The Lady Daina of House Kovar stood with her arms outstretched on the precipice of Debesissasniedz overlooking the village of Debesskoka. She listened to song of the valley as the wind whistled around her, making her onyx curls bounce against her shoulders and rustling the loose, snowy silk of her gown about her slender form.
Sunlight broke through the canopy of clouds and warmed the cool air that caressed her skin. A bouquet of wild flowers, grass, and the Draugr pine forest wafted over the heavy scent of frost that lingered over the thawing ground at her feet. After what felt like hours, a butterfly lighted on Daina's open palm. Its tiny feet tickled her skin as it settled. Her violet eyes opened and appraised the fluttering of glassy wings tipped with amethyst.
"The Leanhaun has returned," a male voice emanating from the butterfly broke the silence.
Daina nodded and lowered her opposite hand as the insect continued to crawl along the surface of her right hand. "I wish to speak to Sintija, have her meet me in the old shrine," she replied softly.
"Yes, my lady," the butterfly replied as it took off once more, drifting away on an opposing breeze. Daina's eyes followed the creature's departure as she flexed her hand.
Her fine emerald cloak was stretched over a large boulder behind her. Daina looked at the sky once before as she sighed and pulled the cloak over her shoulders. The material was luxurious against nape of her neck but she did not favor it. Her tailor had gone to great lengths to create a cloak befitting the head of House Kovar and had poured hours into embroidering each fine feather, leaf and vine along the edging. The clasp was specifically forged with the Kovar sigil of a raven holding a golden ring. The finery was impractical but it was not fitting of Elder to not dress to their station.
Daina frowned as she turned her thoughts from her cloak to the more pressing matter of the returning Leanhaun, Sintija. The other Elders were considering whether Sintija was ready to be named "Laumiņa" and it was her decision on whether Sintija was ready for advancement that prevented it. There was no question of Sintija's skill. The Leahaun was capable and resourceful, the only mark against her was one incident where a human mage had been killed by a templar, but after the artifact had been recovered. It was unfortunate but it was a small dim spot on an otherwise bright future.
The shrine was in the heart of an ancient yew tree that had been hollowed by time and carved with the symbol of the Word. Maraium stones carved with the runes of the gods encircled the yew. The grove was peaceful, only a stray bird call disturbed the soft rustling of the swaying branches overhead. Daina moved in a clockwise circuit around the yew, going from stone to stone as she softly prayed until she found herself in the middle of the spiral path in front of the sacred symbol of the Word at the shrine's entrance.
"Lady Korva," a silky feminine voice called from inside.
Daina smiled, she had not quite expected the Leahaun to reach the shrine before her. She suspected that Sintija had been lingering somewhere near the thicket when the summons was issued.
"Hinya," Daina replied as she passed through the archway. Only a handful of candles illuminated the intricately carved chamber. A petite, blonde tatya hinya clothed in soft green hunting clothes knelt before a small alter, a practical cloak covered her mostly bare shoulders. The Leahaun rose to greet her.
Daina saw her daughter whenever when she looked at Sintija, the coloring was different but the softness in the blonde's features and the kindness in her eyes struck a familial chord. She wanted to encourage Sintija to set down her bow and have children like a proud mother. The pregnancy and care of an infant would have taken Sintija away from her duties as a Laumina and Sintija's nature was such that she would likely be a doting mother. It was a waste of magical potential and talent.
There was a strange apprehension in the girl's sky blue eyes. Something felt different about Sintija. Had it really been so long since Daina had seen her last? "Does something trouble you?"
Sintija blushed softly as she looked down at the archery glove on her right hand. The girl hesitated before she replied, "My dreams are touching my waking moments. I do not know what to do."
Daina's ears perked as she listened to Sintijia's nervous heartbeat and watched the way the younger woman turned her ankle. There was a sudden flush on Sintija's cheeks. She remembered being that young once, that shy. "Did you meet someone?"
Sintijia's eyes darted back up and she raised her hands in protest, her face bright red. "I..."
Daina smiled. Ah yes, young love, or was in infatuation? "It's normal to feel strongly. I can let you keep your lover's identity a secret, the first is always the most difficult... I remember when Teresa was... but... forgive me. I called you out here to talk about something else."
Sintija looked relieved at the change of topic though from the way she stood, it looked like she wanted to argue. Daina had speculated that Sintija had many lovers but it appeared this was not the case.
"Yes, Lady Korva, you had a task for me?"
Ah yes, a task. "The Elders feel you are ready to claim Laumina for yourself. I am concerned about the path that Laima leads you down and how it would keep you along a travelled, unsteady road. What do you want for your future?" Daina brushed a curly lock from her forehead as she watched the confidence return to Sintija's posture.
"The Word compels me as Laima guides my way forward. A title is just another word in the lexicon of life but it will not change the direction in which I travel, only Mara can stop my path... and if it is my time, then it is as the Gods will it," Sintija's reply was quick. Daina wondered if Sintjia had practiced this.
"What if your duty and Laima compelled you to take a life of your foe than misled them? Can you do such a thing?"
Sintija considered it. "Only life can pay for life."
It was as the Lauhaun were instructed, how much did Sintija actually believe it? "I need you to go to the lake shrine and intercept the templar headed there before he steals its heart."
Sintija tensed as she nodded. Strange. Was she nervous?
Daina raised her hand and a sphere of light appeared with the stern face of a amber eyed man with messy dark brown hair within it. "When you return to us again, you will be Laumina, Leanhaun Sintija Ziemeli."
Sintija examined the face intently and nodded again. "As the Gods will it. When I return, I would like to talk to you of my dreams, my Lady." The blonde tatya hinya bowed and disappeared in a shimmering cloud of cyan smoke.
Daina looked around the carvings of the chamber and considered Sintija's parting words. "May Laima guide her home." Her eyes appraised the other images within the orb, this templar would prove a challenge. "Saule light the way home. Laima be kind to Sintija and help her find her path home."