⭐ — The Royal Entrance
The Awakening Hall glowed softly beneath the crystalline dome, its twelve towering pillars humming with ancient resonance. Elemental energy flowed through them in quiet waves—fire flickering faintly, water rippling as though stirred by an unseen breeze, shadow pooling just enough to taste, spirit shimmering like a silent ripple.
Nobles filled the circular chamber, elegant in their embroidered formalwear. Captains stood along the perimeter—five silent storms watching over the hall. Priests of the Elemental Church stood with composed reverence; humans, elves, beastkin, seafolk, and even a demon-born acolyte.
Whispers laced the air like thin threads of tension.
"Will he awaken Light?"
"Or perhaps Water?"
"His Majesty awakened Light at thirteen, didn't he?"
"Today… something feels different."
Anticipation pressed into the room.
Then—
THUD!
A knight's spear struck the marble floor.
Sound cracked through the hall—
clean, sharp, authoritative.
Every conversation collapsed instantly.
The knight stepped forward, voice echoing with trained force:
"Announcing the arrival of His Majesty—
King Alistair Vael Aravell,
Bearer of Light,
Shield of Aravell,
Sovereign of the Frostglass Throne!"
The massive doors opened.
King Alistair entered.
Silver hair glowed beneath the arcane lights. His calm aura washed through the hall—not aggressive, not overwhelming, but settling, like clarity itself taking form. Nobles lowered their eyes immediately. Captains bowed their heads with disciplined precision.
Then the knight's voice rose again, carrying warmth and reverence:
"Announcing Her Majesty—
Queen Elara Vael Aravell,
Voice of Spirits,
Grace of the Vael Line,
Heart of Aravell!"
Queen Elara stepped in behind her husband, elegance woven into every motion. A faint shimmer of Spirit energy trailed her like a soft veil, bending light around her presence.
A few nobles inhaled quietly. They always forgot how ethereal she truly appeared until moments like these.
And then—
The knight took a longer breath.
Every noble subtly leaned forward.
"Announcing Her Highness—
Princess Aria Vael Aravell,
Jewel of Aravell,
Beloved of the People,
Dawnlight of the Frostglass Throne!"
Aria entered in a little burst of vibrant, unmistakable energy.
Her dress fluttered lightly, ribbons bouncing. Her steps were small yet lively, as though she couldn't quite contain her excitement.
Warmth spread through the hall like a soft flame.
---
Everyone knelt.
Not one person stayed standing.
Captains, nobles, priests—every knee touched the marble. Heads bowed fully.
This was not fear.
Not forced obedience.
Not ceremonial obligation.
This was devotion.
Aravell's royal family commanded loyalty by simply existing.
Even the Elemental Church representatives, who answered to no crown, bowed deeply.
Reverence thickened the air.
After several calm breaths, King Alistair lifted a hand.
"Rise."
His voice rolled through the chamber, gentle yet unchallengeable.
Everyone rose together.
The king's gaze swept across the hall—warm, composed, steady.
---
King Alistair spoke:
"Today marks a moment our kingdom will remember. The awakening of a child reveals their path… but the awakening of a prince shapes the future of Aravell."
His eyes softened.
"You have set aside duties, travels, responsibilities. For that, I offer my sincere gratitude."
He paused, letting the words breathe.
"No matter the outcome—whether ordinary or extraordinary—Arcanis remains my son, your Crown Prince, and the child of this land we cherish."
Nobles nodded in quiet respect.
Captains bowed subtly.
Priests exchanged thoughtful glances.
Then Alistair stepped aside, giving space.
Queen Elara moved forward.
---
Queen Elara spoke:
Her voice flowed gently, yet carried effortlessly across the hall.
"Awakening is more than receiving power. It is the moment one's soul reveals its truth. Today, our son takes his first step toward that truth… but no soul walks destiny alone."
Her Spirit aura rippled like warm wind.
"As his mother—and as your queen—I ask that you guide him, support him, and remind him always that this land is worth protecting."
Soft emotion stirred in the crowd.
"Whatever element chooses him… whatever path he walks… he will not walk alone."
Approval murmured through the nobles.
Captains bowed more deeply.
Priests placed hands over their hearts in quiet respect.
---
Princess Aria's Moment
As silence wrapped the hall in its solemn embrace—
Tap. Tap. Tap.
A tiny, rhythmic tapping echoed faintly.
Every gaze dipped downward.
Princess Aria was tiptoeing—trying with all her might to mimic regal decorum while her entire body trembled with excitement.
A few nobles stifled smiles.
Captains looked away to maintain discipline.
Even stoic Vareth's shoulders rose in a suppressed breath.
Aria froze mid-tiptoe, realizing they were staring.
She smiled sheepishly.
And tension melted.
"Truly the jewel of the kingdom," Lady Lunara whispered fondly.
Warmth replaced the earlier heaviness.
The royal family's presence did not dominate the hall.
It humanized it.
---
One person had yet to arrive.
The prince.
Anticipation sharpened again, settling like a drawn bowstring ready to release.
---
⭐ — The Prince Walks
In the quiet royal corridor, Arcanis walked with composed steps that barely disturbed the air.
Behind him, his elderly butler followed respectfully, careful not to intrude on the prince's silence.
Arcanis's ceremonial robes flowed like frost-touched wind—white and pale blue merging into seamless elegance. His white hair caught the corridor's light like threads of cool dawn.
His expression remained still, disciplined.
Yet his thoughts drifted… steady and reflective.
Dawn training with Father.
Sword drills under Serion's sharp eye.
Mana-breathing sessions with Mother.
Shield stance corrections from Vareth.
Meditation beneath the frost blossoms.
His life had never been idle.
He had worked quietly, persistently.
Not to impress anyone.
Not to chase expectations.
But to be prepared.
For the kingdom.
For his family.
For the future he could feel somewhere beyond the horizon.
Before him, the grand awakening doors towered—etched with runes, glowing faintly as if awake themselves.
Two royal knights stood guard.
When Arcanis approached, they straightened instantly—spines rigid, focus sharpened.
One stepped forward, voice carrying across the hall:
"Announcing His Highness—
Crown Prince Arcanis Vael Aravell,
First Son of the Frostglass Throne,
Heir Apparent of Aravell!"
The doors opened.
---
Silence swept through the Awakening Hall.
Arcanis stepped inside.
And every person in the room dropped to their knee once more.
This kneeling was different.
Not for a king.
Not for authority.
But for the future standing before them.
Arcanis's calm gaze drifted over the hall—all bowed, all waiting.
He lifted a hand lightly.
"Rise."
The hall rose in perfect unity.
"Thank you for attending," Arcanis said, voice even, low, and steady. "Despite your duties, you came to witness this moment. I will remember your presence."
There was dignity in his tone—clear, precise, unmistakably princely.
He stepped forward.
Each footstep echoed softly.
He stopped before the central orb.
It pulsed once—
As if greeting him.
The hall held its breath.