As Freya gracefully treaded the hallowed halls of Atheria's tree, a small, white ferret scurried towards her. In its tiny mouth, it carried a delectably seasoned winged fish. The ferret, with impressive agility, climbed up Freya's wooly leg and perched itself on her shoulder. Squeaking with apparent joy, it nuzzled against Freya's cheek, creating an endearing scene. Freya, amused by the creature's antics, chuckled and tenderly petted the ferret, expressing her gratitude, "Well, it looks like someone's been busy in the kitchens. Thanks for the snack, little one."

In response to Freya's words, the ferret, its eyes gleaming brightly, chittered as if reveling in the acknowledgment. Deciding it was time to reveal more than its ferret form, the creature hopped off Freya's shoulder and began a transformation. Its small, furry frame shifted into that of a short humanoid with pale skin adorned with scattered patches of light brown. Short white hair peeked out from under an oversized, pointy mage hat. The robes it wore, similar to Freya's, appeared comically large on its shorter stature, and a ferret tail playfully protruded from the back. With the transformation complete, they looked to be only a little bit older then Arbor. The small humanoid warmly greeted Freya, "Welcome back home, master," wrapping her in a hug, "it's been too long." Freya reciprocated the sentiment, expressing, “Ah yes, it has, Olive. I wish you could have joined me on my recent adventure. Having my student with me would have made life much easier.”

In response, Olive, still radiating youthful enthusiasm, said, “That it would. You must tell me about what happened. I sadly couldn't come with you since I still had to finish my training.” Freya, smiling, replied, “Well, in my absence, you've become quite the mage, haven't you? Since you're here, I'm assuming you finally reached the elite legion.” Olive, beaming with pride, responded, “Yes, I have.”

Swiftfoot, now riding on his rock companion, interjected, "Oh, is that little Olive? I remember when you were a little boy, asking me to carry you around. Now look at you. Oh, what I would give to be 150 again." As the reunions continued, Jorma, growing increasingly annoyed with the talk of time and reminiscence, couldn't hold back any longer. He sarcastically remarked, "Ah yes, old man, to be young again. I hope you know I'm older than both you and Freya. All this talk of time is starting to bore me." Swiftfoot, not missing a beat, responded, "Despite all those years in this realm, you still have the wisdom and dressing sense of a toad." The banter between the two elders added a touch of humor.

The commotion caught the attention of a royal chef, a human who seemed to be in a state of distress. He came running down the hall, frantically looking around for something or someone. Finally spotting Olive, he pointed an accusing finger, shouting, "You!" His gaze was fixed on the mischievous ferret-turned-humanoid. "You have been stealing food meant for the representatives for days now. I don't know how much more of you I can take. You Atherians don't even need to eat, from what I've heard, so you're just doing this to make my life harder." He clenched his fist, expressing his frustration towards Olive. However, upon noticing the armed legion members in the vicinity, the chef seemed to lose his courage and turned around, defeated, walking back to the kitchen. Unseen by Freya, Olive cheekily stuck his tongue out behind Freya, further infuriating the chef but escaping any immediate consequences. Freya, with a bemused expression, turned to Olive and inquired, "What was that about?"

Olive, still reveling in the successful evasion of the chef, responded, "A lot of visitors have been stealing from the royal kitchen lately. Mainly because he's human and lacks any magical affinity to protect his delectable food. The last chef we had retired, and honestly, I'm not sure how this new guy even got here. I don't think I've ever seen a human before, but I've been told that Atheria was convinced by one of the members of our legion a while back. That member fell in love with them or something crazy like that. I honestly don't understand why someone would be interested in something with such a short life."

Freya responded with a wry smile, "Yes, they must be a fool to think that could ever work out, but it is none of my concern. If anything, they will learn once he is old and gone that humans are far more trouble than any other intelligent race. I would say, other than the Gracken and their demonic counterparts, simply empowering sin." Olive nodded in agreement.

In that moment, a bunny humanoid donned in a regal black maid uniform adorned with a hovering moon insignia captured their attention. Gracefully, she spoke, "Please follow me. The goddess desires your presence. It's a pleasure to see you still responding to the summons, even in your retired state, Swiftfoot. The entire legion is eagerly awaiting your arrival." Swiftfoot leaned in to whisper to Freya, "Seems like this day is shaping up to be more interesting than I initially thought, especially after those bandits relieved me of my belongings."

As Freya and her companions followed the bunny maid down the hallway, they found themselves enveloped in the opulence of Atheria's tree. The transition from wooden to marble surfaces seemed to coincide with a surge in ambient magic, each step resonating with divine energy that echoed through the corridor.

The grandeur continued as they reached heavy metal doors, swinging open to unveil a magnificent chamber. Intricate patterns of vines and leaves adorned the marble walls, and streams of sap flowed to the room's four corners, hinting at paths to other destinations. Little bridges connected these sap streams. At the heart of the vast space stood a colossal, ancient tree, its roots intricately intertwining with the very foundation of the larger tree's interior. Seventeen other members of the legion were scattered around the expansive room, engaged in conversations.

In one corner, Zephyr Windwhisper and his twin brother, silver-haired elves with rune-covered longswords, discussed the far-elven kingdom's struggle with magical shortages. Gale Windrider and Quill, an adventurous elf and a tall eagle humanoid, expressed concerns about the weakened magical support affecting allies.

Across the chamber, Aurora Sunfire and Emberfang focused on an unusual magical disturbance. Aurora, with golden hair radiating sunlight, noticed a shift in Atheria's magic, while Emberfang, a lion humanoid with controlled fire aura, sensed erratic fiery resonance.

In another area, Silvanus Mossfoot led a conversation about the intricate flora thriving under Atheria's care. The stout elf with mossy hair discussed the subtle shifts in plant life, joined by Sylvan Thornbark and Ivy.

On the far side, forth Group delved into the mysteries of night and moon magic. Aria, Swiftclaw, Raven, and Celestia shared observations on evolving moonstone patterns and the flux in the connection between night and moon magic.

Finally, the fifth Group, including Terra Stoneheart, Tidal Wavecaller, Frostbite, and Blizzard, discussed the alarming disappearance of magical creatures. Terra sensed a quietude in rivers and oceans, while Frostbite noticed a disturbance in the northern forests, signaling an unnatural force upsetting the balance of their realms.

In the heart of this awe-inspiring space, a palpable hush fell over the chamber as the divine figure of Atheria, the goddess of the forest, began to materialize. From the bark of the magnificent tree, she emerged, her ethereal form floating with hair that seemed to dance in an invisible breeze. Her presence embodied the very essence of the kingdom's magic, both otherworldly and deeply rooted.

As Atheria gazed upon Freya, her eyes mirrored the profound depths of an endless forest, an acknowledgment that sent a shiver through Freya's being. Atheria's voice, a melodic harmony resonating with the very spirit of the forest, echoed in the chamber, making everyone present halt their discussions about the weakened god.

"Freya, my devoted one, you have returned, but it seems you bring the thoughts of demi-gods with you," Atheria spoke, her words a gentle yet powerful command that rendered the room silent. The weight of Atheria's gaze and the echo of her voice created an atmosphere charged with divine magic energy making everyone begin to kneel not able to stand or speak.

As the divine pressure eased, Freya, feeling the weight of Atheria's gaze diminish, began to mumble her explaintion, "My goddess, please hear me. You are the only one I pray to, the only one I believes strength is greater than my own. Your magic is what gives me form, flowing though my very being, for I am nothing without you. I made these contracts by defeating the demi-gods that lurk and cause chaos. By using your power to show your strength."

Atheria, pleased with Freya's flattery, responded, "You have always had a way with words, Freya. We shall discuss your actions and potential consequences later." Freya, with the divine pressure lifted, began to breathe calmly again.

Atheria continued, addressing her divine soldier, "Now, my faithful one, I have summoned you to inform you of my recovery from a weakened state. Many have grown fearful, believing my godly essence is waning. I need you all to return to your cities and reassure your people that order will soon be restored to the realm. Help for those in need will arrive shortly. That will be all."

As Atheria concluded her announcement, a chorus of voices erupted in questions, demanding answers about the missing creatures, the origin of her weakness, and the purpose of the summoning. Atheria, her voice booming, silenced the inquiries with a stern command, "No questions, go! You have your commands, and I would hope you'd be wise to follow them."

The members of the elite legion reluctantly dispersed, leaving Atheria, Freya, and Jorma behind. Atheria gestured for Freya to stay, signaling a need for a private conversation. The goddess addressed Jorma, "You may leave, but I need you to listen to Freya from here on." She also acknowledged Swiftfoot's presence with a warm greeting, "Nice to see you, Swiftfoot. I'm unsure why you are here, but you are always welcome."

Swiftfoot, expressing gratitude, replied, "Thank you, goddess, but I must take my leave," and walked out of the door with Jorma. In response to Atheria's summoning, Freya stood beside the goddess, who had transformed into a more humanoid form, reclining on the branches of the magnificent tree. Atheria's robes flowed gracefully in the sap below as she inquired about the progress of the foxes' training.

Freya conveyed, "Well it seem to be going fine, but they still need to control their magic output." Atheria, in her ethereal wisdom, acknowledged the update with a thoughtful hum.

The ambiance shifted as a blue-shaped orb floated up, phasing from the ground and up through the sap. Atheria indicated, "I assume you know what this is since you went through the effort of hiding from it while talking to that brother of yours." Freya, aware of the moon-scattered surveillance across the forest, affirmed, "Yes, they let you see through the millions of moons you have scattered around the forest."

Atheria then directed their attention to the glowing orb. "Look," she said. Freya observed intently as the orb illuminated with a bright blue hue. Freya, in surprise, exclaimed, "Why is Alek acting so strange, and what is that he is holding?" Atheria, seemingly less intrigued, replied, "That is a mystical blade from the past that was once used to kill demons, but now it seems someone has corrupted it. Freya, if you would, I would like to see Arbor. I have something I must discuss with them. What you do with Alek is your choice."

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Freya exclaimed, "Sh*t! Sorry, ma'am, I was not expecting something like this to happen after leaving them alone for only a couple of hours. I'll be back with Arbor." Atheria, her concern evident, advised, "You best hurry; the fight seems to not be in Arbor's favor." With that, Freya swiftly exited the chamber.

Freya's urgent call echoed through the hallway, catching the attention of her brother Jorma, who was engaged in flirtatious conversation with the legion member Raven about night and shadow magic. Jorma, showing off his dual blades with flair, seemed initially annoyed by Freya's interruption. However, her words quickly shifted his focus.

"What? I'm busy!" Jorma protested.

"Your little sister is in trouble, you idiot. I'm going to need you to follow after me to get her; Atheria asked me to get Arbor for her," Freya responded with a stern expression.

"Darn it! It's always something when I'm actually trying to do something," Jorma grumbled, realizing the urgency. With that, both siblings dashed past the front gate guards, Freya becoming a bolt of light, and Jorma seamlessly moving through the shadows, employing his unique shadow-moving magic. Their swift and determined forms disappeared into the distance, racing towards the source of the unfolding conflict involving Arbor and Alek.