The kingdom of Loc is an Island country, isolated by mountains and ocean. Despite this isolation they thrived, all due to the benevolence of their king and his blessing. Today was a momentous occasion for the people of Loc. A new king is to be crowned, and with him a new era for the entire kingdom. The economy of Loc has been on a slow decline for generations now. Each problem the people face grows more opposing each year, and expectations are high for the young king. The people of Loc are anxiously waiting to see what boons the new king will bring to them. You see the kings of Loc have always been judged on their contributions to their kingdom. They are all expected and praised for being the hardest working and most diligent laborers, The young king has his work cut out for him. Food has grown scarcer, and game harder to come by with most forests being home to monsters instead of mammals. It seemed the lands were beginning to turn on its people. This of course had everyone on the edge of their seats with hope and anxiety altogether.
A man sat in his stone tower that loomed over the entire city. He watched from his window, running his bronze fingers through a golden beard. He too was curious to see how the people would take to their prince-turned-king. As the people all gathered in the square, the cheers and prayers swelled into an ambient noise that even reached his lofty balcony. The door to his chamber opened behind him. Another man about the same maturity stepped in with two chalices in hand. "Somehow I'm not surprised to find you in here. Even still,…I have to ask."
"Ask me what?" he responded, still stroking his beard with a hand full of rings. "Why I'm not attending the coronation, you mean?"
The man approached and handed one of the chalices to him. He took a place at his side while also gazing down at the ceremony. They lightly clanged their chalices together and each took a swig. "I mean, you do know this is a big day for the lad. It's his day. You don't think it unusual for the former king not to attend his son's crowning?"
"It is as you said,…this is his day. For the first time in a long time, I am just an onlooker. Thought I might enjoy the sensation of only having to watch for a change."
The other man smirked at the remark. "Tis true. You made a fine king during your time ruling, but I know better than any what tole it takes - the weight that the crown bares on a man."
"Besides, this is a crucial moment for him as a leader. They're all watching you know, searching for the faintest hint of weakness. The people need a savior now, but they will gladly settle for a scapegoat for their misfortunes. He needs to be respected without my hand on his shoulder."
"Right you are my friend. Times have not been favorable in the last decade or so. And if the tidings from our scouts are to be believed, they only grow worse."
"Which means his challenges will be greater than my own." The king sits his chalice down on a small table next to his seat. "But I have no fears. If I've accomplished anything close to greatness, I have no doubt that prince,…King Ori will accomplish greater still."
They both watched as a chariot rolled into the square, adorned with royal banners and driven by two plumanes (Horses with floral-like manes). Loc was a beautiful capitol city. Entirely carved out of stone with intriguing and nuanced architecture. Man-made rivers flowing from every direction, all meeting in the town square where the ceremony took place. The chariot came to a halt right at the end of a lavish walk way. Women threw flower petals and kisses into the air as the new king stepped out to greet his people. The spitting image of his father he was. Dark skin with flowing golden hair that seemed to defy gravity, and eyes that burned like embers. He retained the softer features of his mother which made him a hit with the ladies. Not as scary looking as his battle-hardened father.
As soon a his feet touched the ground, the crowd lit up with excitement. Despite all of the pageantry, the ceremony was quite the simple endeavor. The soon-to-be king would greet and wave to his people while walking to the Alter of Kings settled in the middle of the square. It was a massive gazebo-like structure with elegant carvings and artistry woven into its stone. An architectural marvel that sat as the centerpiece for the entire kingdom. Inside of it were larger than life statues, representing each king and ruling, with his father's being unveiled that day. There, the archbishop would then present him with his crown. He would then receive its blessing known as the King's Mantle. A gift given by the crown to its barer, bestowing them with super human abilities like speed and strength. Then it's off to perform his first great feat. One he will do as a sign of dedication to his people.
After the ceremony, the Archbishop gathered all of the town people at the edge of Stonewood Forest. There, Ori stood next to a tree, holding his hand out to feel the bark. Like the name implies, this particular forest is home to some of the sturdiest lumber in all of Loc. The trees are much too dense to chop down enough firewood to supply a whole kingdom, or at least it would be for a normal man. For Ori's first great feat, he planned to supply the kingdom with the best lumber wood in all of the kingdom. Ori stood quietly in front of the tree, almost like he was listening to it. He did his best to tune out the murmurs and whispers around him. It was a bold act to take on so many large oaks at once. Especially considering that there were easier means of getting the people the lumber they needed. He took a deep breath while looking up at the tree in front of him, then he stepped back now ready to begin.
The lumber crews were all present and ready to clean house once the trees were cut -a show of faith from the people that spoke, We believe you will succeed. Ori didn't need reassurance. He just had to do what he always did, believe he could. He was confident in his abilities, but knew not the extent of their growth due to the mantle's gift. He also felt his father's gaze at the back of his head. Baros had always been a supportive father, but was never one to suffer mediocrity or failure. Today Ori wished not only to gain the faith of his people, but of his father as well. This was his moment to show him that he was ready to step into his role as leader. If for nothing else, so that his father could finally be at ease. The archbishop gave an amazing speech at the ceremony, and it seemed he intended to out perform himself with the next.
"Gather round ladies and gentlemen! For your new ruler, King Ori, prepares to bestow upon us his first gift! Winter draws near. Our king wishes our homes warm, and our tools sturdy and unbreakable. Not unlike his father with the making of bold claims." The archbishop in all his glory, holds his hand out toward Ori in a dramatic fashion. "But can he actually produce? That is what we are all eagerly waiting to see!"
"This is it big brother! Knock em dead!" A girl's voice rang out from Ori's flank.
He turned to see it was his sister Aria, standing in front of the crowd and waving frantically. Tall and beautiful just like the late queen. Her skin also brown with light patches everywhere from vitiligo, one of the many ailments she was born with. Her hair sprouted from her head and down her back like the canopy of a tree, with thick and curly locks of gold. She was always his biggest fan. She would have all the girls in the castle sick of all the stories about how great her big brother was. Ori smiled at her, and then gave her a thumbs up. She did the same back, and at the same time they both turn their thumbs sideways and drag them across their necks. The former king, Baros, road out to watch the event in his tented chariot, high on the hill and away from the common rabble. Their father disliked this little taunt between them. It normally meant the prince was about to do something reckless on the most grandest of scales, and his sister was always in full support, no matter how idiotic the stunt. Yet he could not deny his fondness of their love for each other. Most of the trouble that Ori ever got into was on behalf of his younger sister. Breaking into the forbidden libraries, traveling outside the capital at night. All for her. She was very sickly as a child, and Ori was convinced that everyone had just given up, and that he was the only one who could save her. She never got well enough to see combat training or any athletics -which all of the royal children must undertake, but she at least lead a normal life like most girls her age. Normal for a princess anyways.
Ori was ready to begin. He had taken off his king's raiment and stood shirtless in front of a forest of enormous oak trees. He held out his arm while silently staring into the forest. The crowd immediately grew quiet. The archbishop stepped away to give him space. They were all unsure of what to expect in this moment. Every king's abilities slightly differed from the last. His father was blessed with insurmountable strength, and skin as hard as stone. Though this would be the first anyone had ever seen the king use his abilities including the king himself, Baros had some ides of what they would be. The mantle talks to the heart of the king when they are merged, and he knew his son's heart very well. Ori always valued speed and strength during combat. He had no doubts the mantle would only amplify that will.
Suddenly, the crest-like mark on the back of Ori's neck began to light up. It shined with the vigor of the sun. Slowly his skin and hair began to glow as the winds around him seemed to go into a tantrum. Golden flakes began to appear just beyond his hand, glimmering with light while taking the form of a blade. Then came an abrupt burst of light, leaving behind an elegant weapon in its stead -a royal blade of his own making. It was extravagantly adorned with filigree engravings and gold trimming along the blade and hilt. The crowd marveled at the blade. It shined with the same vigor as the king himself, if not brighter. He lowered his stance, still never breaking his gaze. He held the blade over his shoulder and widened his legs. He replayed the words his father spoke to him on several occasions, "You must be quick and sharp, like the cutting rays of a new dawn." He was starting to feel it -the mantle merging with his will. It felt like his brain was being connected to all the data in the world. He could see the density of the trees, the exact distance and force he would need. It was almost intoxicating. He let out a deep breath in an attempt to keep focus. Suddenly, the sword burst into a magnificent glow as he wound the blade back. He then released the power in a broad slash in the direction of the forest. A golden shockwave went ripping through the trees at lightning speed, kicking up wind and dust in every direction. The townspeople all covered their faces as the winds kicked up violently.
Soon all was quiet as the dust began to settle. They saw the king standing there, breathing heavily, eyes still locked on his target. They all looked to the trees, growing quiet in anticipation of the results. The trees were all still standing, but the king had dispersed his blade. Quickly it disappeared into a flash of golden flakes. Baros smirked as he waited for confusion to set in. The people were unsure of what to make of this. Nothing had happened it seemed. That's when they all heard crackling coming from within the forest. At first separate and far apart, but soon growing into a symphony of groans and snaps. Then, one by one the trees began to fall to the ground. Loud crashes could be heard in the distance further out than they could see. It was amazing and terrifying all at once. The might of the new king became unquestionable in that moment as the entire forest fell from one swipe of his sword. Their excitement grew with each crash of an oak into the ground. The dust settled, showing nothing but a field stumps and fallen trees.
Ori then began walking toward the first tree he was originally in front of, now on the ground. He leaned down, and with great strength picked the tree up and threw it on his shoulder. The people sat in shock, mouths and eyes fully agape. Slowly he walked back toward the people and turned to the logging crews. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get to work gentlemen."
The crowd went absolutely wild with cheers for their new king. The archbishop quickly went to his side, grabbing his free arm and hoisting it up in the air. "Let none after this day harbor any doubts! All hail the new King of Loc! King Ori, Griffin of the Golden Dawn!" Ori blushed at the extravagant title. He knew the archbishop had been toiling to come up with a proper name for this very moment. He underestimated his flair for the romantic, but could not deny he also liked the sound of it.
The people of Loc sang the king's praises long into the night, after all the laboring was done and all the trees cleared out. The capital now had the best stock of wood all thanks to their king. This was only one three acts he performed that day. He also hunted with the warriors of the kingdom, taking down a massive beast. It became the main course for the celebration being held that night in his honor. Music and laughter filled the streets as the people rejoiced. King Ori was all anyone could talk about. Even in the castle, the halls were buzzing with his amazing contributions to the kingdom. Most kings perform one feat on the day of their crowning. Ori went as far as to complete three. Although this idea was given to him by his father, who worried about the people not taking to him well. It seemed he had nothing to fear. It's not like Ori ever had any trouble gaining the respect and adoration of those around him, but times in the kingdom were tougher, with the king's abilities being the only protection from the people living in hardship. He let out a sigh of relief while staring into his cup. He and other nobility sat around a large table settled in the middle of the Alter of Kings, where the coronation originally took place. It was customary for the royal family to dine with their people on this occasion. The entire building was alive with celebration. Then came a dinging noise that caught everyone's attention. It was the archbishop tapping his spoon against a glass chalice, preparing to unveil the newest addition to the statues that decorated the hall.
"Now now let us all settle down! Today has been a joyous one indeed with the crowning of our young king. But let us not forget the hand that guided us here thus far. King Baros's rein was one of prosperity and growth, and with the unveiling of this work of art,…let us never forget the years of happiness our beloved former king Baros has given us." He paused as the people all turned their attention to the veiled statue. "It is a most gracious honor to present to you,…the memorial of King Baros, the Bastion of Light!"
He then pulled a long rope, causing the enormous veil to fall to the ground. Everyone stood in awe at the immaculate statue carved in his likeness. Baros couldn't help but marvel at it himself. He sat silently, stoically and majestic as he took it all in. This was quickly interrupted by arms being thrown around his neck from behind. "Look Papa,…It looks like just like you." Said Aria pressing her face against his with affection. He placed a hand on her arm and turned to her. "You had one commissioned huh? I said I didn't want a memorial."
"Too bad. Every king gets one, and you're not exempt mister. I don't care how much you scowl." She leans in and gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Congrats Papa. You deserve even more for all you've done for us."
Before he could respond he noticed his son stepping onto the table. He watched in slight embarrassment as he knew Ori was about to make a scene. Ori stood on the table silently, staring at the statue with a satisfied grin on his face, chalice in hand and nearing full inebriation. Everyone quieted down to hear what he was about to say. He twirled the drink in his cup for a moment before speaking, then chuckled to himself a bit.
"Pretty big shoes to fill am I right?" He says jokingly as everyone laughs at the remark. "I can only hope that I am as gracious and honorable as the man who raised me. I know I was not the ideal prince." He paces slowly with a look of reminiscence. "Especially after the passing of mother, our queen. I don't know how you did it father -raising a rambunctious knuckleheaded son, an ailing daughter, and running a kingdom. Seems like the most impossible of tasks. I'd actually feel better about accepting the crown if you hadn't accomplished so much." The crowd laughs once more before he continues. "But despite that I want you to know. Although I have accepted the crown and its blessing. You will always be my true king. Hail,…to the greatest, fiercest,…and certainly most patient man I've ever known."
"HAIL KING BAROS!" the crowd shouted in response. The former king was not one for public praise, but the words of his son touched him nonetheless. He fought back tears as he watched Ori in all his glory, charming the people with his words. Proof that he was indeed fit to be a leader after all. A father will always have his worries, but he was blessed to have such beautiful and talented children.
Ori continued, "But we're not here to dwell on the past, are we? Let us celebrate a new future! To the prosperity of Loc and her people!" He shouted raising his chalice high. This was shortly followed by a roar from the townspeople. The music continued and everyone carried on with the festivities. A large parade circled the alter, with a large float in the shape of giant griffin at the front. Dancers performed while walking alongside the parade, throwing petals and sparklers all about. Fireworks of the most brilliant designs and patterns went off in the air. All for their new king. The people called for Ori to be apart of the show. He looked back at his father, one last check for his approval. It was same look he would give as a child when he wanted to forsake his studies and go play with his friends. Baros smiled back while giving him a nod. Ori jumped down from the table. His sister then began pulling him by the arm in the direction of the parade. "C'mon we're gonna have to wait for them to come back around if we don't hurry." She insisted.
"Ok ok,…I'm coming" He said struggling to keep up with her.
The parade became a massive trail of bodies, all following the griffin float that now had the king and the princess riding atop. He and his sister enjoyed the show while being carried through the streets. As the night wore on, Ori moved through the revelry with a charismatic ease, a broad smile fixed on his face as he greeted nobles, commoners, and warriors alike. His golden hair shimmered in the light of the torches. His laughter was infectious, pulling everyone around him into the joy of the celebration. For the first time in months, perhaps years, the people of Loc felt a surge of optimism. King Ori had proven himself not only capable but extraordinary. All was well for the kingdom of Loc. A new king, stout of heart and devoted to his people. What more could the people ask for? 'Twas the beginning of a new dawn, bright and brimming with possibilities.
"That night was the happiest moment of my life. Surrounded by family
and friends,…and an entire kingdom of people screaming my name.
Dad always told me this day would come. Even still,…its hard to
believe that I actually became a
king. I've never felt so proud to be apart of something.
To be a leader, adored by his people. I never wanted this feeling to leave.
If only I could've lived there…in that moment a bit longer.
If only,…"
Chapter end -