"Good instincts," Lucian said dryly.

As they wandered further, they came across a marketplace bustling with activity. Stalls made of woven vines and glowing crystals displayed goods that ranged from finely crafted weapons to exotic fruits that seemed to shift colors in the light.

Quintin's eyes lit up. "Finally! Something normal—food! Let's stock up while we're here."

Lucian rolled his eyes but didn't object as Quintin darted toward a stall selling glowing fruits. Seraphine lingered nearby, her eyes scanning the crowd.

"Stay alert," she said quietly to Lucian. "A place like this might feel safe, but nothing in the Nexus truly is."

Lucian nodded. "You're learning."

She shot him a look but didn't argue.

As they explored further, they came across an elven artisan crafting what appeared to be a weapon from living wood. The artisan worked with delicate precision, his hands glowing faintly as he shaped the wood into a bow that radiated power.

Seraphine watched intently, her curiosity piqued. "They infuse their creations with magic," she said, more to herself than anyone else.

Lucian nodded. "The elves' magic is tied to the Life Tree. It's what allows them to create tools and weapons that can withstand the chaos of the Nexus."

Quintin, munching on a glowing fruit, asked, "So… could we, like, buy one of those? Or is that not allowed?"

The artisan glanced at them but said nothing, his expression unreadable.

"Outsiders aren't trusted with elven weapons," Lucian said. "They consider them sacred."

Quintin shrugged. "Fair enough. Still, would've been cool to have one."

As the day wore on, the trio continued to explore, taking in the sights and sounds of Eryndral. Seraphine found herself drawn to the serenity of the place, though she couldn't shake the feeling that it was fragile, like a bubble that could burst at any moment.

Lucian remained distant, his cold demeanor unchanging, though he answered their questions when necessary. Quintin, ever the optimist, seemed to revel in the experience, his enthusiasm providing a stark contrast to Seraphine's reserved nature and Lucian's detached pragmatism.

By the time they returned to their quarters, the city was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, its beauty as breathtaking as it was surreal.

"Tomorrow, we leave," Lucian said abruptly, breaking the silence.

Quintin blinked. "Wait, already? We just got here!"

"We've seen enough," Lucian replied. "The longer we stay, the more likely we are to overstay our welcome. And trust me, you don't want to see what happens when that line is crossed."

Seraphine nodded, her gaze thoughtful. "He's right. We've learned what we can. It's time to move on."

Quintin sighed but didn't argue. "Fine. But I'm packing more fruit."

As the city of Eryndral settled into the quiet of night, the trio prepared for their next journey. The Nexus, in all its chaos and wonder, awaited them beyond the borders of the forest. And though they had found a moment of peace, they all knew it wouldn't last. It never did.