The nights in Alfheim were beautiful.
Twisting ribbons of light echoed the golden halo of the Golden Tree.
The enormous Golden Tree shed a shimmering glow into the night sky.
It lent the elves' jeweled palace a noble sanctity.
John walked into the garden.
The House-elves spotted him and flew over.
They were embodiments of the elements, beings who understood the emotions of magic better than anyone.
The little creatures had translucent wings of different colors, fluttering as they circled John.
John held out a hand.
The Fire Elf he had helped flew over and gingerly landed on it.
The little creature was small enough to crush in one hand, and she smiled in John's palm.
"They really like you."
Queen Freya's voice came from behind him.
John glanced back at her. "Though they belong to different realms, the moon here is much like Midgard's."
"The stars belong to every world." Queen Freya approached gracefully.
She wore a green, silken dress, its swaying hem offering fleeting glimpses of pale, tender skin.
Her platinum hair fell over her shoulders, and the Golden Tree's light lent her a sacred air.
"It's trying to persuade you to stay." Queen Freya stopped beside John. "You changed this realm, and you changed the Elves Mother Tree."
"It hopes you'll stay and become the king of Alfheim."
Queen Freya looked at John with boundless tenderness in her eyes.
Wise as the elven queen was, she was always bold when expressing her love.
John shook his head. "Perhaps one day I'll fall in love with someone, but that will take a long time."
As for how long, John had no definite answer.
Perhaps it would be when he was truly alone.
When those who loved him and those he loved had gone.
Or perhaps he would choose