The great hall of Elanor buzzed with voices as people gathered for the first council meeting since the Shadow King's defeat. Leaders from every corner of Eldoria had traveled to the city, their faces filled with curiosity, hope, and, in some cases, doubt. Aelric sat at the head of the long table, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness.
The hall itself had been cleaned and decorated with banners of gold and blue, the colors of Eldoria. Sunlight poured in through tall windows, making the space feel warm and alive again. But despite the cheerful setting, the weight of leadership pressed on Aelric's shoulders.
Lyra stood beside him, her calming presence reassuring him. Seraphina sat on his other side, her armor polished and her dragon, Emberclaw, resting outside the hall. Everyone had come to hear what Aelric would say.
He stood, clearing his throat. The room quieted, all eyes on him.
"People of Eldoria," Aelric began, his voice steady. "We've fought hard to reclaim our land. Each of you has made sacrifices, and together, we've achieved something incredible. The darkness that plagued us is gone."
There were murmurs of agreement around the room. Aelric continued, "But our work isn't finished. Our kingdom is in ruins, and many of our people still suffer. We must rebuild together. This council will guide us as we heal and grow stronger."
One of the leaders, a tall man with a scar across his cheek, stood. "Rebuilding won't be easy, Aelric. Some villages are too damaged, and food supplies are low. How will we manage?"
Aelric nodded, expecting the question. "You're right. It won't be easy. But we'll send aid to the villages that need it most. We'll work the land together, and we'll rebuild one step at a time. Eldoria isn't just a kingdom it's the people who live here. If we work together, we can overcome anything."
A murmur of approval spread through the room. Lyra leaned in and whispered, "You're doing great."
Aelric felt a spark of confidence. "This council isn't just about rebuilding," he added. "It's about making sure that what happened under the Shadow King never happens again. We'll protect each other. We'll stay united."
As the meeting continued, plans were made for rebuilding villages, planting crops, and strengthening defenses. Aelric listened carefully, offering ideas when needed but also letting others share their knowledge. By the end of the day, the council felt like the start of something strong a united Eldoria.