After a great deal of time, Monse and Wiliaquo began to build their new kingdom in the world shaped by ice while Tiffany trained with Serayne.
The ice castle stood atop crystal mountain peaks as if it were an icicle-encrusted halo upon a long-abandoned deity. Its sides were chiseled from blue ice so translucent it seemed as if it glowed from within as it reflected and dispersed tiny sparks of light. Needle spires reached toward the sky as if frozen maelstroms, topped with an eerie blush from wind magic and esoteric runes. Freeze clung to every corner, giving it a sense it had been literally grown instead.
A grand staircase led from the castle gates, with steps made from glinting crystal that shimmered with a covering of frost. It curled down the side of the mountain on sweeping curves, reflecting the sky above it like a river of ice. The snow clung to the sides but never touched it, as if a gentle force kept it clear for some travelers yet to arrive.
At the foot of the mountain stood a residential village meant for new mages, with houses carefully arranged surrounding a circular square. Buildings were made of ice and stone, with roofs topped with snowy tiles that shimmered with a soft blue glow.
Crystal street lamps stood at either end of the deserted streets, waiting for life. Doorways made from ice and stone were left open to let breezy air in, while untouched snow covered pathways leading from house to house. It was a kingdom ready for people, but it was not yet awake.
Wiliaquo: He stepped out into the crystal hall, "Tiffany!!"
Tiffany: She ran out of her room, running down to their bedroom, standing in front of him. "Y-yes Wiliaquo?" She was catching her breath.
Wiliaquo: He smiled widely, "We have something we wish to show you." He opened the door slowly, Monse was laying on the bed holding something wrapped in blue blankets.
Tiffany: She walked into the room, standing in front of the bed, "Yes mom?"
Monse: She sat up a bit, "I want you to meet your new baby brother, Multhi." She moved the blanket, the tiny baby cradled in Monse's arms had a faint glimmer to his pale skin, a soft icy-blue tint that matched the crystalline world he was born into. Wisps of pale, silver-blue hair curled gently against his forehead. His tiny hands clenched and unclenched the edges of the blue blanket, and a soft mist escaped his lips with every sleepy breath.
Tiffany: Her eyes lit up, sparkling even, she gently picked him up, tears streaming down her face. "He's beautiful...Hi baby brother..." She gently brushed her hand against his cheek.
Wiliaquo: He stood behind her, placing his hand on her shoulder, "It took quite a long time, but we are happy with little Multhi. His name means Blessful Winter."
Tiffany: She looked back at Wiliaquo, "That is precious." Words could not describe how happy she was to be an older sister.
Monse: "We imagine his godhood should arive sometime in his twenties before his aging stops. He will be a great part of our new family."
Wiliaquo: He watched Tiffany cradle Multhi with such care, a warmth spreading across his features that softened even the frost in his eyes. "Our family has endured loss, chaos, and the endless reshaping of worlds. Yet here we stand… starting anew." He reached forward and gently touched Multhi's tiny hand, feeling the faint swirl of elemental energy already inside him. "This child is proof that even in frozen worlds, life continues."
Tiffany: She sniffed and laughed softly through her tears. "He's perfect. Mom... Wiliaquo… thank you. I promise I'll protect him too."
Monse: She smiled, the kind that held pride, exhaustion, and joy all woven together. "We will all protect him. And each other. This is our beginning, our second chance."
Wiliaquo stepped closer, placing his hand over Tiffany's as it rested on Multhi's blanket. Monse lifted her own hand to join them, forming a small circle of warmth around the tiny newborn.
A gentle breeze drifted through the crystal room, stirring the curtains. Snowflakes floated downward from nowhere, catching the light until they looked like drifting sparks.
Wiliaquo: "Then let us welcome him properly… as a family bound not only by blood, but by purpose."
He looked to Monse.Monse looked to Tiffany.Tiffany looked down at her little brother.
All three spoke together, softly but with strength.
All: "For the Light."