RED WINTER [IV]: THE CRIMSON SNOW

As snow accumulated outside, the roads inside Belfast Kingdom were clear, and elves walked around in light clothing. The artifacts had been set up once again, and now, everyone was headed to the central field, where the royal family awaited them. They were donned in white and gold clothing, and the crowns of the King and Queen were an artistic mix of crimson and white, with a few golden linings. Renard was donned in the same clothing, and a small crown was placed on his head.

"You look quite lovely, Renard." Lucia said as she stood behind him.

"You look wonderful too Lucia!" He replied as he looked at her. As the curtains were opened, he saw the entirety of their kingdom, knelt while bowing their heads. The other attendants and guards around them knelt down too, including Lucia. Renard's father walked in front, his cloak moving gently against the wind. What Renard saw was the full brilliance of his father, the king of Belfast. The air around him seemed almost godly, even as he addressed the nation. His mother, appeared to be covered by a bright golden light, her voice reaching all the citizens. Shouts and applauds filled the air, as everyone adored their King and Queen.

"Brilliant, isn't it." Lucia said to Renard.

"Yes... It's like father and mother are covered in some brilliant golden light." He replied, not moving his eyes away from them.

"That is who they truly are, great leaders of the Kingdom. What you see is not magic or aura, but the presence that is always around them. This is how everyone else views them, bright pillars holding the kingdom, and bright leaders, who appear to be sent by the gods. That is what makes one a King; a godly presence that seems to draw the respect of everyone towards you." She said as she nudged Renard to go on, for it was his time to make his speech.

The King and Queen looked back at their only child, as they smiled gently at him.

"It is your time to speak now, my dear son." his mother said.

"I have to be like them, I have to grow to a good king, to lead them all." He thought as he walked towards his parents, walking past them, his gaze focused on the crowd of elves below.

"Citizens of Belfast, I appreciate your presence here, as we kick off the festival of new beginnings , a culture that has been and always will be throughout the coming years. Once again, we are all gathered here to celebrate our kingdom, the jovial smiles that we always preserve, and the kindred spirit of joy and determination that we all have in our hearts. Let us dedicate today to the great Sovereigns of Light with dance and joy, with laugher and meals, with love and sincerity. May the Light always shine upon us, grant us divine mercy, and protect us from the trials of the world. May the Belfast Kingdom live and prosper, now and forever." He said.

"There it is..." Lucia muttered to herself as he looked at the crowd below, who were staring at Renard, their eyes drawn to the air of kingship around him.

"Seems like we brought him up well so far." The king said as he approached the Queen.

"Indeed."

Music filled the entire kingdom, as everyone did what they wanted. Some ate and laughed, some drank all the wine they wanted, some danced to their hearts fill, and some participated in light battles and competitions. It was a festival for everyone to be entertained, and they would make sure to live the best out of it. Renard had separated from his parents, and was walking with Lucia around. Wherever he passed, people bowed and congratulated him on his speech, which made him embarrassed. 

"Just accept their compliments, your speech was splendid after all." Lucia said as she lifted Renard up for the people.

"It's the Young king!" People shouted as they went towards him.

"H- Hey Lucia!!" 

As people approached him, he found an opportunity to escape, releasing himself from Lucia's grip.

"Renard! Follow me!" a young boy called out. Renard followed him, and they ran towards the walls of the kingdom, passing in alleyways. 

"Thanks for the save, Ray." Redard said as they both sat down on the floor, panting.

"But damn your speech was good! We were all amazed by it!! We are the same age yet you talked like a true king!" Ray said as a group of other children came appeared from the shadows, bowing in front of Renard.

"We humble ourselves in your presence, King Renard," They said, making Renard blush.

"Guys cut it out!!" He shouted, making them laugh.

"Hi Rennie." A girl said as she approached him. 

"Your speech was awesome, you looked just like your dad back there!" She said as she touched his hands.

"Thanks Sylvia." He replied as he smiled at her.

"Since when did you two start holding hands? Is there a secret that we do not know here?" Ray asked. When the two noticed that they were holding hands, they immediately stopped. 

"Is she perhaps our next queen?" another child asked as they again started bowing down, claiming Sylvia as their next queen. The two blushed deeply.

"And what is she is?" Renard suddenly asked as he stopped blushing.

"Eh?" 

The rest looked at each other before letting out a scream.

"Whaaat??!!!" They asked simultaneously. 

"W- wait a second, Sylvia, is this true???" Ray asked.

Sylvia did not say anything, she just kept her face downcast, trying to hide her beetroot red face.

"Woah.." Ray exclaimed.

As Renard tried to compose himself, he suddenly felt something, outside the kingdom walls. His eyes glowed crimson. He could sense massive amounts of life.

"This... Such powerful presences... And it is snowing outside, so there cannot be people walking around..." He thought as he ran towards the wall.

"Renard, what's wrong??" Ray asked.

Renard placed his hands on the wall. Closing his eyes, he projected his senses to a wide area, a skill he was taught by Lucia. As he sensed all that was outside, his eyes turned pale as he turned towards Ray and the rest. Without speaking, he cast out a white ball of flame, sending it upwards towards the sky. It exploded into a starry cross shape, and glowed brightly.

"Renard! What's wrong??" Ray asked, as he was well aware what was meant by what Renard did.

"Everyone! Run towards the inner chambers! We are being attacked! Run!!!"

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