It's been six years since Ariadna came into the holy family of the God of Desteuction and Renewal. She was the youngest and last princess among 6 siblings. Today was a very specail day, because it was her birthday, which was marked by a special ceremony, on which all of the domain's elites were presenr. Walking back from her lesson, Ariadna pushed open the heavy oak door to her chamber, the familiar scent of lavender filled the air, mingling with the faint smell of incense that lingered from the evening's prayers. She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts and the anticipation that stirred within her. The First Holy Dinner was an event steeped in tradition, reverence, and the sacred power of the holy flame. Today would be the first time she would wield the weapon she needed to require - the holy flame itself. She would be granted the ability to wield it for a first time, to test her attunement to it and to publically welcome or deny her the right to be part of the ruling holy family.
Marina, her maid, stood by the tall wardrobe, an array of garments at her fingertips. For this momentous occasion, Ariadna was to be dressed in crimson— a vibrant red that flowed like flames and whispered of her potential. As the fabric caressed her skin, she felt a sense of otherworldliness wash over her. The color of the flame was not just a garment; it was a symbol of her connection to the divine, to the strength and honor of her family. The dress was adorned with the hates symbol of the phoenix - the one that she got so used to seing now.
Once dressed, Ariadna caught a glimpse of herself in the ornate mirror. The reflection of her dark hair, carefully arranged, framed her face as her dark eyes seemed to flicker like embers, filled with determination.
Making her way to the dining hall, accompanied by her silent maid, she couldn't help but marvel at the grandeur of the royal chamber. The long tables, adorned with golden plates and shimmering goblets, gleamed under the soft candlelight. The guests were seated, all looking splendidly glamorous. As she approached, her gaze fell upon her family—her father, a towering figure clad in dignified robes, and her mother, whose grace was as radiant as the flame they wielded. They sat alongside Ariadna's siblings, whose robust forms attested to their identities as both warriors and priests. Guests from the other domains were seated on the other tables, ech more splendid than the other.
"Welcome, my children, my guests" her father intoned, his voice resonating in the silence of the room. "Tonight, we shall bestow upon you the power of the holy flame. As we gather in our sacred rite, may you feel the warmth and strength of our lineage."
Ariadna's heart raced. This was her first opportunity to partake in such an ancient ritual. If she was to become the queen, she would wield the holy flame as she wished. Today she would be granted just a small prtion of the power, enough for her to fulfill her duties and to test out her strength. The stronger soneone's divinity was, rhe stronger their flame.
She could feel the palpable energy in the room, the electric anticipation that enveloped them all. Her father gestured for her children to kneel, and one by one, they bowed their heads in reverence.
Her mother lifted her hands, summoning the holy flame. Ariadna watched in fear as a magnificent blaze erupted, swirling above them in intricate patterns, casting flickering shadows against the walls. She tried to chase away the fear drom her previous life, but the panic was geipping her heart with iron grip. The flames danced, weaving in and out of existence as her father called upon her to receive their blessing.
As her name was spoken, Ariadna stepped forward, feeling the eyes of her family on her. Her heart pounded fiercely in her chest. In that moment, she felt the heat envelop her—an initial searing pain, as if she had plunged into the very heart of fire yet again. Yet, in an instant, the pain transformed into an overwhelming surge of energy that coursed through her veins, igniting every fiber of her being.
With the gift of the holy flame bestowed upon her, Ariadna stood tall, her senses heightened. She could feel the warmth of the fire inside, a power she never imagined she could wield. It was both a blessing and a curse. Applauses flickered from all around the room. It was time for the next part of the ritual - for the new heir to show their skills and power.
Ariadna was ready.