Page 15 of The Divine Shallows
From her vantage point behind them, Elowyn beheld the transformation of her parents’ markings as they illuminated. The opalescent dragon scales adorning their skin bloomed with moonlit radiance, enveloping them in a brilliant aura. She watched in awe as a profound sense of belonging washed over her, permeating the air with pure divine energy.
Amidst the chanting of the High Priestess in the ancient tongue of the original fey, the waters beneath her grew turbulent, swirling and rippling around her feet. Within the Temple, anticipation mounted as the assembled fey witnessed the High Priestess and the monarchs of Neramyr channeling their divine magic towards the waters.
Elowyn found herself captivated by the display of magic, her breath catching in her throat as she watched. The High Priestess’ incantations ceased with the swirling and seething of the Divine Shallows, signaling the opening of the gates to Caena’s realm.
The High Priestess announced, “It is time for the chosen to crossthe Bridge Between Worlds! The seven candidates must step forward into the Divine Shallows.”
As the High Priestess’ words echoed through the temple, Elowyn witnessed seven warlocks and sorceresses, barely older than herself, stepping into the Divine Shallows. Each candidate positioned themselves on a circular tile within the sacred waters, their moon-blessed palms glowing with energy. Forming an outer circle around the High Priestess, they awaited her command.
With the candidates settled into place, the High Priestess addressed them once more. “You seven have been chosen by the Moon Goddess to participate in her divine Trial, and the gates between our realms are now open. The time to cross the Bridge Between Worlds and face Caena’s judgment has arrived!”
Elowyn watched as the candidates exchanged tense glances. Suddenly, she noticed one of the warlocks’ tiles swelling with water, and before she could blink, he darted forward with a wicked grin. With a swift movement, he disappeared into the shimmering depths of the Divine Shallows, vanishing from sight.
Elowyn could no longer see the warlock’s form, but she felt his presence fade from Neramyr.
“Let us celebrate the first candidate to traverse the Bridge Between Worlds! It is with great pride that I announce yourprimis, Prince Thomys Bloodweaver of the Iron Hollows!” The temple echoed with cheers, and Elowyn glimpsed the elation on King Wilden and Queen Irena’s faces as their son achieved this feat.
As the remaining candidates awaited their turns, Elowyn observed them vanish one by one into the Divine Shallows, until a single sorceress remained. She watched as panic flickered in the sorceress’s eyes, realizing she was the last to cross into Caena’s realm. With bated breath, Elowyn witnessed the sorceress lunge forward as the water stirred beneath her, disappearing alongside her companions.
Even after the candidates had vanished, Elowyn’s gaze remained fixed on the Divine Shallows.
The High Priestess’ palms glowed as she began to speak. Upturning her palms and raising them slightly, moonlight crept along her arms in glowing vines, illuminating the eight phases of the moon etched on her time-worn skin. The stream of moonlight continued to inch up her arms and gently trailed around her throat, encircling it, the light halting right before her lips.
“As the Seventh Day draws to a close, the Moon Goddess has made her choice. It is time for me to reveal her selection for the next seven candidates worthy of partaking in the following Trial of Caena.”
Once more, the High Priestess’ eyes veiled behind a translucent film, and a soft stream of moonlight fell from her lips. The current flowed down her body and illuminated the waters of the Divine Shallows below.
Though the High Priestess’ lips remained still, her voice was joined with another as it echoed within Elowyn’s mind. She felt a profound sense of power emanating from it. It spoke in the ancient tongue of Neramyr, in harmony with the High Priestess.
“Since the dawn of the New Age, every seventh year brings forth seven candidates chosen to face Caena’s judgment in her divine Trial. The Goddess of the Moon has made her selection, with one candidate hailing from each kingdom.”
Eager feet shuffled and tense shoulders awaited the announcement. Elowyn understood the rarity of this opportunity; to wield divine magic set one apart, transforming them from merely mundane to truly exceptional.
Once more, the resonant voice filled Elowyn’s mind, announcing, “We shall now reveal the seven candidates chosen for the upcoming Trial of Caena.”
Across from Elowyn, she observed a slender figure with soft lavender hair, her eyes widening as herpalms began to glow.
The voice continued, “Iva Rosefall, sworn to House Skyborn, step forth into the Divine Shallows and claim your candidacy.”
With a trace of surprise, the lavender-haired fey made her way toward the Divine Shallows. Gracefully, she extended one foot over the edge of the stone, dipping it into the shimmering waters. As she advanced toward a circular stone depicting the sigil of House Skyborn, a phoenix, the waters rippled in her wake. Approaching the stone, Iva gazed at the intricate tiled phoenix, inhaling deeply before stepping within its circular border. At her touch, the tile shimmered in acknowledgment.
Cheers erupted from House Skyborn, celebrating their chosen candidate. Beaming with joy, Iva acknowledged her folk and the gathered fey in the Temple. Elowyn couldn’t help but share in her happiness, a smile gracing her lips as she witnessed the celebration.
As the cheers began to fade, the next candidate’s name echoed through the Temple.
“Galen Wolfspire, sworn to House Darkmaw, step forth into the Divine Shallows and claim your candidacy.”
Once more, Elowyn watched as a claret-haired warlock entered the Divine Shallows, standing upon the stone-tile sigil of House Darkmaw. Beneath him, a black and gray gryphon lit up brilliantly, acknowledging his candidacy.
With each announcement, Elowyn observed as the chosen candidates, with their marked palms aglow, stepped forward to claim their candidacy by finding their sworn House’s sigil. The candidates named thus far were Iva Rosefall sworn to House Skyborn, Galen Wolfspire sworn to House Darkmaw, Kerrick Graylon sworn to House Driftmoor, Lillia Sagebrook sworn to House Mirthwood, Lynora Lionwind sworn to House Blackbane, and Sylas Fenhart sworn to House Bloodweaver.
As the candidates from six Houses were selected, Elowyn realized that only House Fangwright remained.
Then, the ancient voice echoed once more in her mind.
“Princess Elyria Fangwright of House Fangwright, please step forward into the Divine Shallows and claim your candidacy.”
Elowyn’s excitement surged as she turned towards Elyria beside her, almost unable to contain herself at the mention of her older sister’s name. However, her excitement waned as she noticed Elyria’s clenched fists, muted and dark, devoid of the moon’s blessing.
