The Tides of Eurion resonated with a palpable sense of anticipation, an electric undercurrent surging through the grand hall. Decorated with intricate aquatic motifs, the hall was a tapestry of blues and silvers, a testament to the upcoming Affinity Attunement ceremony's significance.
Emelina Kaid, the family's matriarch, rose from her throne after Jairo Kaid's announcement. Her presence commanded attention, and her eyes bore the weight of generations. She addressed the assembled guests with an air of authority, her voice a melodic echo through the vast chamber.
"Welcome, esteemed guests and cherished family members," Emelina's words carried a solemn grace. "Today, we gather to partake in a tradition that has defined the Kaid lineage for centuries. The Affinity Attunement ceremony is not only a rite of passage for magicians; it is the very essence of our family's legacy."
As she spoke, her gaze gracefully shifted to Jairo Kaid, seated on his imposing throne. "With the help of the illustrious Jairo Kaid, we will begin with the testing. Let us bring forth the Pillar of Attunement".
Jairo Kaid ascended from his seat. With a masterful wave of his hand, the grand pillar took form before the audience's very eyes, pristine white and colossal. As the pillar descended, its details became increasingly apparent, completing its formation with a pointed tip at its zenith.
As the Pillar of Attunement touched the ground before the children, a chorus of awe-filled murmurs swept through the room.
"Are those—" Abel began, his voice filled with wonder.
"Yes," Cain replied, his eyes fixed on the objects encircling the pillar.
Encircling the pillar were the five elements: fire, embodying the untamed and passionate; air, representing freedom and intellect; water, the essence of adaptability and intuition; earth, symbolizing stability and endurance; and lightning, the spark of creativity and power.
Amidst the murmurs of curiosity and excitement, the patriarch and matriarch stepped forward, their commanding presence capturing the room's full attention. Descending from their thrones, the heads of the house approached the grand pillar. Jairo Kaid began to speak, his authoritative words resonating throughout the hall.
"We shall proceed with the Affinity Attunement ceremony as our enduring tradition dictates," Jairo declared, his voice resounding through the grand hall. "In observance of our time-honored customs, we shall commence with the testing, commencing with the youngest in our midst."
He gestured towards the children, his gaze sweeping across the youthful faces gathered before him.
"With each ceremony comes a sense of rebirth for the Kaid clan," Jairo explained. "The youngest magicians will join our ranks with a bond to one of the five elements. This will mark a new chapter. For you, as you become true magicians, and for the enduring legacy our family shapes in this world."
Jairo's words hung in the air, emphasizing the gravity of the moment and the significance of the testing order.
Following his statement, Emelina raised her hand, signaling to a child in the audience.
"The initial participant shall be Adorna Kaid," Emelina declared, her smile retaining its grace. The audience offered a round of applause as the young participant took her step forward.
Abel and Cain observed attentively as the children before them were called forth. Participants, upon touching the pillar, triggered a response: the pillar would glow with the element they had formed an affinity with. The intensity of the glow varied, representing the strength of the bond between the individual and their element.
The ceremony proceeded as scheduled, but after some time, a crease marred Abel's forehead.
"Cain," Abel inquired, his gaze shifting to the next participant, Lorcan Kaid.
Cain raised an eyebrow, awaiting Abel's question.
"Many of the children before us are forming strong bonds with elements other than water," Abel said, his genuine curiosity in his voice. "Why are they bonding with elements that aren't water? I thought we were a family of water magicians."
Cain sighed softly, leaning in to offer an explanation. "If they were able to choose the water element, they would. The water element has to choose us as well. If it doesn't grant its blessing, we're left with no choice but to pick another element."
As Lorcan Kaid approached the pillar, his focus intensified. Moments passed, and then the pillar began to radiate bright streaks of crimson, eventually engulfing it completely. A warm gust of air wafted through the hall, wrapping everyone in a heated embrace.
Jairo Kaid, with an expression untouched by emotion, declared, "Fire. An interesting choice."
"Thank you, my lord," Lorcan Kaid replied, stepping away from the pillar. As he rejoined the group of participants who had completed the test, his tightly pressed lips revealed his struggle to contain his emotions and even more so his tears.
Abel's furrowed brow remained, his puzzlement evident. "If we're chosen by the element, why are the others upset even when they formed a strong bond?"
Cain, perceiving his brother's perplexity, murmured regrettably to himself. Cain nodded in the direction of Lorcan. "Consider Lorcan. Yes, he has formed a strong bond with fire, but he's part of a family of water magicians. He'll be relegated to some minor role in the family solely because of his bonded element. You may think this is unfair but this is our family. It's akin to weaving a tapestry when the family primarily practices sculpting stone. What use is a hammer when you need a blade?"
A hammer in a family of blades. Abel pondered this comparison as more children were selected. What Cain said seemed to make sense on the surface, but does it make sense for a family to only ever have a need for blades?
As the minutes ticked away, anticipation filled the air. Conversations ebbed into hushed whispers and expectant glances fell upon the next participant.
Then, the matriarch, her gaze filled with a gentle, motherly pride, extended her hand in Abel's direction.
"Abel Kaid, step forward."