A faraway look glazed my eyes as memories flooded back. "When I first stepped into this Empire's land," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. It was as if I'd finally come home." A soft smile played on my lips, nostalgia tingeing my tone.

My words spilled out in a rush, emotions bubbling to the surface. "I felt happy, content, my soul jubilant. Peace and joy I'd not known in a long time washed over me, like the land itself was welcoming me." I ...