After 30 days of rigorous training under Nanime, the day of the ritual arrived. The royal family stood in a circle around the mystical elf flame - its green fire flickering in a one-meter-wide pit. The entire chamber was constructed of pristine white marble, and all present wore ceremonial white garments.
Kiyoshi was the only outsider permitted inside. His hands trembled slightly as he watched the young prinsess Tanemi approach through the grandest doorway. Her unique gold, green and white dress shimmered as she moved toward the flames.
With slow, deliberate steps, Tanemi entered the fire pit. The flames consumed her dress without harming her flesh, and her eyes glowed vivid green.
Kiyoshi swallowed hard and began his prayer: "Goddess of the forest, please bear the fruit."
A blinding light erupted. When the gathered royals could see again, Tanemi had transformed - her body now covered in golden eagle feathers, her eyes those of a raptor. Small wings protruded from her back while her legs had become powerful avian limbs.
"This can't be!" the Lord gasped, tears of relief in his eyes. "This is the lost trait returned to us!"
He turned to Kiyoshi with newfound respect. "Your blessing rivals that of the first elf king himself."
Nanime's brow furrowed. "How is this possible? That was the crudest prayer I've ever witnessed!"
"The goddess has spoken directly through him," the Lord declared.
Kiyoshi bowed his head. "I... I'm sorry for what happened to her."
As Tanemi collapsed from the pit, returning to her normal form, the Lord issued quick orders: "Nanime, take her to rest and bring food. She'll need nourishment."
The queen whispered urgently to her husband, "This boy's power threatens us. We must either bind him to our family or eliminate him."
In the garden later, the Lord dropped his bombshell: "Kiyoshi, how would you feel about marrying my daughter Nanime?"
Kiyoshi's face went pale. "Hhhaaaaaa...."