"The armies are tired. The cities are half-empty. We need to stabilize before we rebuild," she said. "And that means entering a low-key phase—no public marches, no large-scale expansion. Just slow, steady regrowth."
Lilith nodded once. "Makes sense. Quiet strength. Rebuild the foundation before showing the world your cards again."
"Exactly," Elowen said. "We're not ready to flaunt victory yet. It wasn't clean. Too many lost their homes, their families, and their future. What the elven realm needs isn't parades—it's healing."
Isabella rested her elbow on the couch's edge, head propped on her palm. "And how do you plan to do that?"
"Start small," Elowen replied. "I've already put a few governors in place, trusted ones who know what to do and make sure to take care of what they were assigned.
