The forest fell away like a receding tide, trees thinning until the convoy emerged into a vast sweep of open plains.
Soren blinked against the sudden brightness, his eyes accustomed to woodland shadow.
The morning sun burned through patches of ground mist, transforming the landscape into something ethereal, half-solid, half-dream.
"First time seeing the Elarian Plains?" Lady Aveline asked from the carriage window, noting his expression.
Soren nodded once, scanning the horizon with practiced efficiency. After days surrounded by trees, the openness felt exposing, almost dangerous in its lack of cover.
Yet something else stirred beneath his wariness, a strange lightness as his vision extended for miles in every direction.
"The mist burns away by midday," Lady Aveline continued. "Then you'll see Elaris properly."
