Starblooms and Promises

The village square glowed with lanterns, their light flickering like stars. A feast was underway, tables piled with roasted taro, moonwheat bread, and moonberry jam. Elves laughed and sang, their voices mixing with the night’s breeze. Akira sat beside Hana and Elara, the air warm with the smell of food and flowers. Weeks had passed since Hana arrived, and Greenwood felt stronger, united.

Hana passed a plate of dried apples, her Earth recipe a hit. “These are great!” Liora said, grabbing another. “Darkwood traders want them too.”

Akira smiled. “Mom’s tricks are helping already.”

Hana blushed, her hands rough from farm work. “Your fields are amazing,” she said. “I’m learning moonwheat, and Elara’s teaching me herb magic.”

Elara squeezed Hana’s hand. “You’re a natural. Our garden’s growing fast.”

The village had grown, too. Akira’s indoor growing shelters, built with wooden frames and woven leaves, stood ready for winter. Hana’s storage methods—jars, dried crops—ensured food would last. Trade with Darkwood, started after the peace pact, boomed with Hana’s apple recipe and elven goods.

Kael raised a cup. “To Hana and Akira, for making Greenwood better!”

The crowd cheered, and Akira felt their trust, built from his harvest work and now Hana’s help. Miren pointed to the Grove of Whispers, visible in the distance. “Look! Something’s growing there.”

Akira and Elara led the group to the grove. Where the book’s golden ash had fallen, a patch of starblooms glowed, their petals bright as moonlight. Hana knelt, touching them. “Did the book do this?” she asked.

“Maybe,” Elara said, her eyes soft. “The ash sank into the soil. It’s like the book gave us one last gift.”

Akira’s heart swelled. The book was gone, Earth closed off, but these flowers meant hope, a new start. He looked at Hana, happy among the elves, and Elara, her silver hair catching the starbloom glow. “This is home now,” he said.

Hana nodded, tears in her eyes. “I miss our farm, but this… It’s family.”

During the feast, Akira and Elara shared a quiet moment by the river, its algae sparkling. Their hands entwined, and their eyes met, a silent promise passing between them. Akira imagined a future together—maybe a wedding under the great oak, with Hana smiling.

“I love you,” he whispered, his heart full.

“I love you too,” Elara said, her voice warm. “We’re together, always.”

They rejoined the feast, the village alive with laughter. The starblooms glowed in the distance, a sign of renewal. Akira felt at peace, his mom safe, Elara by his side, and Greenwood thriving. This was his world now, rooted in love and hope.