An all-too-familiar sight greeted Elluin as she stepped past the doors of the Palace: the grand foyer that stood as the gateway to the regal splendor that housed the Royal Family. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the soaring ceilings overhead, casting a warm yet subtly imposing light that illuminated the opulent surroundings. Elluin's violet heels clacked softly against the floor of polished marble - which itself was inlaid with precious stones that formed elaborate patterns - as she walked past row upon row of rich tapestries depicting scenes of mythos and the royal family, while statues and busts of the gods and past monarchs stood proudly in the alcoves.
A grandiose display of the wealth and history of the Kingdom of Aevia and the royal family, but one that served the purpose of reminding all who entered the Palace of the family's power.
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Elluin stood in front of a pair of heavy, oaken doors, carved with an intricate scene of the Hero King kneeling before the Morning Star, a crown being perched upon his head. The crowning of the first King of Aevia after killing the great traitor, his brother, and the first time a god descended onto the world. It was a scene that she saw quite often, whether it was on the doors to her Father's study, a mosaic in one of the churches of Light, or a book read to students at school. Not just her, but everyone. Regardless of race, this event was something that was engraved into the heart and mind of every person in Aevia, since it was when this
Taking in a deep breath to steel her nerves, Elluin raised a hand to give three sharp raps on the door to signal her arrival. A second later, without a word, the two doors opened, permitting her entry, revealing a shimmering void that, when stepped through, transported her to her Father's private study.
A room steeped in grandeur and history, it had served as a private sanctuary for every monarch since the first. The study was incredibly expansive, occupying a space far bigger than it ever could in reality as a result of magic that twisted the dimensions of space, with high ceilings supported by dark, wooden beams adorned with golden leaves. Hanging from the ceiling was a grand, crystal chandelier, much like the ones in the grand foyer, that bathed the room in a warm, golden light that danced with the sunlight streaming from the large, arched window on one side of the room, which provided a stunning view of the palace gardens.
Besides the window, the walls were lined with rich, mahogany bookshelves that reached the ceiling, with each shelf being meticulously arranged and filled to the brim with leather-bound volumes and ancient manuscripts. Books that contained the annals of the Kingdom's history since its founding, and the collective knowledge of all the races.
The study's library was so great that there were rumors that there was a book containing records of the future within the endless expanse of the study's library, written by one of the princesses of the previous generations. But, to Elluin's knowledge, no such book existed, though she did wish the rumor was true.
If such a book did exist, then we could ensure the best future for everyone.
There were many other things in her Father's study, such as the marble fireplace which was lit during the winter, the portraits of her ancestors that hung above it, and the various seats and tables scattered on the soft rug that covered the study's floor, meant for her Father's advisors and others who sought audience with him.
What Elluin's attention was directed towards, however, was the massive desk that stood near the wall opposite the entrance to the study. Crafted from wooden oak and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, her Father's desk, as usual, was cluttered with orderly stacks of parchment, quills, and inkpots strategically placed alongside maps, royal decrees, and letters bearing the seals of various noble houses.
Despite the comforts of magical technology, her Father always preferred to do things by hand.
Situated behind the desk was a plain, simple chair that was cut from stone, made purposefully uncomfortable to remind the seat's occupant of their duty. And, sitting on that chair was the King, whose gaze was fixated on a letter in his hand.
Once Elluin was only a few steps away from the desk she'd fall to one knee in a low curtsy, bowing her head. "Princess Elluin Friacis Harmonia greets the Sun of the Kingdom."
"You may rise."
She would do as she was told, standing back up on her feet, and, finally, allowing herself to look at her Father.
Her Father, the King, was a man who embodied the definition of the word "King". He possessed a formidable presence and dignified grace, and, despite his age, exuded an aura of wisdom and vitality that commanded the respect and admiration of all who encountered him. Her Father always carried himself with a regal bearing, his posture always straight, and his movements deliberate and purposeful - a fact that did not change even in front of his daughter, and in the privacy of his study.
His face, framed by a neatly trimmed beard flecked with silver, was distinguished by strong, well-defined features that only further supported her Father's kingly image. High cheekbones and a straight, noble nose add to his imposing visage, while his piercing blue eyes, deep and thoughtful, revealed both the weight of responsibility and the depth of his compassion.
The only sign of the King's age was his hair, which, once a rich chestnut brown, now possessed streaks of silver, though it remained thick and neatly combed, and his forehead bore faint lines of worry and contemplation, marks of the countless decisions and burdens he had borne for his people.
It was a sight that faintly tugged at Elluin's heart, though nothing more.
"You called for me, Father?"
"Yes." His voice, deep and resonant, contained a touch of weariness that the King seldom allowed himself to display. Setting the letter in his hand down, his gaze shifted so his blue eyes met Elluin's own. "I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming Ceremony."
The Ceremony. It was an event that took place once a year, and one that every child who turned the age of 16 needed to participate in.
The Ceremony came in three stages. First was the Celebration, where, all across Aevia, the clergy of the Church of Light held a grand festival meant to honor the gods and the continued peace and rule of the Royal Family.
The climax of the festival was the Offering, where each child who came of age offered themselves to the gods for one of them to select and bless them, much like the Morning Star did so with the first King. Children chosen by a god were granted a title that related to the deity who had chosen them and immediately registered to enter the Academy. Those who were not, while unable to enter the Academy, had the freedom to join the Church or some other institution of their choice, pursuing any path they desired.
After the Offering was the Gifting, where the children, chosen or not, had their magic and mana veins fully unlocked, as their minds and bodies had developed enough to handle the power, initial powers measured, and received a magical artifact called the "Immersia".
The Immersia was an artifact developed by the Royal Family and the Church of Light, blessed by the power of the Morning Star. An Immersia required blood to activate, after which it assimilated itself into the body of whoever the blood belonged to. And, to Elluin's knowledge, there was no way of removing the bond between Immersia and the owner once one was established.
The purpose of the Immersia was to integrate its host with the System, a magical program utilizing both magic and divinity, connecting and used by everyone in Aevia. It was created by the gods to streamline and optimize the process in which their chosen ones could get stronger, though, with the development of the Immersia, everyone had access to the System.
"What is it that you wish to tell me, Father?" Elluin couldn't help but allow a hint of curiosity to enter her voice as she spoke. The Ceremony was nothing new to Elluin, since she and her family, being Royalty, were present for the Celebration, Offering, and Gifting every year. And everything there was to be discussed about the upcoming Ceremony, which she would be participating in as she turned 16 this year, had already been discussed weeks before.
At her question, a solemn look entered her Father's eyes, his expression growing dark for a brief moment as he seemed to hesitate... which was something that never happened. That never should happen from someone in the position of King. And, after seeing her Father in this state, any and all curiosity that lingered in Elluin's mind vanished in an instant, replaced with a delicate apprehension.
Finally, after a few, agonizing seconds, her father spoke.
"The Ceremony this year... don't attend it."