The High Elven Kingdom.
Atheline reappeared beneath the falling snow. For a moment, he simply stood there, looking, breathing, and remembering the familiar environment around him.
His home hadn't changed. The gardens remained beautiful despite winter and the architecture remained elegant despite everything being covered in white.
The familiar Aether of the World Tree lingered faintly in the air. The sensation immediately relaxed him, which felt a little strange even for him. The fox lifted its head, curious.
Atheline felt a hand touch his arm. He turned to see Lilith looking at him as though he had forgotten something. He smiled, then pulled her into his arms.
She wrapped her hands around his back and pulled him closer. A few seconds later, she stepped back.
"I'll be back in three days," she calmly said.
Atheline smiled, fondly.
"I'll be waiting."
