Golden Gate: New World Front

Amidst the thick fog that enveloped the sea, a fleet of 15 elven ships stood anchored, their crews tense with anticipation. The air was heavy with moisture, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the hulls. The lead ship, larger and more ornate than the rest, positioned itself between two towering ancient pillars that rose from the depths like silent sentinels. The pillars, weathered and colossal, dwarfed even the largest of the vessels, casting an eerie shadow over the elven sailors below.

On the deck of the lead ship, the elder mage stood at the forefront, her staff adorned with intricate artifacts that hummed with latent power. Behind her, a circle of robed mages joined hands, eyes closed in deep concentration as they chanted in unison. The air around them vibrated with the energy of their incantations, and the arcane symbols etched into the elder's staff began to glow faintly.

With a deep breath, the elder mage raised her staff high, the artifacts at its tip clinking together as if alive. She chanted, her voice steady and filled with purpose, echoing across the silent sea.

"Oh, great one! I beseech thee to open the gateway to another realm, that we may seek aid from a distant land. Our people face a grave peril, and only through your power can we reach those who might save us."

The robed mages behind her intensified their chanting, their voices merging into a single resonant hum. The fog around the pillars began to swirl, drawn inward as if by an unseen force.

"This nation, unlike any before, must hear our plea. We seek the strength of their arms, the might of their machines, for the fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance. Grant us passage, so that we may speak with them."

A low rumble echoed through the sea as the pillars began to shimmer with a strange light. The mist thickened, obscuring everything but the elder mage and her circle of mages. The energy crackling in the air reached a crescendo as the elder mage spoke the final words with fervor.

"This nation is called the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!"

At that moment, a blinding light erupted between the pillars, tearing through the mist. The sea roared as the portal opened, revealing a shimmering gateway that pulsed with energy. The elder mage and her companions stood unwavering, their eyes locked on the gateway. The path was open, and beyond it lay the hope of salvation for their kingdom.

As the mists swirled and the energy crackled around the fleet, the elder mage and her circle of mages slowly opened their eyes, revealing a sight of profound astonishment. The portal had seemingly failed, leaving nothing but the endless fog and the uneasy murmurs of the sailors. Confusion and disappointment spread among the mages as they exchanged worried glances, questioning what might have gone wrong.

The elder mage, feeling the weight of her failure, began to rise with a heavy heart. Suddenly, a violent tremor shook the fleet, causing panic among the sailors and mages alike. Weapons were drawn in anticipation of a possible sea monster attack. The elder, however, remained calm and turned her gaze toward the ancient pillars.

To her amazement, the pillars began to shift and extend, moving apart as if guided by some unseen force. The once solid columns of stone seemed to unfold, creating a widening gap. A bright, blinding flash erupted between them, illuminating the surrounding mist with a fierce, otherworldly light.

As the light gradually subsided, the sailors and mages blinked against the brightness, their awe growing with each passing moment. Before them lay a majestic and unfamiliar sight: a grand gateway, pulsing with energy, leading to a realm beyond their own.

The elder mage's heart swelled with relief and triumph. She turned to the captain, who stood beside her, equally awestruck by the sight. The captain, eyes wide, could only manage a stunned question.