The next day, Ariadna was lost in thought. She replayed everything Velor had shared with her and realized that her previous actions weren't helping her reach her goals. She understood she needed to fit in with her family better and learn as much as she could to understand why things were happening the way they were, especially about the power she would wield. And that it was time for her to let go of her past life. She was so different before, and she knew so little. She realied that as a simple farmer girl her worldview was so small, that she couldn't achieve her goal with this attitude.
During prayer, she intentionally sat down next to Vayan. Afterwards, they walked together to the training grounds. He noticed her distraction and said, "You seem different today. Would you like to share what's on your mind?"
Ariadna looked up at her tall brother and replied, "I've decided to change. I need to do better and be better."
Vayan nodded with a glimmer of piety in his eyes. "I see you are accepting your destiny. I've prayed for this for so long. My heart is filled with joy. I will help you every step of the way." He placed his strong hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze.
As they approached the training area, Ariadna was reminded that she would be sparring with the holy knights today. When they arrived, she saw many men in light leather armor training. These were the commanders, and she recognized some of them. When they noticed her and Vayan, all of them stopped their training and knelt on one knee, saying in unison, "We greet the little flame of the holy God! From ashes we rise, to dust we return!"
Startled by the greeting, Ariadna looked at her brother, who seemed proud. With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them and turned to her. "We all expect great things from you, little one. You have our hearts. Now come, you need to improve your combat skills. We will start with sparring lessons since you already know the basics. It's time for direct combat training."
He led her to one of the commanders, a tall, muscular man with rugged good looks. Vayan nodded to him and introduced, "Little one, this is Commander Lux. He will be your first sparring partner."
Ariadna turned to her brother and asked, "When will I spar with you, brother?"
Vayan smiled gently, "When the commanders can no longer keep up with you." With that, he left her with Commander Lux and moved to observe the training.
Lux bowed slightly and handed her a wooden sword. "Are you ready, my lady?"
Ariadna closed her eyes and let a familiar sense of calm wash over her; but today, it felt different. It was as if accepting her situation had shifted something within her. She recited a prayer in her mind, preparing herself. When she opened her eyes, she was ready for battle, starting the sparring session with a swift strike of her wooden sword.
Meanwhile, deep in the castle, Velor gazed at the moon still visible in the early morning sky and shivered. He sensed that something was beginning, but he couldn't quite grasp what it was.