The next morning, Lassim, uncle Gryphon and his father left towards the innermost part of Golden Lotus River City. They followed the crowds on foot towards the destination of the single most importance for all members of the human race in Nexaria. The Exalted Altar of the Gods.
As they approached the grand altar, Lassim's eyes widened in awe at the magnificent structure before him. Towering columns rose towards the sky, adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes of entire pantheon of gods.
The building seemed to defy common sense, its architecture both grand and ethereal. It was both a church and yet a large open auditorium one might expect a fun play to be performed at. Though that was actually not far from the truth as plays depicting the gods and human's fight against the Dragal were common place during the rest of the year. It is a place for all to admire, worship and to sit in meditation at.
The Iron Marquis estate has it's own small altar to the god Ribus, but this Exalted Altar was on an entirely different level than the humble shrine in the garden back home.
Outside the magnificent building, a throng of youths from across the neighboring cities gathered, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. Each one was dressed in their finest attire, with the noble families proudly displaying their family crests at the front, their spirits brimming with the promise of the ceremony that awaited them inside.
With a sense of reverence, the trio entered the grand hall of the Exalted Altar, where statues of the pantheon stood sentinel along the walls. Each statue was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, capturing the essence and power of the divine beings they represented.
The first statue they encountered was that of Bavdall, the God of Day. Carved from pure marble, the statue depicted Bavdall with outstretched arms, bathed in radiant light. His face was serene, his eyes alight with the warmth of the sun. Symbolizing light and purity, Bavdall's presence filled the hall with a sense of hope and renewal.
Across from Bavdall stood Undos, the God of Night. Crafted from elemental obsidian, the statue of Undos loomed tall and imposing, his form shrouded in darkness. With eyes that seemed to be a void that could pierce the very soul, Undos symbolized the mysteries of the night and the power of the unseen. His presence invoked a sense of awe and reverence, reminding all who beheld him of the balance between light and shadow.
Further down the hall, they encountered Ava, the Goddess of Water. Carved from azure stone, the statue of Ava depicted her as a graceful figure, her flowing robes evoking the gentle ebb and flow of the ocean and rivers. With a serene expression, Ava symbolized the tranquility and adaptability of water, offering solace and comfort to those in need, but also the torrent of power and devastation that a tsunami could bring.
Beside Ava stood Ikmera, the Goddess of Winds. Sculpted from emerald stone, the statue of Ikmera captured her essence as a tempestuous force of nature. With windswept hair and outstretched wings, Ikmera symbolized the power and freedom of the wind, her presence stirring the air around the statue with a sense of vitality with a light breeze.
Next in line was Ribus, the God of Flame. The most familiar to the Vanthar family. Crafted from crimson marble, the statue of Ribus blazed with inner fire, his form surrounded by flickering flames. With a fierce expression and raised sword, Ribus symbolized the passion and intensity of fire, his presence igniting the hearts of those who beheld him.
Beside Ribus stood Moftia, the Goddess of Metals. Cast in gleaming silver, the statue of Moftia depicted her as a regal and warlike figure, adorned with intricate armor and wielding a hammer. Symbolizing strength and craftsmanship, Moftia's presence inspired awe and admiration, her gaze unwavering and determined.
Next to Moftia stood Miphine, the Goddess of Nature. Some may mistake as metals being part of the goddess of nature's purview, but the two are sisters that have separated their domains due to Moftia's warlike personality and Miphine's kindness. Carved from sandstone, the statue of Miphine depicted her as a nurturing figure, her arms outstretched in a gesture of welcome. Little flowers also seemed to magically grow through the sandstone on her gown. With earthy tones and a serene expression, Miphine symbolized the stability and abundance of the land, her presence grounding those who stood before her.
Finally, they reached Famthar, the God of Lightning. Sculpted from a charged violet stone, the statue of Famthar crackled with electric energy, his form surrounded by arcs of lightning. With a raised hand and eyes alight with power, Famthar symbolized the raw force and unpredictability of lightning, his presence electrifying the air with excitement. He was known as the strongest of the gods and also one of the rarest to grant spirits of his nature to newly awakened spirit warriors.
As Lassim gazed upon the statues of the gods, he felt a sense of reverence and wonder wash over them. Each deity represented a different aspect of the world and its mysteries, and their presence a reminder of the potential ally he will awaken in his ceremony.
He had thought long and hard about how his family was mostly followers of Ribus with spirits awoken with the fire elemental nature.
He took an extra moment to stand before the statue of Ribus, the God of Flame, he felt a sense of familiarity wash over him. It was a connection that ran deep within his family, a legacy of devotion to the fiery deity that had shaped their history for generations.
His family, followers of Ribus, had long revered the power of flame and embraced its elemental nature. From his earliest memories, he had been surrounded by tales of valor and strength, stories of ancestors who had wielded fire with unmatched skill and determination.
Growing up, he had been taught the ways of the Fire Halberd technique, honing his skills with the weapon that had become synonymous with the Vanthar family. His father had passed down the teachings of their family, instilling in him a deep respect for the elemental forces that coursed through their veins.
As he stood before the statue of Ribus, he felt a sense of pride well up within him. He was a son of fire, a descendant of warriors who had fought and triumphed in the name of their god. The flame that burned within him was a symbol of his heritage, a testament to the strength and resilience of his family line.
As Lassim and his companions stepped past the hall of statues and into the grand auditorium, a hush fell over the crowd. The vast hall was filled with eager youths from across the neighboring cities, their faces alight with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming ceremony.
As the attendees took their seats, a sense of reverence filled the air, a palpable energy that crackled with anticipation. All eyes were fixed on the stage, awaiting the commencement of the Spirit Awakening Ceremony.
Moments later, a figure emerged from the shadows and stepped onto the stage. Clad in ceremonial robes adorned with symbols of the pantheon of gods, the deacon of the gods commanded attention with their presence.
With a voice that echoed through the hall, the deacon began to speak, their words carrying the weight of ancient wisdom and divine authority.
"Welcome, honored guests, to the Spirit Awakening Ceremony," the deacon proclaimed, their voice resonating with power and grace.