It was a normal day in the Empire as citizens went about their work. Children went to school, and students went to their academies. Alexstraza was sitting in class, worried - she knew something had happened - all of her family members had disappeared, as well as the most important people from the Capital.
Suddenly, a massive blue screen appeared in the skies above the capital and every city in its vast territory. There was only one message 'The Emperor will make an announcement. Cease your actions, and watch.' It stood still for around 10 minutes. By now, everyone was outside, on the roofs of buildings; every training, construction and overall process had been halted, regardless of the losses.
If the Emperor was to make an announcement, it meant something very grave or very good had happened. Due to the war, most people assumed that it was grave news, as some were praying to the Goddess.
The screen flashed, as the Emperor was shown. It was unknown where he was, as there were only ruined buildings behind him. The camera zoomed, and it was now the Emperor's face, as only small parts of the background were visible. The Emperor started walking, climbing some stairs. The camera now also captured his whole body.
"Dear citizens of the Empire. Thirty years ago, we lost the Great Wall and our Holy City. It has been a heartache for every person, and a dream of everyone to reclaim it. We had lost our mirror, our Living Silver, our gift from our Goddess.
A year ago, the war in the east erupted, and a father recalled his son from the Imperial Academy so that he could help defend the border. He returned and led his father's armies at the age of 16, claiming victory after victory, regaining more and more land.
In the end, his path led him and his armies exactly where it was needed. They fought with great valour, while the boy himself slew the Immortal Soul Seviras, the half-dragon that guarded our dreams. The strongest Expert in the world." The Emperor stopped climbing the stairs as he smiled.
The citizens of the Empire had realised this was not bad news. They had an idea of what might have happened, yet nobody spoke as they expected to hear it directly. All they saw was the Emperor smile as he closed his eyes and nodded two times. Cheers and shock erupted all over the Empire. This was the confirmation of the thought they had not dared mention - after 30 years, the Holy City Aurelion has been reclaimed!
"After so long, our Empire has finally reclaimed it, and a treaty for peace was reached. We will have 5 years to prepare, yet today, I wish to announce to you Aurelian is back, and today, today is the day we are crowning him and Aurelia." The Emperor proceeded to climb the stairs; however, now only his straight back was seen. He had reached the top, where the Empress stood on the side, holding an open chest with two silver crowns in it. Ahead of her were two people, a man with silver hair and a beautiful woman. They were both gazing at the millions of soldiers, and only their backs could be seen.
They were precisely at the high wall of the city; thus, it looked ruined, dirty and past its previous glory, yet it did not matter. The flowing of water could be heard; it was the Aure River!
Every citizen was in awe as they looked at the millions of soldiers lined up in front of the city, in a greeting formation. Some were praying, others were waving towards the Aurelians, thirds gave salutes. The whole empire was cheering; people were jumping in the streets while priests rang the church bells with tears in their eyes.
"So, today, let us crown the Aurelians and let us welcome a new dawn. One of restoration, one of conquest. A statement - Salerios will not accept the current terms; the Goddess Oriana wants what belonged to her people back."
The camera shifted towards the Emperor's face, yet this time, the scale of the image was much bigger. The mountain and the city were seen, the flow of the river and the mythic Silver Roc nesting itself on the peak.
"Bow down, Valtherion Mograine, reclaimer of our Holy City, pride of our Empire" The Emperor gave a command, and Aurelian bowed while the Empress brought the crowns closer.
"Do you swear to rule with honour and justice, to protect the people and rebuild the City?"
"I swear, I will uphold my duty until my last breath!"
The face of the reclaimer was revealed. His silver hair was blowing in the wind, while silver ornaments decorated his brows. A silver mark rested on his forehead, and mainly, many scars were visible, as well as his now blind eye.
"Do you swear to march and fight in the name of the Empire and the Goddess? To reclaim the Great Wall and push back the enemy out of our territories?"
"I swear it. It will be done!"
The emperor took a crown and placed it on his silver head. It nestled as it belonged there.
"Today is your coronation as an Archduke of the Empire, Aurelion of the Holy City Aurelian, protector of the west, and this-" The Emperor slapped his face lightly "This is so you remember it very well. Now rise, Aurelion."
With a smile, Aurelian rose to his feet and turned towards the soldiers. A glorious silver spear appeared in his hands, while a small silver roc landed on his shoulder. The army outside became ecstatic as they began to shout the same thing: "Aurelian is back! Long live Aurelian!"
The crowds in the Empire shouted the same; massive cheers of celebration erupted. Needless to say, the workday was over; the whole Empire was entering a week of celebration.
"Julia Salerios. Do you swear to uphold your duty as Aurelia with honour and justice?" Emperor Alexander was now about to crown the princess, as the crown erupted once more when her face was revealed.
"Yes, I will, until my very last breath!"
The crown was placed on her as she rose next to Aurelian, meeting the soldiers' gazes. They were now shouting her name, "Aurelia". The same scene was repeating all over the Empire, especially when another Silver Roc landed on her shoulder.
It was then that the camera shifted towards Aurelion himself, who raised one hand in the air, causing every noise to quiet down. All that was heard was the millions of soldiers entering a stance of a military salute. He was going to give a speech.