Back in the continent of Elora, in the Zenithara estate, the servants moved quickly through the halls and courtyards.
Morning had just arrived, and winter made its presence clear.
Pale snow clouds hung low in the sky, and a thin layer of frost covered the stone paths.
Even so, the air felt clean and fresh.
A gentle cold brushed against the skin, waking the senses.
The large estate was already full of life as servants prepared breakfast, cleaned the halls, and carried warm water and fresh linens.
It was a busy but orderly scene.
In the wide garden of the estate, a small tea table had been set beneath a bare tree.
Steam slowly rose from the teacups, fading into the cold air.
Two women stood there, facing each other.
One of them was a middle-aged woman, around forty years old.
She had long black hair that fell neatly down her back and calm blue eyes that carried quiet authority.
Despite her age, her beauty had not faded.
