A few minutes had passed since they arrived in the courtyard of the Royal Castle of Lelfalion.
The mood was tense for our friends as they followed a pair of guards who were leading them towards the throne room to meet the monarchs of Lelfalion. Salem and Summer were the only ones to be completely calm because they already knew the King and Queen of this huge elven city but this was not the case for Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang.
For them, it was a completely new experience because after all, it was not every day that you met kings and/or queens. On Remnant, there were no royalty so it was understandable that none of them were comfortable at this point. Even Weiss Schnee, child of a rich family, and who was used to meeting high-ranking people (partly because of her father) was nervous.
But how did they end up with those guards ?
When they arrived, Salem and Summer made sure their companions understood the situation before knocking on the castle door. After a few moments of silence, the door opened and two guards greeted them.
The moment their eyes landed on the guards, Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang had their first vision of an Elf... and were amazed. Although they resembled humans, the Elves possessed, in addition to their pointed ears, a grace and appearance that made them superior.
The two guards, both men, were very handsome (and even Taiyang couldn't say otherwise) although they looked almost effeminate because of their long, silky hair and their lean body. The females (minus Salem and Summer of course) had strong reactions regarding them :
-Ruby was amazed by the appearance of the Elves but particularly what they wore. The guards wore magnificent armor made of gold and emerald, with golden shoulder pads and forearms. They had a helmet resembling a dragon's head and the armor was a mix of toughness and elegance. They also wore chain mail and emerald-colored capes that were attached to their shoulders. At their belts were elegant, sharp swords and in their hands were golden spears. She used all her willpower to not squeal in awe at the weapons.
-Weiss, for her part, was amazed by the beauty and grace of these two people. Thanks to her father, she had met many people, including charming and desirable young men. But none of them could compete with these guards. Their beauty far surpassed that of any man in Remnant...a beauty that was accentuated by the splendid armor they proudly wore.
-Blake was just as amazed at these guards as Ruby and Weiss. The Faunus had never seen so much beauty in a person but she was also very observant. His guards were just handsome, well-dressed men...they were clearly trained soldiers who took their duties very seriously, judging by the look in their eyes. Despite this, she couldn't deny that these two Elves were clearly the most handsome men she had ever seen. No Humans, nor any Faunus, could compete with them.
-Yang, while impressed by their armor and their handsome appearance, took note of how nice and clean their hair was and promised to ask them later what shampoo they were using since she was very interested.
-Cinder, for her part, didn't have the words to describe her two beings. They seemed to be divine beings because no man could be so beautiful. And yet, there she stood, admiring these two people dressed in magnificent armor. Like Weiss, she had seen a lot of men during her 'trips' and she could clearly admit that these two were above every men on Remnant.
However, all the women shared a similar thought: if these simple guards were so beautiful to look at, then what about the King and Queen ? Their question will soon be answered.
The guards, oblivious to the reactions they accidentally created, welcomed Salem and Summer with respect before accepting to take them to the throne room when Salem told them they wanted to see the King and Queen.
Which bring us back to present…
"I'm so nervous..." Ruby whispered to her teammates as she and her companions followed the two guards.
"I'm sure everything will be fine..." Yang whispered back to her sister with a bright smile but, even Ruby could see she was as nervous as everyone.
"Weiss, will you stop that !" Blake hissed at the Schnee heiress, rolling her eyes.
For good reason, Weiss was in the process of 'making herself beautiful' by using her hands to get rid of the wrinkles on her clothes, make her hair straighter or simply to get rid of a dust stain on her person.
"I am going to meet royalty ! I must be presentable !" the Ice Queen of Beacon retorted back to her teammate with a huff as she narrowed her eyes at the Cat Faunus beside her.
"We are all going to meet royalty, Weiss and yet, you don't see us doing… that !" Blake replied back calmly but with another roll of her eyes.
"Agree..." Ruby and Yang said in agreement to Blake's words causing Weiss to release another huff of annoyance.
Cinder, who heard them, rolled her eyes at this but kept silent. Herself was a bit nervous at the prospect of meeting royal people but she tried her best to not show it; It wouldn't be good for the younger ones to see her nervous… she has a reputation to maintain, damn it !
Taiyang, Salem and Summer all chuckled in amusement at Team RWBY's little arguments but they could understand their feeling on the matter. Tai himself was nervous but his wife had promised that everything would be fine so he trusted her words.
Speaking of Summer…
"Children, please, behave ! I can assume you, Miss Schnee, that everything will be fine… Salem and I had come here a lot of time before and as you can see, we are still alive and well..." Summer said to her daughters and their teammates with a comforting smile that instantly calmed them down.
"Queen Shanyrria and King Falael won't mind if you don't look… presentable, as long as you ACT accordingly..." Salem added calmly once her friends stopped speaking.
"That's good to know..." Blake commented before shooting a smug look at Weiss who huffed in annoyance while grumbling something under her breath.
"That's mean, no pun or jokes out of you, Yang..." Summer said while looking at her eldest daughter with narrowed eyes.
The brawler of Team RWBY pouted at this but nodded in understanding, under the amused eyes of her whole family and teammates.
But their little moment was interrupted by their guides.
"We are here..." one of the guards said in a solemn tone before he and his companion opened the large door standing before them.
Once the door was open, Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang gasped in awe at the sight before them.
The immense room was built of stone, with large green marble pillars, opening onto the arch moldings and lit by large colored windows on either side of the room. Between the pillars we could see tall stone statues carved with the likenesses of ancient elven kings and queens.
The ceiling was gilded and was decorated with magnificent engravings and representations of creatures and elves as well as forests, mountains and rivers. The floor was clean and without a single dust spot. Clearly, whoever was cleaning was doing an excellent job. At the back of the room, placed high on a platform, were the thrones… where they could see three people sitting on them.
Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang widened their eyes at the sight of the three people on the thrones and they instantly knew who they were : they were none other than the monarchs of this city.
The first was a man, the King, in his thirties with long black hair, kind blue eyes and strong features. He wore a silver robe and a golden crown in the shape of a circular tiara. He was sitting in the right throne hand.
The second person, without a doubt the Queen, was a woman of extraordinary beauty, with her soft and elegant features and her long, hair which was a deep and radiant gold. Her eyes were forest green and she was wearing an emerald green long dress covered with a veil of a lighter color. She was sitting in the middle throne and the biggest one at that.
The last one was a beautiful little girl who had golden hair and crystal eyes, filled with curiosity and innocence. Like the older woman beside her, she was wearing a long dress covered (albeit yellow instead of green) with a veil of a lighter color. She was sitting at the left side of the older woman.
For those who had never seen the trio, it was a shock. Their beauty and grace was greater than the guards and it filled the newcomers (mainly Team RWBY, Cinder and Tai) with awe, wonder and respect.
"Wow..." Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang all whispered in awe as they looked at the royal family while Summer and Salem merely smirked in amusement.
Then, they immediately knelt down, lowering their heads in a sign of respect and submission before saying in a voice full of respect and deference "Queen Shanyrria… King Falael…Princess Soliana.."
At the same time, the guards bowed down to their monarchs, greeting them with equal respect and deference. Seeing this, the rest of the group quickly did the same, no wanting to appear rude and disrespectful toward the royal family.
"Rise…all of you..." the Queen's voice was smooth and soft but you could hear the authority and gentleness in it.
Summer and Salem smiled as they went back on their feet, quickly followed by the rest of their group who looked no longer nervous. Perhaps the Queen's gentle voice calmed their nerves.
"Guards, thank you for bringing them to us… You may leave now..." the King said to the two armed elves in a strong yet calm tone.
The two guards bowed low to their liege before silently leaving the throne room, closing the door behind them and locking Summer, Salem, Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang inside with the royal family. A short silence followed until Shanyrria spoke again.
"My friends… Welcome back to Lelfalion..." the Queen said as her eyes landed on the eldest women among the newcomers, a warm smile on her face.
"Your Majesty, you honor us..." Salem said to her with deference and respect.
"Please, none of that now ! You and Lady Summer are distinguished guests! You don't need to follow protocol..." said King Falael with a little amused snicker.
His wife and daughter giggled in amusement and Summer and Salem were forced to do the same. For a moment, it seemed like the rest of the group was forgotten… even when they looked at the exchange with wide eyes of stupor and disbelief.
"If that what you want then..." Summer began to say before turning her silver eyes toward the princess.
"Happy birthday, little one !"
Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang were speechless at the way Summer spoke to the princess, but instead of being offended, the 10 year old just laughed loudly while standing up proudly like a peacock, saying with delight
"Thank you, Auntie Summer !"
While Salem, Shanyrria and Falael only rolled their eyes in amusement at the two, the other people present had another reaction.
"Auntie ?!" Team RWBY, Taiyang and Cinder blurted out in shock as they stared at Summer with wide eyes of disbelief.
"When Soliana was born, me and Salem were there and as she grew up, she saw us as her 'aunties'… Since then, the name stuck..." Salem answered casually to her companions, shrugging as if it wasn't a big deal.
Ignoring the way her companions were staring at her, Salem approached the princess before saying warmly "Happy tenth birthday, little one~"
"Thank you, Auntie Salem !" Soliana said back to her with a bright smile.
Smiling at the little reunion taking place before her, Shanyrria then turned her eyes to look at the people who came in the throne room alongside Summer and Salem, and opened her mouth to ask curiously.
"And who might you be ?"
At the sound of her voice, everyone turned their heads toward her. King Falael, for his part, also looked at the group of unknown people with curiosity, albeit hidden behind a mask of sternness. As for Soliana, she was looking at the strangers with innocent curiosity… but there was cautiousness as well.
"Your Majesties, allow us to introduce our companions... First of all, allow me to introduce my two daughters and my husband (with a wave of her hand, she gestured to the three people concerned to come closer and that's what they did): the beautiful young girl with blond hair is my eldest daughter, Yang (the latter bowed respectfully in response to these words, although blushing madly due to her mother's words) with her is my youngest daughter , Ruby (the leader of Team RWBY bowed awkwardly because of the nervousness it upset him) and finally the big blond idiot here is my husband, Taiyang..."
The last part was said with a smirk on her face.
"SUMMER !" Taiyang blurted out in shock and fake outrage as he stared at his wife in shock.
Everyone present either laughed or smirked in amusement while Summer looked smugly at her husband who shot her an embarrassing glare in response. Soliana, Yang and Ruby were laughing loudly in amusement, Shanyrria and Falael merely chuckled while glancing at one another and Blake, Weiss and Cinder smirked at the duo, internally amused.
What about Salem ?
She was rolling her eyes in fond annoyance and amusement.
"Summer, be serious !" the former Queen of Grimm grumbled to her friend while shooting her a stern glare… even if they all could see the amusement shining in her eyes.
Summer pouted at her friend before regaining her senses
"Very well..." she said with a sigh while shooting a glare toward her friend.
Nodding in satisfaction and ignoring the glare Summer sent her way, Salem opened her mouth to speak to the royal family "Your majesty, allow me to present you the rest of our group : This charming young lady here (she looked at a certain amber eyed young woman with dark hair at those words) is my daughter, Cinder… and these two (now she was looking at the Schnee Heiress and the Cat Faunus) are Weiss Schnee and Blake Belladonna… They are Yang's and Ruby's friends and teammates..."
Cinder, Blake and Weiss all bowed down respectfully at the monarchs while saying with deference (and at the same time) "Your Majesties..."
Shanyrria and Falael all bowed their heads in greetings while Soliana merely waved her hand adorably at the trio.
"Welcome, all of you, to Lelfalion !" The King said in a strong but welcoming voice as he spread his arms in a greeting manner.
"Your Majesty, thank you for receiving us..." Weiss said in a respectful tone while bowing at the man.
"It's no trouble, dear… Any friends of Summer and Salem are friends of ours… as long as you do not create trouble to our subjects or our world..." Shanyrria said next in a gentle voice at first before it turned sterner near the end of the sentence.
Everyone, minus Salem and Summer, stiffened in slight fear but they all nodded in understanding. None of them were here to cause trouble and some of the young ones stared at Yang as if daring her to do something stupid during their stay. The blond brawler seemed offended at first but soon nodded in agreement while grumbling something under her beard.
The adults all stared at the young ones with slight amusement before looking back at the royal couple when they stared to speak again. This time, however, their faces weren't harboring smiles… but stern faces. Instantly, the group was on edge, understanding that something big was going to be said.
"As it was said before, you are all welcome…Unfortunately, while you all came with Lady Summer and Lady Salem, I'm afraid we can't allow you to roam freely..." Shanyrria said in a firm tone while looking at Taiyang, Team RWBY and Cinder with narrowed eyes.
At the expression, they all stiffened in fright while looking at one another with nervousness. Salem and Summer, for their parts, all sighed in resignation : they should have expected this, really.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but we need to be sure that you will not endanger not only our kingdom but also the entire Hidden World ! Have Lady Salem and Lady Summer told you the history of our world ?"
Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang all nodded their heads in response.
"Then you understand our cautiousness… We do not want to have conflict with humans again…" The King said with a deep sigh and for a moment, he looked older than he was.
"If I may, your Majesty, could you tell us how we can gain your trust ?" Blake asked with respect and deference, understanding very well the situation she and her companions were facing.
Shanyrria and Falael stared at her for a moment before sighing
"You must obtain the approval of the King... Only he can determine whether or not you are worthy of the trust of the inhabitants of this world..." The Queen answered in a calm and collected tone.
At those words, Salem and Summer knew what she was talking about and couldn't help but internally smirking in anticipated glee. Meanwhile, Team RWBY, Cinder and Taiyang blinked in confusion at those words before looking at Falael.
"No, my dear wife here is not talking about me..." the King said while shaking his head with a chuckle.
For a moment, confusion could be seen written on the faces of the group… until Cinder connected the dots.
"You're talking about HIM, aren't you ? The Dragon King ?"
Team RWBY and Taiyang all stiffened at those words before looking at the monarch with wide eyes.
"We are indeed..." Shanyrria said with a nod of her head with her husband doing the same.
At the answer, the group (minus Salem and Summer) stared at one another with shock and awe… along with nervousness and anticipation. Who could blame them ? If what those people said was true, then they are soon going to meet the mighty Ruler of the Hidden World, Ancalagon himself !
"I will send a message to the Dragon King…While we wait for the answer, you are all welcome to stay in the castle as guests !" Falael announced to them with a smile while his wife nodded her head in agreement with a smile.
"You honor us, your majesty..." Weiss and Blake said to the Queen with respect while everyone else bowed to them.
"However, I have a request..." Shanyrria said, sounding stern again.
"What request, your Majesty?" Taiyang asked with curiosity and a hint of fear in his voice.
"I would like to speak with this young girl…" Shanyrria replied, looking at Blake.
The young Faunus instantly froze, surprised by this request and immediately, she felt fear. Seeing this, the rest of Team RWBY formed a protective circle around their comrades.
"Calm down, we're not going to hurt her... We just want to talk..." said Falael with a little amused smile.
Those words calmed down the members of Team RWBY who reluctantly stepped away from Blake… but not before one of them asked with curiosity
"May we know what you want to ask her about ?"
"RUBY !" Summer hissed to her daughter in a scolding manner but quickly calmed down when Shanyrria waved a hand.
"It's fine, my friend… She and her friends has every right to be protective of their comrades… In fact, their loyalty is admirable…"
At those words, Team RWBY as a whole beamed under the praise.
"And to answer your question, young one, I simply want to know more about her... since she is the first Faunus to enter the Hidden World... I simply want to know more about her people and their way of life, that's all..." Shanyrria's words appeased Blake's fears.
"I would be honored to fullfill your curiosity, your Majesty..." the Cat Faunus said while bowing in deference to the monarchs.
Once those words were said, Shanyrria and Blake staid in the throne room while the others left: while Summer and Salem took Ruby, Yang, Weiss, Cinder and Taiyang for a tour of the castle with the help of Soliana who was allowed to go with them, King Falael went elsewhere to write and send the message for the Dragon King.
Needless to say that everyone had been pretty busy before they received a message from the mighty Dragon King.
(To be continue…)