The couple walked down a long hall that went forever. Miliana held Axel who was quite content and happy. At the end of the hall 2 attendants that Elias had never seen before opened a large door. The room was just as massive as the grand dining room and was the most pristine one yet. The ceiling was high, it was well decorated with expensive ornaments that hung from the ceiling. At a glance, not a spot of dust could be seen. 

The room was lined with people who all turned towards the couple and their child as they entered. Apart from the attendants who stuck close to the walls, there were a few men and women in light armor brandishing swords at their waist. The people who had gathered did so on both sides of the room creating a path in the center. Odeus and Miliana walked past them on that path and all the eyes followed them. They walked all the way to the front and joined 2 other couples who had also brought their newborn babies.

At the end of the room opposite its entrance was a platform 3 large steps above the floor. On it, 2 large and elaborate chairs that had jewels embedded in them could be seen. There were two additional doors in the room, each on opposite sides of the platform. From the door on the right came an elderly man and from the left door came an elderly woman. They stepped up onto the platform and stood before their seats. Only then did they turn towards the crowd that had gathered in the room. The servants and warriors kneeled, this made the others who stood in the room stand out.

Other than those who kneeled, 7 adults and 4 children were in the room; Axel being one of the children there. The elders raised their staffs and the adults left standing gave their salute by placing their right hand over their hearts and lowering their heads. These people were their descendants and their spouses. Everyone left standing held the Blackstone name.

The Elders - Ernis Blackstone (Age: 46 yrs) and his wife Margrett Blackstone (Age: 44 yrs). 

The first heir - Ned Blackstone (Age: 23 yrs) and his wife Roza Blackstone (Age: 23 yrs); their firstborn child Valrick Blackstone (Age: 60 days) is being initiated into the family.

The second heir - Odeus Blackstone (Age: 20) and his wife Milana Xyrus-Blackstone (Age: 18); their firstborn child Axelleus Blackstone (Age: 35 days) is being initiated into the family.

The third heir - Erika Blackstone (Age: 19) and her wife Sirena Blackstone (Age: 19); their firstborn child Nessir Blackstone (Age: 30 days) is being initiated into the family.

The first niece of the Elder Ernis - Elindine Blackstone (Age: 25) and her daughter Annita Blackstone (Age: 6 yrs).

. . .

The elders had fierce auras that commanded the room. Elder Ernis had black and gray hair that came together in a ponytail. It was held by a snake leather ribbon that went slightly below his shoulders, his hair then curled out like thunderbolts; his large eyebrows did the same. His russet brown skin and a somewhat muscular body. Like all descendants of the Blackstone family, he had light golden eyes that sparkled in the presence of excessive light. 

Elder Margrett her emerald eyes were usually shut, she had a piercing gaze that froze any who dared to look into them. She had light brown skin and completely white hair that separated into numerous small braids, the ends would flutter at her waist when she moved. Her large hoop earrings are known to make a high-pitched vibrating tone when she wants to make her presence known. She’s an elegant woman who maintains the curves from her youth; similarly to her husband she looked to be in her late 20s but is actually in her 40s.

The elders took their seats and every one stood at ease.

“Today we are here to welcome 2 new members to our family”, said Elder Ernis speaking up in a commanding voice.

“With new life comes progress and numerous possibilities”, said Elder Margrett following up.

Elder Ernis continues, “These young ones have a hard and dangerous road before them”

“But do not fret for we, as a family shall aid them in their endeavors”, adds Elder Margrett.

“Aid them to become independent and strong warriors of our family–”, yelled Elder Ernis

“Though not all warriors wield swords and magic, all members of this family are indeed strong warriors”, Elder Margrett chimed in.

“No matter what path they decide to take as members of the Blackstone family it is in their blood to strive on that path despite the odds”, Elder Ernis continued.

“Parents of Valrick, Axelleus and Nessir Blackstone step forward with your child”, said Elder Margrett inviting them to the platform.

Ned, Roza, Odeus, Miliana, Erika and Sirena stepped forward with their child in hand. They stepped up to the second step and waited for the elders to rise from their seats. The elders got up and moved towards the edge of the platform where they loomed over the somewhat nervous couples and their babies. They each pointed their canes horizontally at the children.

“May the blessing of the stars grant these dormant volcanoes the power to one inflict terror into the hearts of those who deserve it, may the light of the stars shine and be absorbed by the obsidian that flows through their veins” said the elders in unison.

The others including the knights and attendants applauded the new heirs of the Blackstone family.