The Quiet Sanctuary

As the banquet continued to resonate deep within the opulent chambers of the Imperial Hall, Laria Lunaris slipped quietly through the grand palace, seeking refuge from the stage of political machinations. The laughter and the clinking of goblets faded behind her like echoes of a forgotten song, replaced by the serenity that enveloped the inner gardens. It was a sanctuary both outside and within, where nature thrived unhindered by the schemes of man.

The moonlight bathed the gardens in soft silver, illuminating blossoms that seemed to whisper tales of hope and peace to anyone who listened. Laria inhaled slowly, breathing in the jasmine and night-blooming flowers that adorned the carefully tended grounds. They paired beautifully with the lush greens that surrounded her, creating a dreamscape she longed to escape to more often. Among these vines and blooms, her heart began to stabilize away from the throbbing weight of expectation.