The High Elven Kingdom.
Atheline reappeared beneath the falling snow. For a moment, he simply stood there, looking, breathing, and remembering the familiar environment around him.
His home hadn’t changed. The gardens remained beautiful despite winter and the architecture remained elegant despite everything being covered in white.
The familiar Aether of the World Tree lingered faintly in the air. The sensation immediately relaxed him, which felt a little strange even for him. The fox lifted its head, curious.
Atheline felt a hand touch his arm. He turned to see Lilith looking at him as though he had forgotten something. He smiled, then pulled her into his arms.
She wrapped her hands around his back and pulled him closer. A few seconds later, she stepped back.
"I’ll be back in three days," she calmly said.
Atheline smiled, fondly.
"I’ll be waiting."
She nodded and the darkness covered her. She vanished seconds later. As though a coincidence couldn’t be enough, a shout echoed across the courtyard.
"WHAT?"
Atheline winced. He knew that voice, how could he not? A moment later his older brother appeared, then froze. He just stood there staring at him as though he wasn’t real.
Atheline smiled awkwardly. He didn’t understand why he felt awkward, he just felt it.
"Surprise..."
Helther continued staring and then pointed out the obvious.
"Why didn’t you inform anyone you’re coming, " he said while walking towards him," You really surprised me this time."
Atheline noticed that Helther seemed to have missed Lilith, or he would have freaked out even more. That was probably for the best.
Atheline smirked at him.
"If I don’t surprise at least one person, then I’m not Atheline."
Laughter filled the courtyard as the two eventually let go of the tension in their shoulders.
"You teleported here?" Helther asked.
"Yes."
He didn’t see the need to explain that Lilith had also come with him. There was no reason to cause unnecessary panic when she wasn’t even going to stay.
Helther rubbed his forehead then chuckled softly again The next moment he increased his pace, crossed the courtyard, and pulled him into a rough embrace.
"You’re one weird brother, " he quietly said.
Atheline laughed.
"It’s good to see you too."
Helther stepped back. It was then that he noticed the fox standing quietly on his shoulders without a care in the world.
The fox’s attention moved to him and the stare-off began. Helmer lifted his hand.
"Where did you find this," he said curiously rubbing its head," I can feel its Aether absorption rate its..."
"Enormous right?" Atheline finished proudly," I found its egg during the competition. It’s a stubborn little thing but Lilith has finally taken a liking to her."
Helther dropped his hand and glanced behind him, Atheline also followed his gaze. It seems the commotion had finally attracted attention.
Servants appeared first then more family members. Mostly his uncles and a few cousins.
"Was there a celebration going on?" He whispered to Helther between his teeth.
Helther awkwardly nodded. "Yes, we uncovered a new Aether well in our domain."
Atheline nodded. Aether wells were important, especially for most high elves. It carries fully concentrated Solar Aether that helps with absorption and smooth advances.
Finally, his parents arrived. The moment his mother appeared, Atheline immediately felt both nostalgic and happy. He had left home in slightly bad terms with her and seeing her now, brought out all those thoughts and regrets back.
He really missed home. Atheline opened his arms, his smile widening. She crossed the courtyard in seconds and the next moment he was trapped in a very powerful hug. Despite that, it felt warm and protective just like a mother’s embrace. Atheline barely managed breathing rights.
His father arrived moments later, far more composed, though the smile on his face said enough.
"Father?"
"It has been too long."
Atheline nodded.
"It has."
His mother wrapped her hands around his arm and pulled him forward.
"Let’s go into the house, " she excitedly said, " we can’t let our son stand in the cold."
Behind them, Helther snickered.
"Just say your baby boy is back home," he mummbled loud enough for them to hear," way to play favourites."
Entering his childhood home felt more nostalgic than he had imagined. His relatives bowed slightly as he passed by them, it was clear that whatever was going on was being dismissed.
His mother took him to the sitting room and led him to his usual seat. She immediately sat next to him. Her hands lightly remained on him as though she was still in disbelief. His brother and father took a seat opposite him.
Atheline was able to contain his joy and go with the flow. The question began the moment he settled fully.
"How have you been? Did you eat well? Are you doing okay? When will you be going back? Will you stay longer? I’ve really missed you. You should send us letters often. Why..."
"Mother... I can’t listen to you and answer at the same time," he eventually cut her off when he couldn’t follow her barrage of questions," and to answer the most pressing matter. I won’t be here for a long time. I’ve only gotten three days. "
She was quiet for a moment then nodded. Atheline could see the light slowly reducing in her eyes but there was nothing much he could do about that.
"Then, how have you been doing?" His mother broke the silence again.
"Marvelous. I thought I couldn’t get used to living there but it’s surprisingly good," he said.
"That’s true mother. Atheline has managed to blend into his new role perfectly," he said, " as you can see, he managed to be crowned with little to no opposition. "
Atheline chuckled awkwardly at the praise. His father chose that moment to speak.
"Speaking of kings... You should go and visit his majesty before things go out of control."
Atheline nodded.
The High King.
Protocol demanded it. Technically he should have gone there first; instead, he had come home. His mother looked entirely unapologetic.
Atheline agreed with her; family first and diplomacy second. The High King would probably understand, hopefully.