“Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.”

“She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.”

The Queen was seated on her throne, as she always was. The courtiers and lords and ladies of D’ni knelt before her, as they always did. But something was different this day. The Queen could sense it. She could feel the eyes of her subjects upon her, scrutinizing her every move. And she knew why.

For years now, the Queen had been ruling D’ni with a steady hand. Her people were prosperous and happy, and she had brought them great honor through her many victories in battle. But now, rumors had begun to spread that the Queen was growing old. That she would one day die, just like any other mortal creature.

The thought of losing their beloved queen filled the people of D’ni with dread. They didn’t want to imagine life without her gentle guidance or wise counsel. So they looked to her for assurance that all would be well, even though they knew that she could not guarantee such a thing herself.

And the Queen responded as best she could, giving them hope when there was little to be found and comforting them in their time of need. For she loved her people dearly, and desired nothing more than to see them thrive under her rule.