Morning sunlight bathed the Imperial Gardens of the Veyris Eternal Empire.
The ancient World Tree stretched its immeasurable branches toward countless skies.
Beside it stood the magnificent Universe Tree, its roots connecting innumerable worlds.
For a rare moment...
Both ancient trees chose to walk in their humanoid forms.
The World Tree appeared first.
She possessed long, radiant blonde hair that flowed to her waist like liquid sunlight.
Her bright golden-yellow eyes shone with warmth and ancient wisdom.
Long, elegant pointed elf ears extended gracefully from her head.
She wore a flowing white-and-gold gown decorated with living vines and blooming flowers.
Her every step caused fresh blossoms to bloom beneath her feet.
Beside her walked the Universe Tree.
Her long mint-green hair moved gently in the breeze.
Her emerald-green eyes reflected galaxies and countless universes.
Her long pointed elf-like ears gave her an ethereal appearance.
She wore a graceful emerald-green dress embroidered with silver leaves that shimmered like stars.
A gentle aura of life surrounded her.
The two ancient guardians smiled as they entered the palace gardens.
Waiting nearby were...
Lilith.
Nyx.
Veyloria Kaelthera.
Kaelignis Veyris.
Seralyth Veyris.
Veyloria smiled brightly.
"The two of you are walking again!"
The World Tree laughed softly.
"We wished to spend time with all of you."
The Universe Tree nodded.
"It has been far too long."
Lilith stepped forward with a playful smile.
"I still find it amusing."
The World Tree tilted her head.
"What do you find amusing?"
Lilith crossed her arms.
"That two ancient trees older than countless civilizations enjoy afternoon conversations."
The Universe Tree giggled gently.
"Even ancient beings appreciate good company."
Nyx smiled faintly.
"I suppose eternity becomes less lonely when it is shared."
The World Tree looked toward Nyx.
"A beautiful thought."
Kaelignis walked around the World Tree curiously.
"So..."
"You are truly the World Tree?"
The blonde woman smiled.
"I am."
"You look... much smaller."
The World Tree laughed.
"I assure you..."
"My true form is still exactly where it has always been."
Everyone laughed.
Seralyth looked toward the Universe Tree.
"Do you ever leave the gardens?"
The mint-haired woman smiled warmly.
"Sometimes."
"I enjoy seeing the cities your father built."
"I like watching children play."
"I enjoy listening to music from different races."
"Creation is beautiful."
Veyloria sat beside the Universe Tree.
"Father always watches everyone."
The Universe Tree nodded gently.
"He has always done so."
"But recently..."
"He smiles more often."
Veyloria smiled proudly.
"I think our family helped."
The World Tree looked toward the young princess.
"You certainly did."
Lilith looked toward the two ancient beings.
"You've both known Kael longer than any of us."
The garden became quiet.
The Universe Tree answered first.
"We knew the silence before civilizations."
The World Tree continued.
"We watched the first stars shine."
"We witnessed the first forests grow."
"We saw the first dragon spread its wings."
"And through every age..."
"We watched Kael continue creating."
Nyx quietly asked,
"Was he always alone?"
The two ancient guardians exchanged gentle glances.
Finally...
The World Tree answered.
"For a very long time..."
"Yes."
The Universe Tree lowered her gaze.
"But now..."
She looked toward the palace where Kael could be seen speaking with Aurelion.
"He is no longer alone."
Veyloria looked toward her father in the distance.
"He still worries too much."
Lilith laughed.
"That will probably never change."
Nyx nodded with a soft smile.
"But now he has many people who worry about him."
The Universe Tree smiled warmly.
"That is the greatest difference."
"The Architect of Existence once created worlds so that existence would not be empty."
She looked at Kael's daughters.
"Now..."
"It is all of you who fill his world."
The World Tree placed a gentle hand on Veyloria's shoulder.
"You and your sisters are part of the future he chose to protect."
Veyloria smiled.
"Then I'll make sure Father has more reasons to smile."
The World Tree and Universe Tree both laughed softly.
"We have no doubt you will."
In the distance...
Kael looked toward the garden.
He saw his daughters laughing with Lilith, Nyx, and the two ancient tree guardians.
Aurelion stood beside him.
"You aren't going over there?"
Kael smiled quietly.
"They seem happy."
Aurelion nodded.
"They are."
"And so are you."
Kael looked toward his family once more.
For perhaps the first time since the beginning of creation...
He allowed himself to simply watch.
Not as the Primordial Nothingness.
Not as the Architect of Existence.
But as a husband...
A father...
And a man grateful for the family that eternity had given him.