He raised one hand, and the sky folded in on itself. The light flickered, the grass vanished from under their feet, and a moment later they were standing on polished stone in the middle of the Golden Hall, with banners hanging overhead and the murmur of the rest of civilization drifting through the open doors.
Lena stretched with a loud groan. "Ah yes, it's so nice to be ack in… back in the good place."
"The good place." Lumi repeated, with a small blink.
Lena waved it off, "I just meant it was a vibe in there. A bit claustrophobic."
Elder Shen led them to a long table at the far end of the hall and sat down behind it. He drew out a stack of parchment and a brush, and when he spoke again his voice had gone back to the dry, practiced tone of an official.
"By the authority of the Golden Hall, your trial is recognized. Your guild is hereby approved. I will need the particulars for the registry. The name, the leader, and the land you intend to claim."
