We spent the next few days preparing for the going away party. We sent out invitations to everyone I had got to know during my time in Luminia. 

On the day of the party, I was both nervous and excited. As guests started to arrive, I couldn't help but feel a little overwhelmed. I had been to many noble gatherings throughout my life, but I was rarely the center of attention, despite being from a powerful family. I was the youngest son, so other nobles likely never viewed me as worth their time.

Arden and I greeted each person as they arrived at the Vale Mansion, introducing them to one another and making sure everyone was comfortable. Eira was one of the first to arrive and I was grateful to see her smiling face. 

She was just as stunning as I remembered, with long golden hair cascading down her back in gentle waves, tucked behind her small pointed ears. Her warm emerald-green eyes matched her green dress adorned with silver patterns. But she had grown since the last time I saw her. Her face had matured into a more elegant shape, and she stood taller and more confident than before.

"Kai!" she exclaimed, hurrying towards me and embracing me in a hug. "It's so good to see you again!"

"It's great to see you too, Eira," I said, feeling a smile stretch across my face. "How have you been?"

"Good, thank you," she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “How about you?”

“Great, now come in and enjoy the party," I said with a genuine smile, but not quite believing her words. 

As the party got started, I noticed that everyone was beginning to mingle and have a good time, even nobles of different ranks, who usually tended to avoid one another. I walked over to a group of nobles who were playing a game of cards, eager to join in on the fun.

"Excuse me," I said, approaching the group of nobles gathered around the game. "May I join in?"

"Of course!" said the elf noble running the game, with a warm smile. "I'm Lorien of House Tirion, and you must be Kai of House Vale?"

"Yes, that's right," I replied, bowing my head slightly, showing the correct amount of respect for a noble of lower rank. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

I took a seat next to Lorien and joined in the game. To my surprise, the other nobles were incredibly friendly and open, and it wasn't long before we were all laughing and joking together. The camaraderie was refreshing, especially given the usual formality that surrounded interactions between nobles of different ranks.

As the night progressed, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into each of my newfound noble friends. Elvina, the youngest among us, revealed her love for archery, sparking a lively discussion about the different techniques and tricks we both used. I shared my own experiences with Instructor Blake and the grueling training sessions that I'd been through. Brock, a noble from the eastern neighbor of Vale Domain, Hillcrest Domain, enthralled us with his tales of his travels and the exciting adventures he'd had along the way.

Arden joined us and soon we were all chatting and having a good time. I had been missing out on so much by focusing solely on my training. I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with these nobles and make new friends.

"I never realized that there were so many interesting people here in Luminia," I said, feeling a sense of excitement.

"That's the beauty of parties," Lorien replied, smiling. "You get to meet new people and make new friends."

The atmosphere at the party began to shift as the night wore on, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of melancholy. I was bidding farewell to newfound friends and the place that had become my home for the past five years. As I looked around the room at the noble youths, I couldn't shake the regret that I hadn't made more of an effort to get to know them. But, I also understood that it was time for me to return to the Vale Domain and continue to fulfill my duties as a member of House Vale.

"So, Kai," Arden said, coming to stand beside me, "Are you ready for your journey back home?"

I smiled at him, "I am, it's been a great experience here in Luminia and I'll never forget the memories I've made here. I'm just sad to be leaving, I wish I spent more time getting to know everyone."

Arden nodded, "Me too, but we'll always have these memories and we'll see each other again."

I couldn't agree more. 

The festivities were suddenly interrupted by the arrival of King Tarian Sylvanmore, Arden's father. His boisterous entrance shook the somber atmosphere of the room. The king was a towering figure, his athletic build still impressive for a man of his years. His features mirrored those of his son, with a mane of brown hair and piercing green eyes. He radiated an air of regality, commanding the attention of all who laid eyes upon him. It was evident that he was a king in the fullest sense of the word.

He was dressed in a magnificent set of green robes, adorned with gold trimming and intricate embroidery. The fabric flowed elegantly around him as he strode into the room, and his regal bearing only added to his already commanding presence. His outfit was completed with a golden crown that sat upon his head, symbolizing his rule over the Sylvanmore Kingdom. He was the epitome of a powerful and dignified ruler, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe in his presence.

"Hello, everyone!" King Tarian boomed, his voice carrying throughout the room. "I heard about the going away party for my son's friend, Kai of House Vale, and I couldn't resist coming to bid farewell."

Arden's face lit up as he rushed to greet his father. "Father, it's great to see you!" he exclaimed, giving him a warm embrace.

King Tarian smiled down at Arden, then turned his attention to the rest of us. "It's a pleasure to meet all of you," he said, greeting each person in turn.

I was nervous as I approached him, but he put me at ease with his warm smile and kind words. "Kai, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so many great things about you from my son and your father."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I said, bowing respectfully.

“Speaking of, where is your father, Duke Thorin Vale?” King Tarian queried.

“He is on the second floor in his study, I shall go and get him now,” I replied, attempting to remember the etiquette training my parents forced me into as a child.

"No need for that, Kai. I'll go and fetch him myself, I know the way. You make sure to enjoy the party." King Tarian replied with a warm smile and went upstairs to speak with my father.

The rest of the night was filled with laughter and memories shared, with King Tarian and my father coming downstairs to join in on the festivities. Despite my father and King Tarian being incredibly important figures on this continent, they fit in perfectly and added to the fun. It was clear to see why Arden was so proud of his father and I felt honored to have met him.

The party went on late into the night and I was glad to have spent my last evening in Luminia surrounded by my friends. I was sad to be leaving, but I was also excited for the adventures that lay ahead in the Vale Domain.

As guests began to slowly trickle out, I noticed Eira in the corner. The gaze of her emerald eyes was unfocused and her thoughts seemed to be elsewhere. I wondered what she was seeing, if not the Vale Mansion. I approached the young elven girl, knowing that I would kick myself later if I didn’t.

"Eira?" I said, gently tapping her shoulder, causing her to look up and see me. A genuine smile lit up her face.

Her shining green eyes met mine. "Kai, it feels like it’s been so long since we last had a proper conversation like we used to," she said with a smile.

"Yes, it does," I replied, feeling nervous all of a sudden. "How are you? Be honest this time."

"Good, just.. busy," she said after a moment of hesitation. "I've been traveling and learning from different Masters across Arboreus. It's been an incredible experience."

"That sounds amazing," I said, a little envious. "I can only imagine the things you've learned."

"And what about you? You’ve been training with a Guardian for the past 5 years," she asked excitedly.

"Yes, I have," I said, proud of my journey and the progress I made. "I learned a lot and I'm excited to go back home and show my family what I've learned."

"I'm sure they'll be impressed," Eira said, her smile lighting up her face. "I always knew you were special, Kai."

I felt my face flush at her words, "Thank you, Eira."

"You've grown so much since the last time I saw you. You're almost as tall as your father now." She added.

"Thank you," I said, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "You've grown too. Your hair is even more beautiful now."

She giggled, "Thank you. I've been taking better care of it. It's a point of pride for us elves, you know."

We continued to chat for a while, discussing our lives since we last saw each other. Eira had started training to become a warrior, hoping to join the Sylvan Guard, and I told her about my training with Blake.

"You're going back to the Vale Domain soon, aren't you?" she asked, her expression turning sad.

"Yes," I replied, feeling sad myself. "But I promise we'll see each other again."

"I hope so," she said, a small smile on her face. "I'll miss you, I’ll keep in touch, okay? You better reply to my letters."

“Of course,” I laughed, “I’ll miss you too, Eira.”

As we said goodbye, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. Eira was one of my closest friends, and I didn't want to leave her behind. But I knew that I had to return to the Vale Domain.