Honeymoon Across Realms

For the first time since the founding of Zantrayel, Zion stepped away from the throne—not as a ruler, but as a man honoring love.

With his five wives—Ayola, Ayomi, Sael, Thalia, and Elis—he set out on a journey across Bassoon. The people of Nouvo Lakay gathered to cheer, throwing flower petals and singing blessings as the majestic feathered sky-beast lifted off, carrying them into the unknown.

Their first destination was Kasa's new mountain nation—a fledgling country forged from fierce tribes and highland clans. Kasa greeted them in ceremonial war-leathers, but his embrace was brotherly.

They were honored with songs and stonework gifts, and taken to the Singing Cliffs, where wind echoed like flutes. That night, Zion and Ayola watched stars while Ayomi danced with firelight in her eyes. Sael challenged the mountain guards to a friendly spar, winning three rounds. Thalia quietly sketched the jagged peaks. Elis, curious and clever, sat with the tribe's scholars to learn their customs.

From the cliffs, they sailed to the ocean, where the veil of water parted at the call of the Turtle God, Kalonji.

Rising from the deep, his enormous shell carried an entire civilization on his back. Shielded by divine magic, they walked dry land in the middle of the sea. The people there bowed not out of fear, but reverence. Kalonji's voice thundered softly:

"Come. Walk upon patience. See how life floats on faith."

They explored coral gardens, clearwater groves, and oceanic markets where air shimmered and time felt slow. Sael floated in a salt pool for hours, Elis memorized marine maps, and Ayomi swam with the tide-birds. Ayola whispered that she'd never felt so small—and so free.

Zion held Thalia's hand beneath a starlit sky as the Turtle God rumbled:

"You have peace now. Keep it close when storms return."

Next came the Giant Spider Tribe, deep in thorned canyons. They remembered Zion from his first desperate journey. Now, they greeted him with reverence—and delight. Enormous yet graceful, the spiders spun cloaks of shimmering silk for each of Zion's wives.

Thalia marveled at their looms, Ayola laughed at their dancing limbs, and Elis even climbed one of their towers to see the canyon's breath. The spiderfolk shared tales, honored Ayomi with songs, and challenged Sael to a web-jump contest. She lost—with dignity.

Their gift to Zion: five cloaks. "Stronger than fire, lighter than air. Woven for queens."

They journeyed still more—through floating isles, singing forests, and crystal deserts where time moved strangely. Zion and his wives grew closer with each step.

Ayomi taught local children to paint with light.

Elis wrote a new poem in every village.

Ayola sang lullabies passed down by her mother.

Sael swore to train a girl who could punch trees in half.

Thalia found a rare plant said to bring truth in dreams.

And Zion? He smiled more, laughed often, and looked at each of them like they were the answer to a thousand silent prayers.

When they finally returned to Zantrayel, the nation roared in joy. The King had left as a warrior and returned as a husband, his heart full and spirit grounded.

He had seen the world—and chosen love as his compass