The Welcome Party
The sun rose over the blue sky, with no cloud to be seen, painting Domino with its warm light. As the rays of light peered through Princess Bloom's bedroom curtains, forming a golden streak on the floor, a gentle knock interrupted the morning stillness.
*Knock knock*
Bloom stirred but remained asleep. The knocks came again, this time more insistent. As the people of Domino crossed from Obsidian back to their homeland, they found that despite their unchanged appearances, their minds and hearts were not as they once were. Sleep had not come easy to them. Their time in the dark realm had felt like a strange dream, a nightmare, like limbo - and now they were finally free. And so, King Oritel and Queen Mariam were up and about, eager to plan their day. As Oritel and Mariam walked around the palace, noting the various improvements they would like to see, they stopped by Bloom's bedroom to see if the young princess was ready.
Huh? Bloom awoke. "Who is it?" she asked groggily.
"Bloom?" came Mariam's soothing voice, as she opened the door. The King and Queen entered the bedroom, their faces bright with the promise of a new day.
"What is it?" murmured Bloom, still half asleep.
"I am so glad you are awake, dear. Everyone is already up!" rushed Oritel.
"Five more minutes," murmured Bloom, burrowing deeper into her pillow.
"Bloom, dear, the volunteers will land today," Mariam reminded gently.
"Volunteers?" Bloom asked, eyes still shut.
"Yes. Volunteers. Up we get now," insisted Oritel, drawing back the curtains and opening them with one swift sweep. Light poured into the room, bathing the oak wood floors while chasing the shadows away. The warm rays spilled over the bed and onto Bloom's face. Her eyes twitched and fluttered open as if struggling to adjust to this sudden change. It is so bright. She grimaced.
"Good. Finally, you are awake. We must present ourselves with our best foot forward, and greet them as the rulers of this land," explained Oritel. "Please get ready and join us for breakfast. Afterwards, we will meet the volunteers by the Great Statue of Arandoch."
The Great Comeback had not fully restored the realm to the vibrant beauty it once held. Underneath the snow that magically melted away, destruction and devastation of the lands ravaged by the ancestral witches existed as they were at the last battle. And so, repairs around Domino had started under Oritel and Mariam's guidance. It was as clear as the sky that day, the King and Queen were excited to rebuild Domino, eager to see it thrive again.
To help bring the Kingdom up to speed and help restore Domino to its former glory, volunteers from the United Realms were tasked to go to Domino and help the people. It was tradition for the realms' royal families – or Leaders of the Rule, in democratic cases – to receive and welcome any representatives of the United Realms.
By the time Oritel and Mariam had reached the Great Dining Hall, Princess Bloom had made her way, dressed up. The smell of the room was promising an enticing breakfast. Freshly baked pastries, mingled with the subtle sweetness of glazed scones danced through the air. One could smell the delicate fragrance of herbs floating from the fluffy and golden scrambled eggs, perfectly seasoned with chives and thyme. Fragrant notes of freshly brewed coffee swirled, mingling with a hint of vanilla and a touch of chocolate from the cocoa powder. The soft, fruity scent of citrus - orange marmalade and freshly squeezed juice - provided a refreshing contrast, lifting the heaviness of the other smells with a burst of zest and brightness. The mingling aromas created a warm, inviting ambience that brought about a sense of home.
"Darling, did you not see the dress we had sent up for you last night?" Mariam asked, her eyes lingering on Bloom's clothes. Domino had been known for eccentric headdresses and ball gowns, whilst Bloom's gown was anything but.
The gown Bloom wore was a deep navy-blue colour, made of luxurious satin - only found on Solaria. The skirt flowed smoothly from the waist, its A-line silhouette falling to the floor in soft, graceful folds. There were no embellishments or extravagant details. Instead, the gown's beauty lay in its classic cut and the way it draped perfectly over Bloom's slender frame. It embodied a timeless elegance that Solaria was known for. (1)
"Will you be greeting our guests in that Bloom? It doesn't look like it is from Domino" Oritel asked, raising an eyebrow as he took in her gown.
"Oh, this was designed by Stella," explained Bloom with a smile. As they sat down for breakfast at the oak table, Bloom regaled her parents with stories from her time at Alfea and home on Earth.
After the intimate breakfast, the royal trio were greeted by Oritel's Chief Counsel. The Dominican Palace was a symbol of regal authority in Domino and also the heart of its governance. It was where important decisions and state affairs were orchestrated. Oritel's Chief Council included the Grand Chancellor, Lord Clark, who was Oritel's chief advisor and overseer of all administrative matters. Other members of counsel included the Minister of Defence, Lord Thorne; the Steward of Commerce, Lady Eldora; the keeper of records, Lord Barnaby (2); the Envoy of Relations, Lady Thorne; and finally, the Royal Herald, Sir Roland. Also, part of the Counsel was Oritel's Chief of Staff, Lady Seraphine, who was busy arranging a banquet. Each minister played a crucial role in maintaining the balance and prosperity of Domino in the events before the Great War and retained their positions of governance after.
The royal trio, along with their chief counsel and security detail, made their way from the dining hall to The Red Grove Garden - a cherished part of Dominican heritage. They were to oversee preparations for the banquet Domino was throwing in honour of her visitors. Before the war, the royal family would give away flowers from this garden to be used in prayer as offerings to the Great Dragon. As the trees were frozen for decades, the Dominicans did not expect a bloom. The Dominicans were baffled when they found a precise number of six flowers per tree. The flowers, however, maintained their beauty. The outer petals were a rich, passionate red, gradually fading into a brilliant orange at the tips - creating a gradient that seemed to capture a flame.
"The flame of the forest," murmured Oritel as he looked at the trees. (3) He closed his eyes remembering happier times. Oritel and his sister, Euclasia, had grown up playing in this very garden. As children, Oritel was goofy and his younger sister fierce. They would often play truant to their classes to play in the garden. As they grew up, Euclasia went away to Alfea to master her magic and Oritel was forced to continue his studies in Domino. He was to be King after all.
"Maybe we can ask Flora to help make these trees bloom again?" Bloom wondered aloud, breaking Oritel's thoughts, as she noticed flowers made from tulle being hung from the branches filling the grove.
"We mustn't, Bloom." Mariam shook her head. "These flowers and trees are sacred to us. Most of these trees have been around for generations."
"Yes, dear. We have special gardeners - The Master Gardeners of the Royal Grove" Oritel explained, his tone filled with reverence. "They are entrusted with the care of our sacred flora, a responsibility passed down through their families for generations. Their knowledge and techniques are deeply rooted in tradition, and we must honour their practices. They have a profound understanding of the trees and flowers in the grove, which is why their methods must be preserved." As Oritel spoke, he glanced around the garden with a hint of pride mixed with nostalgia. As Lady Seraphine, his Chief of Staff overseeing the arrangement for the banquet, approached he turned to speak to her.
"The Master Gardeners of the Royal Grove" Bloom repeated. "That's a mouthful to say!" Sighing, she looked around. The trees had formed canopies providing plenty of shade for the banquet. A long banquet table, covered by a beautiful white cloth, was arranged under the canopy. Rays of light that snuck through the branches cast a sparkling light on the dinnerware. The finest of Domino, as fine as they could manage after the Great Comeback, was on display. At the head of the table, were four chairs - for the King, Queen and Bloom. Huh? A fourth chair? Bloom wondered. Bloom wished Daphne could join them.
"It is for the representative of the volunteers. The United Realms Council is particular about these kinds of things," Mariam quietly explained to Bloom. Though she did not help raise her daughter, she hoped she could understand her better by spending time. It had only been a couple of weeks, and Mariam had noted the Princess to be a quick learner and keen observer.
Bloom nodded, just as Oritel came back to the two women. "It is time. The volunteers have entered the Dominican space. Let us make our way to the statue, ladies."
The United Realms Council (4) was an esteemed body created many wars ago by representatives from each realm. They focused on international diplomacy, collaboration, and addressing universal issues through dialogue and cooperation among its member realms. If a realm required it, some volunteers, with a representative, would be sent in to help and guide. Domino was a unique and special case, so the Council had sent in the volunteers before being asked. Knowing they mean more good than harm, Oritel and Mariam did not object. Their people had been through enough. Any help was good help.
As the group reached the statue, the grandeur of the monument unfolded before Bloom. The towering statue loomed majestically over the landscape; its scale inspiring. Carved from white dragon stone, the figure of a man in full armour, stood resolute in his commanding and serene stance.
The intricate engravings on his armour, were a marvel of craftsmanship, tracing patterns of ancient runes and mythical symbols. His broad shoulders and strong arms bore the weight of a massive sword, held firmly in his hands, pointed downward towards the ground. From the hilt of his sword, crystal clear water flowed, trickling gracefully down to form a serene stream that wound its way around the base of the statue.
Perched atop the statue's head was a magnificently carved dragon, entwined like a crown. The dragon's scales shimmered in hues of gold, with rubies for eyes. This added an air of majesty and magic to the already imposing figure.
He looks content, yet so magnificent and fierce, thought Bloom, as she continued to take in the statue. Despite the imposing nature, its face was a vision of joy and tranquillity. The sculptor had captured a serene expression, with a gentle smile reflecting a deep peace. The statue stood, watching over Domino with its majestic presence, and its waters flowing as a testament to the enduring strength and grace of Domino.
The statue stood firm, as the trees around the group began to sway with the arrival of the United Realms' jet. As it landed in the open space, the royal family and the council made their way to greet their visitors. The bright white jet, signifying peace, opened its bridge.
"His Majesty, King Oritel, first of his name, Ruler of the Realm, Protector of the Grove," announced Sir Roland. "Her Majesty, Queen Mariam, Queen consort, Lady of the West." The outlines of the visitors could be seen from where the royal family was standing.
"Princess Bloom, Keeper of the Dragon's Flame, Guardian Fairy and Protector of Domino (5)." Sir Roland continued. "And the Chief Counsellors of Domino."
The volunteers stepped out of the jet and walked down the bridge in formations. They behaved like a contingent from an army but were diplomats.
A young boy scrambled to Sir Roland, the Royal Herald and handed him a paper.
"Representative Constant from the United Realms, with volunteer group A," Sir Roland called out.
Representative Constant stepped out and walked in front of his group. As he reached Oritel, Mariam and Bloom, he bowed.
"Representative Constant," Oritel acknowledged. "Welcome to Domino."
"Your Majesties, and Your Royal Highness. How lovely to make your acquaintance," said Representative Constant as he stood in a tall posture, meeting the eyes of each royal family member. He lingered on Bloom before turning and introducing the volunteers. "And these, of course, are my volunteers." There were thirty-nine volunteers, all in their black united realms uniform. Each uniform had a name printed on it, which belonged to that volunteer. They had identical khaki bags, and Nerf guns on a belt at their waist.
"Welcome to Domino," Bloom said to the group.
"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," murmured the group.
While her parents introduced the council to Representative Constant, Bloom looked at the group standing behind him. Her eyes fixed upon one volunteer who was intently looking at Oritel. Though they remained in the formation and wore the same uniform, she stood out the most to Bloom. Sapphire, the uniform said.
That must be her name. Bloom thought. Sapphire's stance was fierce and determined, but her emerald eyes were full of hope and determination. Her long dark hair was tied up with a golden band that, from that distance, reminded Bloom of a dragon.
Just like the Statue of Arandoch, Bloom mused. As she continued to stare, the girl had noticed, and their eyes met. Sapphire gave Bloom a friendly smile. Caught off guard, and embarrassed, Bloom quickly looked away but was left intrigued.
The group, now much larger, made their way back to the palace so that Representative Constant and the volunteers could freshen up before making their way to the banquet.
"We are here to help, Your Majesty! Let us bring you up to speed on technology first," Representative Constant said to Oritel.
"Yes of course. I've been hearing all about it from Bloom." Oritel said. "There is another matter we would like to discuss with you, Representative Constant."
"What might that be?" asked the Representative.
"My sister, Eucla-..." started Oritel.
"Why don't we speak after the banquet?" Mariam interrupted. "We can have this discussion more privately at tea. Representative Constant and his team must be tired from their travels."
"Yes. That is quite right." Agreed Oritel.
"Tea time it is," nodded the representative, before commented. "This is a beautiful statue though, I must say."
"Thank you," said Oritel. "It is supposed to be our ancestor, King Arandoch."
"Ah. The Dragon Saviour."
Author's Notes:
This chapter is an introduction to Sapphire. The chapters are short to my liking, but it is what it is.
(1) Stella's beautiful gowns make their debut!
(2) Remember Barnaby? Who kept records in the secret library on the rock bird? He's here too!
(3) I'm describing the Gul mohar flowers. They are also known as the Flame of the Forest. Apt flowers for the Dragon Fire Kingdom.
(4) Play on the United Nations. Meet the United Realms – established many wars ago during a time of conflict. Representatives from its member realms come together to promote peace, collaboration, and mutual support among diverse lands. Their primary goals are: a. Maintain international diplomacy, b. Facilitate trade and cultural exchange, c. Address global issue (yes, domino coming back would create a global storm), d. Provide aid during crises (like domino is in one now… sort of).
What are they doing on Domino? They want to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, and technology between realms to promote Domino's advancement - bring Domino up to speed.
(5) Those are Bloom's titles according to Winx wiki. I trimmed them a bit, but yes.