(Other Realm)
A moon's turn later in Shudon and the time had come for Alethia to return to Kala-Moran, her ancestral home, to assist her younger sister Alhanna in preparing for her upcoming wedding. With a flicker of magical energy, Alethia and Chris materialized outside the grand city. Two elven sentinels stood tall and vigilant at the gates, their eyes sharp and unwavering.
Chris had convinced Alethia to don a simple yet elegant baby blue gown that accentuated her every curve. Her vibrant red curls cascaded around her face, adorned with a headpiece featuring a gleaming emerald at its center.
As they approached, the guards straightened their posture. "M'lady, you have returned to us at last. Welcome back," they greeted with a respectful nod.
Alethia smiled graciously, acknowledging their salutation. The gates opened, granting them entry into the bustling city. Elves emerged from their dwellings, opening their shops as the day began. It was a sight to behold, a quintessential elven city. The buildings were masterfully crafted, adorned with hues of gold, silver, and green. Leaves and flowers intertwined seamlessly with the architecture, creating a harmonious blend. Fountains adorned every corner, and animals roamed freely amidst the buildings and trees.
As Alethia and Chris strolled past the busy shops, the elves paused in their tasks, bowing or curtsying in reverence at the sight of their princess. Whispers rippled through the crowd, spreading the news of the princess's return from her diplomatic mission. A young girl, Arabella, dashed towards Alethia, clutching a delicate porcelain doll in her hands.
"Princess! Princess!" Arabella called out, her voice filled with excitement.
Alethia halted, gracefully kneeling down before the young girl. A warm smile graced her lips as she inquired, "Ah, Arabella, how are you and Nadia today?"
Arabella beamed, extending the doll for Alethia to see. "Mommy said I must thank you for giving me Nadia. But when I tried to find you, they said you had embarked on a dip... a dip..." She struggled to recall the guards' words. "A diplomatic mission! So, thank you so much, Princess. I adore her and I'm taking excellent care of her, just as you asked."
Alethia's smile widened affectionately. "I am delighted to hear that, Arabella. But remember, my dear, you need only call me Alethia, alright?"
Arabella giggled and nodded. "Okay, Alethia."
Alethia gently embraced the young girl, cherishing the warmth of the innocent embrace. "How I missed your delightful smile while I was away. I shall come and visit you and your mother soon."
Arabella clung to Alethia's neck, returning the hug with equal fervor. "Please do! Then we can play and I can show you my drawings."
Alethia released her embrace, a fond expression on her face. "I shall, Arabella. I promise to visit soon. But please inform your mother that there is to be no special treatment upon my arrival."
Arabella curtsied gracefully. "I will, Alethia." With that, she scampered off toward her home, leaving Alethia and Chris to continue their journey through the bustling streets. Chris led her towards an awe-inspiring edifice, the centerpiece of the city. A towering white structure, reaching at least twenty stories high, with one particular tower seemingly touching the stars.
Upon reaching the grand staircase that led to the palace doors, both Alethia and Chris paused. Alethia's eyes shimmered with awe as she gazed upon the entrance to her ancestral home.
"The Palace of the Stars, it surpasses even my fondest memories."
Chris nodded, urging her forward. "Come, Alethia, let us not keep them waiting any longer than they already have."
Alethia took a steadying breath, her heart filled with anticipation, and followed Chris up the stairs. As they reached the doors, Chris pushed them open slowly, allowing Alethia to step into the resplendent main hall. Her gaze swept across the room, taking in the portraits of her kin adorning the walls. Above the doors leading to the council and meeting chambers, a portrait captured a rare moment of her mother's presence. Illness had plagued her mother since before Alhanna's birth, and the only way her father could save her was by transforming her into the Goddess of Love. Since then, her mother had spent less and less time at home, fulfilling her divine duties in the higher realms.
"So the rumors have proven true, you have at last returned to us? I thought I had lost you, my dear. The diplomatic mission that took you away prolonged beyond our expectations. While you were away, we received word of your poisoning, causing great distress among us all." A tall figure, appearing no older than twenty, stood before Alethia and Chris. He possessed long, black hair tied elegantly in a ponytail, accompanied by a regal headpiece. His gray eyes bore into their souls as he extended his arms, awaiting a warm embrace as Alethia approached.
Alethia curtsied, her gaze fixed on the floor, while Chris bowed beside her. "Father, I apologize for causing you worry. I have returned home now."
He nodded, drawing near and gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. "My child, I am relieved to see you safe and back among us."
Before she could utter another word, he pulled her to her feet and embraced her tightly. Then, he turned his attention to Chris, a smile gracing his lips.
"You have fulfilled your duty admirably, Christopher. Your father would be proud. We must learn to work together, for one day, you shall assume your rightful place as the high elder, as your father did before you." With that, Lord Marcus led the way through the doors into the meeting chambers, where the rest of the family eagerly awaited their arrival.
Alethia and Chris followed suit, entering the council chambers. Alethia was greeted by her family, as well as Cordelia, who had been adopted by her father and mother years ago. The first to approach her was a blonde-haired woman with bright blue eyes, her smile capable of lighting up the entire room. Rushing to her older sister's side, she embraced Alethia tightly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Alethia, you've returned! I was so worried," she exclaimed, a mischievous grin forming on her face. "I thought you were trying to evade your maid of honor duties."
Alethia smiled, returning the embrace. "Oh, Alhanna , you know I would never miss your wedding. Unless I were bound and gagged in a dark abyss, I would be here. I managed to return with three days to spare. Not even the God of Chaos could keep me away."
Alhanna 's smile widened as she released her sister. Stepping back, she allowed the next in line to greet Alethia. It was a brunette with long hair and light green eyes, standing with crossed arms. As Alethia laid eyes upon her, she recognized Corie from the other realm, though she concealed her astonishment as Cordelia began speaking.
"So, you decided to depart without taking me along?" Cordelia said, a smile on her face as she tightly hugged Alethia, lifting her off her feet. "If you ever do that again, I will personally hunt you down."
Alethia laughed. "Oh, I tremble in fear. I'm shaking in my heels. But fear not, dear sister, I would have gladly brought you with me if Father had permitted."
Cordelia set her down, grinning. "You better be afraid." Stepping back, she allowed Galen to approach.
He rose slowly, a smile on his face as he wrapped his arms around Alethia, whispering in her ear. "Well, my little eveningstar, you have returned. I have missed embracing you these past few weeks. It is not the same without you here."
Alethia smiled softly, returning the hug. "I am glad to be home, brother."
Galen nodded, smiling, as he held her at arm's length, appraising her. "It warms my heart to see your beautiful smile once more, little sister."
Galen stepped back, beaming, as all eyes turned to Phrann, who simply nodded at Alethia. "Welcome back, sister. Now, if you don't mind, may I return to my studies? I have a new spell book to delve into."
Alethia rolled her eyes. "Good to see you too, brother."
"That is no way to greet your little sister," her mother's voice resonated throughout the council chamber. Alethia looked up as her mother approached, arms outstretched for a warm embrace.
Alethia smiled, enveloping her mother in a hug, grateful to see her once more.
"Mother, I have missed you." Alessandra laughed, returning the embrace. "It has only been a few weeks, my child. What will you do when you marry Zepher and move away?"
Alethia had nearly forgotten that she had only been gone for a few weeks. The lack of access to the other realms made it feel like an eternity. Just then, her father spoke up.
"She need not worry about that. After the wedding, they will reside here. She has more than just the role of a queen to fulfill. She still requires training to confront the God of Chaos."
Alessandra sighed, averting her gaze. "I suppose you are right, my dear. She possesses obligations beyond that of a wife and queen."
Alethia's gaze shifted towards Chris, her heart heavy with despair. Even with her impending marriage to Zepher, she knew deep down that her life would never be ordinary. The daunting task of bringing down the God of Chaos still loomed over her, an ever-present burden that refused to relent.
