Ariadna observed quietly from the edge of the grand hall as the heads of the houses danced, elegantly moving in sync to the traditional rhythms reserved only for the leaders of the domains. The couples glided across the polished floor, but she didn't catch sight of Castor among them, so she resolved to wait it out a little longer.
Exchanging pleasantries with several guests who complimented her extraordinary abilities, she felt the weight of their admiration settling on her with mixed emotions before she made her way to a quieter corner.
There, she spotted her brother Vayan. His auburn hair shimmered under the flickering glow of the torches, and he was dressed not in his usual light armor but in the ceremonial priest robes that marked the solemnity of his role. His warm brown eyes shone with a sacred reverence as he noticed her and patted the empty spot beside him.
"Welcome to the family, dear sister," he greeted her with a blend of pride and solemnity.
"Thank you, brother," she replied coldly, trying to mask her discomfort.
"You know, by the hand of the Divine, you may very well become the next head of our family," he said, his voice filled with deep conviction.
"Aren't you going to be?" she asked cautiously, unable to disguise the doubt creeping into her tone.
Vayan shook his head slightly, his expression unwavering. "With the gifts you have received, it is evident to me that the God's will is manifest. His guidance shines through you unmistakably, Ariadna."
"Even if that's true, won't you be angry?" she aked.
He looked at her, clearly startled by the question. "Angry? No, not at all! It is the will of the God, and we are called to accept His divine purpose for us. To rebel against it would be to turn away from His light."
Ariadna chuckled lightly, unable to fully conceal her skepticism. "I guess it could be that way—or not. I think it's too early to tell."
"In my heart, you are chosen, dear sister," Vayan declared earnestly, his voice resonating with spiritual fervor. "Your fire is a divine touch, igniting strength and holiness within you. For me, there is no doubt—for we must trust in the God's plan."
Ariadna flinched at the intensity of his conviction, not having anticipated such a strong reaction from her eldest brother. Before she could steer the conversation in another direction, he continued, "But you must embrace your calling now that the God has brought you forth. You cannot shy away from prayers and devotion any longer."
She stared at her feet, annoyance bubbling within her. Sensing her irritation, Vayan chuckled gently, rising from his seat. "I shall escort you to morning prayer tomorrow. There are essential truths I wish to impart. For now, partake in the blessings of the festivities." With that, he departed through one of the nearby doors.
Just as Vayan disappeared from view, Ariadna finally spotted Castor entering the hall. Brimming with a mix of annoyance from her brother and anticipation, she jumped from her seat and rushed to him, lightly catching his hand. "Wait!" she called out, breathless.
Castor turned sharply, annoyance flickering across his features. He looked poised to reply with something snarky, but then his expression softened almost imperceptibly, surprising Ariadna.
Just then, a sweet and calm voice drifted from behind her. "There you are, Castor. It's so good to see you finally making friends."
Ariadna turned to bow slightly, recognizing the serene presence of the heads of the Goddess of Peace and Forgiveness, their aura of tranquility contrasting with the spirited atmosphere of the hall.