Et Stellas: Beyond Different Worlds

Et Stellas (𐌁)

The sun is not too high in the sky when the chilly morning breeze begins, the vast dark cream camp of weed starts dancing synchronously and the flags from the Et Stellas' army starts waving with greatness in the air as the canines pack get closer to the wide opened gates of the neighbouring Empire. 

A few guards guarding the Empire's main gates, no archers around. Aurelius starts worrying. Maybe it's a trap?, He thinks, but just looking at his father with his head raised in the sky and a slight grin on his face makes Aurelius feel more confident. He even finds it funny to listen to Decimus panting, trying to keep up with them.

As the army, led by Arthur and Aurelius, goes deeper into the streets, some families stand right at their doors to bow at the Imponent Emperor and his son, some other felines just stare. Some kittens play around the canine guards, laughing loudly.

Other kittens offer food, drinks, even flowers to the white-furred canines, and another group of young felines following right behind them.

And Arthur likes that. He even turns to smile at his son as his son returns him the smile.

But the company and giggles start slowly fading as they get closer to the gates of the Palace walls.

As the imponent gates of the Palace entrance start opening, Arthur's smile switches into a frown, Decimus panting stops and Aurelius rests his right paw on the pommel of his sword. 

Everything stays in silence as the Lord and His son walk forward.

Aurelius stops and Arthur, giving one step ahead with no hesitation, says "Commodus, we have come in peace" giving a small reverence with his head. 

Aurelius glances his look at the Big Panther, who's wearing a pebble silver armour, similar but yet different to his father's, a scabbard on his left and both of his paws on his back. The first thing Aurelius always centres on are the paws because, as an old friend of him used to say -"The paws says a lot about someone"-

Standing not far behind the Emperor is a Snow Leopard, perfectly groomed fur, dressing a white Peplos(6) with a golden-cream coloured clothing that goes around her wrist, a golden wrist cuff in both of her arms and a small golden tiara on her head. 

Holding her paw right next to her is a young Black Leopard, with a light-red coloured dress, wearing a similar but smaller tiara just like her mother and perfectly groomed fur. 

But then he darts his eyes to the Snow Leopard that's right next to the Feline Emperor.

He was staring at him, but once they made quick eye contact the snow leopard dropped his look down. Aurelius slowly gives him a look from top to bottom. He's wearing a dark silver armour, no scabbard, just armour. 

The Snow leopard is shorter than him by an entire head, with a fluffy tail that's barely touching the ground and strong emerald eyes that makes Aurelius feel the necessity to look at them once again.

Now Aurelius' the one who can't take his eyes out of him, he's now the one who feels that weird curious sensation for the feline. Until his father calls his name.

"Aurelius"

"Father" Aurelius quickly replies, pointing his ears up while turning his look to his Emperor. 

"Commodus' son will guide you and the army to a place where the troops can rest" Arthur says.

Aurelius nods, taking both of his paws to his back "And what about you?" He scops.

"I'm going to talk with Commodus, while you talk with Lucius. Remember-" He rests a finger on his son's forehead "—Be open-minded—" Then he slowly takes the finger down to the left side of his chest, with a soft smile and a warm look "—and open-hearted".

Aurelius chuckles "I will".  The Emperor hugs his son, tightly, then he separates and looks at the Panther. Commodus makes a gesture with his paw and Arthur starts walking right inside the palace. 

Aurelius stays in place, looking at his father walk away with the other Emperor until he hears someone next to him.

He quickly rests his paw on his sword and turns to look at the feline that's awkwardly standing there. "Welcome to Arcus, my name is Lucius. It's an honour to have you here" Says the Feline making a big bow with his entire body.

Aurelius replies making a soft bow with his head, his paw still resting on the pommel of his sword "Pleasure to meet you, Lucius. My name is Aurelius". 

Lucius stands back putting his paws on his back "Let me lead your army to a place for rest". Aurelius gives a firm nod "That would be so thoughtful". 

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(6) Peplos: Body-length garment worn by women