King's Mantle

The Crowning

The kingdom of Loc is an Island country, isolated by mountains and ocean. Despite this isolation they thrived, all due to the benevolence of their king and his blessing. Today was a momentous occasion for the people of Loc. A new king is to be crowned, and with him a new era for the entire kingdom. The economy of Loc has been on a slow decline for generations now. Each problem the people face grows more opposing each year, and expectations are high for the young king. The people of Loc are anxiously waiting to see what boons the new king will bring to them. You see the kings of Loc have always been judged on their contributions to their kingdom. They are all expected and praised for being the hardest working and most diligent laborers, The young king has his work cut out for him. Food has grown scarcer, and game harder to come by with most forests being home to monsters instead of mammals. It seemed the lands were beginning to turn on its people. This of course had everyone on the edge of their seats with hope and anxiety altogether.

A man sat in his stone tower that loomed over the entire city. He watched from his window, running his bronze fingers through a golden beard. He too was curious to see how the people would take to their prince-turned-king. As the people all gathered in the square, the cheers and prayers swelled into an ambient noise that even reached his lofty balcony. The door to his chamber opened behind him. Another man about the same maturity stepped in with two chalices in hand. "Somehow I'm not surprised to find you in here. Even still,...I have to ask."

"Ask me what?" he responded, still stroking his beard with a hand full of rings. "Why I'm not attending the coronation, you mean?"

The man approached and handed one of the chalices to him. He took a place at his side while also gazing down at the ceremony. They lightly clanged their chalices together and each took a swig. "I mean, you do know this is a big day for the lad. It's his day. You don't think it unusual for the former king not to attend his son's crowning?"

"It is as you said,...this is his day. For the first time in a long time, I am just an onlooker. Thought I might enjoy the sensation of only having to watch for a change."

The other man smirked at the remark. "Tis true. You made a fine king during your time ruling, but I know better than any what tole it takes - the weight that the crown bares on a man."

"Besides, this is a crucial moment for him as a leader. They're all watching you know, searching for the faintest hint of weakness. The people need a savior now, but they will gladly settle for a scapegoat for their misfortunes. He needs to be respected without my hand on his shoulder."

"Right you are my friend. Times have not been favorable in the last decade or so. And if the tidings from our scouts are to be believed, they only grow worse."

"Which means his challenges will be greater than my own." The king sits his chalice down on a small table next to his seat. "But I have no fears. If I've accomplished anything close to greatness, I have no doubt that prince,...King Ori will accomplish greater still."

They both watched as a chariot rolled into the square, adorned with royal banners and driven by two plumanes (Horses with floral-like manes). Loc was a beautiful capitol city. Entirely carved out of stone with intriguing and nuanced architecture. Man-made rivers flowing from every direction, all meeting in the town square where the ceremony took place. The chariot came to a halt right at the end of a lavish walk way. Women threw flower petals and kisses into the air as the new king stepped out to greet his people. The spitting image of his father he was. Dark skin with flowing golden hair that seemed to defy gravity, and eyes that burned like embers. He retained the softer features of his mother which made him a hit with the ladies. Not as scary looking as his battle-hardened father.

As soon a his feet touched the ground, the crowd lit up with excitement. Despite all of the pageantry, the ceremony was quite the simple endeavor. The soon-to-be king would greet and wave to his people while walking to the Alter of Kings settled in the middle of the square. It was a massive gazebo-like structure with elegant carvings and artistry woven into its stone. An architectural marvel that sat as the centerpiece for the entire kingdom. Inside of it were larger than life statues, representing each king and ruling, with his father's being unveiled that day. There, the archbishop would then present him with his crown. He would then receive its blessing known as the King's Mantle. A gift given by the crown to its barer, bestowing them with super human abilities like speed and strength. Then it's off to perform his first great feat. One he will do as a sign of dedication to his people.