The week passes by in a blur; before I know it, it's the day of the ceremony. I'm twelve years old and I have never cut my hair. It goes mid-back now. My hair is white, but it almost looks silver and it's wavy. Two other priests come in to help tidy up my hair. What I'll be wearing is different than what I normally wear at the temple. There are thin stapes on my shoulders and the neckline goes down far enough you can see the top of my breast. It also hugs my waist, fitting snugly. Even though the dress goes down to my feet, it's got a slit halfway up my thigh on both sides. The dress shows off how much I've grown. Luckily, I have a cape that goes with it and I still have to wear the veil. Not only have I grown but I've become more beautiful too.
I may not be able to see myself right now, but looking at the priest's expression, I know I look stunning.
For the Red Lunar ceremony, many head priests come from many other temples to celebrate. Once a year the moon turns red and we offer sacrifices to the moon in hopes of a prosperous year. It's also the only time of the year we open up for trade. Every year I walk the streets to look at all the new things that are brought in for trade. I collect rare herbs and plants and study them with Nona. Ryker is always there with me and anytime I'm learning something new; if it interests him, he'll learn too. Studying plants is something he doesn't care for.
This year I'm excited about the trade center because I have plenty I can use to trade with. Ryker already told me he would come with me. I'm a little worried about him. Most of my brothers have already found a mate, but he hasn't. What if he's spending too much time with me and isn't able to? These kinds of thoughts are giving me a headache. I'll talk to Ryker later about that.
I walk barefoot to the Ancestral Tree and kneel before it. I fold my hand in front of me and bow my head. I start praying in the ancient tongue. People start to come in and surround the walls so more people can come in. It's already evening when we begin my ascension ceremony. Because of my praying, I don't pay attention to what's going on around me.
The head priest walks to me and pats my shoulder. I get up and turn around with my head still down. I take a couple of steps to an altar, then face the priest as he picks up a knife. He puts out his hand and I put mine in his, palm up. He cuts my hand, turns it over, and lets it dip into a cup that's placed on the altar. He then does the same and takes a drink. He passes me the cup and I finish it.
With my hand still bleeding we both turn and walk to the pool that is in front of the tree. We walk to the middle where we face the tree waiting to see if the tree will bless my ascension. The wind blows and the tree speaks.
"Hello again my child. You are now a protector of nature." Many were confused by this but the priest and I knew what it meant. All priests are blessed with skills; the head priest is that of leadership, and some are animal lovers, whether seekers, or a healer, or a rare one like me, a protector of nature.
I squeeze the head priest's hand. I smile and am flipping out on the inside.