Divine Beast Ascension

“Yeah, Yeah, but only till I visit!” Zelsh shouted in reply. “As allies, I’ll be visiting regularly!”

Not even turning her head, Ania chimed in, “And who said I would be your personal chef?! I have more important things than to babysit two old farts!”

Lady Dewlia chuckled, as did Donovan and Jeminine. Everyone felt more relaxed with wonderful food and great company.

Soon, four younger cultivators charged into the dining hall with excited gazes.

“Hurry or you’ll miss everything!” laughed Zelsh, taking another elk leg.

But the new arrivals were unfazed. They were used to such treatment. Netra was the only one calmly finding a seat by her mother and teacher before humbly filling her plate.

.....

The feast eventually disappeared from the table as the guests and hosts enjoyed every possible morsel. Servants were quick to clear the table of empty platters and plates, replacing them with bottles of wine and additional liquors as the younger cultivators were dismissed to their rooms.

“Ania. Did your old man ever let you try this?” Zelsh asked, tossing an unopened bottle across the table.

Catching it with ease, Ania uncorked the bottle and filled her cup. She then blinked and sighed with a smile. “Ohhh... Is that hotch?”

“Of course, I shared the good stuff!!” belted Brodak. “Only the finest palette can create the finest meals!”

“You’re... Ania?” Jeminine asked despite already hearing all about her prior to the meal. “You’re... Dioro’s wife, aren’t you?”

Stopping out of reflex, Ania put down her cup. A sorrowful mood passed over the table as Ania took a calming breath.

But Zelsh was the one to respond, “Jeminine. Do you consider us family?”

“I- What’s this all about?” questioned Jeminine.

With a subtle nod and tilt of his large goblet, Zelsh asked again, “Do you consider us your family?”

“That-”

“Jeminine...” Dewlia spoke up, immediately getting Jeminine to listen. “I’m proud to call you my student, my greatest pupil even. When I see you now, I still see the young cultivator yearning for purpose, yearning for family...

“Jeminine, I cared for you as I would a daughter before I ever met Zelsh. But it’s important you answer his question. Whether you wish to be family as my one and only pupil, or as the wife of our son, please answer Zelsh’s question.”

Closing her eyes, Jeminine nodded slowly. She glanced at Zelsh and then at Donovan. Finally, her eyes lingered on Lady Dewlia. “Master Dewlia... I admit. I sought a relationship with your son for the sake of gaining your favor and honoring you. But I also respect your husband, more so than any other peer of mine.

“And Donovan has surprised me greatly. He’s much gentler and kinder than any young king I’ve met... If anything, I underestimated my many reasons for wanting to be your family.”

“So,” continued Zelsh, “is that your answer?”

She opened her mouth but stayed quiet. She reached and grabbed Donovan’s hand, glad he reciprocated. “I wish to be. I’ve known Donovan for decades, so I understand him a little. If he’ll have me and if you’ll allow it, I would gratefully join your family, Master Zelsh, Master Dewlia...”

Both Zelsh and Dewlia smiled. Yet they said nothing. They looked to their eldest son, whose face was tinted red. A moment passed as the entire table was now focused on the quiet king. Jeminine sighed and chuckled, quickly realizing why Donovan wasn’t speaking.

Clap, clap, clap!

Some of them chuckled but silence quickly overtook them. Everyone at the table then realized that someone else had joined them, someone uninvited, unannounced, and undetected.

“Sorry to startle some of you. I’m an old friend of the gorillas and a new friend of Zelsh’s,” stated the shadowy man, now seated at the end of the grand table, opposite Zelsh.

“Cheers to that!!”

While Bradok raised a glass to the man, the others weren’t quite sure how to react. Ania sighed and followed her father’s example. Zelsh nodded and did the same. Vloz and Puula were next, lifting their cups with their tails. Jarrit smirked and nodded last, as if he had been expecting the sudden appearance.

“Dewlia, Donovan, and also Jeminine, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you three.”

Dewlia was unfazed, even smiling softly. “Thank you. I’ve been eager to meet you, the man Zelsh has told me so much about.”

“Father, I-”

“What? Are you not going to share your feelings with her?” interrupted the man, retrieving his own glass and bottle of wine. “Now would best. For every missed opportunity, you’ll only regret your indecision all the more...”

“Donovan...” A bit confused, Jeminine blinked while looking at her lover.

After a deep breath, Donovan nodded firmly and turned to face Jeminine. “I... Yes. Jem, I want to be your partner and try for a life together.”

“Don... I don’t want to-”

“I want this!” Donovan exclaimed. “I’ve teased you for years but never admitted anything. I don’t know how things will be in years to come, but I know I want to try and make it work between us. I want to try and share my life with yours.”

“CHEERS!!!” Zelsh boomed, loudly popping an unopened bottle of champagne. “FINALLY! I’ve waited long enough!”

Dewlia laughed and elbowed her husband into silence. “Congratulations you two. We wish you the best! And we’ll be here for anything.”

“Thanks, Mom!” the couple shouted in unison, which brightened Dewlia’s smile.

Clap, clap, clap! “Congrats! But sadly, we must move on to other topics,” stated the mysterious man.

Squinting and showing a more serious face, Zelsh asked, “What do you mean? I thought-”

“Things are changing now as we speak...” added the man, confusing many at the table. “As things are going, I’m uncertain of what exactly may happen next. I’ll need to set aside time to reevaluate upcoming future possibilities.”

Finishing his glass, Bradok sighed, “How serious are we talking? Even more trouble for the Iron Territory?”

“Yes, and no...” The man shook his head. “This time, I’ve come to warn you all.”