Over tens of thousands of days, the growing troupe of Eternal Machines continued its journey across Oduin until their number necessitated they find a place to call home.

"I believe we are close," Arkadon said to Valos as the nine discussed the prospect of a permanent settlement. "I can feel that we are nearing someplace perfect."

"Perfect?" Valos repeated.

"Yes," Arkadon answered. "Do you doubt me?"

Arkadon enjoyed teasing Valos. While Gildimir's brother rarely responded verbally, he always gave some indication that he was in on the joke. An eye roll here. A playful shove there. It warmed Gildimir's heart to see him so open and free. Part of her wished they'd had the chance to grow that close.

The next morning, as the light of Oduin spread across the land, Arkadon returned to their camp from a walk with the revelation that his prediction was true. Taking both Valos and Gildimir by the hands, he led them over a ridge. Beyond was a verdant valley surrounded by majestic mountains. A series of waterfalls cascaded from cracks in the peaks, filling a wide lake at their base. The ridge upon which they stood flowed down into a green plain that met with the lake, wildflowers opening in response to the light.

"By the Divine Machine, you found it," Gildimir muttered to Arkadon.

"Yes, but this is as far as my imagination has gone," Arkadon replied, sounding deflated. "I haven't the faintest idea what we should do with this place."

Indeed, that was the true question that occupied the nine. Corthion was in favor of a sprawling city. Xorgel, a Secondborn that delighted in plants, wanted something that incorporated more natural elements. An agreement had yet to be reached, and Gildimir was beginning to fear it would take years before they were ready to begin.

"Allow me," Valos said, pulling both Gildimir and Arkadon from their thoughts.

Walking down from the ridge with Arkadon at his side, Gildimir watched them stop halfway to the lake. By then, Celestia had come up beside her with Corthion and Ulmaris in tow. Together, they observed as Valos extended his hands and legs, gliding through a graceful dance of color and light. Golden power circled around his limbs as he moved, the same light that Gildimir saw in her mind when they'd first connected to the Pulse. Reaching out, he took Arkadon in his arms, forcing the other to join in the dance. At a distance, Arkadon looked almost embarrassed, his awkward expression forcing the three to laugh.

But the laugh was cut short. Something was rising from the ground just beyond Valos and Arkadon. A white tower of columns and arches and innumerable levels stacked one atop the other, stretching endlessly into the sky above. Resplendent gardens. Libraries and music halls. Fountains and canals. When their dance was complete, no one could speak. No one could move. They stared with mouths agape, utterly in awe of what Valos had brought into existence.

Flying to join her brother in the field, she landed beside him and took his hand.

"It is amazing, brother. I am without words."

"A more surprising turn of events than the tower," Valos said softly. Of all the times for his sense of humor to show. Gildimir laughed and squeezed his hand, tears of joy coming to her eyes.

"What shall we call it?" Arkadon asked wistfully.

"Arien," Valos answered, gazing up at his creation.

"Arien it is," Gildimir affirmed, resting her head on her brother's shoulder.