Ariadna entered the room, and the maid who had opened the door quietly exited, closing it behind her. Vayan was seated behind a large wooden desk that looked bare and tidy, as did the entire room. The big windows behind him emphasized his strong shoulders, making him appear every bit the impressive knight he was, even in the solemn atmosphere.
Ariadna noticed a few simple plates on his desk—a humble lunch. He turned to her and said, "Come, little one. Let's eat first, and then we shall talk."
She took a seat across from him and grabbed a bowl of soup and some bread. They ate in silence, allowing Ariadna to study him more closely. He had a strong chin and a noble profile. His auburn hair had grown a bit since she last noticed, forming a few curls around his neck. He radiated a strong aura of holiness—second only to their parents. He appeared peaceful, strong, and trustworthy, but she knew he was anithing but.
Once they finished their lunch, Vayan spoke. "I would like to start our conversation. My sacred task, as you probably know, is to train you as an heir. This includes not only combat training but also understanding your role in our family. I can't teach you that yet since your role is not yet decided. For now, I am teaching you combat—the tool of the God of Destruction. You are learning all the basic styles and will learn different battle techniques from each commander you face. However, these will only serve as preparation for the moment you will wield the holy flame again."
He paused, deep in thought. "The holy flame is a precious gift from our God. It signifies that you are of His blood. Not many can wield it; in fact, only the holy family can."
Ariadna furrowed her brow. "Then how can my father wield it? From what I found in the books, he is not of holy origin."
He replied, "He is not. But the marriage ceremony is a special one. It is conducted before God, and if He grants a blessing, the person becomes a partner and head of the holy family. It is essential for the heads to be two, as every God has two affinities. For us, it is Destruction and Renewal. That is why the holy flame can both destroy and heal, to purify."
Ariadna considered the implications of his words. So the Gods actively participated in the decisions of the holy families. She had not realized they were involved in such a direct way. "What happens during the wedding ceremony if God does not approve of the chosen partner?"
Vayan looked at her seriously. "The partner becomes one with the holy flame, so that a better one can be offered next time."
Ariadna shivered at the thought. Vayan continued, "So when the time comes, little one, choose wisely."
She asked, "Why are you so sure I will be the heir?"
"Because it's either me or you, and I see that you are the one chosen by God."
"Why not our sisters?" she pressed.
He shook his head. "The heir always has an affinity for Destruction."
"Why?"
"It always comes first," he replied.
Ariadna shifted her gaze to the empty bowl in front of her, pondering his words. "You first said that my place in the family isn't decided yet, but now you speak of me being an heir as if it's certain. I don't understand, brother."
He smiled gently. "You will, in time. You aren't ready to be an heir yet; you need to prove yourself first. As I mentioned before, your combat style will have to change because you will wield the holy flame. But I don't know how yet because your power is so extraordinary. Once you've learned everything there is to know about combat, we can begin practicing how to wield the flame. Then we can have another discussion."
"But brother, I have more questions now!" she exclaimed.
"I know you do," he said, "but I've given you enough information for today. Keep learning; the time to understand everything will come."
Ariadna opened her mouth to argue but ultimately chose not to. She knew it would be pointless. She stood up from her chair, bowed lightly, and said, "Thank you, brother. See you at training tomorrow." With that, she left his study, heading straight for her lessons with Velor.