The Bestowal Ceremony is a significant rite of passage in the world of Floga, marking the moment when a child officially enters society as a wielder of flame-based magic. Held when children reach the age of 5, this ceremony is not merely a tradition but a deeply revered process that connects each child to the Flame God, who bestows upon them their unique flame type.
The ceremony is a grand event, typically taking place in the capital of the kingdom, where the Flame Temple stands as the focal point. On the day of the Bestowal, families from all over the kingdom journey to the capital. The event itself is highly organized, with each child being guided through the process by the Head Priest.
The Bestowal Ceremony is entirely free of charge for all participants. The kingdom and the various guilds that govern different flame disciplines cover all expenses, recognizing the ceremony’s importance for the future of their society. This support underscores the kingdom’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of flame wielders, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to discover and develop their innate powers.
As Nacht maneuvered the carriage to a halt and helped Emily and Mav out, the grandeur of the capital's temple loomed before them. The massive doors creaked open, revealing a vast interior that seemed to stretch endlessly. The scale of the temple was awe-inspiring, its architecture a testament to the ancient craftsmanship that had gone into its construction.
Stepping inside, they were greeted by a vast space that made the world outside feel distant and insignificant. The high ceilings soared above them, supported by majestic columns that rose like ancient guardians. The room was dominated by a set of enormous stairs that arched halfway up the temple’s interior, each step carved with intricate designs depicting scenes of past ceremonies and mythical figures. The staircase’s grandeur was matched only by the sweeping arches that framed it, lending the space an almost otherworldly quality.
Families had already seated around the sweeping staircase, their voices creating a lively murmur that reverberated through the vast hall. Children, dressed in their finest clothes, fidgeted with a mix of excitement and nervousness, while parents chatted animatedly, their voices blending into a harmonious noise.
In each corner of the temple stood small pillars, and atop these pillars blazed vibrant flames. The flames flickered in red and yellow at the front corners, casting a warm, welcoming glow. The back corners were lit by cool green and blue flames that danced gently, creating a soothing contrast. The meshing of colors illuminated the temple’s interior, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the stone floor.
Below the stairs, at the center of the temple, an elderly man in a long white robe was focused intently on adjusting a peculiar machine. His movements were precise and deliberate, each adjustment accompanied by the soft hiss of mechanisms being fine-tuned. He worked with a calm intensity, preparing for the ceremony with a skilled hand.
Emily, Nacht, and Mav found a vacant spot and settled down, their eyes wide with wonder as they took in the enormity of their surroundings. The temple’s walls were adorned with magnificent stained glass windows, each pane radiating in hues of red, yellow, green, and blue. The sunlight streaming through the glass painted the floor with vibrant patterns, adding to the temple’s ethereal atmosphere.
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As they looked around, mesmerized by the splendor of the temple, the priest's hands came together in a sharp clap. The sound echoed through the hall, cutting through the mixture of chatter and instantly commanding silence. Heads turned toward him, the air charged with anticipation. The ceremony was about to begin, and the focus shifted entirely to the figure at the front of the temple, signaling the start of this significant day.
"Welcome, everyone, to the Flame Temple!" The priest's voice boomed, reverberating off the high walls and reaching every corner of the vast space.
"I know you are all excited, both the children and their parents, for today is a special day, the day of the Bestowal Ceremony. But before we begin, let me take a moment to explain the Flame System, especially for those who may not be as familiar with it, particularly those who have traveled from distant villages."
"First of all, I'm Organos, the head priest of this temple. I will be the one to conduct today's Bestowal Ceremony."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled crowd. "Now, children, pay close attention and remember what I am about to tell you. This information is crucial, as it could very well shape your future."
The room fell silent, every eye fixed on the Organos as he continued, his tone both authoritative and gentle. The children’s faces were a mix of curiosity and concern, their parents offering reassuring smiles.
He cleared his throat, his voice steady and resonant. "To understand the importance of today, you must first understand the Flame System and its origins. This world was once governed by the Flame God, a benevolent entity who provided for all of humanity. People lived in peace, with their every need met—food, clothing, shelter, everything was given freely. Yet, despite this abundance, some were not content."
He continued, his expression growing solemn. "Some individuals grew restless and discontented. Their greed led them to rebel, to covet more than what they had been given. As their desires grew, so did their actions. They stole from one another, formed alliances, and waged war, dragging even the innocent into their conflicts. The land was soon torn apart by violence and strife."
A heavy silence fell over the crowd as the Organos' gaze grew stern. "The Flame God, angered by this chaos and bloodshed, sent forth the Daimoniki—powerful, monstrous creatures led by the malevolent king, Vasilias. These beings ravaged the land, slaughtering humanity without mercy. The people were helpless, and their pleas for mercy reached the Flame God. They vowed to end their fighting and work together if only they were saved."
His tone softened, reflecting the mercy granted. "Moved by their repentance and suffering, the Flame God bestowed upon humanity the Flame System—a gift of immense power that allowed people to combat the Daimoniki. This system gave rise to new abilities, enabling humanity to fight back and begin reclaiming their world."
Organos' voice took on a note of encouragement. "Through years of struggle and sacrifice, humanity managed to push the Daimoniki back. Today, we remain in a fragile standstill: half the world is under Daimoniki's control, while the other half is held by humanity. The war continues, with soldiers wielding the Flame System bravely fighting on the frontlines."
He looked out at the children with a twinkle in his eye. "Those with strong affinities in the Flame System are tasked with protecting kingdoms and safeguarding the people. Their roles are crucial, and they hold some of the most important positions in this world. Perhaps some of you gathered here today will join their ranks in the future. Only time will tell."
Organos' expression grew more serious. "But now that you understand our world’s history, it is time to explain how the Flame System works. Pay close attention, for this knowledge will shape your future, starting today."