The Dimensional Rift

Ziotor wrote:

Zulara frowned heavily, but she could only sigh. Zirenna was right after all. The future was a mystery and after all, they really only had each other.

She quickly caught up to her sister and the elves.

"So what are we going to do first?"

“Eat,” Zirenna said without hesitation, glancing back at her sister with a sly smirk.

Erias, reaching the top of the stairs, clapped his hands sharply to capture the attention of his servants. “Prepare supper,” he commanded. “I will not have the multiverse thinking Azucur is without hospitality.”

At his words, those with duties tied to the dining halls and kitchens hurried off to their posts, setting the castle into motion.

Ziotor wrote:

Zulara marvelled to some extent at the pace of the response and the efficiency of such.

"So King, do you have any successors."

“Yes,” the king replied without hesitation. “My daughter, Princess Eriel Dragoncrown, is the heir to the throne. When the time comes, she will be the next Queen of Azucur.”

Ziotor wrote:

"Ah, that's good I suppose. Can't help but admit I was hoping you had a prince." Zulara giggled before looking over at her sister with a hint of regret, knowing that a scolding was imminent.

Contrary to expectation, Zirenna showed little reaction, simply continuing to follow the king toward the dining hall, unfazed.

It was Erias who glanced back at Zulara, his expression measured. “Even if there were a male heir, I doubt I’d grant you my blessing to wed him,” he said plainly. “Azucur requires a successor who can continue the bloodline.”

No one had ever tested whether Shydes and Highborn Elves could reproduce, but the likelihood seemed slim at best.

Ziotor wrote:

”Ah, that's fair. Plus I'm not really the royalty type. That's more my sister's realm. I'm too carefree and reckless for that lifestyle.” Zulara admitted.

“She was always the one who would have inherited the throne which was fine by me. Although, father did try to convince me to take the throne of Ziotor. I know this doesn't really matter much to you, but to be fair, I havent had a conversation in a long time.” She said, giggling a bit at the end

They arrived at the grand dining hall, where Erias took his seat at the far end—a throne of gold and silver, adorned with Alore Crystals, shimmering faintly in the warm candlelight. Before him stretched a long banquet table, lined with fine tableware, as servants carried out dishes that would never grace the tables of peasants—or even most lords.

At the centre was a massive platter of flavours: a cut of sea serpent filet, seared over volcanic rock to lock in its oceanic richness, then slow-roasted with enchanted salt to draw out excess moisture while deepening its natural umami. Accompanying it was saffron and gold leaf risotto, made from the rarest white pearl rice, infused with deep-sea broth and aged white wine, served in leviathan bone goblets.

Further down the table lay a roasted roc egg and abyssal mushroom medley, the omelet mixed with wild abyssal mushrooms harvested from the deepest ocean caves. The dishes were served with various exquisite sauces, including kraken ink reduction, blended with deep-sea herbs to enhance its bold flavour. Even the bread was an experience—soft, buttery rolls baked inside giant clamshells, imbued with a delicate, briny taste.

Zirenna took her seat, moving with the natural grace of someone well-versed in royal etiquette. Without hesitation, she carved a piece from the sea serpent filet, drizzling the rich kraken ink sauce over it before taking her first bite.

She knew how to conduct herself at a king’s table—after all, like Zulara, she was a princess.

Ziotor wrote:

Zulara wasn't lost to etiquette either although she wasn't as good at it as her sister. She sat down carefully, employing her memory as much as possible. She looked to her sister and mimicked her actions, although she had to contain herself at the flavors that hit her pallete. It became clear to her just how hungry she was. It took an extreme level of restraint to not start gorging herself like a madwoman.

Swallowing her food fully, she looked over to see what her sister did next.

Zirenna gracefully handled her utensils, slicing the sea serpent filet into neat, bite-sized pieces. She ate slowly, savoring each flavor, a model of royal decorum. Unaware that her sister was mimicking her every move, Zirenna remained focused on her meal—though had she noticed, she almost certainly would’ve teased Zulara for it.

Erias, seated at the head of the table, displayed a similar level of etiquette, though his manner was a touch less refined. His choices leaned toward bolder flavors, suggesting a more seasoned, personal palate.

Midway through the meal, a ranger entered the hall and bowed. “My lord, the Gateway is being prepared. We can activate it at a moment’s notice.”

“Excellent,” Erias replied, nodding once. But then he narrowed his eyes, sensing unease in the ranger’s posture. “Is there something else?”

“Y-yes, my lord. It’s Magecrest… the High Council is watching the Gateway.”

Erias’s expression soured. “Have the Sel’bar Brigade keep watch,” he ordered calmly. “Place them under Ranger-General Falis. Magecrest holds no authority in Azucur.”

The ranger bowed deeply. “At once, my lord,” he said before quickly exiting the room to relay the command.