A year passed, then a decade, then six more.

  The two worlds that Ruth loved prospered. Another Benelim Summer was on the rise. The great Ioannian Bridge was properly rebuilt, strengthening the foundations laid by Ruth and the other’s spellcraft. Trade flowed between the two realms once more, and all benefited from such prosperity. They all helped each other. Benelim helped the humans rebuild Submersio, advising them on where to set foundations, conforming to the landscape so their buildings were laid on solid ground.

  The humans in turn helped the Benelim of the Golden Wood regrow their forests, and helped them construct stone buildings until their famous pines reach their full height. Knowledge, technology, weaponry, the two cultures mingled and played off each other once more. Most importantly, the histories of both races were brought up to date. Ruth worked with the historians, and a singular archive was created.

  They wanted to name the book after Ruth, but she insisted they named it after Sheba. They honored her wishes, and soon, The Sheban Chronicle was a common sight, next to the Life of Adam and the Saga of the Gods.

  The most pristine work that came from this union was the completion of the Great Basilica. After some consultation with Benelim experts, they believed since the island was created by the Godshards, statues of Godshards would be the most appropriate. Armed with that insight, the Godshards would get their due with statues inside the building, likenesses of Adam, Elias, Megan and more.

  But the Benelim would leave their mark. The finest flowers the Benelim had were planted in the gardens. Statues of the Gods would be erected in the shoreside town. Given how often people were waiting to meet with the Godshards, the town soon got a proper name: Presbia, Holding Bay.

  There was still much to do, and they were constantly expanding. More and more Godshards were arriving every year. Several reminded Ruth of Elias, such as Anna. Soon there were a dozen more Shards dwelled on the island of similar caliber. There were even more Shards like Ruth. Three more Godshards were able to get to the fifth level, and their eyes glowed as bright as Ruth’s.

  Even a century old, Ruth was beaming with excitement every day. There was still so much to learn, so much to see! So much to discover! Ruth was grateful for her enhanced Godshard lifespan. Even a century old, she didn’t look older than fifty. Adam lived over two centuries, dying at two-hundred and twenty-five. Unfortunately, not all Godshards lived to see such long lives. Most of the Godshards she first met at the island had passed away.

  Her normal human friends were long dead, Lea, Fiona. Clodius lived til he was eighty, an Imperial commander and a legend in his own right. They called him Clodius Decimus Liberator, for his part in saving the Golden Wood. Ruth kept ties to their families and sought to guide them down their paths, teaching them the same lessons she did their forebears.

  It wasn’t all tragic. Leela and Katherina were Benelim, and with that came an unknowably long life, maybe even immortal. They were Ruth’s rock time and again. Ruth didn’t admit it, but a lingering sadness was brewing from all the ones she lost. Especially when she looked upon Sheba.

  Sheba’s hair was white as snow, and she needed a cane to move now. Yet the energy never left her eyes, and her smile never faded. Much like Megan before her. Ruth knew she couldn’t get her to retire if she tried.

  So it was when a great banquet was held to celebrate the seventieth anniversary, Sheba insisted she give the speech. Ruth would sign as usual, and most people from both her worlds knew at least some Benelim Sign Language. Sheba would do as she always did. The feast was a momentous occasion, they held it at the shore, for that was seen as neutral ground.

  People came from all over the Cradlelands and the Benelim Realms. High King Ioannis, King Christoros and half the Senate of Primus were in attendance. Even Benelim from other distant lands, the Benelim of the seas, the deserts, and of the cold north. Humans from Murex and the Novalands also showed up, curious to meet this Godshard that brought people together, who was a uniter.

  The sun waned in the sky as hundreds of people were gathered outside, seated at long tables, which snaked across the courtyard. The distant glow of golden lamps and magically spawned fires dazzled the square with warmth and brilliance.

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  There was no division between Benelim and human. While the more important people had their space for safety, all the tables were mixed. They were not two peoples, they were one.

  In the center of this assemblage stood Ruth and Sheba. Even as Sheba limped forward on her cane, the joy never left her face. She muttered a spell before clearing her throat. Her voice carried unnaturally throughout the square, getting everyone’s attention. “Greetings, everyone!” beamed Sheba. “Today marks seventy years since the liberation of the Realm of the Golden Wood.” Sheba signed as she spoke. “The beginning of decades of peace and prosperity for both our realms!” The crowd applauded loudly, even King Christoros had a grin on his face.

  Sheba gestured to Ruth with a smirk. “Presenting, the woman, the Godshard, the legend, the friend to all, Ruth the Uniter!” The crowd was on their feet as Ruth strode forward, her golden dress had never looked brighter, and she never felt taller. She smiled and bowed.

  Food came out soon after. A menagerie of pleasant and rustic smells soon filled the courtyard, even before the well cooked meats and luscious plants graced the many tables. There was a long standing rivalry between the human chefs and the Benelim ones. They found their own niches, humans tended to be better at cooking meat, and the Benelim were better with plants and grains. The problems always came with the dessert.

  Both sides claimed to make the most delicious sweets and it became something of a tradition each year for the respective chefs to compete to see who could make the best dessert. Unlike the rivalry and resentment of the previous age, this was something they could all enjoy, and it became a frequent spectacle. An affectionate contest to the joy of all who attended.

  The human chefs were known for the velvety cakes and their succulent tarts, made all the better through trade with the Benelim, bringing in much better fruit and vegetables. The Benelim, on the other hand, were masters of sweetbreads and rolls. The grain they imported from the Cradlelands greatly improved their recipes as well.

  They would have votes each year to see who won, and it was amazing how many people would vote for the other side. There was a year where King Christoros even voted in favor of the human chefs. All too often it boiled down to Ruth to break the ties. People suspected she just randomly picked a side each time to mess with the other. But Ruth would never confirm such a thing.

  This particular year, Ruth gave the win to the humans, and thus the score was tied between the two races chefs once again.

  The area was soon cleared so dancing could begin. Ruth never saw herself as a dancer, for obvious reasons. She always respected the synergy two dance partners had though, and the different ways her two peoples danced was a fascinating thing to witness.

  The only time Ruth danced was with Sheba. The first time Sheba danced with her, Ruth was terribly nervous. It was quite strange that a mighty Godshard who’s taken down Maelim warlords would become so meek and timid on a dance floor. Yet Sheba was a comforting presence, and she was gracious as she guided her through the steps.

  Over time, Ruth got better, and even in Sheba’s old age, their dancing stunned the crowd. Ruth never understood why or how, she never thought she was good, only passable due to Sheba. And yet, as she stared into Sheba’s loving eyes, perhaps that was good enough. As the set ended, Ruth gently kissed Sheba on the lips. Even after all this time, they still blushed deliciously awkwardly at each other’s gentle touch.

  Yet, all good things must come to an end.

  Ten years later, Sheba too would pass on. Ruth was in tears for a week. Leela and Katherina were at her side. They knew that Sheba was more than a friend to Ruth, and they would help her through it. The light in Ruth’s eyes was never quite as bright after that, yet in Sheba’s name and memory, Ruth carried on. Ruth found herself assisting the other more powerful Godshards with their studies. It was easier to be around Godshards who weren’t as social, even if they all knew Benelim Sign Language.

  Ruth also personally oversaw the completion of another dream of hers. With assistance from Anindo and Armanda, a great library had been added to the Basilica. The Benelim librarians offered what they could, but Ruth deliberately left large portions empty. She reserved them for the works of the Godshards.

  There were several centuries worth of notes and teachings and ideas. Adam wrote more works than the Life of Adam and Elias, and even Ruth herself had notes and scattered bits of insight. Elias’ Godshard Testing practices, for example. There were a hundred spells that needed proper documentation, including fifty that had versions in Benelim Sign Language.

  Ruth wanted to compile them all together, and leave it for the future generations. It would be a massive undertaking, but Ruth was up to the challenge. Ruth also wished to write a story of her life, and if she was honest, the story of Sheba, too. She wanted the world to remember Sheba for her part in their adventures. It also encouraged Ruth to think about the positives and not the loss. It gave her something to do, alongside her usual duties, of course. She knew Sheba would approve.