The interior of the hall was breathtaking. The ceiling rose several stories high, supported by living branches that intertwined naturally overhead.
Sunlight poured through openings between leaves, illuminating shelves carved directly into the tree itself. Ancient scrolls rested beside beautifully preserved books.
Crystal tablets stood within carefully crafted displays. Murals stretched across the curved wooden walls, each illustrating moments from a forgotten age.
Several elderly fairies waited quietly inside. Unlike the villagers they had met yesterday, these elders carried an unmistakable air of wisdom.
Lyria introduced them one by one.
"Our Keepers of Memory. The guardians of everything our people managed to preserve."
Each elder greeted the royal couple respectfully before inviting them to sit around a circular wooden table. Tea was quietly served once more.
For a few moments, nobody spoke; finally, Lyria broke the silence.
