A New Beginning part 4

While the party continued downstairs, we moved into one of the rooms by the balcony. A strange sense of deja vu washed over me. A white cake with a single candle on top, my father, Louis, conversing with Uncle Cadmus, Fleur's father, and my mother still engrossed in unraveling travel stories from Aunt Apolline. Meanwhile, Fleur, though seated with sweets and chocolates in front of her, showed no interest in them and kept peeking at me.

Well.....no point for guessing, I had seen this exact scene in my afternoon dream.

After a while, a house elf entered and whispered something to my mother. A carriage had arrived. I knew immediately—it was Madame Olympe Maxime.

Back in the room, we were now joined by Madame Maxime, the Royal Elves, an elderly lady with silver hair, and the rest of us. My father and uncle were absent, likely busy entertaining guests downstairs, while the women continued their mini gathering. Was this truly my birthday, or had it turned into a grand reunion?

Removing the weird thoughts I continued in my fight against the stuffed toy, but amidst all these I couldn't help but feel glances at me, whenever I looked up those looks disappeared, well my charm is to be blamed and so.....I continued my fight.

While they engaged in small talks, I could make out the current scenario prevailing in the room.

The old lady, I realized, was my grandmother. Veelas, classified as 'BEINGS,' had their own community deep within the forests near the Pyrenees mountain range. They shared a strong bond with elves, both being revered for their beauty and connection to nature. From their conversation, I gathered some interesting insights about my grandmother, the Royal Elves, and my mother. The current Elf Princess, Martha, and my mother had studied together at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, even belonging to the same house. As two of the most enchanting students of their time, they had formed a deep bond, and their legendary friendship was still spoken of among the academy's alumni. At that time, Madame Maxime had been the head of their house.

"It has been such a long time since we could sit together and talk. It reminds me of those summer vacations when Martha, Madame Maxime, my sister, me and Mother would spend days camping, dueling, traveling, and hunting," my mother said, a wistful smile playing on her lips. "It's such a pity Martha couldn't attend the birthday. I was really looking forward to bragging about my son in front of her."

Something in her tone made me pause. Was there a deeper story behind this?

Aunt Apolline sighed and explained, "The Royal Family of Elves must make a choice upon reaching adulthood. One path leads to marriage and the continuation of their lineage. The other is to become a priestess, serving as a medium between the God of the Sun and the Goddess of the Moon for the elves. It is a heavy responsibility. A priestess cannot leave the Maiden Shrine for extended periods, nor can she marry. Despite these sacrifices, they receive divine blessings, including an extended lifespan."

The lively atmosphere in the room shifted, silence settling as everyone was lost in thought. Sensing the moment, I nudged my mother, hoping she would continue the conversation. These were rare opportunities for me to gain knowledge about this world.

Noticing my gesture, a young maiden elf with striking crimson hair streaked with gold, her face partially hidden behind a veil, spoke up. "Ma'am, your son seems to understand your emotions. We are truly sorry that Priestess Martha could not attend, but she has promised to invite all of you to her palace next winter. She has already made arrangements with the French Ministry of Magic. Priestess Martha was deeply saddened by missing this occasion, so with her deepest apologies, she has sent us with a gift."

My mother quickly waved her hands. "No, no, I don't hold any grudges. It's just been so long since I last saw her. With all the turmoil in Britain, she has been preoccupied with meetings at the International Confederation of Wizards. I often see her pictures in the newspapers."

"Well, if you miss her so much, why don't you just hug her?" the maiden elf suggested with an amused tone.

I sat on my mother's lap, watching as confusion spread across the room. Then, before our eyes, the elf began to change.

Her height increased, her curves accentuating the very essence of femininity. Her eyes sparkled mischievously, her hair transformed into a rich burgundy shade with more prominent golden streaks, and her delicate crown morphed into a golden one. The atmosphere around her shimmered with an ethereal glow.

The shock on everyone's faces confirmed my suspicions. The elf before us was Martha—Priestess of the Temple of Elves, a member of the International Confederation of Wizards, and the eldest princess of the Elven Royal Family.

Laughter erupted from her as she took in everyone's stunned expressions. My mother's reaction was the most dramatic—she let out a delighted cry, practically leaping from her seat in excitement. Perhaps, in her joy, she forgot she was holding me. Not that I was jealous or anything, but for the first time, I saw tears brimming in my mother's eyes—tears of happiness and longing.

She ran straight into Martha's arms, and I, left dangling in the air, was swiftly caught by the elf princess. As she held me securely, she used her free hand to stroke my mother's back in comfort.

Well… I guess I'll accept her apology for nearly making me jealous.

...

Everyone was surprised at the sudden turn of events. While my mother started her round of questions with Her Highness Martha, I couldn't help but glance at the other elves. Although they all had a different silver shade with gold streaks, why did Martha have rich burgundy-colored hair?

From the beginning, I felt a peculiar gaze on me. It was filled with curiosity. For the first time, I experienced such a look coming from someone. All this while, people gazed upon me with adoration, cherishing and idolizing me. But this gaze, filled with curiosity, truly surprised me.

All of a sudden, I was picked up. Looking up, I saw Martha, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. And then, she dropped a bombshell.

"So, this is the boy blessed by the Gods."

A heavy silence fell upon the room. Another wave of panic surged, particularly from my mother, Aunt Apolline, and Grandma. Confusion and disbelief were written all over their faces. It was common knowledge that human blood had been cursed, unable to carry any blessing from the Gods. Yet, Martha's words shattered that belief, casting a thick atmosphere of uncertainty over the gathering.

My grandmother, her voice cracking, uttered, "What?"

Martha, however, behaved as if she were oblivious to the reaction she had caused. Her eyes remained locked onto me, as if she were trying to uncover something hidden deep within. I, on the other hand, couldn't help but notice the bracelet on her wrist. While she held me face-to-face, my tiny hands instinctively reached for the white moonstone embedded in the bracelet.

I didn't understand why, but my childish soul longed to hold it.

Martha's expression shifted instantly. Her eyes widened in shock. The fear in the room deepened. My mother, sensing something amiss, rushed forward and pulled me away from Martha's embrace.

Her grip tightened around me as she whispered,"Martha,I'm....i'm really sorry, Aimè is a child, please forgive him. "

My mother perhaps sensing something wrong pleaded.

It was a plea filled with fear and desperation. She feared I had just touched a sacred stone, something meant only for divine beings. She feared a taboo had been broken.

The room remained silent, tension thick in the air. Martha, however, was still fixated on me, her expression unreadable.

Something had changed.

Something had been discovered.

And it would change everything.