Elowen Asphira stood at the edge of the Seelie throne room, her blue hair catching the morning light. She gripped a scroll in her hands—a draft peace treaty she'd written herself. For months, she had studied the Unseelie Court, learning their customs and grievances. Today, she would take the first real step toward peace. Her advisors had warned against it, but Elowen knew words alone wouldn't bridge centuries of conflict. She needed to show good faith. She left the throne room and walked through the forest paths until she reached the border. A crystal pillar marked the divide between territories. Roots twisted around its base, climbing toward the top. One side glowed with warm light—Seelie lands. The other side darkened with shadows—Unseelie domain. Elowen stopped at the pillar and touched its cool surface. This is where everything would begin. Behind her, a wooden cart rolled forward on leaf-carved wheels. Shelves lined its sides, filled with Seelie goods: honey in glass jars, woven cloth, and bundles of herbs. Elowen had ordered it built for one purpose—to trade with Unseelie merchants. If their people could exchange goods peacefully, rulers might follow. She pushed the cart across the border herself, leaving it where both courts could see. Back in Seelie lands, Elowen walked to Birch Hall. Tall windows let in streams of light. Moss covered the stone steps leading to the entrance. Timber beams stretched across the high ceiling. This hall would host the treaty signing when the time came. Elowen stood in the empty space and imagined both courts gathered here. The dream felt close now, almost real. She just had to make them believe it too.