The sun’s rays cascade across the ground, warming the splotches of remaining snow and ice across the streets of Volaire town proper. The chittering of wildlife is beginning to return to the lands as temperatures increase and nature begins to awaken from its sleep of death over the cold months. Merchants across the land are beginning to migrate to the port city of Volaire, advertising their wares and negotiating with the dock masters as the streets and alleys spring back to life with excited conversation and movement.
In front of the tavern, there is a gust of wind and a crackle of energy as a portal the size of a storefront rips open. From the portal emerges an entourage of heavily armored Draconian soldiers marching in formation, followed by a caravan of four carriages, each draped in black and white tapestries upon which is emblazoned a figure of a bowing dragon head.
The caravan stops in the town square, at which point the Draconian soldiers fan out to their respective tasks, some of them moving into a defensive position around the perimeter and others moving to two of the carriages, retrieving lumber and other materials with which they quickly begin using to erect a platform decorated with black and white coverings. A large ornate throne is placed in the center with a smaller throne on either side, one draped in a simple billowing white cloth and the other decorated with cloths of various colors as well as small bells and flowers.
Other soldiers make their ways to each of the Kingdom Guilds, admitting themselves into the Outer Wards and awaiting entrance to the Inner Wards, at which point they request the presence of the Guild’s Leadership to return to the Town Square under official escort for an announcement.
As the Town Leaders make their way to the Town Square, the large central throne is occupied by a young boy. He is wearing immaculate formal attire, his slacks and shirt perfectly pressed. He wears a black silk vest with thin white detailing snaking along its surface, upon which several military bars and medals are proudly displayed. Upon his brow is a thin silver crown with a red gem in the center. At his right side, in the throne draped in white, is another young boy of apparently similar age. He is dressed in white robes with gold trim and a wide black and white sash securing the robes at his waist. His shoulder-length white hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail save for his bangs that gently flow in the breeze across his right eye. He is adorned with several pieces of jewelry including gem-encrusted rings on his fingers that are entwined with the crowned boy’s as they hold hands looking out to the growing audience. Perched upon the other throne is a young woman wearing a multi-colored corset and several layers of skirts all in various shades of reds and oranges. Her flowing hair is decorated with red and orange flowers and is topped with an elaborate crown of intertwining strips of gold and silver with various gems distributed throughout.
From one of the carriages, Commander Selena steps out and makes her way to the platform, her eyes scanning everyone and everything in the area, her head nodding with approval at the efficiency of her soldiers setting up the formal affair. She takes her place behind the center throne, placing a hand upon the boy’s shoulder and looking down with a slight smile before her face takes on a mask of emotionlessness as she gazes out to those gathered. A few moments later, Jedash exits the same carriage. He is dressed in formal military dress, his jacket lapels adorned with stars and medals displaying his rank and status. He takes his place at Selena’s side as Wolfrum emerges from the carriage.
Wolfrum walks out to the front of the platform, also dressed in formal dress, although clearly uncomfortable as he absently tugs at the sleeves straining against his massive arms. He stops at the center of the platform and raises his arms in an open gesture to the gathered onlookers.
“Welcome, loyal citizens and Leaders of the Ariadnian Empire. I stand before you here today, King Wolfrum Da'ar Na'sey Zezhuanth, to announce the coming-of-age of my son, Kalil ari V'rahkdön Na'sey, and the claiming of his birthright as Crown Prince of the Dragonkin Domain.”
He gestures to the boy sitting on the central throne, who visibly gulps before awkwardly waving his hand. The hand on his shoulder squeezes and Kalil gasps and clears his throat as his posture straightens and he waves and nods more confidently to those gathered before him.
Wolfrum continues, “It is with deep pleasure that I declare to you all gathered here today that from this moment forth, Crown Prince Kalil speaks with my voice in my absence and that his words bear the weight of my throne.”
The Dragon King crosses his arms across his chest, “On a near future date yet to be determined, my son shall celebrate a union with no precedent to date. He shall be wed to Prince Connor Daggerheart of the Ariadnian Empire and Princess Zinna Udinov of the Ramtovi. This union has received my blessing and all citizens of all three empires shall be invited to be in attendance to this historic event.”
He turns and walks to Kalil, teasing his hair with one massive hand and flashing a wink to Selena before turning back to the crowd. “We shall remain here for one hour to entertain questions and accept well-wishes before moving on to meet with each of the Baronies.” His tone drops, “And if anyone has any objection to this union, you may speak with me privately and I will enthusiastically answer your questions to their summary conclusion.”
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