Long tables lined the banquette hall. The massive circular, domed room, also served as the ballroom and housed the throne.

A gilded ceiling above casted soft light below, seeming to be alive with its own golden radiance of pale fire. Spindly chandeliers that looked like elven crowns made from gold and crystal dangled in the air. Soft wisps of ardent flame danced in the angelic sconces adorning them, adding to the warm glow.

The pale quartz walls were dotted with purple, teal and pink banners with the Celestial symbol, a brilliant star, in their centers. Prized artifacts lay against the walls in golden frames. More angelic sconces lined the walls as well, neighbored with elegant Gaian paintings.

The entrance to the massive room was draped in scarlet curtains. Two additional entries, one on the west wall and one on the east wall, stood proudly with double mahogany doors, outlined in golden framework and crystal knobs. Each had a set of quartz pillars, one pillar on each side, while small arched windows sat above them.

Golden side tables were placed on each side. Crystal vases with teal orchids stood extravagantly, bringing out the teal tablecloths from the tables where guests were seated.

On the north wall, an arched window, which took up most of the wall, overlooked a golden throne. The throne sat upon a quartz dais. On either side of the throne, two giant quartz pillars rose, holding up more scarlet clothe that created a canopy over the magnificent set up.

The soft trickle of water filled the air from the small waterfalls that fell from beyond the throne and down the dais on either side, streaming into tiny canals along the ballroom floor.

The chibi rivers flowed outward in small troughs on either side of the red aisles that formed a cross, each branch of aisle stretched outward to each entrance.

Chiseled quartz in delicate designs lay in each corner of the aisle cross. Glowing quartz lit up the rest of the floor in randomized places throughout the room, adding to the warm lighting.

Above the main entrance a catwalk overlooked the grandeur, silver bars played hide n'seek with the red material of the drapes, teasing the guests with a view of the quartz corridors above.

Assortments of foods blanketed the long tables clothed in teal. Delicious delicatessens, steaming pots of different stews, fluffy loafs of multiple breads, fresh various fruit baskets, and punch bowls. Citizens sat around the tables in golden chairs lined in violet velvet.

"Cheers for Amy for making this food!" Cheered Rain, holding up a glass of maroon punch.

"Agreed!" Seraphina replied from across the table, holding up her own glass.

Àskériàn stared at the table before him. Where to... start? He asked himself. Never before had he seen so much food in one place. "A fox that can cook?" He muttered under his breathe.

"Is that a problem?" Amaterasu asked, staring down at Àskériàn through golden eyes. His lithe fox body perched on the table before him.

Àskériàn blinked. When did he...?

"Well, I didn't mean to offend, it's just... you’re fox.... foxes are not supposed to cook...."

Rain laughed at his confusion. "Amy isn't an ordinary fox." She explained.

To prove her point, Amaterasu jumped onto the chair next to her.

Poof!

What was once a red fox with golden eyes and black tipped ears, became a man with a Samurai look. Amaterasu grinned.

"BRUH!" Àskériàn shouted, "That's dope! You can turn forms." His words more a statement than question.

"Yep, just like Rain." Amaterasu replied. "I'm Rain's familiar and also her lieutenant. It's nice to be better acquainted with you.".

The hall blended into a mix of trickling water and voices as conversations began to mingle in the air. The hall was lively and busy.

Lady Storm sat with Golem, Hiem and Bloodlord, still encompassed by her gray cape. The light gleamed off the emblem where it clasped, a red trinket embossed by the shape of a bear, the mark of the bear King, the King of Alexhand.

Her hood was down, her long waist-length blond hair on display. Her eyes the color of a Gaian summer sky, though full of warmth, regarded the crowds with calculation. Her skin was the color of russet sunset clouds, contrasted with her ensemble and lush locks.

Only on occasions did she reveal her face to the public. It wasn't her true form though, under her skills of alchemy lay a secret only the queen knew of.

Golem wore his gray tunic, his black under shirt contrasted with the thin fabric, white intricate embroidery of vines dancing around bear paws lined the front of his chest. A not-so-subtle reminder of his position as an Alexahndian guard.

His black boots, which were crossed over each other as he leaned back lazily in the chair, bore the emblem of the Gaian kingdom. Tonight, his weapons were tucked away on the island he called home.

His hair was a deeper shade than Storm's, his eyes a mixture of dark gray and blue, contrasted with the same tanned skin tone his sister had, bringing out the sharp edges of his features. Another Alexahndian emblem sat in place at the caller of his black under shirt, a red trinket with the outline of a bear.

Hiem sat across from them. Their little sister looked completely different than they did, thanks to the Fae queen's blessing. Hiem had been blessed at birth, for reasons unknown, by none other than Titania the Fairy queen herself.

Her deep purple hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes were a light shade of lavender and her skin was fair and pale. She wore the same colors as her siblings did, to honor their homeland, but entwined with them was the color of the Fae kingdom, Faestasia.

Her gray, long-sleeved undershirt had purple lace at the ends and around the collar. A lavender, v-neck blouse went over it, delicate needlework of black flora danced throughout the fabric. This was accompanied by a knee-length black skirt that had purple ribboning at the very bottom.

Dark gray leggings that seemed to fit like a second skin, were tucked smoothly into a pair of violet boots that corresponded with the tone of her hair. Their lacing was black. Two golden bands hugged her forearms, both etched with the symbol of Alexhand.

Kimmy was next to Hiem, somewhat resembling their older brother and sister, but her hair was a light brown color. Her eyes, completely different, being golden like the royal foxes of the familiars. Her skin was the same soft tone of Hiem's, pale and delicate.

Side braids, interwoven with pink ribbons. Golden barrettes, cylinder in shape fastened to the ends, while the ends of her hair stuck out in chocolate tuffs.

A golden chain dangled from her neck. On the end of it, her weapon, a golden round bell, lay overtop the satin material of a pink blouse that hugged her tiny frame. White lace lined the edges of her short sleeves and the bottom of her shirt, where it met with the dark gray fabric of her skirt.

Her legs, which were tucked under the table, were wrapped in white velvety fabric. Brown boots with pink laces clung to her feet. The bottoms were golden.

She was small compared to most, which only added to her combat speed. Brown fingerless gloves, covered both hands, while golden Alexhandian emblems peered out from the back of her hands.

She glanced around at her siblings with a mischievous grin. Seeing that no one had their attention to her, she lifted the bell and touched her lips to it.

Golden light shimmered about her head and brown furred ears popped up, twitching. Behind her a long tail sprouted and danced, a pink bow attached to it, a second bell tied to it in the center.

She glanced around to view her tail and reached for her new appendages on her head.

"Put. Them. Away."

Her ears flattened against her hair as she gave Hiem a side-glance. "Why?" She asked, one golden eye open.

"Because the Fae and the familiars will think you are one of them." Hiem's tone was firm.

At her words, Kimmy looked around the large room to find that several citizens were watching her.

"But! Lady Ardent has ears. I bet she has a tail to!" Kimmy protested.

The other people at the table stopped stuffing their mouths to stare at her.

Bloodlord practically dropped his roll from his hand that was gloved in onyx silk. His red eyes full of concern, and his body that was dressed in an all-black ensemble stilled. He was sitting on the other side of Hiem.

Embarrassed, Kimmy glanced at Rain who was further down the table, eyes glued to her.

"Miss Rain, does our lady have a tail?" She asked in her child-like voice.

"Kimmy." Storm chided this time.

"What?" Kimmy questioned.

"I actually don't know. I've never seen one on her." Rain glanced around at the others who shook their heads.

"It would make sense, since how her skirt is long." Àskériàn's voice cut through the awkward tension. "Where is Ardent anyway?" He gave the room a once over and peered through the crowd. Their table was close to the throne, on the east side of the room.

Seraphina gave him a knowing smile." Not to worry." Confidence beamed in her one lavender eye.

A strange man in a long ashen coat with black flames dancing up the bottom sat down next to Àskériàn.

"Manoj!" Rain chirped with excitement.

Manoj gave a deep chuckle. "Hello Rain. Its been awhile."

Manoj had a smile that could warm up the banquette hall, if it wasn't already warm that is. His dark skin contrasted with his overcoat. His black hair, jutting out in short spikes, was the same color as his undershirt, black.

His deep obsidian eyes were full of light. A headband of white material was wrapped around his forehead. A metalic plaque in the center marked with the emblem of the kingdom of shadows, a black feather.

He crossed his arms over his broad chest. "And who might you be? I've never seen you around here before." He spoke as he turned to face Àskériàn.

"This is Àskériàn," Rain explained. "He will be taking a seat at the Ardent Table tonight."

Manoj's quirked a dark eyebrow. "Really? And did he prove himself worthy?" He asked.

"We did... he proved himself... more than capable." Seraphina confirmed, through mouthfuls, trying not to shudder at almost letting him and the queen destroy the training hall.

"Indeed." Amaterasu added.

Rain glanced over at Manoj, blue eyes full of interest. "Tell me, what kind of intel did you find this time?

He gave a chuckle. Rain was always so eager to hear what he had to report, although most of his reports came out as stories. Of course they did. One could not be an intelligence seeker and leave out details.

"The world of Gaia is certainly something." He began. "I have been searching for our friends, but I haven't been able to locate them." He said, his voice hinting defeat.

Rain sighed, also feeling defeated.

"Master Sheninja is looking as well. We did find a lead on King Alexander, it seems he was spotted in the Mountains of Jewels. There is also the strange rumor about a pirate queen who is saving refugees. It seems Etah has a hard time attacking people over the Circean Sea.”

Not only Rain, but Seraphina and Amaterasu's eyes were round as saucers. “That’s great news!” Rain clapped. “We should tell Lady Ardent.”

Manoj nodded his head. “I plan to. I also think we should investigate this pirate queen. Seems she is also stealing from Etah.” He bellowed.

“Stealing from a dragon? Is she insane!?” Rain gasped.

Manoj shrugged. “Seems she knows how to handle dragons. People say she can tame Etah. It’s highly unlikely, the beast is out for blood.”

Àskériàn perked up at hearing Manoj’s words. "Excuse me, who are you?" He asked.

The man's dark face gave way to a smile. "I am Manoj. I’m the Ardent Knight responsible for intel collection, also the King of Dusk in Gaia. Surely you have heard of the shadow kingdom."

Àskériàn regarded the man with interest. Was it possible, he knew his true identity? More important, his sister what was this talk about a dragon tamer? Could it be possible that one of his people also survived the demise of Moria? If so then who? No. He wouldn't allow himself to dabbled in a ray of false hope.

A loud trumpet sounded throughout the massive hall, thwarting Àskériàn from his thoughts. He turned towards the intruding noise just as the others did.

Lady Ardent stood before the throne. She was dressed in a white gown that flowed to her feet, it was much different than her normal attire, a modest ball gown, embroidered in crystals. A small white crystal jeweled jacket covered her arms and the top portion of her torso. The crystals sparkled in the light that drifted from above.

Upon her fire red hair, a white crystal crown with teal, purple and pink stones, haloed her head. Her feline ears stuck out, the small wings cresting them added to the stunning facade. Her wings were tucked against her back. If she wasn't really a queen, she looked like one now. She looked, like the angel she was.

She smiled. "My apologies for the interruption." She said, "but I have something important that I must do. Mr. Àskériàn, would you please come forth?" She asked as she turned her gaze to him.

All eyes were glued to him as he removed himself from the banquette table and began his trek forward. He stopped when he reached the center of the red cross in the floor and let his gaze trail to the queen.

She smiled at him as his brows crinkled in concern, and she nodded. She motioned him to come closer and he did so and as he moved, could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes burning into his back. Good thing his cloak was fireproof.

He reached the dais and paused, not sure what to do next. She held out her hand and asked. "May I have your sword?"

"Mmh.. sure?" He replied with confusion. He reached down and removed the sheath from his belt, the sound broke the silence in the room, just for a fleeting moment.

He lay Moria in her delicate hands, the deep crimson a stark contrast to her paleness.

"I, Ardent Angel, the leader of this realm, bless this sword, Moria. May it protect you in battle and provide you with a sense of security throughout your life's journey. " The black blade glowed momentarily as she softly spoke her words.

"Please kneel." She told him. He dropped to one knee and kept his head down, remembering what his father required of the Morian Knights long ago.

She took the blade and extended it towards him, the tip pointing at his heart. He didn't dare move, all he could do was stare.

"I, Ardent Angel, dub thee, Sir Àskériàn, the eleventh knight of Ardentia, commander of dragons. I have blessed your sword so that you may prosper in life. Now, go and gather an army of your own. This army will embody all that is your Gaian home." She finished her words and stepped back, pulling the blade with her.

"Please. Rise." She commanded ever so gently. Her words were like the warmth of firelight.

He stood then, suddenly the weight of the gazes from the others seemed far less intimidating, as she handed him back his blade.

"You may take your sword Mr. Àskériàn." He hearkened and took it.

"Each knight has an army of their own to command. Each army is different and holds its own characteristics. These armies are essential to the prosperity of this Kingdom. I pray for your success, Àskériàn." Ardent explained.

She gave him a smile and then faced the onlookers. "Now! Let us celebrate our new knight! Let us show him hospitality and make this his home!." She declared, her arms stretched out and hands open toward the ceiling.

Cheers of agreement echoed throughout the room. She looked at her newest knight. "Welcome to the team."