Peaceful Night: The Heir of Venice

One evening, Thrain Stoneheart, Edna's father, arrived in Venice with his family and some other dwarves. Their purpose was to report to Mortis that they had decided to settle on the human continent in order to establish their own dwarven clan under the rule of humans. However, before they started their journey there, Thrain, his son and their friends went to the dungeon of the south to learn more about the dwarves, who apparently came from another world. They brought back many sketches and were fascinated by the strange building methods practiced by the other dwarves. This led Thrain and his friends to choose a mountain near a coast that had a steep slope. Thus, they chose Mount Herkolos as their new settlement site.

Mortis, who had developed a closer bond with Thrain, listened intently as he talked about his plans. Thrain explained in detail how he envisioned leading the new dwarven clan and how they planned to build their community under human rule. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the dwarves and the humans and how they could learn from each other. Thrain spoke about the challenges they faced, but also the opportunities and possibilities they had.

Mortis, impressed by Thrain's wisdom and determination, promised to support him in his endeavor. He recognized the importance of this new alliance and how it could help bring the different peoples closer together. Together, they planned to make Mount Herkolos a thriving place of peace and knowledge sharing, where dwarves and humans could live and work side by side.

In the days that followed, Mortis and Thrain worked closely together to plan the steps necessary to establish the new dwarven clan. Their discussions were marked by respect and understanding for one another as they prepared to build a shared future for their communities.

Mortis, although he could not make any concrete promises for the days ahead, felt a mixture of anticipation and worry. The impending battle against the demon army in Rome hung over them like a looming thunderstorm. Nevertheless, he was happy for Thrain, who had apparently found a suitable place to provide a new home for the dwarves and his family.

In the last quiet moments before the storm, Mortis and Thrain worked hard to advance preparations for the dwarven community's move. They planned the route, secured resources, and trained the dwarves and their human allies for the challenges ahead. Mortis admired Thrain's determination and the cohesiveness of his family and friends.

While tension hung in the air, Mortis found comfort in the thought that they were not alone. They had found allies, not only among the humans, but among the dwarves as well. Together they would fight against the darkness and defend their homeland. In this unity and determination, Mortis found the strength to face the coming battle.

After dinner, everyone gathered around a crackling fireplace where candied apples and other sweets were prepared. A calm and pleasant atmosphere filled the castle. Edna took the opportunity to sit on Mortis' lap with her sweets, chatting at length while Elysia and Elara took seats next to him. The other women seemed to be somewhat aloof today, a fact that Edna wondered about at first, but did not see how she could use this situation to her advantage. Thrain, who was still getting used to the idea that his daughter loved a human, remained quiet. Although in some quiet moments he would have liked to challenge Mortis to a fight, he felt the love and happiness radiating from his daughter and the king. Despite all their differences, Thrain appreciated Mortis' character and firm will to defeat the darkness, and could not help but feel a certain appreciation for the man his daughter loved so much. That night, surrounded by the warm atmosphere of the fireplace and the laughter of her family, Thrain could feel a hint of hope for the future.

On a large stage, dressed in the finest robes, the long-awaited royal family of Venice made a splendid appearance. An air of anticipation and respect was in the air as they were welcomed by the crowd. Margravine Elara of Venice gave a moving speech, followed by nobles and high-ranking soldiers who stood in line in a solemn ceremony. They carried cushions on which medals were magnificently emblazoned.

Then Mortis and Elara called individuals to the stage to thank them personally for their bravery and to award them medals. The awards were viewed like bonuses and promotions, a recognition of the courage and determination these men and women had shown in battle. The crowd applauded loudly as the honorees received their medals with pride, and their names echoed through the Venice marketplace. It was a moment of appreciation and pride for the entire city.

But this joyous occasion was also an opportunity to make an important announcement to her people. Elara thanked her citizens and said, "My dear citizens, with pleasure I was your Margravine. But I am not the daughter of the former Margrave, nor have we ever spent a night together. I was married to protect you and keep the pillow warm for the next heir of the old Margrave. Today I present to you your soon-to-be ruler, whom I will choose to find my fortune. King Mortis I will take as my husband. So welcome your next margrave and cheer him on. He will be supported by me and Lillia, even though I will no longer hold that title. Here he is, the future Margrave Sir Bernard of Venice."

The crowd froze in astonishment for a moment, followed by whispers that quickly grew into excited murmurs. Elara's words echoed through the marketplace as people tried to grasp the significance of what they had just heard. Then a thunderous applause broke out, followed by cheers and appreciative whistles. Sir Bernard, the future Marquis of Venice, stepped forward and bowed to Elara. He wore an expression of determination and dignity as he realized the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders. The citizens of Venice, surprised or not, were already embracing him in their hearts, ready to recognize him as their future ruler. Elara smiled as she saw the reaction of her people and placed her hand on Bernard's shoulder. Together they entered the next phase of their history, while the people of Venice looked on with excitement and pride at their future leadership. The marketplace echoed with the shouts and chants that marked the beginning of a new era for the city of Venice.