Ah…

Aurelia raised her head, drawn to the soft pulse of new power at the edge of her territory. From the tangled bodies on her bed, she rose quietly, pressing a kiss to each forehead and gently caressing the skin of those too far to reach.

“Another soul is here to join our paradise.”

Drawing close soft pink curtains, Aurelia delicately picked her way through the steel and armor strewn on the floor, loosely slipping on soft white robes. Parting flowered vines hiding the alcove from view, bare feet met lush grass.

Beings frolicked around the beautiful meadow, some with wings like her, others—warriors, beastfolk, previous enemies, wounded soldiers, all paused to give her their heartfelt greetings once they noticed her. Aurelia waved at the ones painting on the cliff wall, covering old and fresh drawings alike with beautiful new pictures as they painted anything they could think of.

It was here that she established it.

Paradise.

She promised it to anyone who was fortunate enough to stumble across her domain.

With a wave of her hand, all sadness and sorrow will be forgotten, carried away by the wind like small dandelion puffs and replaced with neverending happiness. Creativity and joy flowed freely here, limited only by the thick poisonous miasma outside the crystal barrier. The barrier kept only the miasma out and anyone is free to enter or leave as they wish. No one ever leaves—there was no desire to, not when everything they needed was offered to them here.

There they are.

Aurelia slowed her pace as she reached the edge of the barrier, allowing her wings to unfurl completely behind her. The new soul was weary—burdened with a responsibility much too heavy for them to shoulder on their own. Despite this—despite the way they were trembling with exhaustion, eyes bloodshot from a lack of sleep, Aurelia could still sense an unwavering power and determination in the way they held themselves.

Her heart trembled.

No matter what, she will help this poor soul rest.

They will be the happiest by her side.

“Poor thing…”

Aurelia’s voice rang out, soft and melodious as she drew closer, leaving a trail of newly blossomed flowers in her wake. When you tensed in response, she only smiled softly, placing a gentle hand on your shield.

“There is no need for any type of bloodshed, brave warrior.”

A light press of her hand lowered your shield, gently pushing it to your side as you swayed on your feet. “You do not have to be a protector here.”

Stepping closer to you, Aurelia’s arms wrapped around your neck, coaxing you to support your weight against her. She drew you towards herself, wings fluttering forward to complete the embrace.

“Rest here…with me…”

Forever.