Healing, Hugs, and Hunts

Day Four: At Home

"Ugh, this is useless. I am never going to figure out something as cool as I have seen all of you practice," Harry growled as he dropped to the ground and lay out on his back. He had been working all morning on three of his elements. He only had a small affinity with each. Nothing as powerful as his bonded currently.

"It isn't useless. You are doing a great job, Princess. This is going to look so good tomorrow. It is a good plan," Theo soothed him. Harry just grunted.

"I don't want to mess up and make us all look bad," Harry told him. Theo pulled him to his feet.

"You won't make us look bad. You have been practicing for a week and every opportunity that you have. I think this is a good idea. You, Ethan, and Draco came up with a great idea for our circle," Theo encouraged him. "You know what you need to know. You have done it a few times now. The only reason that it isn't working now is because you have exhausted yourself. Let's just give it a rest. You know what to do and so do the rest of us. You are going to have so many favors you won't know what to do with them," Theo promised.

"He is right, Trouble. We have been watching and practicing with you all morning. We got this," Bill told him. Harry sighed and relaxed his shoulders.

"I know you are both right. I am just nervous. I know we have this," Harry told them.

"Let's go in and relax. Have lunch and take a nap. Then before dinner when everyone is home, we can have one last talk about what everyone is expected to do," Bill asked. Harry nodded. "Good Boy," The Alpha said and swept Harry into his arms and headed toward the house with Theo and Caelus following behind. They were the three walking right before he did. The three of them were going to help him with his walk. It really was going to be pretty if he could pull it off. Which his bonded knew he would.

"Lunch?" Ethan asked as they entered the house. Bill nodded. "Good Quinn just finished and was sending me out to grab the three of you." The Merrow had stayed home and were already in the dining room. Bill dropped Harry into Glynn's lap. The Merrow Ace happily accepted the Submissive in his lap. They had decided to stay home to spend time with Harry since he was not at the hunt today. It had felt like a long time since they had spent any real time with him.

"Have they convinced you that you are going to be brilliant?" Glynn asked. Harry just kissed his cheek and faked a scowl.

"Almost," Harry told him. Glynn just chuckled. They all enjoyed a pleasant lunch before Harry convinced Glynn to take a nap with him. The Ace had tried to get him to go with one of the others at first but had given in when Harry had pouted. He had wanted to do a bit of training but it was a nice opportunity to spend time with his Submissive.

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"Okay, now that everyone is home let's go over the plan for tomorrow one last time," Bill stated. "We don't walk until after noon closer to one. It was confirmed this morning. So everyone needs to be in the walkway area by about twelve-thirty. You are all free to do whatever you want until then."

"My circle is going to walk first," Sol stated. "Our Gheyo suite will walk first. Then Blaise followed by our Pareya, then Viktor, myself and finally Draco. Understood?"

"Yep, we know our order. Plus they are going to announce each of us before we walk. It will be fine," Draco confirmed. Sol nodded.

"Then our circle will go," Bill stated. "Everyone except our Merrow, who will be with Harry when he does the Royal introductions."

"My suite will walk first, followed by Adad and Styrmir," Hadrian went next.

"Yes, and then?" Bill continued.

"Charlie, Brishen, and Donovan will walk," Ethan stated. Bill nodded and indicated for them to continue.

"Then Riven and Cethin will be next," Oliver added.

"Yes, and then Quinn and Perry will go," Bill continued again. "Then our Pareya followed by Caelus, Theo, Myself, and then Harry. Once we are through walking, Peryton, Harry, and Draco will head to where the Royals are waiting. Peryton will come in with the Air Royals and Draco and Harry along with our Merrow bonded will come in with the Merrow Royals."

"Sounds good, Bill," Harry said with a smile.

"Good. After that, we are going to watch a few of the shows and then the Kalzik family would like us to join them for dinner. Draco you and yours are included in that invitation," Bill announced.

"Let them know that we appreciate the invitation but we are going to be having dinner with Sol's family tomorrow night," Draco replied.

"I will let them know," Bill answered. "Okay, is there anything that anyone would like to add or comment on?"

"Great, then it is time for dinner," Ethan said. They all stood up and headed to the dining room for food. When they were finished eating, they all headed to bed instead of staying up. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.

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Day Five: Introductions

"I think instead of roaming around today, I am just going to stay in our viewing box and watch introductions until it is time for us to walk," Harry told the others. "I have a habit of getting into trouble and if I am in one place not doing anything I can't possibly cause issues for any of us."

"Are you sure that is what you want to do?" Bill asked him. Harry smiled and nodded. "So your parents decided that they aren't walking. Lucius and Lily are going to be with Laurent when the Merrow present. But other than that they aren't participating. I invited them to stay in our viewing box if they wanted. Is that ok?"

"Of course, it is," Harry told him. "Who all is going to stay with me?"

"Wikhn and I are staying with you," Hadrian stated.

"So am I," Brishen added. "I think Riven is going to stay as well." The mage in question nodded.

"Oliver and I as well," Ethan told him.

"If that is all then the rest of you are free to do whatever you want. But I want everyone to meet in our box at twelve-thirty or earlier. That way we can make sure to be lined up and ready to go when it is our turn to walk."

"Draco, what are you going to do?" Harry asked.

"We are going to walk around and enjoy some of the stalls. Then we will come back to the box," Draco told him.

"Okay, sounds good," Harry replied. Then they all separated to go and do their own things until it was time to walk. Harry and the others that were staying with him in the box headed up.

Harry's parents were already in the box and Harry happily took a seat between Severus and Remus. His bonded spread out around the room to talk to the others.

"Spending the morning up here?" Severus asked him.

"Yeah, I just want to relax. I am a bit nervous about walking," Harry responded. Remus patted him on the shoulder.

"You will be just fine," Severus told him. Remus nodded.

"Of course, he will. He is our child after all," Sirius stated from the other side of Severus. Harry grinned.

"He is going to do fine. He has been practicing and he is ready," Hadrian called from where he was talking to Frank.

"Thank you, everyone. Where is Luna?" Harry asked.

"She is with the Deveraine Circle. Since she is going to be introduced after they walk she is just staying with them for the time being. I need to remember to thank your Theo for suggesting that they introduce her. Bahn has taken on the role of a Mentor for her and she is learning so many things from him. Even that touchy Bhindi has taken a liking to her," Severus told them.

"I am really glad. I can't wait to start sorting through favors with her," Harry said smiling. "What about Neville? What is he doing?"

"He went off with a few Alphas his age that he has met. I don't know what they are up to but he promised to be back in time to watch all of you walk and for Royal introductions," Remus answered him.

"I am glad. I know he wants to learn everything that he can about being an Alpha. I love how prepared he always is," Harry grinned. His brother had never been as impulsive as the rest of them. It was one of the things that would make him a great Alpha one day.

"What are you going to be doing after introductions?" Severus asked him.

"Well, I think we are going to have lunch and then I was thinking about watching some of the shows they are putting on today. We have dinner plans with Quinn's family this evening," Harry replied.

"And the weekend?" Remus asked. Harry shrugged.

"I was going to spend some time in The Pits and some time in the Merrow sections. They haven't been open yet and I am curious," Harry answered. "If I go to The Pits this weekend do you want to go with me, Frank?"

"Yes, I would like that, Harry. Thank you," Frank replied. Harry smiled at him and turned back around to watch what was going on for the other introductions. Severus and Remus gave him proud looks and he was happy to have them proud of him. They sat together and watched the others walk as well as small shows in between. The Deveraine circle was going to be walking soon and Luna would be walking after them. Harry was excited to see it.

"Hey, has Luna-Girl walked yet?" Draco asked as he walked into the viewing box with his circle. Neville was with him as well. "Found our big brother when we were on our way up."

"No, she hasn't walked yet. I think they are walking next. Then we are going to need to get ready for our turns," Harry answered. As they all got settled they started calling the first of the Deveraine Circle. Harry loved watching them Greta and Ilsa were the most flashy. They were so fun to watch. Then it was their sister's turn. She looked so pretty.

Her hair was down and had flowers and gems woven into it. She was also wearing Ravenclaw's Diadem and she looked as pretty in it as Harry, Draco, and Severus had thought she would. She was wearing a long and flowy gossamer dress layered with different shades of blues with gems woven into it. She unfurled her wings before she started walking and she looked like a literal Fairy Princess as she started walking. She smiled so prettily as she walked and when she walked you caught sight of her bare feet.

The best part of her walk was that as she passed, Flowers of every kind blossomed on the walkway. She was leaving a literal trail of flowers behind her. It was an amazing performance and Harry knew that she would be getting quite a few favors. He was very proud of her and could tell by looking around that the rest of his family was just as proud.

"She did beautifully," Draco stated. Harry nodded.

"Yeah she did," Harry replied.

"She has been practicing that since she decided to Hunt," Neville said. "It is actually really easy for her to do it. I have had her help me with my plants a few times." A few moments later Luna was walked into their box by Ilsa.

"Hey little sister, you did so well," Harry said when she came skipping in.

"Thank you, You and Drake will do really good as well," Luna said as she flitted over to Narcissa and sat next to her. Ilsa pulled Harry up and into a hug.

"Where is Theodore?" She asked while still holding Harry.

"He should be here any minute. We all agreed to meet here by twelve-thirty to get ready for our walk," Harry answered her.

"Well, I don't want to get in the way. I know that your Draco and Ethan are as fussy as my Bahn. I am not going to wish you good luck because you are going to do beautifully," Ilsa said and then she kissed Harry on the head and left their box.

Over the next thirty minutes, the rest of their circles filtered into the box until they were all present and accounted for except for Harry's bonded Merrow. At twelve-thirty, they left the box and headed for the walkway. Draco's circle lined up first.

"Introducing a new circle, newly formed due to a soulscream. I present to you all the Decantor circle. First across the walkway is High Noble, Storm Ace, Arashi Noe," The announcer began. The Storm Ace went across the walkway and showed off his talent with lightning. The rest of their circle was called one and a time and they put on a great show.

Finally, it was Draco's turn.

"And now last but certainly not least. The Submissive who called all of these lovely Dragel to him. Air Submissive, and a newly returned to us Royal, Draconis Ren Evanson-Malfoy. He and his circle are not hunting this time around. He is also the twin to the Submissive of our next circle as well. Please show your appreciation," The announcer called out. Draco sauntered across the walkway in his pretty Gray outfit with his pretty Peach, Silver, and blue wings. He walked across in typical Draco fashion with his nose in the air and with a confidence in himself that Harry only wished that he had. Draco didn't need to do anything he was lovely just walking across.

After a breath for the new circle to receive all of its applause, the announcer began again.

"Another new soul screamed Circle is up next. They were gifted a circle name, Serpent's Requiem, by Lady Death herself. We will start with their impressive Shadow Ace, Hadrian Maruke. He is more popularly known as Blood Raven the current Blood title Champion of the Shadow Courts," The announcer began. Hadrian strode confidently onto the walkway and called Shadows to him. They swirled up his body in such a smooth way that you could tell he had perfect control of them. Then he simply disappeared and reappeared a few feet away before continuing to walk across the walkway and slowly allowing the Shadows to dissipate around him. Harry thought he looked very lovely and almost trilled at him before stopping himself.

The rest of his Gheyo were announced and when it came time for his second suit the announcer made sure to let the crowds know that the missing Gheyo from the Suite were Merrow who would be acknowledged later. Then his Jokers went across and they continued in the order that they were meant to. When Riven had gone across the walkway he had made it rain and the others after him made sure to leave the rain water on the walkway.

Caelus was announced and walked across the walkway. As he went he used his ability with Air to trap the water on the walkway within bubbles of air that he left floating at the beginning third of the walkway. The bubbles remain in place as Theo is announced and makes his way across. Once he was past the air bubbles he began calling pillars of earth up to line the middle third of the walkway. He did it with perfect control and an impressive amount of magic. When Bill went across he strutted and called fire to his hands the flames trailed behind him until he reached the last third of the walkway. Then he left them in place along the walkway before stepping off.

Finally, It was Harry's turn. He took a deep breath and grounded himself. He had a plan this wasn't just part of the show. He planned on using what he did to make gifts for his bonded.

"And now Introducing the heart of this impressive soul scream circle. Harrison Orion Evanson-Malfoy. He is a Nameless Ferros, Submissive Royal and twin to the Submissive of the Decantor Circle. He is currently Hunting and would like to have it noted at this time that he is actively hunting Gheyo and perhaps a Mage. He is not opposed to adding others to his circle but is currently concentrating on Gheyo. Please join me in welcoming him to the walkway Lords and Ladies." With that finished Harry stepped out onto the walkway. He had learned before ever coming to Nevarah, from his Grandmera Jun that one could create gems from the elements if they tried hard enough and had an affinity for them.

So Harry started with the bubbles of air and water. He concentrated as he walked slowly and separated them in the air and began compressing them down and pouring magic in them until he had eight gems of varying shades of blue from the water and eight gems of varying shades of white and grey hovering above him he used his magic to make them hover around him in a circle while he went on.

He continued walking to the pillars of Earth. He unsheathed Basilisk's Bite and sliced through the pillars until he had enough broken pieces to do what he needed. He sheathed his blade and then once again compressed and poured magic into the Earth until he held eight gems of varying shades of brown and gold. The Earth gems joined the others circling around him as he moved on to the balls of fire.

Harry was feeling more confident in himself at this point and grinned as he once again compressed the flames and poured magic into them. When he was finished he had eight Fire gems hovering around him in shades of red and orange. He let them circle him for a moment before opening a pouch and letting the gems fall into it. Then he exited the walkway to the sound of applause. He had done it. He had been so worried and afraid but he had done it. It had gone exactly like he wanted it to. He collapsed into Bill's arms and he felt like his magic was a bit exhausted.

"You did so well, Trouble. It was a very impressive show. You will probably get many favors and offers of courting," Bill told him as he scooped Harry up and they all headed to their box. Harry chirred in happiness and let his bonded fuss over him once they were settled back in their box. They had about an hour or so before they needed to head to the Royal areas.

"That was a very impressive show of magic and control over the four main elements, Loveling," Narcissa told him as she handed him some snacks and fussed over his hair.

"Thank you, Cissa," Harry told her with a smile. They sat and relaxed in the box while a few more circles walked.

"Okay, you three let's get going," Hadrian stood up. He would be going with Peryton, Harry, and Draco down to the royal waiting areas because he would be announced after the Royals as a Blood Title holder. Styrmir and Adad were going to go with them as well. Just for the extra weapons to protect them if needed.

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Royal Waiting Area

"There are my boys," Laurent said when they arrived in the Royal waiting area. He pulled Harry and Draco into a hug. "Are the three of you going to be joining us until the introduction?"

"Yes, We will stay with you all until it is time for your introduction," Hadrian answered and then the six of them headed further into the Royal waiting area.

"Hello, Troublemaker," Alec said when they got to where the others were. Harry went into his snarky Merrow's arms.

"Hi, Alec. Miss me?" Harry teased as Alec fussed over his hair and clothes.

"Of course, I did," Alec said. "You did beautifully on your walk by the way."

"It was a very impressive manipulation of the elements, Kitten," Glynn said as he wrapped his arms around Harry. He chirred at his bonded as they each greeted him.

"Hello, Peryton," said a pretty Dragel with nearly white hair and pale skin. She was wearing numerous layers of shimmery, white fabric. His bonded smiled and hugged the woman. "Introduce me, finally." She said with a grin.

"This is my lovely Submissive, Harry," Peryton introduced to the woman. "Harry this is my little sister Dawne. She is the Crown Princess of the Air Courts." Harry bowed and then held out his hand, but she just laughed and pulled him into a hug.

"It is very nice to finally meet you, Harry. And just so that you know, there is no need for you to bow to me. You are a Royal just as well," Princess Dawne told him. Harry smiled. He knew that everyone had known about him and Draco mere hours after it had been confirmed that they were Alcandor's nephews.

"I see our Uncle has been bragging again," Harry said with a grin. He heard someone grumble and turned to see his Uncle Alcandor scowling at them while his father and brother held in their laughs. Dawne laughed and so did two others. One Harry recognized as the Royal who had come to Earth after he had given his soul scream, Prince Raspen he was sure. The other was a woman who was only slightly taller than he was with long hair that was so deep red it was nearly black. She is the one who stepped forward.

"Oh, he hasn't stopped bragging about the two of you since the moment he found out about you. You should have heard him while you two walked. Alcandor and your father were both just gushing about you both," She held out her hand. "I am Ebony. I for one have been happily rubbing it in his face that both of you have Fire Alphas and land-walking circles." Harry laughed and took her hand to shake it as did Draco when it was offered to him.

"Yeah, the Merrow advisors are so pissed. They have been hounding Uncle Al ever since about having children so that neither me and Draco nor our father can inherit after him," Harry told her.

"I love the chaos the two of you have caused simply by existing. It makes me so happy to see that ole snarky Merrow with his tail in a twist," Ebony said with glee. Harry laughed and then smiled happily as a familiar face came striding toward them.

"Hello, Feisty Submissive," Zandian said with a grin and a wink. "It is good to see you again. Did you enjoy the rest of your day in The Pits?"

"It is good to see you again, Zandian. I did enjoy the rest of my day. I stayed until my Lovely Alpha came to get me for a dinner he planned," Harry said with a smile. He pulled Draco forward. "This is my Twin Brother Draco. Draco this is the Blood title holder for the Fire Courts, Zandian. I had lunch with him, and some others when I was hanging out in the pits." Draco held out his hand and shook with the Ace.

"Nice to meet you, Draco," Zandian greeted and Draco smiled at him.

"Nice to meet you as well," Draco replied.

"Can we expect to see you in The Pits as well during The Hunt?" The Fire Ace asked. Draco shook his head no.

"No, I don't quite enjoy fighting the way that my brother does. I prefer the shopping district, the spa, and the shows. I have more delicate sensibilities than my brother," Draco answered him honestly. Zandian chuckled.

"Nothing wrong with that. It isn't a place that most Submissives are comfortable in. Mainly Ferros or Gheyic Submissives are found down there," Zandian replied.

"I hate shopping," Harry said with a dramatic shiver. "I leave all of the shopping to Draco and our Pareya. It makes them happy and that makes me happy."

"If it were up to my dear brother, he would wear jeans and a T-shirt every day. He has a horrid fashion sense," Draco insisted. Harry shrugged and blushed.

"Well, that isn't quite as true as it used to be. I like jeans and a T-shirt but I also find I quite enjoy the new wardrobe. I just never would have bought it for myself," Harry said. He felt arms wrap around him from behind and smiled up at Chelan. The Gheyo Queen kissed him on the head.

"We love you just the way you are, Little Princeling," He told Harry.

"Thank you, Chelan," Harry said with a blush.

"All right, it is time for the royal introductions to begin. We will start with Earth. Listen for your cue," An official-looking Dragel stated just then. The same announcer from earlier began to announce a pledge of some sort that Harry had been practicing with Ethan and Quinn. All of the Dragel in the chambers stood to attention and placed two fingers over their hearts.

"...for that which we have founded, by hands you and old. We give thanks, respect, and love. We maintain our loyalty for the pledge taken by our souls, to uphold truth, honor, and individuality. We ask nothing and take nothing. We give that which will not destroy us and we build up that which requires repair. For the Earth beneath our feet, we stand tall..." They continued to recite the pledge until they were finished. Harry watched as the Earth royals and their courts stepped forward and readied themselves.

"First to present, is the Royal house of the Earth element. We warmly welcome Prince Raspen, the Crown Prince of the Earth Royals, and his entourage. Welcome to his ministers, his court, and the royal guard," The announcer said.

Harry saw as many Dragel in the arena stood up to show their respect and there was a rumbling of applause and cheers that rose from all around them. He watched in awe as the magic pulsed around the Royal party and then the ground began to rumble and shift. He watched as Prince Raspen worked to create a pavilion with no ceiling. Four thrones rose up in the middle, back to back, with each throne facing a different side.

Four walkways rose up and then all of the dust and dirt rolled away to reveal smooth, gray stone and fancy stonework. Then a giant gaping hole opened up and then stairs formed and then the Dragel were moving. Two Military circles that marched in perfect unison stepped onto the stairs first and made their way up to emerge from the gaping hole. Musicians went next and lined up with all of their instruments at the ready. The third section to emerge was filled with performers and mages.

Finally, the Royal court began to ascend the stairs. Advisors, council men and women all of them dressed in extravagant and fine garments. Then Prince Raspen started his ascent followed by his familiar. It was a large hulking thing that dripped mud and had huge gaping holes where the eyes and mouth should have been. With each step it took after the Prince it began to dry and form until it looked like a living statue. Raspen walked down a walkway and stood at the bottom of the stairs as his Court took their places along the stairway. Then he ascended those stairs as well to the throne that stood waiting. The Hulking Golem settled with a Huff as the Prince turned and faced the crowd.

"I humbly thank you for your warm and enthusiastic welcome. I am pleased to lend my presence to the Hunt and I wish everyone health, happiness, and eternity in finding their soulmates. May you continue to uphold the reputation of our respected element and embody all that the earth is," Raspen said with a gentle yet firm voice. Then he sat down as the crowd once again cheered and applauded for him.

"Okay, Fire you are up next," The official stated while Raspen was giving his speech. The Fire court shuffled around until they were in position. At this time all of those in the Air court left up a staircase Harry hadn't seen before. They would be coming in from above so they were heading up to the top of the arena an up into the clouds to wait for the cue.

Harry heard Raspen pause and watched as those standing all took their seats and waited for the next part.

"It is also my great pleasure to present to you, Her Royal Highness, the Princess Ebony, the chosen of the Fire Royals to next take the crown, with her entourage. Welcome to her ministers, court, and the Royal Guard. The Earth Clans extend their warmest welcome and express their sincere appreciation for the alliance between our elements," Raspen introduced the Fire court. Another group of Dragel stood from their seats. Harry knew it was the Fire Dragels.

Harry watched entranced as balls of fire streaked down the aisles of the arena. A line of hovering torchless lights left in their wake. From what Harry could see it looked like intricate webbing throughout the aisles. Harry thought it was all very pretty. Marching was heard next and Harry watched with rapt attention as lines of Gheyo began marching down the aisles. While they were marching down a pair of doors opened and admitted the Royal Procession. The Gheyo that marched vaulted effortlessly over the protective railing and into the dirt as a roar was heard from the double doors.

A large blood-red dragon in true form came into the room with performers doing all types of tricks around them. It was lovely to watch as they breathed fire and sang while they cartwheeled and flipped around. Harry saw Ebony perched on top of the dragon smiling and waving. They made their way putting on a merry show until they reached the base of the stairs leading to her empty throne.

Her court took their places the same way that Raspen's had before them. The dragon bowed it's head when it reached the foot of the stairs and the Princess slid gracefully to the ground. Ebony spoke quietly to the dragon and Harry watched in fascination as it shrank down and curled up at the base of her throne. She curtsied politely to Prince Raspen and then turned to the crowd with a smile.

"Thank you for such a warm welcome. As the head of the Royal House of our element, I am pleased to lend my presence to the Hunt. I wish health, happiness, and eternity to each of you in finding your soulmates. May you find your missing pieces and become whole. May you uphold the reputation of our element with pride and dignity as you embody all that the power of the flame is," Ebony's voice rang out crisp and clear. There were shouts and cheers throughout the arena.

Harry watched as the Dragel around the room took their seats as the Princess did as well. It was time for the Air Dragel.

"It is my greatest hope that you will extend this warm welcome to our friends, the Air Clan. It is my honor to introduce to you our hosting element this season, Her Royal Highness, Princess Dawne, Nevarah's chosen crown royal of the Air Clans and her entourage. Welcome to her ministers, her court, and her impressive royal guard. On behalf of the Fire Clans, I extend our warmest welcome and express our sincere appreciation for the alliance between our elements." Then she threw her head back and opened her arms. "Look to the Sky!" She exclaimed.

There was movement as those of the air element stood and everyone turned their heads upward. Harry didn't get to watch much of the entrance because he was being shuffled around and placed in position next to Draco. His Gheyo surrounded them and they were placed directly behind their parents. They then descended a set of stairs that took them below the water level. He could hear the applause and Princess Dawne as she gave her thanks and then introduced the Merrow. Harry almost giggled as she announced his uncle as Prince when he had been King for years.

When they were finally announced Harry watched as water began to move upward and filled in the giant hole that Raspen had made. The water overflowed the hole and snaked toward the platform. A vortex appeared over them and then Merrow began to ascend out of the portal and line up waiting for their Royal. Then Alcandor stepped through. There was a group of young Merrow that were adorned in beautiful trinkets and clothes and were surrounded by royal guards. Harry and the others all took up places near Alcandor.

Advisor Kieran stepped forward and encouraged Uncle Al to move forward as well. Then the Advisor started speaking.

"It is my pleasure to present to you His Royal Highness. He no longer stands before you as a Crown Prince, but as the accepted ruler of his domain. King Alcandor from the clan of Her Royal Highness, Queen Manthestia. I give you her favored son and the people's choice. He has ruled with a kind and firm hand since assuming his duty seven years before. I ask that you welcome him with the respect that is due to his elevated station."

There was applause and cheers as Princess Dawne took his hands and greeted him with a shocked smile. He then turned back and called for his familiar. Harry was excited. He knew that Alec had been the one working with the beautiful creature. "Goonter," he called with a faint hiss.

A loud roar was heard from the giant pool of water and with a playful roar the Sea Dragon popped his head above the surface. His iridescent scales cast rainbows along the stone walls of the arena. He streamed forth from the portal of water and wrapped himself around the entire royal platform with his head resting closest to Alcandor's throne. Alec sat atop his head with pride. Alcandor stepped forward again.

"I would like to make a few quick announcements of importance to our court. My brother Laurent and current Crown Prince of the Merrow courts has returned to us. His Circle has been returned to him." With this spoke Laurent, Lucius, and Lily stepped forward. "My brother Laurent, his Alpha Lucius, and his Submissive Lillian. That isn't even the best of the news. With the return of his circle, we were also blessed with two new Royals. His twin sons Draconis and Harrison." Draco stepped forward slightly. "Draconis, unfortunately, has no current Merrow bonded and is not Hunting. Please, respect that choice." Draco stepped back again and Harry stepped forward with his bonded.

"Harrison on the other hand has a few Merrow bonded and is hunting. We are happy to welcome them to our family." Harry and his bonded stepped back into place. "I would like to impart a few words of wisdom now. Those standing before you here today are those who have agreed to surface and permit interaction aboveground. There are twenty eligible Merrows of varied ranks, none are Alpha and none other than my nephew are Submissive. Beyond that, you will have to discover their individuality on your own. During the daytime, our kind will move freely with yours. At night, we will reside in the White Caverns, as we always have, during the Hunt. The only exceptions to this are Harrison and his Merrow. Each Merrow is required to report in for the night, a failure to do so will incur my immediate displeasure and consequent wrath." Uncle Al paused and let the threat sink into all of those around them.

"You should be well aware of the jewelry worn by the eligible, they are marked tokens of favor and if gifted, you should understand that you have been chosen or accepted to some degree. We are expressive and seductive creatures, please beware the term 'harmless flirting' is something entirely different to us. At any time, should an incident of a criminal nature occur involving one of our own, we reserve the right to refer to Merrow Law. In following with our native laws, expect Merrow Justice." After the seriousness of his announcement, he smiled. "I hope I have not discouraged you from befriending these charming young fellows, because I assure you, they are polite and interested."

After that, the respected heads of the Shadow and Storm elements were announced and brought onto the royal platform. Lady Bianca Dreswell came for the Storm element and The Cunninghams came for the Shadow. Then the clan chiefs were acknowledged and made their way to the royal platform as well. They filed around without all of the flare of the royals. The Earth Clan chief stepped forward first.

"I would like to present to you all, my daughter, the current reigning Earth Champion of the Blood Titles, Lady Ilsa Gorgens. I am quite proud to announce her entrance. My Lords and Ladies I give you, Blood Wraith." Harry watched as Ilsa appeared in a flash of golden-white magic in her full Gheyo glory. Her wings were held out behind her in pride but Harry could tell that their scared and plated appearance caused a bit of unease.

"Thank you for the welcome," Ilsa stated after bowing to her father and winking at Harry. I am glad to return. And I welcome to the stage the Shadow's Champion and Blood Title, Lord Hadrian Maruke. I give you all, Blood Raven." Harry beamed with pride as Shadows converged on the area and his lovely Ace emerged from the Shadows giving a sweeping bow. Then he and Ilsa gave each other courtesy bows. Then Hadrian turned and bowed to Harry as well. Harry inclined his head back to him and blushed when the Shadow Ace winked at him.

"Thank you, Lady Ilsa," Hadrian said politely. "It is my pleasure to bring to the stage the Air Champion and Blood Title, Lady Paielda, Blood Whisper." The title holder materialized in place next to Hadrian and smiled and bowed.

"Thank you kindly," The Lady stated. "I invite to the stage the Storm Champion and Blood Title, Lady Greta Deveraine, Blood Rayne." Harry watched with a smile as Greta appeared on stage in a flash of lightning. She stood tall and proud.

"Thank you for the lovely welcome," Greta spoke loud and clear. "I am honored to present to you the Fire Champion and Blood Title, High Noble Zandian, Blood Flame." Zandian appeared in a flash of blue-green flame. He gave an exaggerated bow with a cocky grin on his face. He greeted all of his fellow champions shaking hands with all of them.

"Please show your appreciation for your champions," The announcer exclaimed and there was a huge round of cheers and applause. Harry realized that he had not paid as much attention to what would happen after introductions. He stood on stage for what felt like hours as Clan chiefs announced special introductions. When it was done they would be allowed to leave the stage to have dinner. Harry thought today had been a lot of fun and he was ready for the rest of The Hunt.