Into the fields of Summer - 84. Welcome to the Realm

 

Victor and I spent most of the afternoon together in our room, we watched a movie or two and then when we got bored we went to the nearby town to check out the holiday market. We even visited Rick’s stall again in the market and bought several items from him, he’s such a jolly guy and it was great seeing him again.

We made it back just before dinner, with the rest of the crew that went out earlier during the day making it back in time as well.

The excitement in the air was palpable, everyone was looking forward to going to the realm, and I was starting to see why, they’d be going to a place where elves live, and not just live, but thrive! It wasn’t long ago that they thought the elves have died out and here they are, just about to get a peek at the world of the elves.

“I’m so excited to see Hashana again” Lucy commented.

“And who is this Hashana?” Luca asked.

“Oh, sire...she’s one of the elves that visited us at Victor’s place last Thanksgiving, her brother Yal beat our sire’s sorry ass that day” Lucy smiled at Victor.

Luca gave my boyfriend one of those looks as if saying ‘is this true?’ and asked with “This Yal...he beat you?”

“Yes sire...he’s a very powerful elf”

“Really?”

“Yes...fast, strong, and skilled with Water Magic”

“I have to meet him then” Luca smiled.

“Me too!” August chimed in. “I haven’t seen someone beat you aside from me in ages!”

“Hey now...I’ve beaten you before as well” Victor defended himself.

“When I hold back” August snorted, earning a bunch of laughter across the table.

After dinner, I found myself in the library and Stefano and Hashim stepped in. “Chris, can we talk to you?” Stefano said.

“Sure, what is it?”

“Are you sure you want us to be there?” Stefano asked.

“Of course...why wouldn’t I?”

“Because, you know, you just met us, and we get that this is something significant in your life, and you know...” Hashim added.

“Oh guys...you both are family!”

“We haven’t been really the warmest and friendliest hosts you know” Hashim spoke as if embarrassed, as if he felt that he was not worthy of seeing the realm and attending my attention.

“I understand where you’re coming from, we just met...I get that...but if I were in your position, you know...meeting someone new from a place far away and who happens to be half elf or something, I’d be stand offish too...it’s just the way it is...but guys, you both are part of Luca’s family...and Luca has pretty much made it clear that we all are family! So...get your heads out of your asses and just enjoy the realm and the Ascension ceremony”

Stefano and Hashim then smiled, exchanged looks, and then pulled me in for a group hug.

“So no more talk about this nonsense okay? You both are going!

“Okay...thank you Chris” Stefano replied and then both left the room.

A few minutes later, Victor entered the library and hugged me from behind. “Thank you...” he whispered.

“For what?”

“Those two needed to hear it from you”

“You were eavesdropping?” I giggled a bit as Victor licked my left ear.

“I wasn’t...I just happened to pass by...and heard you guys”

“That's eavesdropping”

“Anyways... just give them time, we’ll just have to make them feel that they are indeed part of this family, I think they continue to question their position in this household since they weren't sired by Luca...we just need to show them that that’s never going to be an issue”

“Yeah...you’re right” I whispered back.

“So are you ready for tomorrow?” Victor asked me as he continued to hug me from behind.

“Of course, I am, and you? Ready to meet my family?”

“You just had to remind me didn’t you...” Victor gave a nervous laugh.

“It’s going to be alright...they’ll love you...I bet my uncles would be all over you”

“All over me in a good way?” Victor sexily replied

“Uhm...maybe”

“Naughty”

“You’re naughty”

“Am I?”

“Yes...”

—-

That evening, Victor and I had amazing sex, it was mind blowing!

I had to calm down a bit and get myself back in a level headed state as I, again, was all loopey, after 3 servings of vampire cum.

Just before midnight, I left Victor asleep in our bed and I made my way back to the realm.

I found myself in one of the living spaces in the residential palace. No startled elf this time, phew.

I then walked through the corridors, I noticed that there were more guards and servants walking around. All of them slightly bowed their heads as they came across me.

I entered Patri’s study, and found my grandfather on his chair, talking to someone on his phone. He waved his hand to signal me to come in and take a seat as he continued his conversation on the phone.

“Sorry about that” Patri said as his phone call ended.

“No no...it's my fault for disturbing you”

“Not really...I was just in a conference call with the Minister of Communications and the heads of several news organizations”

I did not like the sound of this.

“And...?” I asked.

“We were just making sure the media will keep themselves away from the ceremony...that’s all”

I breathed a sigh of relief, but for a second I thought I saw a mischievous smile creep onto Patri’s face.

“So are you ready for tomorrow?” Patri asked.

“All is set...Luca has spoken to Reza and he’s glad you’re willing to speak to him”

“Good good...I’ll arrange the formal meeting with him after your Ascension”

“Any news regarding the Anami or Setalus incident?” I asked.

“The mages are working on it, we’ve done a thorough audit of the barrier and there haven’t been any noticeable disturbances...so we’re nearly 100% sure that we haven’t yet been physically breached by the demons”

“Breached? You guys are seriously considering that?”

“Of course...we can never be too sure...however the High Mage has said to me that some demons have very powerful magic and that maybe the incident in Setalus was caused by demonic energy leaking through the barrier...causing the elves in Setalus to lose their minds and have visions”

“Is there any way to strengthen the barrier?” I curiously asked.

“Yes...of course...it will take a lot of energy...but it can be done...members of the High Circle will be attending your Ascension...after the ceremony...we can do the necessary steps to strengthen the barrier”

“Oh I see... “ I said nervously.

“I sense that you’re nervous”

“I’m just really not comfortable with all this ceremony and ritual”

“Chris... it’s your coming of age ceremony... every royal elf goes through one, and the High Mage feels strongly that you should have one”

“Really? He said that?”

“Yes...when he heard you broke his record in the Hall of Maktar... he called me and insisted we hold your Ascension on the same day as that of Unvak”

“Really?”

“Yes... he said something about some sort of magical alignment...he assured me, that you need this Ascension just as much as the realm does”

“Fine... “ I grumbled. “As long we don’t make a big deal out of it”

It took Patri a second or two to reply and answered “of course... “

Patri then called for Etalos to have me escorted to the fitting room. Apparently the royal designer was already in the palace for my measurements.

I left Patri in his study as he took another call, maybe from another Minister, and I was greeted by Etalos who was waiting for me just outside the room.

“Ready for your measurements?”

*sigh* “Let’s get this over with.

“Chris... it’s not that bad... and I’m sure you’re gonna love what Fejor will design for you, he’s the greatest designer of the age”

“Sure sure... whatever”

“So... I heard you and your entourage will be arriving via the London portal tomorrow?”

“Yes...” I paused. “Have you been to London?”

“Yes...once...I had my first excursion there a few years ago”

“Hmm... that’s good to hear, it’s still hard to believe that you guys have these excursions and such”

“Hey now... the excursions are essential... if we don’t have them... we’ll lose touch with that of Earth”

“Ahh... fair enough”

A few minutes later Etalos brought me to a spare bedroom and was greeted by Fejor, a handsome blonde elf.

Fejor was very excited to design my attire for the Ascension. He said this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him, as Ascensions were very rare occurrences, especially with how small the royal family is.

I tried to ask Fejor about more details about the Ascension, but like everyone else, he was very tight lipped about it.

At one point, Fejor had me channel some of my energy to him so that he can ‘read’ it as it helps in his creative process. The young elf had to gasp and catch his breath when I gave him a taste of my power.

“Wow... “ he exclaimed.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

“No no...just intense.” Fejor explained

“Is that a good thing?”

He gave me a mischievous smile and gleefully exclaimed “it’s great!”

After my measurements, Etalos and I ended up in one of the study rooms in the palace. “Fejor was weird...but hot” I commented.

“Yeah...those blue eyes...and that gorgeous face” Etalos whispered back.

“I agree...he’s insanely hot” I added. “Anyway... are you sure you can’t tell me anything else about the Ascension...the suspense is killing me” I remarked.

“I really can’t, sorry, King’s orders, but from what my parents have told me...they would never forget the day a royal ascends... they said your mom’s was memorable...”

“Really?” I got misty eyed thinking that the most recent ascension was my mom’s. Experiencing this will be something we have in common... I just wish she was here to see me go through it despite my reservations about the process.

“Are you okay?” Etalos asked.

“Yeah yeah...I’m fine...just remembered mom”

“Oh...I’m sorry”

“Don’t be.”

“If it helps...your mother is fondly remembered by all the older elves...she was of pure heart and joy they say...and her spirit of adventure was infectious”

“Hmm...I just hope she was here to see me”

“I’m sure she would be proud of what you’ve become Chris... “ Etalos said.

—-

I got back to the estate just before sunrise and snuggled back with my sleeping boyfriend.

“Had a good trip to the realm?” He whispered. Victor was now awake as I hugged him from behind, pulling myself close to him so that my head was resting on the crook of his neck.

“Yep...all is set for our arrival”

“Hmm...I’m curious to see how the elves have done for themselves these past two centuries”

“You will be surprised”

Breakfast went by like a blur as people were either chatting about going to the realm or doing last minute packing despite my assurances that all their clothing would be arranged.

Reza arrived at the estate just before lunch, he was accompanied by a handsome man, who he introduced as Konrad.

Konrad looked to be in his mid twenties, light brown eyes, wavy dark blonde hair, and had a slight tan in his complexion. The guy stood around 6’1 and was very sexy.

“This is Konrad Müller Hatami, my husband” Reza said as he proudly introduced his handsome husband to the rest of us.

The introduction of Konrad as his husband came as a surprise to most of us as we mostly assumed he was single, but from the looks of it, it seemed that Luca and August knew of Konrad with the way they greeted each other.

“And what of your guards?” I asked, noticing that their black SUV has already left the compound.

“I think Konrad and I can handle ourselves” Reza stated.

“Konrad is hot” I said to Victor as Reza and Konrad were busy catching up with Luca and August.

“Indeed he is...”

“I didn’t know Reza had a husband” I commented.

“Oh...Reza is a private guy...but his inner circle knows, and they’re actually quite the power couple”

“How come?”

“I just learned from Luca that Konrad is the General of Stratos...he’s not just his husband...he is the guard”

“Shit...are you telling me that gorgeous hunk is one hell of a killing machine?”

“Yes... I am, don’t be fooled Luca told me that the Head of Stratos is a 300 year old vampire, so... yeah, Konrad is old and hot...and powerful”

“Wow...”

Just before lunch was served, I caught myself in a conversation with Reza, Konrad, and Dad.

“I’m glad your grandfather agreed to my request Chris... this means a lot to both our races...“ Reza said.

“He did say this was something they expected to happen sooner or later”

“Thank you Chris... for extending your invitation” Konrad warmly said to me.

“Don’t mention it”

“Oh...I may not be as old as Reza...but from what I’ve heard...an Elven Ascension is a very special occasion, I’m just happy I get to witness one”

“What do you know of Ascensions?” I asked Reza.

“Ohh...I’m assuming they’ve kept you in the dark? I mean why ask a vampire if you could have asked another elf?” he snickered.

*tsk “yeah... they’ve been secretive about it”

“Then...it’s not my secret to tell then” Reza gave me a teasing smile.

“I’m just jealous that this one over here, will now have gotten to attend a coronation and an ascension” Konrad nudged his husband.

“Can’t have them all love” Reza smiled back at Konrad.

To be honest, seeing this side of Reza was quite unexpected, he seemed warm, and approachable, and Konrad seemed to be a decent guy as well, a little bit more guarded than the rest but that was to be expected.

Konrad was then whisked away by dad and Patrick as they discovered their shared interest of this some rock band I have never heard of.

I was left alone with Reza.

“So, I guess it came a surprise to learn that I have a husband, eh?” Reza said.

“Yeah...I mean...”

“Haha... understand, mean old Reza, how can he have a love life” Reza mocked himself.

I giggled a bit “well...when you put it that way.”

“Konrad and I go a long way back, and the High Council of course knows about us, especially with me being the most senior Councilor and Konrad being the newly appointed Head of Stratos”

“You both are such a power couple then” I commented.

“And Victor and you aren’t?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Chris... Victor is a District Governor, he may be younger than me, but he’s strong and influential, and between you and me I’m very confident he won’t be just a Governor in the near future” Reza winked at me.

“Yeah...he’s been very nervous about the election process”

“He shouldn’t be, I for one am sure he has what it takes to be a Councilor”

“That’s what I told him” I answered.

“And you...” Reza cut my train of thought.

“What of me?”

“You’re an Elven Prince"

"I think that qualifies you both as a power couple, don’t you think?”

I let out a nervous laugh “I’m not sure about that”

“Chris...” Reza was serious now. He looked me straight in the eye and said “I’m more than half a millennia old Chris... I know when I see power, and I see it in the flesh right in front of me”

“Come on now Reza... you can’t be serious”

“I’ve fought countless Vampires, Werewolves and even Elves in the past...no one...and I mean no one comes close to how I feel around you”

“And what do you feel around me?”

“An endless pool of energy...so powerful it scares me”

“You can’t be serious”

“From what I’ve heard...it is during a royal elf’s ascension that his or her power starts to fully manifest...your family is wise to have kept the details a secret from you, because I’m sure...they sense your power just as much as I do, I’m sure Luca does as well...when you get to my age or become someone powerful enough...you’ll learn when you’re outmatched...and being with you... in this room, I for one am sure I am no match for you”

“That’s impossible”

“It’s not only your scent that drew me towards you that night of the party...it was your presence... I thought we were being threatened...under attack even... how surprised was I was when I realized all that power was in the body of a teenager... and on top of that, someone who is seemingly clueless as to how powerful he truly is”

This can’t be real. Reza is surely just trying to boost my ego.

“You did not slay an Anami by sheer luck Chris... you have it in you” and with that Reza left me alone in my thoughts.

—-

During lunch, the excitement and tension was again palpable. Everyone was looking forward to going to the realm, and we were now all complete.

Reza, Luca, and August made last minute calls to to ensure things would be handled smoothly in their absence.

August told me that Cage, Fred, and the twins, Arthur and Arnold, were sending their regards. God I’ve missed that bunch as well.

We then all left the estate in black bentley sedans towards the address that Patri gave me.

I was in the first sedan with a driver agent, Victor, and Dad. I needed to be in the first car as I was the only one amongst us that had clearance to enter the facility.

It took us more than hour to get to an industrial area in the eastern edges of London. It was a warehouse and logistics district. Certainly not the kind of place I had in mind when I thought of a portal to the realm.

Our convoy of cars came to a stop when we arrived at a gated warehouse. Two twenty something guys approached the car, and I immediately recognized their energy signatures as elvish.

I drew the windows down and one of the elves approached my side.

He was a good looking auburn haired chap. He gave me a low bow and said “We’ve been expecting you, Prince Christopher” He pulled out a tablet and I put my hand on top of it, and the glass screen lit green.

Victor and Dad exchanged looks and I just commented “security protocols”

The gates were opened and our cars made a beeline into the industrial estate. We could see several containers and cargo trucks, and even forklifts parked throughout the estate, there were even some container boxes stacked on top of each other.

“What is this place?” Dad asked.

“I think this is one of their export-import hubs?” I mused, remembering that the realm was secretly exporting and importing materials between worlds.

We came to a stop in front of a large warehouse, and I immediately spotted Hashana and Master Sarad in their elvish robes. Hashana was in a red and white robe, and Master Sarad in a black and white one.

We got off the car, and Hashana greeted us. “Welcome to the London portal, Prince Chris”

“It’s good to see you again, Hashana” I said as I pulled her into a hug after she gave a slight bow towards me. “I missed you”

“Good to see you again, Chris” she smiled.

The rest of the group were already off their cars and were making their way towards us.

I introduced everyone that Hashana hadn’t met yet, and I also introduced Master Sarad. Dad and Victor profusely thanked the Master Healer when I told everyone it was Sarad that healed me after the Anami injured me.

We were all escorted to some sort of modern waiting room by Hashana, Sarad, and three other elvish guards that seemed to be very nervous. I noticed that the elvish guards, like the ones at the gate, were wearing pendants that, if I assumed correctly, were the protective pendants elves had to wear if they had to stay in Earth long term to protect against corruption.

Sarad explained that he would be conducting a thorough scan of everyone to ensure that no Demon or Anami presence had latched itself onto any of us.

While Sarad was conducting the scan of each and every one of us, including myself, Hashana was busy catching up with Victor’s progeny, she has really taken a liking to them when she visited us last Thanksgiving.

“To be honest, I did not expect the portal to be like this” Luca commented.

“Same here” Reza added.

“I expected a cave of some sort..." Henry chimed in with a snort, causing the room to burst into laughter.

“I can’t believe they’ve been here all along” Konrad noted. “Just under everyone’s noses”

“We take pride in keeping our operations in the human world a secret” Hashana proudly stated.

“I was expecting some sort of medieval operation” Victor added to the conversation.

I had to laugh a bit, knowing that they were really in for a surprise in the realm. “Oh my...you guys are in for a surprise indeed” I said.

“Where’s Yal?” I asked Hashana.

“Oh, brother is on the other side, he’s arranging the logistics of your arrival”

“Can’t believe Patri is having a minister arrange this stuff for me”

“He’s a minister?!” Leo exclaimed.

“Yeah...surprised me as well when I found out” I replied.

“No wonder he beat my sorry ass” Victor added.

“This Yal...guy...he beat you?” Konrad curiously asked.

“Yes...we were sparring, it was when we just discovered Chris’ heritage, caught me totally by surprise”

August gave out a low whistle. “This guy I have to meet” he grinned.

“Careful what you wish for” Leo warned his boyfriend. “I was there and Yal is a monster!”

Mark and Troy exchanged curious looks, clearly wondering how their master got beaten by this elf everyone was talking about.

The scanning process took a little bit over half an hour and then Sarad gave us all the all clear.

We were all then accompanied through a corridor and then through a door that opened into a large empty warehouse.

In the middle of the warehouse we saw three concentric circles marked by dark stones buried in the concrete, the smallest one was just maybe one meter across, the second, slightly larger at six meters, and then the third, was substantially larger at twelve meters. On outer edge of the largest circle, we could see two stone pillars that were approximately at least 20 feet in height and more than 5 feet thick.

“Welcome to the portal” Hashana said.

“This is the portal?” Henry said.

“Yes”

“What are those Circles?” Victor curiously asked.

“Oh... we only activate the portal based on the size of what will pass through, the smallest one is activated when we have people pass through, we activate the largest one when we’re dealing with containers”

Hashana explained.

“But since we’re a large group, I think it’d be more convenient if we activated the largest circle, so we can all go through as a group” Sarad commented.

“That’s right” Hashana agreed.

“However...it would take more than six silver level elves to activate the largest circle...” Hashana added.

“I’m sure the prince can handle it” Sarad smiled at me.

I grunted in agreement, knowing fully that I could handle it indeed, much to the amusement of the rest of the group and the surprise of the three elf agents that were accompanying us. My mind started to get distracted and I caught one of the elves thinking “Oh my...he’s really as strong as they say he is” 'wait what... people are talking about me?' I thought.

We all gathered in the circle, we were all comfortably spaced together as the largest circle was more than enough to handle our crowd.

Sarad laughed. “I think this is the largest batch of people to ever go through the portal at once”

“How do I do this?” I asked.

“Just reach out to the pillars...feed them your power...and then the portal will open” Sarad explained.

“I have to say that maybe some of you will feel light headed after going through the portal... don’t worry it’s normal...feeling warm and tingly during the process is normal as well” Hashana explained.

People nodded, signifying they heard Hashana’s warning.

“Okay... everybody set?” Sarad asked. Which was met by a mix of excited and anxious looks on the faces of the people in our group.

“Ready whenever you are, your highness...” Hashana said.

I reached out to the two stone pillars, and the energy flow was very natural... and just like that, we were enveloped by a bright white light and not more than a second later we found ourselves in a very similar looking warehouse, the only thing that told me that we successfully crossed the realm was that I could see Yal and Etalos a few feet away from us. Both were flanked by several elves in pastel green military uniforms, who were all clearly anxious.

Yal looked good in his blue overcoat and Etalos looked cute in his pastel gray shirt and brown pants.

“Ahh...finally!” Yal exclaimed.

I looked around, and it seemed everyone in our group was okay, Mark and Troy seemed a little bit disoriented but Lucy and Erica were both immediately helping both guys steady themselves.

“Your highness” Etalos bowed as he approached me.

“Oh come on now Etalos...none of that!” I said, as I pulled him in for a hug and gave him a smacker of a kiss on the cheeks. The cute elf went pink!

I introduced Yal to those that haden’t met him, and August, Luca, Reza, and Konrad were immediately onto him, asking how he beat Victor.

I also introduced Etalos as my assistant, and Erica and Lucy were both all over how cute his is.

“That’s your assistant?” Victor whispered to me as he pulled me close to him.

“Yes...I’ve mentioned him to you right?”

“Yeah...but there’s something about the way he looks at you that I’m not comfortable with”

“What are you talking about?”

“He has a huge crush on you, that’s certain”

“Can’t be.”

“I noticed you’re very touchy with him.”

“Are you jealous?”

“Maybe” Victor muttered.

“Finally!” Leo exclaimed in excitement.

“Leo...this is my assistant here, Etalos” I said introducing them both.

“Aren’t you a cute fella” Leo said as he pulled the shy elf for a hug.

“Okay...come on...we have to take everyone’s biometrics” Yal said, interrupting everyone’s chatter. He also instructed two elves to give Mark and Troy some tea for portal sickness.

“Biometrics?” Raymond asked.

“Ohh...here in the realm, we have a record of everyone...from physical to magical attributes...if you don’t have a record... the moment you step foot outside this building... the scanners will notice and the police will be onto you in minutes”

“Well...thats rather creepy” Dad said.

“Just for security purposes...and also... with your biometrics...you can pay in the shops via a finger print scan” Yal explained then he added “everyone here will be credited 100,000 crowns in their accounts for some shopping during your free time”

“And that’s worth how much Yal?” Victor asked.

“Roughly 10,000 dollars”

“What?!” Lucy screamed in excitement. “I am so having a shopping spree!”

We were all then escorted to a waiting room, just like the one in London.

Several elves worked their magic on us as they changed our outfits, the looks of our ears, which made Lucy and Leo squeal with excitement, and attuned the group's minds to the elven language. The clothes "given" to me were a red shirt with matching red pants with matching golden accented flowers and leaves befitting my status as a prince, Erica and Lucy looked great in their Pastel green dresses and the guys had either pastel blue, orange, or red shirts, all accented with silver decorations of flowers and leaves on the edges.

One by one everyone was scanned, and everybody in my entourage was given a level 6 security clearance.

After the scans were over, Yal gave out a low whistle at how powerful the people in my group was. What shocked him the most was that both Reza and August were low level platinums, another shocking discovery was that both Leo and dad registered as copper despite being human.

Yal noted that it could be the effect of the pendant I’d given them.

I looked at the tablet held by Yal, and saw the ratings of the entire group.

Reza Hatami: Platinum-

August Smith: Platinum-

Konrad Müller Hatami: Gold+

Luca Tremonti: Gold+

Victor Meyer: Gold

Patrick: Silver+

Lucy: Silver

Henry: Silver

Stefano: Silver

Hashim: Silver

Raymond: Silver-

Erica: Silver-

Leo Nicholson: Copper+

Roger Williams: Copper

Mark: <Copper

Troy: <Copper

Leo was ecstatic to learn that he registered as a Copper. Yal promised to make arrangements for him and dad, saying that maybe the mages could teach them some low level magic since it seems like they’ve both absorbed some magic.

Reza and Luca were both surprised that the elves had such a system and ability to rank abilities and strength.

“Certainly not the elves of the olden days, huh?” Luca said to Reza.

“Seems like they’ve done better than we could have ever expected” the older vampire mused.

“Did you see the scanners they used?” Konrad chimed in.

“Yes...they’ve married magic and technology together, wow” Luca replied.

“Okay...since the scan is over, here are your phones” Elf servants handed everyone, including me, a modified version of the iPhone 8.

“Your earth phones won’t work here, and also, the apps you’d be needing have already been pre installed as well” Hashana explained.

We were all then escorted towards the elevators to the basement parking.

When we got to the parking level, there were confused looks exchanged as I think the group did not expect there to be cars in the realm.

“What? Don’t tell me you guys expected horse drawn carriages?” Yal laughed.

The cars were all modified versions of the BMW G30, all hydrogen fuel cell powered.

Yal was driving the first car, which dad, Victor, and I took.

All the black executive sedans made a beeline for the exit and in seconds we were out on the streets. It was early morning in the realm now, so the streets and buildings were in full view for everyone to see.

The 4 lane boulevard had several cars, but far from traffic jammed, while the wide sidewalks had a lot of elves, that all seemed to be in a festive mood. Looking back from where we came from, I saw that we pulled out of a large stone building, that must have been at least 7 stories high. Dad and Victor took in the sights of the elves on the streets , all wearing their pastel clothes, the streets had lamp posts that served as staffs for the large sculptures of elves of the olden days, the buildings in this area were mainly made of yellowish sandstone bricks and had red tiled roofs, most buildings were either three to four stories in height, it had an old world vibe to it, but your senses would smack you wrong as you noticed electricity from the various shop windows and the cars around us.

The flower hedges and the trees that had lavender and pink colors clearly caught dad and Victor’s attention.

I then noticed something different, there were gold and black flags on the tall lamp posts. There were also flower petals of various colors on the streets, I could also see several children carrying baskets containing flower petals and the children were playing with each other, throwing handfuls of petals to themselves and to the passing crowd, the older elves seemed to enjoy having the children throw petals all over.

“Wow” Dad whispered to himself.

“No words” Victor added.

“Welcome to Ashtelon” Yal said.

“Ashtelon?” I asked.

“Remember that the portals are all 200 kilometers from the capital?”

“Ah. Right”

“Yal...”

“Yes, Chris?”

“What’s with the Gold and Black flags and the children throwing petals...it seems like everyone’s in a rather festive mood, is this an Ashtelon thing?”

Yal laughed a bit. “No no...the gold flags are for Unvak... the Black is for your Ascension... the petals, well, us elves celebrate Unvak with flowers, it starts with the children, but I assure you, in the next few days the adults will be joining in”

“Ah... I see”

“Yal...this place is beautiful” Dad observed.

“Certainly...not what I expected” Victor muttered then he added “it’s so modern, yet it feels magical as well”

“I wonder how the rest are taking this all in...” Dad asked.

“I bet they’re all just as surprised as us” Victor answered.

As we drove through the streets of Ashtelon, a large structure caught my eye. It was a gothic styled large building of some sort, it had a dark stone facade and grey metal roof which made it stand out compared to the rest of the city. The structure had a single tower, maybe 600 feet (183 meters) tall, the roof was maybe at 400 feet or so, and the closer we got to it the more it looked like a gothic cathedral, and if I remembered the tourist brochures I'd seen correctly, the building looked like a larger version of the Salisbury Cathedral, it should have been at least twice its size, it was not only taller, but larger in all aspects, I could even make out the flying buttresses and the sculptures on the walls and smaller spires.

“Yal...”

“Yes?”

“What’s that building?” I asked.

“Wow... that’s grand!” Dad exclaimed as he peeled his eyes off the crowd and onto the building that I was pointing.

“Beautiful...Gothic architecture at its finest, makes me feel so small” Victor added.

“Ohh... that’s the Hall of Ethnar”

“Is that where my uncles and mom had their Ascension?”

“Wow...it’s beautiful... but rather ominous, it towers over the rest of the city!” I added.

“Yes... that’s the place... all Ascensions that have occurred here in the realm... were all done there in the Hall of Ethnar”

“Wow.... I suppose mine will be in the Hall of Haldruin, since I requested Patri use a smaller place” I absentmindedly said.

Yal went silent, and looked back at me via the rear view mirror. “Uh...uhm...yeah, the Hall of Haldruin...is uhm...different”

“Hmm... good good” I replied as I continued to look at the gothic structure that towered over the city. Nothing screamed power and domination than having such a structure overlook the entire city.

After a few more minutes we then made it to another basement parking structure of a rather large stone building that had a glass roof.

“Where are we?” Victor asked.

“The train station” Yal answered.

“Why am I even surprised that there are trains here” Victor replied.

“We could have driven to the capital, but that would take at least two hours, with the high speed train, we’ll be there in less than an hour”

“And it’s high speed” Victor sarcastically remarked, he surely was confused with all this tech in the realm.

“Okay come on” Yal said as he parked. The rest of the cars weren’t far behind us, and in seconds we were all making a bee line towards the elevators.

“Dude! This place is beautiful” Leo shouted.

“Did you see the shops? The clothes!” Lucy shook Erica on the shoulders in excitement.

“Certainly not what I expected” Luca added.

“Konrad and I are just as surprised” Reza stated, “and is it true we’re taking a high speed train?”

“Yes” Yal proudly answered, clearly taking pride with all the developments in the realm, as he should be especially his ministry having had a hand in acquiring the necessary technology from the human world.

“The elves certainly outdid themselves” Patrick mused.

“I thought we were going to be in some sort of medieval town” Hashim retorted.

“Ohh...maybe in the countryside, but not here in the cities” Sarad chimed in.

We were then escorted by several elves in pastel green military uniforms through the empty corridors of the building. After a few more minutes of walking around, and Yal swiping his hand over glass panels that repeatedly lit green, the final glass door opened into a large platform area, there was a long white modern and very sleek looking train in front of us, the area was well lit by the glass roof on top of us, the roof was at least 80 feet from the ground, not far from us we could see several dozen elf civilians in their pastel outfits, some with suit cases and some with just handbags, boarding the train.

We entered the first carriage, and it was more spacious than expected. Large business class like seats on each side, there were at least 15 rows of seats , for a total thirty in th carriage, everyone had window seats, and the aisle was wide, and the leg room ample. The color motif inside the train was light gray and white, and it had a very modern aesthetic to it.

We were then greeted by two attendants, one male and one female, both had warm smiles.

“Welcome aboard, please sit wherever you prefer” the female elf said.

We all took our positions, Victor and I took first row while the rest just found their own seat, most, if not all, clearly amazed with the idea of a high speed train in the realm.

As we all settled in our comfortable chairs, Regor and Sethara, both beautiful Elurdeya elves, served us water and tea.

10 minutes after we got ourselves settled, the train hummed into life, and gained speed, and just like that, we were whisked through a dimly lit tunnel, that later on gave way to the wide open countryside of the Northern province.

We could see rolling hills not far from both our right and left sides. The grass was light green, but the occasional lavender, pink, or white leafed tree reminded you that you were not on earth.

I was on the right side of the carriage, and I could see that the tracks were several dozen feet away from a highway, that was sparsely traveled, though I did see some sedans and container trucks every now and then.

We passed by several old world style villages and towns, with white or yellow stone walls and buildings and houses with red or orange roofs.

There was chatter all over the carriage about how beautiful the realm is, our attendants served us some Taka Bread in the middle of our trip, and all agreed it was delicious.

I then later discovered that the first three carriages were business class, the fourth served as a dining carriage, and carriages 6-12 were premium economy.

The train sped through the Elven countryside and in less than 50 minutes, 48 minutes to be exact, we arrived at the capital’s train station.

“Welcome to the Capital” Regor said as the train came to a stop.

“That was fast” Henry said from the back.

“Tell me about it” Stefano snorted, clearly confused with all that was happening.

We were then escorted by more elves now in pastel red military uniform through the corridors, making our way to the basement parking where our cars were waiting for us.

Minutes later we were all in the streets of the Capital and the atmosphere outside was just as, if not more, festive than that of Ashtelon, with more people on the streets and there were even some elves playing the harp, flute and other instruments.

“Wow...this is the Capital?” Dad asked.

“Yes...”

“So many elves” Victor observed.

“Yes...who knew huh?” Yal answered. “It wasn’t until we all migrated to the realm that we realized that there were more elves than previoulsy thought, and not to mention that we had a population boom as well after we all transferred here, in the last 200 hundred years, our population has increased from 60 million to 90 million”

“Only a 50% increase?” Victor observed.

“Hey...we don’t breed like humans” Yal chuckled, we four in the car ended up laughing.

“But still 90 millions elves, wow, almost double the 50 million vampires on earth” Victor said.

“50 million? Really?” I asked, not expecting that there were that many.

“We’re good at hiding, but we try to keep count” Victor winked back at me.

“And what of the werewolves?” Dad asked.

“Oh...they’re a bit fewer, I think August mentioned that they were around 40 million”

“Still a lot” dad spoke.

“Yeah...never thought there were that many” I agreed.

“Hmm... add the werewolf and vampire populations together and you’d be equal to that of ours” Yal replied.

“Having your own realm certainly helped your race achieve greater heights” Victor said.

“Here...we don’t hide behind magic barriers around our towns and villages...here...we can be ourselves”

“Exactly” Victor said as he continued to observe the festive mood outside.

We then turned a corner and straight ahead was the royal palace. It was as magnificent as I remembered it to be.

“You’ve got to be kidding me” Dad whispered to himself.

“Is that the palace?” Victor turned to me, in awe of the beauty, sheer size, and grandeur of it.

I nodded my head in agreement, and Victor was speechless.

—-

We arrived at the residential palace, and the rest of the group was certainly taken by the beauty of the place.

“Chris... this place puts my estate to shame!” Luca exclaimed, which caused the entire group to laugh.

“Come now...the King is waiting” Yal said to us.

Etalos was talking to August and Leo, seems like he became their guide as he was in the same car as them in Ashtelon and also here in the Capital.

There were several elf servants in the corridor that slightly bowed as we walked through the large corridors of the palace. Sculptures and paintings on one side, large windows on the other, and high ceilings, with incredibly ornate chandeliers.

We were brought to a part of the palace that I haden’t been to, if that was even possible.

Yal opened large wooden double doors, and an elf soldier announced, “Prince Christopher and his entourage”

It was a large ballroom of some sort, I saw Patri, Matra, and my uncles a few dozen feet from us, on the other end of the room.

Everyone exchanged looks as they saw the elves in front us, my family had their gold and red robes similar to the ones I put on when I entered the realm.

I approached my family and the rest followed me.

“Patri...Matra...Uncles...” I said with a light bow.

“Grandson...please introduce us to your family and friends” Patri spoke

I first introduced dad.

“It is a pleasure to meet you... your...” dad was about to bow but Patri cut him off.

“Don’t you dare, come here son” Patri said as he pulled my father for hug.

Matra was teary eyed meeting my dad, and she hugged dad as well, and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

“Please...it would be our honor if you called us mom and dad” Matra insisted.

My uncles also pulled my father in for a hug, and by the end of it, dad was teary eyed if not crying himself, as he had finally met my mom’s family.

I then introduced Victor, Patri was more serious with him, while Matra and my uncles were more welcoming.

Then I introduced Leo and August, and Patri was more than happy to hug my best friend and thank him for being such a good friend to me.

Patri was formal with August, and even laughed a bit when he realized it’d been too long since he last met a werewolf.

Then it was Reza and Konrad.

“Ahh...Reza, there you are” Patri smiled at the vampire.

“Your majesty” Reza bowed.

“Who would have thought we’d meet each other under such circumstances”

“I completely agree with you”

“Let’s have our discussion about such affairs at a later date, today is about merriment” Patri smiled at the vampire.

Then the rest of the crew, I introduced as well. Patri and the rest of my family were cordial to all of them, Uncle Rehanmir and Selvenus even joked a bit that it seemed I was having my own United Nations of races.

—-

Victor’s POV

The realm was so much more than I expected it to be, it was modern, beautiful, and the elves certainly seemed to have figured things out for themselves.

Now, I find myself in the palace ballroom, alone with the King. After the introductions were made, the King had everybody else escorted to their suites, while the rest of the royal family retired to their own as well, he, however, asked me to stay for a minute longer, Chris gave his grandfather a warning look, but Chris was whisked away by Etalos and Leo.

So now, here I am, in front of this 500 year old elf king, and the silence in the room is deafening.

“So...” the king’s voice was deep and serious.

“Yes, your majesty?”

“So...you love my grandson?”

“With every fiber of my being sir” I said.

“Good, as it should be, he is a special one if you haven’t noticed yet”

“I fully understand how special he is sir”

“No, you don’t!” The King’s voice boomed. “You’ll only see how special he is during the ceremony”

Is he angry with me?

“Uhm...“ *gulp “okay sir...”

“Look me in the eye”

I lifted my gaze towards his and he was dead serious.

“My boy...he is special, he is young and very special, I assume you sense how powerful he is?”

“He is very powerful, your majesty”

“You have his heart...and you’ve broken it before”

*gulp “I’m sorry...”

“Stop!”

I stopped in the middle of my sentence.

“Have you heard of the sun spell, young vampire?”

*gulp “yes, yes I have your highness”

“Care to explain to me what it is?”

“It is elvish magic that removes an old vampire’s immunity to sunlight”

“Hmm...you’ve studied magic then.” The king grinned. “And tell me about the Sun Curse.”

*gulp “Powerful elvish magic that kills vampires in an instant, even at night”

“Good, good” The king paused. “Disappoint my boy again...break his heart again, and I will make sure that you are the first vampire in centuries to receive the Sun Curse”

I froze, damn, this guy is terrifying, Chris told me this guy was friendly and loving.

I must have gone pale and the king just let the seconds pass as we stood in silence. “Chris... needs someone mature, strong, and wise to ground him, he’s powerful but he can be too rash for his own good”

“Yes, he can be, your majesty”

Then the king broke into a smile and started laughing. “Did I scare you?”

“Very much sir” did I just squeak?

“Hahaha!” He was bellowing in laughter. “I was kidding, my boy!” He laughed again. “Come give me a proper hug like you should have earlier”

And reluctantly I did give the king a hug. He patted my back and pulled back. “Just love my grandson, and we’ll be okay”

“Yes, your majesty”

“Now go on be with him...I bet he’s waiting for you outside”

As I walked to the door, the king spoke again.

“Victor?”

“Yes, your majesty?”

“If you appreciate elvish humor enough. The thing is, you never know when we’re actually joking” he gave me a mischievous smile and waved his hand as he exited through another door.

I made it out of the ballroom and Chris and Etalos were, as predicted, waiting for me.

“What happened?” Chris asked.

I was silent for several seconds. Then I took a deep breath and answered “I think your grandfather just threatened to curse me if I broke your heart”

“Again...” Etalos softly muttered to the side, but Chris seemed to not have caught the elf’s remark.

“He what?”

“But he said he was kidding”

“Are you okay?”

“Yes yes...he did hug me though, so I think we’re fine”

“Ohh...do I need to talk to him?”

“No, no need”

“Are you sure? You look pale”

“I’ll be fine”

“Okay...come on, we have a few more hours before dinner”

“Where are the others?” I asked.

Etalos then answered “they’ve all been escorted to their rooms in Prince Chris’ wing”

“Wing?”

“Apparently...Patri had an entire wing built for me, our own master bedroom there, more than a dozen guest rooms, a large living room, and our own dining room and kitchens”

“Really?”

“I’m as surprised as you are... come on, tonight though, we’ll be having dinner with the family” Chris said.

*gulp*