They stood before the tall, intricately carved doors of the great chamber. The elf leader, with a deep bow and a respectful gesture, gently pushed them open.
As soon as they stepped inside, a palpable wave of energy surged from the hall, making the air around them hum with power.
The masked man, usually as silent and unperturbed as a shadow, immediately stepped in front of Princess Ling, his stance becoming protective. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, narrowed, and he subtly shifted into a defensive posture. The sheer intensity of the energy made even him, a peak soul-tempering ascendant, feel the need to guard against an unseen threat.
Princess Ling, though not as attuned to the ascendant arts as others, could not ignore the dense, almost overwhelming spirit energy filling the hall. It was unlike anything she had ever encountered. It was as if the very air was charged with raw, potent power.
The masked man's frown deepened. This level of energy was extraordinary. He had encountered such immense power only once before, in the presence of a figure of unparalleled might back in their empire.
The source of this energy, he realized, was the elf seated on the throne ahead.
The throne, crafted from living wood and adorned with intricate elven design, seemed almost to grow out of the floor itself. Seated upon it was an elf whose presence commanded the room. Princess Ling had anticipated encountering an elder, perhaps with long, white hair and a beard flowing like a river of wisdom. Instead, she found herself gazing upon a figure of vibrant youth, exuding a kingly elegance and a power that seemed to emanate from his very being.
Despite his youthful appearance, with features suggesting a man in his early twenties, there was an undeniable aura of ageless wisdom and authority about him. His grace was such that he seemed almost to float above the throne, and his serene smile radiated a warmth that belied the sheer force of the energy he wielded.
"Wow, such pure spirit energy," Yuna's voice broke the silence. She waved her hand in the air, her fingers trying to grasp the intangible currents swirling around them as if she could catch the very essence of the power that filled the chamber.
Suddenly, the vast energy that had filled the room retracted, converging back into the elf lord seated on the throne. The atmosphere shifted, becoming almost serene despite the lingering echoes of immense power.
"Welcome, Princess, and Holy Scion," the elf lord's voice echoed softly through the hall, resonant and calm.
Spark, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. Despite his and Yuna's altered hair colors, the elf lord had recognized him instantly. There was a keen intelligence in those eyes that suggested nothing escaped his notice.
The elf lord rose from his throne, his movements graceful and fluid, and approached them with an air of humility that contrasted sharply with the raw power he had just displayed.
"Forgive my earlier display," The elf lord apologized. "I was in the midst of preparing something."
Princess Ling inclined her head in response, her curiosity piqued.
"We are honored to be in your presence, lord of elves," she said, her voice respectful. "Your display was... impressive."
The elf lord's smile broadened, and he gestured for them to step further into the chamber.
"Please, be at ease. There is no need for formality here. You are my guests."
As they moved further into the room, the atmosphere seemed to lighten, the earlier tension dissolving into an almost palpable sense of welcome. The elf lord's presence, while undeniably powerful, now felt more like a comforting embrace than an overwhelming force.
"It seems you know more about us than we initially thought," Spark said, as they stepped ahead.
The elf lord nodded, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery. "In Feyhaven, knowledge is our greatest ally. I have heard much about the travelers who have recently entered our realm. Your reputation precedes you, Holy Scion."
"Oh, How so?" Spark's curiosity deepened. The title 'Holy Scion' was one few outside the imperial court knew. The elf lord's awareness of it suggested a network of information as vast and intricate as the magical energies he commanded.
"Holy Scion, the strongest figure on the entire continent. Who doesn't know you?" Praised the elf lord.
Hearing the praise, Spark nodded his head. "That's how it should be."
To praise another was a rarity among the elves, who were known for their inherent sense of superiority. That such recognition came from the elf lord himself made the moment even more extraordinary.
The elf lord's eyes gazed around the group behind Princes Ling and Spark and lingered at Yuna and Zhao Shi for a moment before shifting back to Spark.
"I would love to spar with you sometime, Holy scion." The elf lord's eyes gleamed with a mixture of admiration and a warrior's curiosity.
Spark, ever the calm and composed one, waved his hand dismissively.
"Forget about sparring. Your bones are too old for that," he said, a slight smirk playing on his lips. "You should be thinking about retiring instead."
The elf lord chuckled, a rich, melodious sound that filled the chamber.
"Perhaps you're right," Elf lord conceded with a smile.
"What is it that you wish to discuss with us?" Spark casually asked.
The elf lord's expression grew thoughtful.
"There are matters of great importance that we must address," he said, his voice lowering as if the weight of his words could scarcely be spoken aloud. "Matters that concern not just Feyhaven, but the balance of our world and beyond."
***
A/N: Changed Aura to spirit.