In the dimly lit chamber of her grand bedroom, Lita stood before a full-length mirror, reflection cast in a soft glow of the rising morning. The air was thick with anticipation, a palpable energy that seemed to crackle around her. Smoothing the folds of her proper clothing, fingers trembling ever so slightly, betraying the calm facade she tried to maintain.

Her summons to the Herald Council weighed heavily on her mind, a mixture of honor and trepidation swirling within her chest. To be the voice for all on the Surface, one part of her felt happy and the other wanted to hide wishing someone else would take her place.

Lita couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt creeping into her thoughts. Did she truly possess the wisdom and courage to stand before the council, to speak on the Surface? The doubts gnawed at her, like insidious whispers, threatening to undermine her confidence.

But then, she caught her gaze in the mirror, the fierce determination burning in her eyes starkly contrasting the uncertainty lurking beneath the surface. It was more than just her doubts and fears; she was selected as the Elemental Holder of Lightning for a reason.

With a steadying breath, Lita squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, summoning the strength of those before her to bolster her resolve. Today, she would step into the hallowed halls of the Herald Council not as a hesitant novice, but as a pillar for the Surface. And whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them with solidity.

—

Standing at the threshold of the grand hall where the Herald Council convened, the weight of her summons pressing down on her with an almost physical force. The murmurs of the assembled echoed in the vast chamber, a cacophony of voices that seemed to reverberate within her very soul.

The question of whether the Surface still required their aid loomed large over the proceedings, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Lita's heart. As one of the Holders of Eden, it was her sworn duty to uphold the protection of her realm, to ensure that lightning spread amongst the storm clouds.

But as she gazed into the depths of the council chamber, her thoughts drifted back to her friends, to the bonds of friendship and loyalty that had wrapped themselves around her heart like ivy—the longing to return to their side, to stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

Caught between her duty to Eden and her desire to be with those she enjoyed, Lita felt her conflicted emotions intensify. Allowing the Surface to be separated for good would mean no longer revisiting her friends. If she were to run back now she'd be deemed a deserter.

As she stepped into the council chamber, her heart heavy with uncertainty, Lita knew that she faced a choice. Whether she chose to remain in the grace of Eden or follow the path that led back to the shadows that had once taken her, the decision would weigh heavily on her soul for eternity.

The Herald Council chamber was a masterpiece of architecture that Lita sometimes found sketching on her reports, the timeless elegance, and etchings from its past builders. Carved from the heart of the ancient mountain that housed the border of Eden, the chamber exuded an aura of solemnity and reverence that seemed to seep into every stone and crevice.

As Lita stepped through the towering doors, she was greeted by the sight of a vast circular chamber, its walls adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes of myth and legend. Shafts of golden light filtered through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors upon the marble floor with a compass.

At the left of the chamber stood a set chamber of five seats, carved to match each Elemental Holder that had been summoned while her's was vacant. At the center surrounding the throne section were four rounded chairs, each occupied by a Herald of Eden, their robes of silver and gold shimmering in the gentle glow of the chamber's many hanging lanterns.

The East Herald's face is covered by that of a ceramic boar with a turquoise glaze and gold outline. Eyes, the color of the sky at dawn. Body lithe and agile. Clad in flowing robes, the figure is slender yet strong.

The North Herald, a mask of a wolf, cracked yet repaired with silver. Eyes, sharp and piercing, gaze out with unwavering resolve, mirroring the steadfastness of the North Star. With a body that is sturdy and robust, built to withstand the harshest of elements. Clad in garments that mimic the textures of stone and earth.

The West Herald, a fitting mask could be one representing an owl. Lines etched like the ripples on a tranquil lake at dusk. With a body that carries the weight of years spent in contemplation and introspection. Clad in robes that hang like the drapes of the evening, Form is solid and grounded.

The South Herald while being the only one of an odd figure kept a veil of white lace over. The eyes never leave the Holder of Lightning.

High above, a domed ceiling soared with a mesmerizing mosaic of stars and constellations. A single beam of light pierced through the center of the dome, illuminating the chamber with a radiance that imbued the very air.

As Lita made her way toward the center of the chamber where a bronze chair was placed, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence wash over her. Despite being here once before. This was the heart of Eden, the seat of power and wisdom where the fate of their realm was decided. Stepping through she knew that she stood on the point of two worlds.

Sitting in the assigned chair, placed her hands in her lap, and waited for the members of the Herald Council to start, her outward composure belied the storm of emotions raging within her.

The weighty discussions about the fate of the Surface and Eden's continued role there seemed to blur into the background as her mind wandered, drifting inexorably toward memories of her time there.

Images flashed through her mind like fragments of a dream—the laughter of her companions echoing through the forest, the warmth of the sun on her skin as she walked beside Shadow and his friends, the sense of camaraderie and belonging that had filled her heart with bittersweet longing.

Struggling to reign in her wandering thoughts, Lita forced herself to focus back on the council's deliberations, to listen intently to the arguments and counterarguments being presented. But try as she might, the pull of the Surface was relentless, tugging at her with an irresistible force that threatened to overwhelm her sense of duty and purpose.

"Asterope," Came the voice of the East Herald prompting Lita to snap out of her thoughts upon hearing her formal name.

Embarrassingly Lita glanced around confused before realizing her name was called. Stringing herself to not slouch and appear improper she produced a soft apology.

Earning a squint from all four before a bell was rung, "With all that were summoned are no present shall we now start the debate on whether the Surface shall be forgotten from Eden."

As the council meeting pressed on, Lita struggled to find her mind still grappling with the weight of her inner conflict as anxiety crept in. For in that moment, she knew that the path she chose would not only shape the destiny of their realm but also the scrutiny of her journey.

The Herald's heads turned their attention to Lita, their eyes alight with curiosity and concern.

"Asterope," began the Herald of the North, his voice resonating with authority, "We understand that you have spent considerable time on the Surface. Can you enlighten us about your experiences there?"

Straightened in her seat, meeting their gaze with a mixture of reverence and trepidation. "Yes, North Herald," Lita replied, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions swirling within her. "My time on the Surface was both enlightening and challenging. I encountered different aspects, beings that were kind and some that were malevolent."

Herald of the South leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. "And what of the situation on the Surface? Do you believe they still require our aid?"

Lita hesitated, her mind flashing back to the struggles and strife she had witnessed during her time beyond the borders of Eden. "There is still much on the Surface that even I did not see," she admitted, her tone slightly wavering, "While some regions have found peace, others continue to have some strife but have found their ways of dealing in their manner. I believe our assistance could still make a difference...only not as involved as we once were."

Herald of the East nodded thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. "And what of your companions on the Surface? Do you feel a sense of loyalty to them?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication, and Lita felt a pang of guilt gnawing at her heart. "Yes," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper straining her eyes to keep from wandering. "I have formed bonds with those on the Surface, bonds that I cannot easily sever. They have become friends to me, and I'm grateful to have met them."

Herald of the West regarded her with a mix of sympathy and understanding. "We appreciate your honesty, Asterope," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "But remember, your first duty is to Eden. Whatever ties you may have to the Surface, they must not cloud your judgment or sway you from your responsibilities as a Holder."

Lita nodded, her resolve slowly shrinking. "I understand," she replied, her voice firm, taking a quick breath to repeat her oath. "I will do whatever is necessary to fulfill my duty to Eden, even if it means facing difficult choices and sacrifices along the way."

With the address to the Heralds, a sudden tension filled the chamber, emanating from the left side corner slouching in their assigned chair, tail lazily hanging off the armrest as their gray eyes gazed down. Lita pressed her lips together tightly to hold back telling them to correct their posture.

Neró, the Elemental Holder of Water. His gaze bore into her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine, his voice cutting through the air like a sharp gust of wind.

"Asterope," Neró's tone was accusatory, his vibrant eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Are you implying that you have made contact with those on the Surface, despite our strict prohibitions against such actions?"

Lita's heart skipped a beat, the accusation catching her off guard like a sudden storm on a calm sea. "No, Neró," she replied, her voice tinged with both indignation and fear. "I-I have not violated our laws. It was purely—I got asked who I was. I was in disguise; there is no concern for those on the surface to have seen me as I am before you. I swear upon the lightning within me."

Neró was not appeased, his gaze unwavering as he continued to scrutinize her every word and gesture. "Forgive me if I find your assurances less than convincing," he said, his voice dripping with skepticism tapping his gloved hands against the scales on his tail. "Your affinity for the Surface and its inhabitants is well known, Asterope. Perhaps too well known for comfort."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the chamber, and Lita felt the weight of their suspicion bearing down upon her like a leaden cloak. The implication that she could be banished to the Surface for potentially leaking Eden's secrets loomed large in her mind, a specter of punishment that chilled her to the core.

The Herald of the North raised a hand, his expression grave yet resolute. "Enough, Neró," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Accusations without evidence serve no purpose here. Let us focus on the matter at hand—the fate of the Surface and our role in its affairs."

Reluctantly, Neró acquiesced, though his gaze remained fixed upon Lita as he would when circling his victims that had fallen into the water. As the council resumed its deliberations, Lita couldn't shake the sense of unease coursing through her body, a reminder of the precarious balance between duty and loyalty that she walked upon.

After Neró's accusation hung heavy in the air, the atmosphere in the council chamber grew tense, the Heralds exchanging wary glances as they deliberated on the matter at hand.

The Herald of the South cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over the room. "We must proceed with caution," he spoke, his voice low and measured. "Accusations of this nature cannot be taken lightly, especially without concrete evidence to support them."

The Herald of the East nodded in agreement, though having the mask of a boar, his eyes expressed troubledness. "Indeed," he replied, his brow furrowed with concern. "We cannot allow suspicion and mistrust to undermine the unity of our council. We must approach this matter with the utmost discretion and fairness."

As the Heralds continued to converse in hushed tones, Herald of the North rose from his seat, his imposing figure commanding the attention of all present. "It is clear that tensions are running high," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "We will adjourn for a brief intermission to allow everyone a chance to gather their thoughts and refresh themselves. We will reconvene in one hour to resume our deliberations."

With a solemn nod, the Heralds dispersed, the council chamber emptying as its occupants sought respite from the intensity of the discussions. Lita remained seated, her mind swirling with a tumult of emotions as she pondered the implications of Neró's accusation.

As she rose to leave the chamber, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air, a portent of the challenges that lay ahead. Amidst the uncertainty and doubt, Lita knew that she could not falter. The fate of the Surface becoming separated and...she would no longer be able to see her friends again.

—

Stepping outside the council chamber, the cool air of the mountain stronghold washed over like a soothing balm, offering a brief respite from the intensity of the discussions within. Lita made her way toward the ornate fountain at the center of the courtyard, its waters shimmering in the soft glow of the moonlight.

As she bent cupping her hands to take a drink, the sound of voices caught her attention—the unmistakable tones of Rakhi and Neró, engaged in heated conversation nearby.

"I cannot believe you would make such baseless accusations against Asterope," Rakhi's voice rang out, her tone fiery with indignation. "It is unbecoming of a holder of your stature."

Neró's response was sharp and defensive. "I was merely expressing concerns based on what I observed," he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "We cannot afford to ignore potential threats to our realm, no matter how uncomfortable they may be."

"You were spying ?" Rakhi nearly shouted.

Their argument continued, each word escalating in intensity until Lita felt a pang of unease. She knew that tensions ran high among the Elemental Holders when it came to accusations especially when one is so defensive of the other, but to witness such open discord was unsettling, to say the least.

As Rakhi and Neró fell silent, their eyes met Lita's, and a moment of awkward silence descended upon them. Lita straightened, her gaze steady despite the turbulent emotions swirling within her.

Rakhi shot her a reassuring glance before seizing Neró by the arm and dragging him away, their voices fading into the distance as they disappeared from view.

Left alone in the courtyard, Lita let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, feeling a mixture of relief and lingering unease. Shaking off the tension that still lingered in the air, Lita turned her attention back to the fountain, the gentle sound of trickling water soothing her frayed nerves. She took a deep sip, the cool liquid refreshing her parched throat as she gathered her thoughts.

She couldn't let herself be consumed by uncertainty or doubt. The fate of the Surface hung just inside.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Lita straightened her posture and squared her shoulders, standing in the courtyard, gathering her thoughts and steeling herself for the challenges ahead, the resonant sound of a bell echoed through the mountain stronghold, signaling the end of the intermission and summoning all attendees back to the council chamber.

Startled by the sudden interruption, Lita glanced up, her heart quickening with anticipation as she realized that the time had come to resume the hearing. With a sense of purpose driving her forward, she straightened her robes and made her way back toward the grand doors of the council chamber, where all waited.