Chapitre 9: Chapter 8: The Bonding (281AC)
The following day comes, and Frosthold buzzes with life as everyone prepares for the young AebAerians' joining ceremony. Once the ceremony is over, the servants prepare everything for a feast to celebrate the new bond and the emergence of another possible strong tiger joining the family, signifying the continuation of a strong House Aurelius to come.
On the other end, the Aurelius family has already left for the forest where the ritual will take place, going by horse as it is still a few miles away.
"Are you nervous, Aerian?" Darren asked as he rode his horse next to his son, with Lilliana and Loreth riding not far behind and the 13 round table knights riding at the back as protection and to bear witness to their young masters' potential new bond.
"A little, but I believe that I will be able to gain a strong bond as I do have ambitions to further our house's influence a lot more than it is now. We may not fight for the throne as that will just bring unnecessary troubles, but we will reach a point where even the crown has to think twice when dealing with us." Aerian replied calmly as he focused on the forest coming into sight ahead.
"Haha, I look forward to the day that you accomplish that goal; then you, your mother, and I can just sit back and enjoy our alone time and maybe give you more siblings," Tharren said laughing.
Hearing what he said, Lilliana blushed and rode forward to slap him in the back of the head. "What nonsense are you trying to put into our son's head?" she said with an unhappy look on her face, causing Tharren to give her a wry smile.
Seeing his parents' antics, Aerian could only smile and continue to focus on what was to come soon. As the party reached the entrance to the forest, they came across an old man with long grey-white hair, a relatively strong build, and a face similar to Tharrens. He had a staff in his hands and was wearing an all-white cloak with one hand behind his back.
"I see that you are finally here," he said gruffly as he looked at my father and then me. I guess this should be the young Aerian."
"Father, it's nice to see you're in good health, and yes, it is," Tharren replied to the old man. Hearing what Tharren said, Aerian was surprised. He didn't know that his grandfather was still alive or why he was staying here in the forest.
"Judging by the young one's face, I take it you haven't told him about me."
"I wanted it to be a surprise. Look how funny his face is now, haha," Tharren said jokingly, causing his father to shake his head as he walked past and came by Lilliana's side. "Lilliana darling, it's good to see you again, still as beautiful as the day you came to our house." He said, smiling at Lilliana before looking at Loreth. And who might this adorable bundle of cuteness be?"
"Thank you, Father, and this is Little Loreth, your granddaughter," Lilliana said, smiling while handing Loreth to her grandfather.
Taking Loreth into his hands, the older man smiled as he played with his cute granddaughter, who looked up at him curiously. After a few minutes, he returned to her mother and returned to Aerians side, "My name is Aric Aurelius, your grandfather, which you know already. The last time I saw you was when you were born; how time flies by." Alric said with some reminiscence on his face.
"Nice to meet you, grandfather, but why have you been staying in the forest all this time?" Aerian asked, still puzzled by this question.
*sigh* "Your grandmother died when your father was in his teenage years from an unknown illness, so once your father was old enough and ready to take over the mantle as head of the house, I gave it to him and wanted to take a step back and just live my old days in peace. Hence, I had a hut built inside the forest and lived with the magical creatures who inhabit the forest. I will also double as a guide to take you to the ritual grounds. Speaking of, we should be on our way." He said, ending the conversation as he turned to walk back into the forest.
Adrian looked at his father, who nodded his head before they dismounted their horses with everyone else following suit and started to follow after Aric into the forest.
---------------------------------------------
In a sacred grove deep within the ancient northern forest, the sun is now making its way above the mountains, casting an ethereal glow over the towering trees. In the center of the grove, an ancient stone altar stands, covered in runes that pulse with soft, blue light. Surrounding the altar are various children of the forest, their eyes closed in meditation. The air is thick with anticipation and the scent of burning herbs.
Aerian, clad in ceremonial robes, stands before the altar. His expression is a mix of determination and reverence. The children of the forest, draped in robes of deep green and silver, chant in an ancient tongue, their voices melding with the sounds of the forest.
Child of the Forest: "Let the ritual begin! (Raising his staff) Aerian Aurelius, you stand before the ancient spirits of the North and the Gods, seeking a bond that transcends mere companionship. Are you prepared to embrace the sacred pact and bind your soul to that of the white tiger?"
Aerian: (Nods resolutely) "I am prepared."
The chanting grows louder, and the runes on the altar glow brighter. From the shadows of the grove, a majestic white tiger emerges. Its fur gleams like freshly fallen snow, and its eyes, a piercing blue, lock onto Aerian with a mix of curiosity and recognition.
Child of the Forest: (Gesturing to the tiger) "This is Kael; he has chosen to answer your call. Approach the altar, Aerian."
Aerian steps forward, his heart pounding in his chest. He extends a hand towards Kael, who inclines his head slightly, accepting the gesture. As Aerian places his hand on Kael's head, the runes on the altar blaze with light, and a powerful energy envelops them both.
Child of the Forest: (Chanting) Spirits of the ancient North and the mighty Gods, hear our call. Bind these two souls in a bond of strength, courage, and unity. Let their hearts beat as one, and let their spirits soar together.
The light intensifies, and Aerian feels a surge of power coursing through him. His vision blurs, and he is transported to a realm of pure energy, where he stands face-to-face with Kael. In this realm, their spirits intertwine, merging into a single, harmonious entity.
Kael: (In a deep, resonant voice) I am Kael, your new companion. Our bond is forged in the fires of destiny. Together, we shall protect and guide our people.
Aerian: (With unwavering resolve) Together, we are stronger. I welcome this bond, Kael.
As their spirits merge, a brilliant light erupts from the altar, engulfing the grove. Aerian and Kael stand side by side when the light fades, their bond now unbreakable. The air is charged with a newfound energy, and a profound connection fills the grove.
Child of the Forest: (Smiling) The bond is complete. Aerian, Kael has chosen to bestow upon you a rare gift. The strength of your bond has awakened a unique power within him.
Kael's eyes glow briefly, and a mist forms around his paws. The fog swirls and crystallizes into ice, spreading outwards and forming protective barriers before dissipating.
Aerian: (Amazed) The power of ice... a manifestation of our bond.
Child of the Forest: (Nods) Indeed. This power will grow and evolve as your bond deepens. Use it wisely, Aerian, for it is both a gift and a responsibility.
Aerian places a hand on Kael's back, feeling the strength and warmth of their connection. He turns to the Children of the Forest, bowing deeply in gratitude.
Aerian: Thank you, Children of the Forest. I will honor this bond and protect the North, my family, my house, and you with all my strength.
The Children of the forest nod in approval, and the grove fills with renewed hope and unity. As Aerian and Kael step away from the altar, the sun, which had fully risen past the mountain peak, casts its light upon them, a silent witness to the beginning of their shared journey.
Child of the Forest: " Young Aerian, your bond with Kael is the strongest we have seen since the first Aurelius of your house made his pact, this will grant you great power but do not let it consume you as it will also come with great responsibilities.
Hearing what the child of the Forest said, Aerian nodded in confirmation, "I will make sure not to desecrate my bond with Kael." before walking off the altar to join his family who had proud looks on their faces.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone