Going from one home to another seemed easy, especially when it was just for a simple task. Yet for whatever reason it felt like a tug on her consciousness begging for her to come back.

As Lightning steps through the portal into Eden, she finds herself standing in the heart of an open marble temple, its grandeur echoing the majesty of the past Holders. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting the raw power and beauty of the lightning element, with bolts of lightning intertwining with ethereal clouds and celestial beings.

Hearing her shoes tap against the floor brings nostalgia as she surveys the Elemental temple of Lightning. Once upon a time, she feared this place.

Reluctantly Lightning turned, staring at the portal she had arrived through. Its waves and sparks are still alive connecting the surface. If things were different, she might have brought one person back to show Eden's beauty.

A wave of hesitance washes over her like a shadow creeping across a sunlit meadow. With a heavy sigh, she finally makes her decision, fingers steady as she raises both arms sending a haloed pulse that entraps the portal suffocating it.

Her hands trembled as the portal began to crackle and fade, a pang of sadness tugging at Lightning's heart, a silent farewell to the beautiful surface.

The separation of the portal felt like tearing a part of herself away, leaving her hollow and incomplete.

As she gazed upon the fading portal, a sense of finality washed over her. With a deep breath, she releases the last tendrils of hesitation clinging to her heart. Closing her eyes, she embraces the power that surges within her, feeling it pulse and thrum beneath her skin like a tempest waiting to be unleashed.

As Lightning's power surges within her, a flicker of electric energy dances across her body, causing her form to shift and shimmer. The air crackles with anticipation as if waiting for her to unleash the full extent of her power. Gradually, her once cyan fur transforms into a pale blue with a goldish-white hue, giving off an ethereal glow that illuminates the surrounding area.

Silver bands begin to weave around her wrists with Eden's design as her power continues to surge.

A dark silver and bronze fitted dress materializes around her, perfectly complementing her new form. The dress of old craftsmanship, with every detail meticulously crafted.

Complementary to the Heralds, matching flat boots that raise to her knees appear on her feet. The shoes were adorned with designs that matched the silver bands on her wrists.

As she gazes down at her new form, Lightning can feel the power coursing through her veins.

Those amber hues had now turned to gray with a lightning symbol reflecting in them, while ivory white gloves adorned her hands.

Cool breezes dance through the temple, carrying with them a refreshing chill that contrasts with the warmth of the surrounding sunlight. The air crackles with energy, charged with the essence of the elemental powers that permeate Eden.

As Lightning walks across the temple's expanse, she takes in the breathtaking landscape that stretches out before her. Rolling hills adorned with lush greenery cascade into valleys dotted with crystal-clear streams, while majestic mountains loom in the distance, their peaks piercing the azure sky.

The scent of blooming flowers mingles with the tang of ozone, creating an intoxicating aroma that invigorates the senses. Wind whistling amongst the grass carrying sweet melodies, their tunes harmonizing with the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze.

Above, fluffy white clouds drift lazily across the cerulean canvas of the sky, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow upon the land below. Occasionally, a distant rumble of thunder echoes in the distance, a reminder of the raw power that resides within her domain.

The warmth of connection she experienced beyond Eden's separation still lingers, making the transition back to the structured, authoritative atmosphere of her homeland feel daunting. Finding herself torn between two worlds: the freedom and friendship she found outside, and the sense of duty and belonging that pulls her within Eden.

Hearing a low hiss like tall grass sways in the wind, her ear twitched. Glancing from the corner of her eye out in the middle of the field along the soft slope.

Hovering above the grass the Herald of the South faces her. Its form resembles that of a flowing stone tear-drop, its surface smooth and polished. One can discern the subtle movements of its form as if it is alive with a quiet energy. Its surface is adorned with intricate carvings and ancient symbols that seem to pulse with a faint inner glow.

The Herald's abstract face is a marvel of craftsmanship, its features both serene and mysterious. Its eyes are dots of white within black, carved into its mask like dark cyan with a slender gold arch along its nose that connects to arched feathers like a horned owl. Its expression is inscrutable. As the Herald glided back down the slope leaving the sight of the Holder watching.

Letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding Lightning flexed her hands once before taking a step out onto the grass and then bolting down along the hill the temple sat on. A zig-zag of white and blue trails behind as she races across the land.

As she traverses through the familiar landscapes of her homeland, memories flood back — both comforting and confining. She remembers the strict rules and expectations placed upon Elemental Holders, the weight of responsibility that comes with her powers. Despite the sense of security that Eden offers, there's an underlying sense of restriction that weighs heavily on her spirit.

The cool breeze tousles her quills as she dashes through the verdant landscape, for whatever reason her heart doesn't beat with the excitement of being back. Recognizing her village in the distance, Lightning quickened her pace eager to see what had changed.

—

Upon arrival, she is greeted by the bustling activity of her fellow residents, each going about their daily tasks with purpose and diligence. She exchanges quick nods and smiles with those she passes, her mind already racing ahead to the responsibilities awaiting her at her temple residence.

Pushing through the village square, a simple pond with blue tile and fish swimming amongst its lotus flowers gifts from the Fire Holder.

Finally arriving at the entrance to her temple, a structure adorned with symbols of elemental affinity. In her genuine opinion, it was too gaudy. The servants stationed outside bow respectfully as she approaches, their faces etched with anticipation of her arrival.

However, before they can utter a word, Lightning raises a hand to halt them, her expression firm yet gentle. "Not now," she says softly, her voice carrying the weight of exhaustion. "I need a moment to rest."

The servants exchange uncertain glances, having been urgent to deliver their masters show signs of fatigue. But they nod obediently, understanding the importance of granting Lightning the time she needs to recuperate.

With a grateful smile, Lightning steps past them and disappears into the depths of her temple, the heavy doors closing behind her with a resounding thud. Alone at last, she exhales a weary sigh, allowing herself into the quiet sanctuary of her residence.

The walls are adorned with intricate tapestries and murals depicting the history of the Elemental Holders, a testament to the lineage of guardians who have come before her. Though she has seen these images countless times, they no longer hold the same fascination they once did, having become as familiar as the back of her hand.

The room itself is cozy and inviting, a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. A plush daybed sits against one wall, adorned with soft cushions and draped with crochet blankets. Matching furniture, crafted from polished wood and adorned with delicate carvings, completes the ensemble, offering a sense of comfort and luxury.

Sunlight filters through the windows, casting a warm glow upon the room and illuminating the space with a soft, golden light. The air is filled with the subtle scent of wildflowers and herbs, a reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds Eden.

Despite the opulence of her surroundings, Lightning finds solace in the simplicity of her sanctuary. Here, amidst the familiar comforts of home, she can let down her guard and truly be herself. It is a place of refuge and renewal, where she can recharge her spirit and prepare herself for the expectations of tomorrow.

As she settles onto the daybed, a sense of peace washes over. Her weariness melted away in the embrace of the cozy haven. Closing her eyes, Lightning surrenders to the comforting embrace of solitude, her thoughts drifting into a realm of peace and tranquility.

For now, Eden can wait—she deserves this moment of respite before starting her administered schedule once more like her week never existed.