The coastline emerged slowly from the morning haze, first as a dark line against the water, then as structure and shape as the ship drew closer. Towers rose behind the outer port like watchful sentinels, their stone catching the light in familiar angles Noel hadn't realized he'd missed until now. Beyond them, the capital of Valon spread outward in layers of white walls and red roofs, orderly and alive, exactly as it should have been. After months of motion, danger, and uncertainty, the sight carried a quiet finality with it. The journey, at least this one, was ending.
Noel stood at the rail without speaking, hands resting loosely against the wood as the ship cut through calmer waters. The wind was softer here, carrying the distant sounds of a city going about its day. Bells. Voices. The faint echo of movement that had nothing to do with alarms or battle. It felt strange, standing there untouched, knowing how much had happened beyond these walls.
