Cherreads

Chapter 5 - Fantasy

Legolas stepped into the bathroom and immediately stopped in his tracks. His mouth hung open. It didn't look like any bathroom he had ever seen. It looked like something out of a fantasy movie—because it was. The floor was made of smooth white marble that shimmered under the soft golden glow of hanging crystals. Small, white clouds floated just under the ceiling, and when he waved his hand, they started to rain lightly. He waved again, and it stopped. He did it again just to be sure. It stopped and started as he wished.

"Holy shit," he muttered, stunned. "These things look so much cooler in real life."

In the center of the room was a giant tub that wasn't really a tub. It looked more like a carved pond, with clear water gently flowing in from tiny glowing springs along the edges. The water sparkled like it had bits of starlight floating in it. Around it were floating mirrors that slowly rotated and followed him when he walked. The air smelled like fresh flowers, but not too strong—just enough to make him feel fresh and awake.

He couldn't help but compare it to his old bathroom back home. His cracked tiles, the leaky tap, the days when he skipped bathing altogether because he just didn't feel like it.

"This bathroom is worth more than my entire apartment," he scoffed. "I just hope I don't get too used to this stuff. Going back would be painful."

He stripped off his clothes and stepped into the pond-like bathtub. The moment the water touched his skin, something shifted in him. It wasn't just warm. It wasn't just relaxing. It was like the water knew exactly how to make him feel better. Every sore muscle, every bit of stress, and every anxious thought melted away. His skin felt lighter, like the water was cleansing not just the outside but something deep inside him.

He let himself slide deeper into the water until it reached his neck, leaning back against the smooth stone. His eyes closed without him meaning to, and he let out a long breath. He didn't know how long he stayed like that. Maybe minutes. Maybe hours. He didn't care.

"This is heaven," he whispered to himself. "How is this even allowed?"

Every little ripple in the water felt like a massage. It was as if the water had hands. Soothing. Gentle. Magical.

For a while, he forgot everything. The panic. The shock. Even the questions about how he ended up here. None of it mattered. Right now, only the warm water and the peace inside him existed.

Eventually, when he finally stood up, his body dried on its own. A soft breeze flowed through the bathroom, and without him lifting a finger, he was completely dry within seconds. The windows shut themselves before he stepped out of the bathroom, giving him privacy. He stepped out and looked at the clean outfit Elias had left for him.

It was simple but elegant. A white tunic with gold embroidery along the sleeves, a black belt, and slim dark pants that fit him perfectly. When he put it on, he was amazed.

"How did they get my size so perfect?" he muttered, checking himself in one of the floating mirrors.

"Ah, I finally look like I'm actually part of this world."

He gave himself one last look, nodding with approval. The windows opened again, letting in the sunlight and a fresh breeze.

He walked over to the bed and sat down. The clothes felt light and smooth, way more comfortable than anything he had ever worn back home. He leaned back, looking at the high ceiling above him.

"This life feels way too good," he thought. "But I know better. If stories have taught me anything, it won't stay this easy for long. Something always goes wrong."

Still, he let himself enjoy the comfort for a few more minutes. The bed was soft, the room was quiet, and for once, he felt like he had everything he needed. No noise. No stress. Just peace.

A knock on the door broke that silence.

"Prince," Elias's low respectful voice came through the door. "If you're ready, everyone is eager to meet you."

Legolas sat up and took a deep breath.

"Okay," he thought. "Let's finally get into the story."

*

Legolas had a feeling he was about to get some kind of star treatment. He remembered, vaguely, when he first woke up in this world, seeing dwarves, people with lizard faces, tiny fairies flying around, and a tall she elf who called him "Prince." It was hard to believe, but he needed to keep his cool. Whatever was coming, he had to face it straight on.

He walked beside Elias through a long hallway, luxurious and magical. There were no lights, yet the hall glowed softly—like the walls themselves were lit from within. The floor shimmered slightly as he walked. There were floating orbs at the edges of the ceiling, and golden patterns moved gently along the walls like living ink. Curtains flowed even though there was no wind. He couldn't help but be amazed.

Still, despite the wonder around him, the pressure inside him grew. Elias's quiet presence beside him wasn't helping. She was so beautiful, graceful, so poised—it made him hyper-aware of how awkward he was.

Legolas wasn't used to attention. He was an introvert. Always kept to himself. He had a couple of close friends, and that was it. He had never had the confidence to talk to girls, let alone ask out his crushes. Away from any attention or social life, he lived in his own head, in his books, movies, show, in his fiction.

Now, here he was, in a magical world, being treated someone special. It was overwhelming.

And the moment he stepped into the hall, every attempt to stay calm crumbled.

It was the main hall of the palace—the heart of the castle—and it was unreal.

The ceiling was hundreds of feet high, arched and painted with what looked like constellations that slowly moved on their own. Massive glowing chandeliers floated mid-air, each made of crystal shards and light magic, radiating warmth without heat. The walls were carved with ancient runes and symbols that pulsed faintly with blue and gold hues. Pillars—so tall he couldn't see where they ended—lined both sides of the hall, each wrapped with vines of silver and blooming flowers that shimmered like they were made of moonlight.

In the center was a long banquet table filled with food. Roasted lambs, golden bread, fruits in colors he had never seen before, goblets filled with glowing drinks. The smell was heavenly. Steam rose gently from every dish, and tiny orbs of light floated above them, keeping the food fresh and warm.

Around the table stood creatures straight out of a fantasy book. Elves in fine robes, dwarves in decorated armor, humans in flowing capes. A bear—yes, an actual upright bear—stood on two legs in a royal outfit with a medallion. A fox-headed woman wore a long silk dress and laughed softly with a bird-faced man in glasses. Small fairies zipped past, giggling. Everyone looked noble, graceful, proud—and they were all staring at him.

At the far end of the hall were three grand thrones, each with tall backs carved with ancient designs. In the center sat a tall male elf, broad-shouldered, muscular, and fair-skinned. A silver crown rested on his head, and his eyes were sharp but kind. To his right sat a female elf—elegant, tall, with silver-white hair. She was the one who had called him "Prince" when he first arrived. Her presence was commanding but warm. And to the left, on the third throne, sat a male elf who looked close to Legolas's age. His hair was dark blonde, his outfit formal and rich, and he watched Legolas with intense curiosity.

As Legolas stepped in, the entire hall went silent. And then—

Everyone stood.

Even the king and queen.

Legolas froze. Completely stunned.

"Welcome," said the king, voice deep, warm, and humble. "Prince of Moon."

The hall echoed with respectful murmurs. Everyone bowed. Even the bear.

Legolas's heart pounded in his chest. What the hell was this? I mean he knew what, he was an important 'prince', but, still WHAT THE HELL WAS THIS?

He instinctively bowed. He opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. He could barely even process. A hall straight out of a movie, people of all species, food beyond imagination, and now a king and queen calling him Prince of Moon.

More Chapters