Page 23 of The Divine Shallows
Elowyn observed as the fourteen rulers of Neramyr approached the Divine Shallows with upturned palms, summoning their divine magic. The moon-blessed markings on their skin glowed in unison with the High Priestess’. It was always a powerful sight to behold—the strongest wielders of divine magic summoning their power as one.
Amidst this display, the High Priestess began to chant in the ancient language of the fey, and the water beneath her became turbulent, rippling and eddying around her feet. Anticipation filled the Temple as the High Priestess and the monarchs continued to channel their magicinto the swirling waters of the Divine Shallows. The magic in the Temple swelled until it reached an apex.
Then, the High Priestess ceased her incantations. “The Moon Goddess has opened the gates to her realm, and we now await the divine candidates as they return from the Bridge Between Worlds! Let us welcome their arrival back to Neramyr!”
A faint glow blossomed from the waters within the Divine Shallows, hovering above the sigil of House Bloodweaver. Elowyn’s gaze remained fixed on the shimmering spot, feeling a surge of divine power radiate from the stone. Her breath caught as a figure broke the surface of the ancient waters, rising slowly from the shallows. Encased in divine magic, the figure appeared as though bathed in moonlight. Straining her eyes, Elowyn discerned the figure to be a warlock.
As the warlock fully emerged and stood upon the sigil of House Bloodweaver, the once-rippling waters surrounding his silhouette calmed. Elowyn squinted, attempting to make out the warlock’s features amidst the divine aura, when the fey of House Bloodweaver erupted in celebration. Spotting King Wilden and Queen Irena beaming with pride, and even Theo joining in the applause, Elowyn couldn’t help but smile.
The divine energy surrounding the warlock gradually faded, and he raised a triumphant arm towards the ceiling. The Temple erupted with cheers, but gasps soon followed as the onlookers noticed the fanged basilisk coiled around the warlock’s extended arm—a rare creature procured from the divine Trial. A divineanimus. Lowering his arm, the warlock turned to face the High Priestess, bending one knee, and bowing his head before her.
Taking the warlock’s palms in hers, the High Priestess began to chant once more in the ancient tongue. As her incantations filled the air, the warlock became cloaked in pale moonlight, his entire form glowing with radiant energy as the moonlight embedded itself into his being.
Elowyn was captivated by the divine markings that began tomanifest on the warlock’s skin. Starting from his legs, the divine energy traced concentric patterns of reptilian scales, winding its way up his torso and neck in delicate strokes of moonlight. The iridescent reptilian markings continued to trace his body, shimmering as they drifted down his arms until they finally coalesced at his palms, framing the central crescent moon. The warlock remained on one knee while the final Mark was bestowed upon him.
As the divine energy surrounding him subsided and the moonlight faded, the High Priestess released his hands and turned to address the crowd. “Caena has marked another child of the moon!” she proclaimed. “And furthermore, he has emerged from the Bridge Between Worlds with a soul-bondedanimus! It is with great honor that I announce the return of yourprimis, Prince Thomys Bloodweaver!”
Another wave of cheers erupted from the onlookers surrounding the Divine Shallows as Prince Thomys turned to face them, grinning proudly as he lifted the arm coiled with his soul-bonded basilisk once more. Meanwhile, the remaining six candidates emerged one by one from the Divine Shallows, each receiving their final markings.
Amidst the celebration, a sense of unity and belonging washed over Elowyn as she witnessed the ritual of the First Day. Being in the presence of the powerful ancient waters, she felt a deep connection and an unspoken longing stirred within her. It ignited her desire to one day emerge from the Divine Shallows bathed in the shimmering moonlight, to bear the final divine markings herself.
Among the seven candidates emerging from the Divine Shallows, Elowyn could only recognize Prince Thomys Bloodweaver. This cohort comprised a diverse mix of noblefolk and commoners: one royal, five nobles, and a lone commoner. It was rare for a royal to be chosen, given the number of royalty in the feylands, but even rarer was the selection of a commoner over highborn fey. The Fangwright warlock represented this rarity in the divine cohort.
As the newly divine warlock of House Fangwright emerged fromthe Divine Shallows covered in markings, Elowyn did not recognize him. This was unsurprising, given she was familiar with only those stemming from a small circle of her own court. The warlock approached her father, exchanging nods and handshakes in a display of mutual respect. Elowyn observed with curiosity and a hint of suspicion as her father and the Fangwright warlock greeted each other as old friends, sealing the moment with a one-armed hug.
Though she joined in the celebrations with the fey of Eriden, Elowyn remained cautious, especially upon learning the warlock’s name: Finnor Wynward. Any powerful fey who shared a close bond with her father warranted her wariness.
As the newly anointed divine fey returned to Neramyr and the gates to Caena’s realm closed once more, leaving the Divine Shallows empty, the High Priestess’ commanding voice pierced the air, drawing the attention of all present.
“Fey of Neramyr, we welcome back the seven fey who have successfully completed the Trial of Caena. Upon their return, they are granted the gift of wielding the Goddess’ divine magic. With fealty, loyalty, and allegiance, these fey will serve the seven kingdoms in this realm and into all the realms beyond!”
The High Priestess concluded her words with a resounding clap, igniting a wave of enthusiastic applause from the gathered crowd. Extending her arm toward the newly marked fey, she continued, “Let us honor these seven divine warlocks and sorceresses who have braved the judgment of the Moon Goddess and returned to us bearing the final Mark! The First Day’s ritual now draws to a close. Let us partake in the Banquet of the Blessed—The festivities will resume in the kingdom of Eriden!”
As the High Priestess finished her address, Elowyn felt a knot tighten in her stomach, the days ahead seeming to shrink in duration. On the Seventh Day, her older sister would embark on her own Trial ofCaena, and Elowyn herself would discover whether she too was to be chosen as a divine candidate.
Elowyn couldn’t dispel the foreboding feelings that consumed her aura. It became apparent that everything happening was the way the Goddess intended it to be, but she couldn’t help but feel like some part of it was very wrong. Yet, all she could do was steel herself for the night ahead, holding her head high in preparation of what was to come.
9
Mirth and Mystery
The Banquetof the Blessed was held in one of Eriden’s vast banquet halls, which had been lined with dozens of lengthy tables positioned in rows. These tables were adorned with sheer, silk table runners the shade of gold that extended down the centers of each of them, draping off the table’s edges. Long garlands of greenery were placed on top of the shimmering runners, adding a touch of foliage to the centerpieces. Ornate iron candlesticks, all varying heights, were arranged artfully alongside the leafy garlands as their flames flickered gently, casting charming shadows on the table’s surface.
Hundreds of place settings were made of simple white porcelain, accompanied with silver cutlery and crystal wine goblets. The hour was now dark since the conclusion of the ritual, which left the hall cloaked in amber candlelight and the glow of the floating feylight spheres from above.
Servants greeted guests at the hall’s entrance, offering crystal glasses ofvinum, a honey-hued fey wine. In one corner, a stringquartet serenaded attendees with a lilting melody beneath an arched pavilion decorated with florets that fell down its frame in vines and pearl streams. A cleared area in the center of the hall awaited dancers, while enchanting water fountains flowed with soothing songs.
At the head table, the king and queen of Eriden were seated alongside the royal family. As a mark of honor to the newly marked divine fey, they are seated among the monarchs hosting the First Day. Thus, Elowyn found herself seated between Elyria and the newly marked warlock, Finnor Wynward.
Although Finnor did not possess a single drop of royal blood, he looked the part. He was winsome in a simplistic way, his frame was built, strong and rugged. And his skin was bronzed, contrasting the snow-white hair that fell to the nape of his neck. As half of his locks were pulled back, a few strands remained hanging loose that framed his angular jaw. Finnor possessed two brilliant eyes of silver, but more notable were his newfound divine markings. A distinctive pattern of moon-inked dragon scales coated every inch of his body, save for his face. He almost looked like a full-blooded Fangwright; all that was missing was four fangs.
The attention of the banquet hall shifted as King Eamon rose from his seat, raising his crystal goblet for attention. “Fey of Neramyr, joy fills my heart on this sacred day as our seven divine warlocks and sorceresses have returned.”
His voice continued in a booming timbre, “The kingdom of Eriden proudly dedicates this season’s Banquet of the Blessed to Finnor Wynward, another son of the moon sworn to House Fangwright. Let us raise our glasses to his triumphant return as a divine warlock!”
Beside Elowyn, Finnor stood tall, his smile radiant as applause and cheers filled the hall. Even her father joined in, raising his glass in a gesture of solidarity.
“Before we commence the festivities,” King Eamon continued, “I must share news of our recent loss. Mere days ago, we mourned thepassing of our comrade, Lord Ewell Highhelm, who faithfully served as Commander of the Feyguard for centuries. Before his service, he stood as a trusted ally, fighting alongside me in countless battles to defend Eriden from the lingering darkness of the Old Age. Lord Ewell’s dedication to our realm was unwavering, and his legacy will forever be honored in our kingdom.”
