(Emerald Glades Kingdom)
(The Capital, Eiloria)
The capital of the Emerald Glades, known as Eiloria, is a breathtaking sight to behold. It is a verdant marvel that sprawls across the heart of the great forest, a testament to the elves' deep respect for nature and their exceptional mastery of light magic. Eiloria is not so much built as it is grown. The elves, with their profound understanding of nature and magic, have guided the growth of the mighty emerald trees into intricate buildings and structures. Their homes are nestled high in the boughs of these majestic trees, seamlessly integrated into the forest canopy. They are interconnected with a network of gracefully arching bridges and winding platforms, creating a three-dimensional maze of verdant pathways that winds through the canopy.
At the heart of Eiloria stands the grand Palace of Leaves, a colossal tree that has been nurtured into a magnificent palace. It is a living edifice, its walls formed of intertwined branches, its roofs a canopy of leaves that shimmers with a multitude of hues. The palace is a symbol of the elves' unity with nature and their spiritual energies. It is here that the Elven King resides, ruling with wisdom and grace. Surrounding the Palace of Leaves are the Spires of the Moon and Stars, towering structures that reach towards the heavens. They are observatories, their upper reaches piercing the forest canopy to gaze upon the celestial bodies. The spires glow with a soft light, a testament to the elves' mastery of celestial magic. Each spire is a beacon, their glow a constant reminder of the elves' connection to the divine.
At the forest floor, the Crystal Springs flow, their clear waters fed by underground streams. These springs are a sacred site, believed to be where the elves first made their pact with the natural world. The waters are said to have healing properties, and many elves meditate by the springs, their minds attuned to the spiritual energies of the world. Near the outskirts of the capital, the great Archery Grounds are located, a sprawling expanse of open glades where the elves hone their exceptional archery skills. The targets are not mere straw dummies but complex illusions of light conjured by powerful elven magic, providing the archers with the most challenging practice.
Throughout Eiloria, you find the Melodious Groves, smaller clearings where the elves gather to celebrate, to mourn, or simply to share stories. These groves are dotted with ethereal instruments, their strings strummed by the wind to create a constant, harmonious melody that echoes through the city. Eiloria is a place of tranquility, a symphony of nature and magic. It is a city that lives and breathes, its pulse the steady rhythm of the Emerald Glades. There is a sense of harmony here, a balance between civilization and wilderness, a testament to the wisdom and grace of the elves.
King Elrond, named after the elven word for 'star-dome', is the wise and benevolent ruler of the Emerald Glades. Born under the alignment of the constellation of the Great Stag, a symbol of strength and resilience, his destiny as a leader was foretold by the stars. He has masterfully guided the elves through many generations, his rule marked by peace, prosperity, and a deepening of their spiritual and magical practices. He had long white and green hair, golden eyes, and a white beard.
Elrond is a master of harnessing 42% of celestial magic, (god magic), renowned for his ability to commune with celestial beings. His wisdom and knowledge have enabled him to guide the elves in maintaining the delicate balance between nature and civilization, ensuring the continued vitality of the Emerald Glades.
Queen Lúthien, named after the elven word for 'enchantment', is the queen consort of the Emerald Glades. She is a figure of grace and beauty, her presence as soothing as the moonlight. Lúthien is a powerful seer, able to interpret the patterns of the stars and foresee events of great significance. Her visions have often aided the king in making wise and timely decisions. She had long golden hair, greenish brown eyes, and freckles.
Lúthien is also known for her deep affinity with nature. It is said that she can communicate with the forest, understanding the whispers of the trees and the songs of the wind. She has been instrumental in shaping Eiloria, nurturing its growth and ensuring its harmony with the natural world.
Prince Earendil, named after the elven word for 'sea-lover', is the heir to the Emerald Glades. Earendil is a charismatic and adventurous elf, known for his exceptional archery skills. He is deeply curious and has a thirst for knowledge, often venturing beyond the Emerald Glades to learn about other cultures and races. He had black and green wavy hair in a short ponytail with brown eyes.
Earendil is also a budding practitioner of celestial magic. Under the tutelage of his father, he has shown great potential, especially in harnessing the energies of the sun. His name, the Dawn-Bringer, is a testament to his promising future as a leader and protector of his people.
Princess Arwen, named after the elven word for 'noble woman', is the beloved daughter of the king and queen. Arwen is a gentle and empathetic elf, known for her healing abilities. She has a deep understanding of the healing properties of the Crystal Springs and often spends her time there, aiding those in need. She had silver and black hair, and dark green eyes.
Arwen is also a skilled musician, her melodies as beautiful as starlight. Her songs have a magical quality, able to soothe the troubled mind and uplift the weary spirit. Arwen's connection with celestial magic is through the medium of music, and she often uses her melodies to commune with celestial beings, creating a symphony of magic and music that resonates with the rhythm of the universe.
As Kaede, Yalla, Alaric, and Caelan traveled through the capital, Kaede was zipping all over the place, saying, "WHAT'S THIS?! WHAT'S THIS?! WHAT'S THAT?! WHAT'S THIS?! WHAT'S THAT?! THIS PLACE IS NICE!"
Yalla replied, "It's your new home, Mr Cuddly! Haha! You're living with me!"
Alaric scoffed, "Damn all of that. That cat is a demon. He grew HORNS. And had red and black flames. Similar to the shadow flames on the horses. I don't trust him."
Kaede responded, "I don't feel evil though."
"STOP BEING SARCASTIC! I'LL KILL YOU NOW!"
"I'll scratch you again."
"Try it!"
Some elves nearby watched, them gossiping:
"Green squad is back?"
"That was fast."
"Without Thalion? But came back with a mythic cat?"
"Did Thalion die?"
"Alaric is screaming angrily again. The king is gonna get on him again."
Alaric said to them, "Worry about yourselves!"
'Tch. How annoying. I don't always get in trouble.'
A few elf children surrounded Yalla, and asked, "Where did you find this cat?"
Yalla answered, "During our mission! It brutally cut up one of the bad guys, and blood and body parts were everywhere!"
"Awesomeee!!!"
Kaede thought, 'WHY WOULD YOU TELL CHILDREN THAT?!'
Elves were surrounding Kaede, petting him, and saying:
"He's adorable!"
"What's that symbol on his forehead?"
"He's killed people before?"
"What's his magic affinity!"
Kaede was purring, saying, "Aghhh. Get the chin, get the chi- oh that's it right there. My magic affinity I guess is flames?"
"COOOL!"
Caelan on the side, appeared jealous, saying, "Hmph. According to my recent thoughts, this cat is getting more attention than me. I must outperform this cat someway. A duel maybe? No. Because if I hurt the cat, I would be hated, reversing my yearning for attention and a head rub. I have declared you as my rival, Mr Cuddly!"
Kaede responded, "Only Yalla can call me that. I'm Kaede to you."
"My rival has declared a command. Should I accept? Mr Cuddly would probably entice the cat into harmful acts against others like he did Alaric."
Kaede exclaimed, "WHY IS EVERYONE MAKING IT SEEM LIKE I'M A VIOLENT CREATURE?!"
Alaric yelled to Caelan, "Stop talking about me like I'm not right here!"
"No can do."
Liraen just sat there, staring at Kaede. Kaede's was staring back at her, tilting his head, thinking, 'What's she looking at? Now that I think of it, she's been staring at me every once in a while. That means..SHE KNOW'S SOMETHING. Back with Hana, we used to watch shows where that one side charctars new all that damn lore. She definitely knows something.'
Alaric said, "Alright, enough times been wasted. Thalion said the royal family wanted him at the palace fast."
Yalla replied, "Aww man! But I'm famous now because of Mr Cuddly!"
"Damn that cat, let's go."
Caelan added, "I wholeheartedly agree to that plan."
During the walk, Kaede asked, "So uh, how do people measure how strong they are?"
Caelan replied, "You want to know your powered measurements?"
"YES. One of my skills didn't work, it's like I could've only used it once."
"The devices here to measure magic power and rank are different when ranking mythic beasts."
"What do you mean?"
"It's not too complex. In the Emerald Glades, the cultivation of magic is deeply intertwined with the elves' connection to celestial beings. The system of magic cultivation is known as the Celestial Path, and it is divided into seven ranks. Each rank represents a deeper understanding and control of celestial magic:
1. **Star-Seeded**: This is the initial stage of cultivation. Individuals at this stage are just beginning to awaken their magical potential and form a connection with celestial magic. The focus is on understanding the basic principles of magic and learning to draw upon celestial energy.
2. **Moon Adapt**: At this level, cultivators have formed a stable connection with celestial magic and begun to harness its power more effectively. The focus shifts to mastering basic spells, with an emphasis on control and precision.
3. **Solar Disciple**: Cultivators at this stage have demonstrated proficiency in a range of basic spells. The focus now is on deepening the connection with celestial magic and expanding the range of spells that can be cast.
4. **Galactic Knight**: This is the mid-level stage of cultivation. Galactic Knights have a deep connection with celestial magic, able to channel more powerful spells. They also start exploring the unique, individual aspects of their magic, such as specific celestial affinities.
5. **Nebula Sage**: Nebula Sages are experienced magic users who have a profound understanding of celestial magic. They are capable of intricate spellwork and have often developed unique magical abilities related to their specific celestial affinities.
6. **Stellar Master**: The Stellar Masters are among the most powerful magic users in the Emerald Glades. They have a deep, intrinsic understanding of celestial magic and can cast highly complex and powerful spells. At this stage, cultivators can manipulate large amounts of celestial energy and often take on apprentices to pass on their knowledge.
7. **Celestial Sovereign**: This is the highest level of cultivation. Celestial Sovereigns are rare individuals who have achieved a perfect harmony with celestial magic. They have transcended the normal limits of magic, able to perform feats that seem almost miraculous. Their understanding of celestial magic is so profound that they can alter the fundamental principles of their spells, creating entirely new forms of magic.
Each of these ranks represents a step on the path to mastering celestial magic. As cultivators ascend these ranks, they gain not only greater magical power, but also deeper wisdom and understanding."
Kaede's head was smoking, too much information was loaded into it, he swayed back and forth, "Too much..lore…"
Caelan continued, "The kingdom of the elves run a sophisticated system. Of course unknown information to you would fry your tiny cat brain. But ranking mythic beasts is based on sensing magic pressure."
"Oh god another explaination-."
"In the Elven culture of Eiloria, mythic beasts and creatures are ranked according to their strength and rarity, with an emphasis on their magical capabilities, physical prowess, and spiritual alignment with the natural world. There are five ranks in total, with Legendary being the highest.
Here is an overview of the ranking system:
**1. Common Rank**
Common Rank creatures are the most frequently encountered in the wild. They may possess a rudimentary level of magical ability or a physical trait that sets them apart from ordinary beasts but pose little threat to trained elves. Examples may include the Whispering Willow Wisps, creatures of light that can manipulate small amounts of magic.
**2. Uncommon Rank**
Uncommon Rank creatures are less frequent but pose a more significant challenge. These creatures often have a moderate level of magical ability and prove challenging for novice or unprepared elves. The Silvermane Stag, a creature known for its ability to manipulate plant life, belongs in this category.
**3. Rare Rank**
Rare Rank creatures are seldom seen and possess considerable magical power. They can pose a severe challenge even to experienced elves. An example of a Rare Rank creature would be the Emerald Gryphon, a majestic beast known for its wind magic and formidable combat skills.
**4. Epic Rank**
Epic Rank creatures are extraordinarily rare and immensely powerful. They possess strong magical capabilities, often tied to fundamental elements or celestial bodies. Only the most skilled elf warriors and mages can face an Epic Rank creature. The Starfire Phoenix, a creature that can manipulate celestial energies and possesses immense regenerative abilities, is an example of an Epic Rank beast.
**5. Legendary Rank**
Legendary Rank is reserved for the most potent and rarest creatures in Elven lore. These mythical beasts often embody fundamental aspects of nature or the cosmos and possess near god-like magical powers. Encountering a Legendary Rank creature is an epoch-defining event.
The ranking of these creatures is determined by a council of elf elders and the king and queen, who consider various factors such as the creature's observed magical abilities, the threat it poses to elves and other creatures, the rarity of sightings, and its significance in elf lore and prophecies. It's an intricate and respected tradition that intertwines with the elves' deep respect for the natural world and its magical inhabitants."
Kaede was falling asleep, and Caelan scoffed, "FALLING ASLEEP DURING A LESSON?!"
Yalla laughed, "HAHA! YOU'RE BORING!"
As they continued through the capital, Kaede was excited to see all of the bright colors and beautiful scenery.
He would say:
"What's this??"
"What's that thing?!"
"What's this?!"
He would try new foods, scarfing it down and even taking some from others nearby, and they chased him in revenge. Then, he spotted the The Spires of the Moon and Stars observatory, the towering observatories in the heart of Eiloria, are the epicenter of celestial magic in the city. Here, the most skilled elf mages study the heavens, their eyes and senses attuned to the subtle shifts and movements of the celestial bodies. They track the paths of the stars, note the phases of the moon, observe the cycles of the sun, and translate these into magical energy, as mentioned earlier.
The city was a symphony of life, with elves going about their routines, their movements as rhythmic and harmonious as the songs of the forest. In the central square, vendors were arranging their stalls, their voices adding to the lively chatter. "Fresh dewberries! Get your dewberries here!" called an elderly elf, her eyes twinkling merrily. A young elf boy, his eyes wide with excitement, tugged at his mother's robes, pleading, "Can we get some, Mama?"
Nearby, a group of elves gathered around the Crystal Fountain, their hands weaving intricate patterns in the air as they practiced their morning spells. "Focus on the energy flow. Feel it move within you," instructed an older elf, his voice patient and calm.
In the city's grand library, scholars with ink-stained fingers traced over ancient texts, their eyes reflecting the thirst for knowledge. "The cosmos' secrets are here, waiting to be unraveled," murmured an elf maiden, her fingers gently caressing the weathered pages of a celestial tome.
At the city's edge, elven guards stood vigilant, their eyes scanning the horizon, their ears attuned to the sounds of the forest. "All's quiet today. Let's hope it stays that way," said one guard, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his gleaming sword.
In the golden halls of the Healing Sanctuary, healers were tending to the sick and wounded, their hands aglow with gentle magic. "Breathe. Let the healing energy flow through you," a healer whispered softly to an injured elf, her voice soothing and comforting.
Meanwhile, in the busy streets, children were running around, their laughter echoing through the city. "Catch me if you can!" a little elf girl giggled, her tiny feet darting down the cobblestone path.
Everywhere you looked, life was unfolding in its myriad forms. The city of Eiloria, the jewel of the elves, was alive with the ordinary and extraordinary, each elf contributing to the city's vibrant tapestry of life with their daily routines and pursuits.
At the Royal elf palace, King Elrond was standing in a bright gold chair, and the entire room was surrounded with his high ranking guards, the High Commander Vettan, the Starlight Council, Queen Luthien, prince Earendil, and Princess Arwin. They all were in the Royal battle room, where the Newcomers Ritual takes place.
Elrond thought, 'Silence is necessary…'
Coming through the doors, were Kaede only.
Kaede said, "Uhhh, they kinda just let me walk in here. Why can't the others come?"
It was silent. No one said a word.
Kaede thought, 'Not the silent treatment again. Here we go with this bullshit. Should I show off my moves?'
Kaede continued, "You all are staring really hard at me. Did I do something wrong? I know I'm new, but yeah."
He thought, 'Those elves knew I'm a rookie in this Kalhalla world, they could've just told me something instead of dropping me off!'
King Elrond posted forward, and Prince Earendil and Princess Arwen were walking towards Kaede. They both were covered with a blasting white aura that made their clothing and hair flow peacefully.
Kaede staggered back, saying, "Whoa whoa whoa, what's going on? No way those elves led me here to kick my ass."
'This can't be happening! Why is every person I meet betraying me?!'
The prince and princess continued to walk forward, and they blasted towards Kaede.
Bright white swords were spiraling behind prince Earendil, and bright white flowers were spiraling behind Princess Arwin.
Kaede panicked, thinking, 'Don't think, just fight. Don't think, just fight. They obviously WANT me to fight back, right?! What if they don't?! I'll be screwed!'
Kaede sighed, "Tail of The Tempest.."
Kaede's tail flicked, and a storm of red and black fire erupted. Earendil summoned his glowing white swords, which spun like a cyclone, creating a barrier against the fire. However, a swift flick of Kaede's tail sent a tendril of fire snaking through the barrier, singeing Earendil.
'Did I get them?!'
Earendil thought, 'This cat..he's strong!'
As the firestorm subsided, the siblings darted towards Kaede. Earendil's swords formed into a flurry of white comets, each one a precise strike aimed at Kaede. But Kaede was swift, his tail deflecting most of the swords while launching a counterattack that grazed Earendil's shoulder. Meanwhile, Arwin's white flowers blossomed around her, their petals radiating a soothing light that absorbed the heat of Kaede's fire, but a sudden burst of black fire caught her off guard.
Arwin spit to the right, thinking, 'Powerful.'
Kaede took a swift leap, his tail sweeping wide and sending a wave of black fire towards Earendil. The prince retaliated by forming a giant sword of light, cleaving through the wave and creating an opening for Arwin. She darted through, her flowers morphing into thorny vines that aimed to ensnare Kaede. But Kaede twisted in mid-air, avoiding the vines and landing a hit that sent Arwin staggering back. With Kaede momentarily distracted, Earendil launched himself at the cat, his swords swirling around him in a blinding white tempest. Each sword danced around Kaede, seeking an opening. But Kaede was swift, his tail whipping out like a storm of black lightning, intercepting each sword and landing a hit that sent Earendil reeling.
Kaede thinks, 'I don't wanna use my other skills..I don't wanna destroy this beautiful room.'
Arwin seized this moment to attack, her flowers morphing into a swarm of white butterflies. Each butterfly exploded into brilliant light upon contact with Kaede, briefly blinding him. Seizing this opportunity, Kaede sent a wave of red fire that Arwin narrowly avoided, but the heat singed her, leaving her gasping. Earendil pressed on, his swords transforming into a radiant dragon, its roar echoing through the room. The dragon lunged at Kaede, but the cat was quick to respond. With a flick of his tail, a wall of black fire emerged, clashing with the white dragon in a dazzling display of light and shadow. Kaede's fire overpowered the dragon, and Earendil was sent sprawling.
Kaede thought, 'If I can just keep finding openings..'
Arwin used this distraction to move closer to Kaede. Her flowers transformed into a white lily, its petals unfurling to reveal a blinding light. The light exploded in a brilliant flash, momentarily stunning Kaede. But the moment was brief, and Kaede's tail swung, landing a hard hit that sent Arwin skidding across the floor. Earendil and Arwin charged together, their magic combining into a dazzling display of white swords and flowers. They struck at Kaede from all directions, expecting to land a decisive blow. However, Kaede's tail swirled, creating a vortex of red and black fire that absorbed their combined attack. It then released a counterattack, catching both siblings in a burst of fire.
Undeterred, the siblings launched another joint attack. This time, their magic formed a labyrinth of swords and flowers, hoping to trap Kaede. But Kaede's tail moved with a mind of its own, navigating the maze while landing blows on the prince and princess.
In the climax of the battle, Kaede's tail flicked with precision, releasing a concentrated beam of fiery energy. The beam struck the siblings, sending them spiraling backward. Kaede landed gracefully, his tail producing a soft glow of red and black fire, signaling the end of the battle.
The crowd gasped silently, still not saying a word.
But their thoughts ran wild, thinking:
'He beat both of them?!'
'Both siblings are Nebula Sage rank!'
The High Commander of the Royal military, Vettan, had his arms folded, and he thought, 'Something's not right about that damn cat.'
Vettan had a muscular build, a bald head, bushy black beard, dark red eyes, and scars on his face.
Kaede was breathing heavily, saying, "I'm sorry!"
The prince and Princess were getting to their feet, and they looked at the king and queen, bowing.
Queen Luthien thought, 'He beat both of them. Not suprised in the slightest. I shall be his next opponent-.'
High Commander Vettan stood up, motioning the Queen, that he'll go next.
Vettan thought, 'He may have defeated the royal siblings, who are both Nebula Sage rank, but he'll stand no chance in hell against me, an battle hardened elf warrior who's led millions of soldiers to victory over the course of thirty years. I am Vettan, Stellar Master rank warrior. Celestial energy burns within me! A large fraction power of the gods reside in me. This sentient cat is merely a mythic creature, I shall humble it!'
Kaede said, "Waitttt! Wait! Can we slow down?! Why is no one talking? I don't wanna fight anymore! I'm the good guy! The good cat, not guy, the hell am I saying? A-Anyway! We're on the same side!"
'This elf looks strong…definitely more powerful than the two others that fought me. Thanks to my Black Whisker Divination skill, I can feel it..my whiskers are going off, meaning it's dangerous. Should I use a stronger skill instead of the tail? I don't wanna go too crazy. But we've been using powerful magic, and not a scratch has dented the room or the people around us. It must be some magic force field stuff around us. What skill would be best against this elf..? I gotta see what he's working with first..then I can go. But seriously, why are they not talking?'
In the heart of the Elves Royal Palace, a room known as the Battle Room held a critical place in their traditions. The Battle Room was not merely a place for physical combat; it was a sacred space where intentions were tried, alliances were formed, and the very essence of an individual was revealed.
The High Commander, the Starlight Council, and the Royal Family would gather in this room to watch the prince and princess battle the newcomer. This was not a battle of malice, but a ritualistic dance of blades and magic, a test of the newcomer's intentions.
The ritual demanded silence from all present, a rule that was respected and upheld without question. But why?
The silence was more than a mere tradition; it held a profound significance in the Elven culture. The Elves of Eiloria were deeply attuned to the energies of the world around them. They believed in the power of intention and the subtle vibrations it sent through the cosmos. This belief was woven into the very fabric of their society, shaping their rituals, their magic, and their understanding of harmony.
In the silence of the Battle Room, the elves were not merely being respectful; they were listening. They were tuning into the hum of the world, the soft whispers of the wind, the gentle sigh of the earth, and the rhythmic heartbeats of those present. The silence allowed them to sense the emotional and spiritual ripples created by the newcomer, the prince, and the princess during the ritual.
Any spoken word, any casual noise, could disrupt this delicate harmony, muddling the subtle cues and vibrations they relied on to discern the newcomer's true intentions. Even the slightest sound could echo loudly in this room of silent judgment, obscuring the truth they sought.
Moreover, the silence was a form of discipline, a testament to the elves' self-control, patience, and unity. It was a shared act of reverence for the ritual, the Battle Room, and the potential ally or threat standing before them.
Thus, the silence in the Battle Room was more than an absence of sound. It was a canvas for the elves to paint a picture of the newcomer's soul, a stage for the silent dance of intentions, and a mirror reflecting the truth beneath the surface. It was the silence of understanding, of harmony, and, ultimately, of judgment.