Into the fields of Summer - 85. The Ascension

Chris’ POV

Etalos escorted Victor and I to my wing in the residential palace.

“I can’t believe Patri had this built for me”

“If it makes you feel better Chris...both your uncles have their own wings”

“Not helping, Etalos” I muttered to the elf.

“This palace is truly magnificent...everything here is just a work of art” Victor said as we made our way to my wing.

We found ourselves in front of a large double door, and Etalos asked Victor to put his hand on the glass panel near the door to check if his security clearance worked.

The panel lit green, and we heard the door unlock. My section of the palace was decorated like the rest of the place, ornate, yet not over the top that one would consider tacky, it was just rightfully opulent.

We came across several elf soldiers in the corridor, and some servants as well, all of whom bowed their heads as they met my gaze.

“Damn...Chris, they really do treat you like royalty here” Victor whispered to me.

I snickered and just replied “It takes a lot of getting used to”

Victor and I had the master suite, Dad had his own room, August and Leo were bunking in together as expected and so were Reza and Konrad. Although we had rooms to spare, the rest decided to partner up as well, Stefano and Hashim, Patrick and Raymond, Mark and Troy, and Lucy and Erica. Henry didn't have a partner and got his own room.

I wanted to feel bad for those that bunked together, but those thoughts were swept away when I visited August and Leo’s room, it was huge! They had their own mini living room, a king sized bed, a bathroom that had a jacuzzi, hot tub, rain shower, and even a steam room! And their own walk in closet which was already filled with various clothes fitting for a noble elf. I can assume Lucy was having a field day with Erica trying out all the dresses, robes, and other attires the elves had prepared for them.

The room had a very earthy vibe to it, light brown and white color motif, and had a very modern aesthetic.

“How are you guys doing?” I asked the lovely pair.

“Better than ever! Gosh Chris, you never told us about all this!”Leo shouted with excitement as he flopped himself on their large bed.

“To be honest...I didn’t know Patri had this built”

“They even assigned an attendant to each room,” August chuckled.

“Really?” Victor was surprised.

“They’re really not holding back,” August added.

“Patri is full of surprises” I muttered.

“Okay... guys, don’t forget... dinner with the family in three hours okay?”

“Okay...okay” Leo grunted as he started fiddling with the controls for the TV. Just as we were about to close the door, we could hear Leo scream in excitement again “August! Check this out! They have their own channels!”

I shook my head in amusement, and it seemed like my best friend got to watch elvish tv before me.

Etalos then opened a door for Victor and myself, and we entered an even larger room than that of August and Leo’s, this room had a different motif, it had white and red as it’s main color motif, with the occasional pop of gold. The floor was of solid white marble, and so were the walls. The occasional intricate elvish themed gold inlay on the floor or walls, would remind you that this place is a prince’s room.

“Wow.” I whispered, the room was beautiful. The large windows in the bedroom even gave us a full view of the palace gardens.

“I shall leave you both, for now” Etalos spoke.

“Thank you Etalos... “ I paused, “what about you? Where are you staying?”

“As your official assistant, His Majesty prepared a room for me here as well”

“Great. Okay...you take a rest now, I’m sure all that traveling has gotten you tired as well”

“Don’t mention it Chris...please let me know if you need anything else”

“You go rest” I insisted.

“Thank you” Etalos said as he blushed and closed the door behind him.

“That elf has so much of a crush on you”

“Awww come on... “

“It’s obvious.”

“He’s just a nice guy.”

“He doesn’t seem to like me”

“Are you jealous,Victor?”

“Just a little...”

“Come here then...” I said, as I invited my boyfriend for a kiss, a kiss that turned sensual, and deeply romantic, that later resulted in us christening our room with sexual release.

Victor and I enjoyed the large jacuzzi in our bathroom.

“And I thought we had it good back on Earth” Victor whispered as he enjoyed the warm jets of water massage his back.

“I know how you feel...the realm is certainly not what you’d expect it to be”

“You can say that again”

—-

Victor and I slept for an hour or so, and we had an hour left before dinner when our phones pinged.

It was a message from Etalos, he was explaining the dress code for dinner, it seemed like he was arranging things for me and my entourage.

Victor and I got dressed. Victor wore a white long sleeved shirt with blue accents, he had a pastel blue vest over his shirt, and black pants and black leather shoes. I was dressed differently, I wore a red robe with gold accents, the gold belt, highlighted my waist, and despite being flowy, it actually showed off some of my stature, I also had white and gold accented pants, and black leather shoes.

As we exited the room, we found that the men of the group actually had similar outfits to that of Victor, though there were subtle differences in design, especially in how the blue lines accented each and every shirt.

In my wing’s living room, we found Lucy and Erica in pastel blue dresses that highlighted their figure.

“Chris...I can certainly get used to this,” Lucy said.

“Gosh Chris...I could barely get her out of the closet!” Erica exclaimed.

“Hey now!” Lucy laughed.

“You’ve spoiled my kids!” Victor chimed in, and everybody else laughed.

I then approached dad. “Dad are you okay?”

“Yes son...it’s just...all of this” dad gestured towards everything and everyone around us. “It’s just feels so unreal”

“I know dad...it takes a lot of getting used to,” I said.

“Not only is the realm beautiful.. but this palace...my god...where do I even begin?”

“Believe me dad, I’m just as surprised as you... I hadn’t been to this part of the palace.. Honestly I never knew I had my own room here!”

“The King and Queen...they seem nice”

I gave my dad a stern look.

“I’m sorry...I mean father and mother” dad replied in a slightly lower tone. He was trying his best to get used to this.

“Better... “ I grinned.

“Don’t worry about Patri and Matra... “

“If that’s the case...why is your boyfriend visibly disturbed?” Dad pointed to Victor who was just beside me, clearly worried about having dinner with Patri.

“Oh” I laughed. “Patri...well...he threatened to burn Victor alive if he broke my heart again”

“Ah,” dad grinned “I think father and I will get along just fine.”

“William, what that’s supposed to mean?!” Victor exclaimed.

“Just love my boy, Victor... that’s all I ask”

“You know how much I love him”

“Then we have nothing to worry about then” Dad chuckled.

Etalos escorted us all to the main dining hall. The two elves standing outside the large double doors, opened the doors for us and we were greeted by the appetizing aroma of Elven dishes.

Patri was already seated at the head of the table, Matra to his left, Uncle Rehanmir to his right, and Uncle Selvenus beside Matra, The five large multi tiered chandeliers warmly lit the room, and my family were all in their red and gold attire similar to mine.

The table could have easily seated a crowd three times our size, but the plates and cutlery and the food were evenly spaced out, giving all of us ample room at the table.

I sat beside Uncle Rehanmir, right across Uncle Selvenus.

The table was filled with salads, breads, roasted meats, and fruits that were all Elven in origin.

As we all sat, Patri spoke.

“Again...I’d like to welcome you all to realm, and to our home, all of you have in one way or another shaped the life of my grandson, in two days we will be celebrating his Ascension, and we are pleased to have you all here with us, please... enjoy the food”

For the first few minutes, we mainly ate in silence, I think my friends were not sure how to act in front of my family, it certainly was a little bit awkward.

The tension was broken when Leo, out of nowhere, shouted “Holy shit!”

Everyone looked at him, and Leo appeared to not realize that he seemed to be thinking out loud, he was lost in thought as he chewed on one of the roasted meats.

August nudged Leo a bit, and my best friend lifted his gaze towards the rest of us. All of us were looking at him, “what?” He asked. “Oh...did I just shout out loud?”

Lucy, Erica, and Hashim nodded their heads in agreement.

“Sorry... it’s just that this one, it’s absolutely delicious!”

My uncles started laughing, and so did Matra and Patri, everybody else started laughing as well.

“Oh dear boy...I agree with you...that’s the best dish on this table, and I’m surprised your friends haven’t tried it yet” Patri chuckled.

“Go on...try it, we promise, it’s the best here so far” Uncle Selvenus encouraged us.

There were several helpings of said roasted dish across the table, so it wasn’t difficult for us to get a bite for ourselves.

As soon as the rest of us took a bite, the whimpering, and the grunts of satisfaction echoed across the room.

When I took a bite of the meat, not only did it seem to melt in my mouth, it also burst into flavors and not just in one explosive burst, but it came in waves, one after another. To say that the flavors I tasted were intense is an understatement, with every bite new savory and salty tastes would introduce themselves to my mouth.

“Wow...”

“Delicious, isn’t it?” Uncle Rehanmir asked me.

“This is the best”

“What is this?” I asked.

“It’s Borfelian Roast, it’s like roast beef but marinated with the best spices in the realm” Matra explained.

And after that, the conversations across the table started to flow out more naturally. No formal business was discussed, the topics were mostly centered on how the rest of my friends found the realm, what they thought of the elvish fashion, and other things they’d observed while traveling from Ashtelon to the capitol.

“Your majesty, if I may be so frank, I certainly did not expect the Elven realm to be so modern” Luca said.

“I assume you all expected to be spending several days in a town that seemed to be stuck in the Middle Ages?” Patri chuckled.

“Yes” Lucy smiled and the rest nodded in agreement.

“Sorry to disappoint...we’ve done our best to keep up with the times” Patri proudly replied.

“You haven’t only kept up, it seems you’ve exceeded Earth in some aspects as well” Konrad chimed in.

“Well...we do try,” Uncle Rehanmir said as he gave us a conspiring wink. If only the guys knew that Yal and his Ministry had a big role in such technological leaps in the realm.

“So...tomorrow, the rest of you will have your fittings for the ceremony, you also get to visit the Hall of Haldruin, for the rehearsal of the royal procession”

“Yes! Finally I get to see the Hall” I exclaimed.

“Oh not you young man, only your father, boyfriend, and your friends get to see it beforehand”

“Huh? But why?” I groaned.

“Just because” Matra smiled at me.

“If I may ask...what Royal Procession?” Dad asked Matra.

“Oh... as members of Chris’ entourage, you all will have your own procession or entrance into the Hall of Haldruin”

Everyone in the room exchanged looks, some were delighted, some nervous, some curious.

“Don’t worry...after your fittings, the organizers will coach all of you regarding protocol, and give you all briefings as to what to expect” Uncle Selvenus explained.

“What about me?”

“You...young prince...will be briefed by the High Mage” Patri said as he set his gaze on me.

“I can’t even get a peek?”

“No...believe me nephew...it’s for your own good, and don’t you dare ask your friends what they’ve seen during the rehearsals” Uncle Rehanmir warned me.

“Bummer” I relented as I decided to drown my taste buds with the taste of the amazing roasted meat instead of wallowing in self induced anxiety about all the secrecy that seems to be shrouding this ceremony.

“Don’t worry Chris...you’ll feel better once the High Mage talks to you” Uncle Selvenus smiled at me.

—-

Dinner lasted for around two hours, and my friends seemed to settle in and become more comfortable around my family during the latter half of dinner.

Patri and Matra invited dad for some evening tea, it seemed that my grandparents wanted to spend more time with dad, get to know him, and build a stronger bond with the man their daughter had fallen in love with.

Dad nervously agreed, much to the delight of my grandparents.

My uncles promised to give dad a personal tour of the palace tomorrow morning, they wanted to spend more time with their “new brother.”

Victor and I retired back to our bedroom after dinner, we had a long day ahead of us tomorrow.

We decided to scan the tv channels, several had elvish tv shows, very similar to what you’d expect back on Earth, some even showed Earth movies.

Victor had the remote and then I stopped him from flicking further through the channels as we came across Channel 5, Retasa, the lead anchor was on air.

“Why’d you stop me?” Victor asked

“I know her”

“You do?”

“Not really...but Yal and I bumped into her once, she’s this star journalist here or something like that” I retorted.

Retasa was wearing a white dress underneath her pastel green blazer, she was flanked by two other elves to her right.

“Welcome back to Channel 5 News, I’m Retasa Shasari, and I’m joined this evening by our human studies contributor, Jenar, and Deputy Minister for Communications, Vinor Roshar.” Retasa said as she introduced the elves joining her.

Jenar looked to be in his late twenties, had light brown hair and tanned skin and North African features, so I’m guessing he’s from Hegodeya tribe, the handsome elf was wearing a yellow shirt with white trimmings.

Vinor on the other hand, looked to be in his mid thirties, had dark wavy hair, and had mediterranean features, so like Yal, he must be Sokodeya.

Victor then looked at me and said “they actually have ‘human studies’?” My boyfriend laughed.

I shrugged in recognition, there was so much more about the realm I didn’t know.

“So Deputy Minister...” Retasa began, she was focused, and serious. “What’s with the secrecy behind the ceremony? Why is it that up until now, the public has yet to get a glimpse of the Prince?”

“Given the circumstances and recent turn of events, I believe that the prince is entitled to some privacy” Vinor answered.

“But, as you said yourself deputy minister, he is a prince, and he will be having his Ascension the day after tomorrow, the public has the right to know who this new prince is,” Retasa pushed further. “And Prince Christopher’s Ascension is on the Day of Unvak itself, that’s the first time ever that a Royal Ascension has taken place on that day.”

Retasa turned her attention to Jenar, “Jenar, do you think the Prince’s background as someone who grew up on Earth has something to do with this?”

Jenar spoke calmly yet with an academic tone, “We can only assume, but most likely yes” Jenar cleared his throat then continued “it’s also highly unusual for the Royal Ascension to take place at the Hall of Haldruin, all the Ascensions that have occurred since the creation of the realm have been in the Hall of Ethnar”

“Deputy Minister, is there any reason behind this? The preparations are complete, and arrangements have been made, and the population is excited for this event, you can basically feel the excitement in the streets despite the mystery behind this momentous occasion, can you at least give us any additional information about the Ascension?”

“I can’t comment on that.”

Retasa then set her gaze back on the camera, as if to hook the attention of anyone that was watching.

“Dear viewers, I myself received an invitation to the event a week ago, and I promise to have an in depth discussion and report about the Ascension and everything that I witnessed inside the hallowed sanctum that is the Hall of Haldruin”

Retasa then directed her attention back to the Deputy Minister.

“Deputy Minister, can you confirm that the Prince has arrived via the Ashtelon portal this afternoon? Sources say there were significant movements by the Royal Guard at the vicinity of the portal and that of Ashtelon Train Station.”

“The Royal Guard ...”

Retasa cut Vinor off, “It also appeared that Master Scholar Yalekin was sighted with a group of people boarding a train, is it possible that the Prince has brought with him an entourage back from Earth?”

“Damn...she’s good,” Victor commented. Yal was certainly right, Retasa is one to watch.

“What the Master Scholar does is something I am not privy to” Vinor replied.

Retasa brushed off the Deputy Minister’s answer and then asked another question to Jenar.

“Do you think that is highly likely, Jenar?”

“Given the background of the Prince, it is highly likely that he would bring close friends to his Ascension, growing up on Earth, the Prince has surely made significant strong relations with humans”

“If that is the case, humans in the realm, this would be the first time a non-Elf ever stepped foot here then?” Retasa mused.

“Yes...I believe it would be,” Jenar noted.

“Could this be a sign that the government is now willing to engage with the other races as well?”

“Well...Retasa we can only assume that is the case, although such a development would surely have had the approval of the King and the High Circle as well”

“Deputy Minister? Any comments?”

“What you both have discussed are based mainly on assumptions, let’s not get ahead of ourselves, I believe the King does not take the issue of border control lightly”

Victor then turned off the TV.

“What did you do that for?”

“I can sense your anxiety...it’s not helping you”

“But...she’s right you know.. and also...”

“Hush...don’t worry about it, do you really think your grandfather does not have this under control?”

“Of course he does”

“So quit worrying.”

“I was waiting for them to discuss more about the Ascension, Retasa did mention that the preparations and arrangements were already complete...maybe they’ll talk about the ceremony...”

“What did your uncle say to you?”

*groan “That the High Mage would be the one to discuss the Ascension with me”

“That’s settled then...don’t let the media bother you” Victor said as he pulled me closer towards his body.

Victor soothed my thoughts with soft kisses and with my mind at ease, I fell asleep as my lover softly stroked my forehead.

—-

We were awoken by a soft knock on our door. I pressed the button near the bedside table to unlock the door.

Etalos walked in and approached “Good morning...” the young elf paused, he went pink, and I think he gulped a few times.

“What’s the matter?”

Etalos set his gaze on my naked torso, Victor was half naked as well, the sheets were just below our waist.

“What is it?” Victor asked me, voice groggy, as he sat on the bad. As he did so, all his defined muscles flexed, and that was a sight to behold.

“Etalos has something to say” I explained.

Victor then noticed Etalos, and the elf remained silent.

“Etalos?” I asked, and that must have pulled him out of his reverie.

“Ohh...Breakfast is ready, and also...Mr. Meyer, your fitting will be in 90 minutes, and then the rehearsal will be after lunch”

“You can just call me Victor” My boyfriend said.

“Oh, of course, sir.” Etalos bowed.

“Anything else, Etalos?” I asked.

“After breakfast...you have an appointment with the High Mage at Taha Hall”

“The Royal Chapel? That’s the one above the Hall of Maktar right?”

“Yes...”

“Okay.”

Etalos left the room, slightly blushing.

“He was clearly perving on the both of us” Victor chuckled.

“Really?”

“I could sense and smell his arousal from where he was standing” Victor laughed as he got out of the bed and made his way to the bathroom to relieve himself.

—

We had breakfast in the dining room of my wing, and everyone seemed to be very excited for the day.

And just like that, Etalos and other elf servants escorted my group away for their fittings. I wouldn’t be seeing them until after the rehearsals.

I arrived at Taha Hall, the large structure still intimidated me, as I opened the door, I found a guy at the other end of the aisle, he was in a black robe with white accents.

“Hello?” I asked.

“Please, Your Highness...come” the man said, although far from me, I heard his voice clearly.

I approached the man, and he looked to be in his late fifties, with medium length, wavy dark hair with the occasional streak of grey, light brown eyes, fair skin, and a handsome face with a closely trimmed beard. He had a bulky frame, like a lumberjack, he stood at maybe 6’3.

“I am High Mage Zenfar, it is a pleasure to finally meet you”

The man slightly bowed.

“The pleasure is mine, High Mage”

“You can just call me, Zenfar”

“Then you can just call me Chris”

“If you wish.”

“Yes...I insist” I then paused. “Did we really have to meet here? This place is intimidating” I lightly laughed.

The High Mage gave me a light smile. “Based on what I’ve heard about you...I find it surprising that you’re still intimidated by anything”

“What do you mean?”

“Where do I even begin?” The older elf lightly laughed, I followed the man, as he started to walk towards the walls of the structure. He set his gaze on the large sculptures that adorned the walls.

“First hybrid elf ever, first to wield all four elements, a highly adept fighter, fast learner...” he then paused and looked at me with a sly grin “and someone who broke my record at the Hall of Maktar.”

“Ohh... hehe, I’m sorry about that.”

“And that’s all before you even ascended.”

“What’s with this Ascension, anyway?”

“You come of age, and your powers start to reveal themselves”

“Start?” I asked.

“Exactly...you’re just getting started, Your Highness, and you’ve already proven yourself again and again”

“So...any advice?” I asked.

“Follow the magic...let it guide you.”

“Huh?”

“Tomorrow...I will facilitate the ceremony...yes?”

“So I’ve heard,” I replied.

“I will only facilitate...but whatever happens during the ceremony...is all on you.”

“Huh? Sorry...I’m confused”

“Tomorrow... there will be a lot of magic, you will bind yourself to the welfare of the realm, promise yourself to your people, in exchange, the Gods will bless you...”

“Bless me?”

“With more power.”

“Are you serious?”

“I certainly am, I’ve facilitated Ascensions before...I’m 684 years old, I’ve been High Mage for more than 300 years now... “ Zenfar stopped in front of a sculpture of a young elf that had a crown on his head, the sculpture was highly detailed, almost life like, “This is King Ethnar... in the weeks after his Ascension...he more than tripled his powers”

“Wow.”

“He’s so powerful...he’s still alive today”

“I heard he was attending my Ascension”

“You are right, my child”

“He was exceptionally blessed by the gods...and I have a feeling you are as well...that’s why I insisted to your grandfather that the Hall of Haldruin was the best location for your Ascension”

“And why is that?”

“I had visions... “

“Visions?”

“Visions of the Hall...you belong in it, it yearns for your presence”

“You’re creeping me out” I whispered.

“It is what it is...” Zenfar paused again. “Tomorrow...whatever happens...and I assure you, you will be overwhelmed at some point...maybe be even confused...but what’s important is that you follow what the magic is telling you to do”

“Follow the magic, huh?”

“Yes...”

“How would I know what I should do?”

“Have there been times things just happened just because they did? A spell you cast or new ability that you can’t explain?”

“Yes...”

“That’s the magic speaking to you.”

“What if I make an embarrassment of myself”

“You won’t...trust me, I have a feeling tomorrow will be a day that no elf in this lifetime will ever forget” Zenfar smiled at me. “Come on... let’s practice your oath”

—-

Zenfar explained the ceremony to me, it was actually kind of straight forward. He will create a crystal out of pure magic, and the Mages for each element will bless it with their magic, infusing it with their powers, and at the end, I add my magic to it, and then I end up with my very own royal gem. This gem will complete my crown as prince of the realm.

The High Mage helped me be more in tune with my powers, he scanned me several times, and there were several moments of him being surprised, as to why he did not share.

I arrived back at the residential palace before the rest of my friends, and Etalos was with them as well.

I ended up having a late afternoon snack with Matra and Uncle Selvenus. Both did their best to comfort and distract me. I do have to admit that the delicious Taka Bread did help calm me down.

I had dinner with Patri, Matra, and my uncles. Etalos sent me a message saying that they were running late with the rehearsals as it took them a bit more time with the fittings.

Dinner with my family was subdued, it was clear that they were just as anxious as I was with the upcoming ceremony.

“So, how was your talk with Zenfar?” Patri asked.

“It was...uhm enlightening” I replied.

“I hope he answered some of your questions...”

“Yes he did...but there’s still so much more I don’t know”

“Chris...tomorrow is your special day, remember that, and own it” Uncle Rehanmir chimed in, he was giving me a reassuring smile. My younger uncle, right beside him, was nodding in agreement.

— 

After dinner, I found myself back in my bedroom, I was escorted back to my wing by another elf, who seemed to be just as nervous as I am, for different reasons I suppose.

Victor made it back a few hours after sunset. He looked a bit tired.

“You okay?” I asked.

“I’m fine... just a bit tired”

“I know you can’t go into detail...but how was it?” I asked.

“Uhm...” Victor visibly steeled himself, clearly thinking of his next words. “Uhm... it was fine... you’ll love it”

“Hmph...I don’t believe you...but come here anyway and give me a hug” I said as I wrapped my hands around my boyfriend. I stroked his back, and I smelled his hair.

“You’re starting to smell like an elf” I giggled.

“Really?” Victor said slightly amused. “Well...you guys smell amazing, I don’t mind the scent of elves”

“I hope you don’t...you have one as a boyfriend”

I checked on the rest of the crew at the dining hall, they were rowdy before I got in, but they all went silent the moment I stepped in.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

Silence.

“Oh. Nothing” Patrick answered. “Nothing at all”

Leo then blared out “Dude! You are so...” But before he finished his sentence, August’s hands were already wrapped around my best friend’s mouth who was now writhing and fidgeting all over, much to the amusement of everyone else.

Everybody then retired back to their rooms as it seemed the fittings and rehearsals took their toll on them.

Before exiting the room, Luca pulled me close, and hugged me. He whispered “Don’t worry...it’s perfect”

I pulled back from our hug, and I met his gaze. “Thank you...I needed that”

He patted my back and left the dining room.

Victor and I fell asleep almost immediately when we got back to the room. I had a well rested sleep, no dreams, but it was relaxing and I felt energized when I woke up.

As I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the piercing green eyes of my boyfriend. Victor smiled at me “Good morning.”

“Good morning” *yawn “you’re up early”

“Hmm...it’s not that early...it’s half past 8”

“What?!”

“Yes...” Victor kissed my forehead. “Okay... time to get up, I need to get to the dressing area by 9am and you at 9:30, come now...let’s shower!”

Etalos escorted Victor to the dressing area for my entourage, I wasn’t allowed to see what they were wearing. I was then whisked away to my own dressing room.

We all had breakfast delivered to our respective dressing rooms, and when I got to my dressing room, Fejor was already there with two young elves as his assistant, one male, one female, both dressed in brown robes with white accents.

“There he is!” The designer exclaimed.

“Ready for your big day?” He asked.

“No...”

“That’s nonsense” He smiled “come now... let’s get you fixed up... Detron, you fix his highness’ hair, Medala, makeup!”

Detron spent a significant amount of time combing my slightly long hair, he also applied various sprays and ointments. There was no mirror in front of me so I couldn’t see what was happening; while Detron was styling my hair, Medala was busy with her brushes and pens, she was clearly nervous with doing the ‘Prince’s’ make up, but she went into the zone the moment she picked up the first brush.

After half an hour of hair styling and make up, Detron and Medala were sent off by Fejor, so that he could dress me.

“Strip!” He said.

“What?”

“How am I supposed to dress you if you won’t take your shirt off?”

“Oh...right.”

I took my red and golden pajamas off, and I was now only wearing my boxer briefs.

“Everything” Fejor said.

“You gotta be kidding me”

“I’m serious, your highness...do I look like I’m joking?”

“Why do I need to change underwear?”

“That’s not part of the design, come now...take that horrible looking thing off”

I grumbled and slowly took off my dark boxer briefs.

Fejor gave me the once over, he seemed pleased with what he had seen. I mean I wasn’t large but it was more than average, and Victor has repeatedly told me before that I had a beautiful cock.

Fejor then handed me a black underwear, it was of a material that I wasn’t familiar with but it was soft, yet firm at the same time, almost like leather but not. The black briefs were snug, and fit me well.

Then he gave me a black thin shirt made of a very soft material. Then I wore an all black long sleeved shirt with buttons made of gold, and when I say, black, I mean the blackest black I've ever seen. Fejor tucked in the shirt in an equally black pair of pants that seemed to hug my skin. I was then given a black robe with gold accents at the collars and edges, it hung down until just below my knees, upon closer inspection, the accents were of elvish scripts, and they all seemed to be some sort of prayers or mantra of some sort. I wore black socks, and was given black leather boots. Fejor tied the laces and made sure everything was snug and fit perfectly. He then put a gold belt around my robe, it tightened everything around my waist.

Then the designer pulled out a five foot long white cape out of nowhere. He put it on me with gold clasps on my shoulders. The cape had gold accents on its edges, elvish mantras again, and a gold embroidered image of the sun and stars in the middle.

Then Fejor put his hands on my face, and then pinched both my ears.

“Hey! What was that for?”

“Earrings...”

“Huh?” I then felt my ears and lo and behold, I had small earrings.

Fejor smiled, and then said, “Almost done, Your Highness...” The elf pulled out a wooden box that was beautifully carved with gold and silver inlays. He opened it and inside it was a crown.

“If you would be so kind as to allow me to put this on you” he asked.

I then bowed my head, and Fejor carefully placed the solid silver crown on my head. It was mainly silver but had small designs of elvish scripts in gold on both its top and lower edges. There was an empty socket in front of the crown, that was for when the ceremony was over.

Fejor then pulled out a large mirror, and for the first time, I saw myself.

Damn, I looked menacing, the make up brought out the best of my features in very subtle ways, my light blonde hair was highlighted by my overall dark attire. The tight bun of my hair was held in place by a black ribbon. The cuts of the robe and its design gave it a military feel to it, while the cape added some sense of ostentation and power to top it all off.

“There...“ Fejor beamed with pride.

“Thank You, Fejor”

“My pleasure...” the elf said as he bowed.

I was then escorted to the limousine by two elf soldiers, both in all white military uniforms.

Everybody else had already left for the Hall of Haldruin, I was to enter the Hall alone.

I was driven by a handsome elf, he wore an all white attire as well. He kept looking at me through the rearview mirror.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

“Oh...sorry, Your Highness, nothing at all”

“So...why do you keep looking back at me?” I curiously asked. “Do I have anything on my face?”

“No no...sorry, Your Highness, it’s just that you’re even more handsome than what they say...”

“They?”

“Oh...sorry”

“Please go on...”

“The other servants...they talk about you”

“Really?”

“Yes...if I may be so bold to say that everybody, whether male or female, is smitten with you, sir”

I chuckled.

Our conversation was cut off when the limousine left the palace gates. And what I saw completely surprised me.

In the streets, tens of thousands of elves waving black and gold flags all dressed in white lined up, and kept on cheering, and screaming! The streets were lined by elf soldiers all in white uniforms each holding a long staff at least 7 or 8 feet tall that was tipped with either gold or white triangular flags, all of them bowed as the car slowly made its way through the streets of the capital.

Everyone, whether child or adult were also throwing petals into the air, from the street or from their balconies. And instead of the petals falling to the ground, a line of air elves that accompanied the soldiers, made sure that the petals danced in the air instead. The flower petals acted like a curtain made of the colors of the rainbow as it danced above the streets of the capital.

There could easily have been hundreds of thousands of elves lining the streets. The emotion, excitement, and festivity was palpable. I could hear the screams and cheers through the window.

What the hell happened to ‘low key!?’

I looked straight ahead, and my god, it looked like they were all lined up for kilometers to come.

“Wow...” I muttered.

My single car procession across the streets of the capital, lasted for more than half an hour.

There was never an empty spot on the sidewalks or on the balconies of the buildings.

Then, I turned my attention away from the people, and set my gaze straight ahead.

I asked the driver. “What’s that place?”

“Your highness?”

“You know...that, I pointed towards the large structure ahead of us”

The driver was confused. “Uhm, that’s the Hall of Haldruin your highness”

“I’m sorry what?”

“The Hall of Haldruin, sir”

You’ve got to be kidding me. That structure was not only not low key, but magnificent, large, and beautiful!

The Hall of Haldruin, towered above the rest of the city, it was designed like a gothic cathedral, very much like the Cologne Cathedral, but goodness gracious me, how had I missed this before, it was ridiculously large. The Hall of Haldruin was easily, at least four times the size of the Cologne Cathedral.

The Hall of Haldruin had two spires in front, the towers reached towards the sky, if my guess was correct, it would have been easily at least 1,500 feet in height, it’s flying buttresses and pointed arches were all feats of engineering and architecture in their own right. The roof must have been at least 1,000 feet high into the air, it had a white marble facade, and had large sculptures and statues adorning it. The grey roof perfectly fit the white exterior, that was embellished by long and intricately designed stained glass windows.

As we got closer to the Hall, every detail on it became clearer and clearer.

The car came to a stop more than a hundred feet from the entrance of the Hall of Haldruin, as the front of the Hall was a large plaza of white stone.

A long black carpet with gold accents was to serve as my path from the limousine to the large doors of the Hall.

The dark metal doors were ornately designed with gold accents, stood at least 200 feet tall, and were flanked by equally large white marble statues of elves that held a staff of their own.

The black carpet, which was wide enough for ten people to walk through it side by side, was flanked by elves in white uniforms that again had a staff tipped with either gold or black flags.

A few feet from the elf soldiers there were other elves, also all in white, that had taiko drums of various sizes in front of them, from just a few feet wide to the ones larger than that of a person.

The limousine came to a stop and the door of the car was perfectly aligned to that of the black carpet.

“Good luck, Your Highness,” my driver said to me.

“Thank you” I nodded, and as I opened the door of the limousine, everything and everyone went eerily quiet. No cheering, no screams, nothing.

The sun shone high in the clear moon sky above me, it was at least a 300 foot walk from the car to the doors of the Hall.

I got out of the car, and it immediately left. I took a moment to take in the sight in front of me, the Hall of Haldruin, clearly towered over me, and everyone underneath.

I took a deep breath, and with my first step, the Elven drummers started to beat their drums.

The beat was not what I expected it to be, it was aggressive, almost a war tune or battle cry. Every beat of the drop was in lock step with my movements, then I realized something, the elves were using their magic with their drums. I let my magic flow to them, and the beating and thumping only got louder and louder.

The drum beats echoed throughout what was the quiet sky of the Capital. It was all about me. The Capital went quiet for me, everyone stood still, this was my moment.

The thunderous beat of the drums, only strengthened my will to push forward with the task at hand.

I didn’t even notice it, but I then found myself in front of the large doors of the Hall. It towered above me. The High Mage said that I should use my powers to open the doors.

How on earth would I be able to open two hundred foot double doors with my power befuddled me.

And with a slight nudge from my magic, the doors flew open, the power I exerted, unmistakable.

I took in the sight in front of me. Inside were thousands if not tens of thousands of elves in attendance, all in white robes. The nave of the hall was easily at least 700 feet high, the floor sloped downward, and all supporting columns were on the walls, thus giving everyone a clear line of sight to me. The walls of the interior Hall were just as white as those of the outside.

The thin columns flew into great heights where they fanned into ribbed arches atop the nave.

Stained glass windows each hundreds of feet in height and dozens of feet in width, immaculately lit the interior with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Straight ahead, was an aisle at least 600 feet long, it sloped downwards towards an altar that was at least thirty feet below me.

Atop the altar was a large marble statue of an elf, the statue was at least three hundred feet tall and beside it and above it were beautiful stained glass windows as well.

The Elf statue held a marble sword, directed towards the ground, right on its tip, stood five figures in dark robes.

I didn’t realize it, but the beat of the drums had stopped. Everyone stared at me, and it was silent all over again.

I took a step forward, and then the drum beats began again. However this time, the tone became even more menacing, as the drums were joined by various Elven horned instruments and the deep chants of Elven warriors.

It was a call to action. A call to war. I let my magic flow throughout the large hall, and the sound became thunderous, I was certain that this was heard all over the capital, my magic made sure of it.

I could feel the walls of the Hall vibrate as the clear skies above managed to roar in crackling thunder.

The beat, the chant, the horns, only emboldened me, it begged for my domination and I gave in and fed it my power.

Waves of warm and heavy air pulsed from my body. They felt it, I made sure of it, they felt my strength.

All bystanders, left in awe.

I made it to the altar. Where the High Mage and the four Elemental Mages were waiting for me.

He nodded towards me, in recognition.

I got to the middle of the altar and turned around and faced the attendees.

In the front row were my friends and family.

My entourage from Earth were to my right, they wore blue robes with white accents, to my left were the members of the royal family, with a significant number of unfamiliar faces, I’ll have to make sure Patri introduces me to them. The royal family wore red robes with white accents.

The chanting and the drums had stopped and the High Mage’s voice boomed throughout the large Hall.

“Dear Elven brothers and sisters, today, we witness the Ascension of His Highness, Prince Christopher Stewart Rogers beyn Haldruin, let us all sing the Elven Song of the Sun”

And in stark contrast to my entrance, the air was then filled with the sound of a harp and of a flute. The tens of thousands of elves in attendance started to sing, the beautiful melody made me think I was in the middle of a garden meadow. Petals of white and pink, started raining down from the ceiling, I felt it, this was part of the magic.

The song lasted for several minutes.

Then the High Mage spoke again, “today, we mark the Ascension of the first ever Prince to Ascend as a Platinum”

There were gasps and whispers in the audience.

“Let us support His Highness by pledging our loyalty and fealty to him and to the realm”

The Hall broke out into a beautiful melodious song again, and this time I could feel that everyone in attendance was using their magic, out of instinct I reached out with my magic, and the air in the Hall felt lighter, and the scent of lavender and roses even stronger.

After the song, the High Mage flanked, by the other mages, approached me.

“Let us begin the ceremony of Ascension”

The High Mage was now several feet in front of me, I could feel his power as he started creating the base crystal of the royal stone of my crown. Streaks of bright white and gold light engulfed the High Mage as he started with his incantation, pulses of energy vibrated from him as he pushed his magic towards the crafting of my base gem.

 

My skin tingled, damn, he was powerful.

Within seconds a small transparent gem a few inches across was floating in front of me.

The Earth Mage approached me, his dark robe was accented with green.

“Do you, Prince Christopher, accept the blessing of the Season of Spring and strength of the Earth, in exchange for your undying loyalty to the realm?”

“I do”

And with that, the Earth Mage added his power to the crystal. The crystal was now shining green.

The Fire Mage approached me, his dark robe was accented with red.

“Do you, Prince Christopher, accept the blessing of the Season of Summer and the warmth of the flames, in exchange for your unconditional love of your people?”

“I do”

The Fire Mage cast his magic and the gem was now shimmering red.

The Air Mage approached me, her dark robe was accented with yellow.

“Do you, Prince Christopher, accept the blessing of the Season of Autumn and air’s breath of life, in exchange for your unwavering devotion to the realm?”

“I do”

And with that, the gem sparkled yellow.

The Water Mage approached, his dark robe accented with blue.

“Do you, Prince Christopher, accept the blessing of the Season of Winter and the nourishment of Water, in exchange for your unquestioning service to your people?”

“I do”

And with that the gem went bright blue.

The mages stepped a few feet back, and then the High Mage spoke.

“I bind Prince Christopher to his people, may the gods and the elements be our witness.”

Then the gem shined in the four colors of the elements. The large Hall was bathed in green, red, yellow, and blue.

“It is time for the pledge of allegiance.” The High Mage spoke.

I then stepped a few feet closer to the floating gemstone. As I let my magic weave it’s way into it, I spoke “I, Prince Christopher of the House of Haldruin, Grandson of His Majesty King ZoHal, and descendant of King Haldruin himself, bind myself to all elves for eternity.”

The gem shone bright white and it started to release waves of magic, pulses of white and gold magic flowed from it.

This was supposed to be the time where I approached the gem, claimed it, and put it on the socket of my crown.

As I took a few steps closer to it, the power within was obvious.

My tattoos started to tingle, and my body grew warm. I felt an immense amount of energy surge into my body.

Streaks and veins of bright white and gold light appeared on my skin, much to the amazement, shock, and horror of everyone.

The ceremony was now coming to an end, however, I had this nagging feeling that it was incomplete. I felt I had to do something else, an unspoken expectation from the powers above, I looked deep within me, there was something I had to do, something that hasn’t been done in Ascensions of the past.

I followed the magic and let it consume me. I knew the ceremony wasn’t complete yet.

I stopped a foot away from the gem, and then spoke. My voice was deep, thunderous, ancient even as it echoed through the Hall of Haldruin.

“With the Blessing of the House of Maktar, King Maktar, and his descendants, I bind myself to my people!”

I felt another surge of energy consume me.

“With the Wisdom of the House of Tarud, King Tarud, and his descendants, I bind myself to my people!”

The walls of the Hall started to vibrate. The skies above roared in thunder.

“With the Guidance of the House of Eyaha, Queen Eyaha, and her descendants, I bind myself to my people!”

The next surge of power almost drove me mad, so much power. It was like having a Kumhakta but a hundred times worse.

“With the Strength of the House of Haldruin, King Haldruin, and his descendants, I bind myself to my people!”

The magic consumed me, to say it was intense is a huge understatement.

I didn’t even reach for the gem, it floated itself towards my crown, and locked itself within.

Then I realized something was off. Aside from the awestruck faces of the rest of the countless elves in the audience, I realized that not only was I shining, but floating several feet from the altar as well.

Slowly, but surely, I made my way back to solid ground. I felt light as a feather, I barely heard my feet as I stepped back on solid ground.

I exchanged looks with the High Mage, and he was clearly dumbstruck as to what happened.

I looked around and everyone was silent and amazed.

The power was still welling within me, it was as if I was going to have a Kumhakta at any moment. I could feel the power claw underneath my skin.

Then in the silence, I hear the faint but distinct sound of rustling metal.

‘Chains’ I thought.

Then the sound only got louder and louder, then I saw chains of bright gold and silver, made of pure magic, flying towards me.

“Argh!” I scream in pain, as the chains wrapped themselves around me.

The High Mage tried to intervene but he was repelled by a bright white shield around me.

I could see Patri and the other royals try to move towards me but they were all rebuffed.

I screamed and screamed, my voice strained and echoed throughout the great hall, everyone stood witness in shock, no one could come close to me, the magic made sure of it.

I was wrapped in chains made of pure magic, the purest I’ve ever come across. It burned, oh god did it burn.

It’s grip on me only seemed to get tighter by the second, but then instead of fighting it, I decided to accept it, then
then chains then slowly melted into me.

I was breathless, the excruciating pain now gone, and also...wait...the threat of a Kumhakta now gone.

I felt the power, all of it still inside me, but it wasn’t threatening to burst out of me anymore. I felt different. I felt in control.

The High Mage and I exchanged looks and he knew I was okay.

“Let us welcome, our newly ascended prince, Prince Christopher of the House of Haldruin!”

Everyone knelt at the same time and bowed their heads to the ground.

I made my exit through the aisle, while everyone remained in their bowing position.

I was about to reach the threshold of the door, but I turned back and looked at the colossal statue at the back of the Hall. Somehow, I knew that statue was of King Haldruin. I decided to kneel and I intended to whisper but my voice was loud and heard throughout the hall.

“I intend to be the light of hope in times of darkness.”

Silence.

And with that everyone stood, and I got up from my position as well, and I could see the gem on the crown of the large statue .... beaming white light on me.