The hours swiftly pass and so does the meal, accompanied by Margaretta and the warriors, seems to go by in the blink of an eye. Soon, Kaiden finds himself being escorted to the regal Council Chamber of the Elders, where the important details of the ritual awaits.

Kaiden inquires as Loden and himself trail behind Wulfric down yet another hallway, "So, what do I need to do now?" He feels a twinge of melancholy that Margaretta isn't with them, but silently hopes to encounter her again soon.

Having taken off his flower chain crown after Margeret's departure, Wulfric once again adopts his austere and militaristic demeanor and behavior. He leads the way through the expansive palace corridors with a soldier-like stride.

Wulfric gives a firm tone, explaining the upcoming meeting: "You will now meet with the Elders to discuss the specifics of the Proclamation Ceremony, the Priestess's swearing-in, and any other details that are exclusively shared with you, the Priestess."

Kaiden nods in acknowledgment, absorbing Wulfric's words. However, he occasionally glances at Loden, feeling an increased sense of unease due to Loden's diminished interaction with him as of late. Wulfric shares more details, informing Kaiden that Loden and himself will be waiting outside the chamber in case they are needed. However, Kaiden becomes distracted as he focuses on Loden, momentarily tuning out the remaining part of Wulfrics' speech.

Kaiden leans toward Loden and whispers, his voice laced with concern, "Are you alright? It's been hours since we've spoken. In fact, you've barely spoken to me all day."

Loden glances at Kaiden before averting his gaze, his eyes betraying a whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. He appears to be struggling, grappling with his emotions and uncertain about how to articulate himself.

Kaiden interjects with sincerity, his voice filled with genuine care. "You know you can open up to me about anything, right? We're friends. I see you almost like a brother, the closest person I can call a friend."

Loden responds with a defensive tone, his words firm. "I'm fine," he says. "I don't need to discuss my issues with you, Priestess."

The sting of Loden's words causes a pinch in Kaiden's chest, casting doubts on their friendship. Perhaps their bond had been merely a facade, a tactic employed by Loden to secure Kaiden's favor.

Kaiden's disappointment manifests openly on his face and in his body language. He nods in acknowledgment, his voice tinged with resignation. "Alright, that's fine," he responds. "Maybe another time, then."

As Kaiden redirects his attention to Wulfric, oblivious to the hurt mirrored in Loden's eyes, he finds himself listening to the older man's words once again. Meanwhile, Loden's clenched fists betray the struggle within him.

Wulfric brings the group to a halt in front of a pair of small doors adorned with intricate carvings of Astryaln in human and wolf form on either side. He turns to Kaiden and states, "We have arrived. I will announce you, and you will proceed inside. Loden and I will remain outside."

Kaiden nods, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself, as a mix of nervousness and excitement builds within him. He glances at the intricate carvings on the doors and takes a moment to mentally prepare himself for whatever might lie beyond them, ready to face the test of his resolve to become the official announced Priestess of this country.

Wulfric knocks firmly on the door, opening it only slightly to project his voice into the room. He addresses the Elders within, announcing loudly, "Kaiden, the Priestess of Astryaln, has arrived."

As Wulfric steps back and allows Kaiden to enter the room, the doors close silently behind him, creating a sense of confinement. Kaiden inhales deeply, feeling a mixture of nervousness and anticipation as he takes in the scene before him. A long table occupies the center of the room, surrounded by men and women of various ages, all of whom are intently staring at him.

Silence hangs heavily in the air as Kaiden stands, frozen in place like a deer caught in headlights, unsure of what action to take. The Elders around the table continue to gaze at him, their expressions stoic and unreadable.

After what feels like an eternity, a middle-aged female Elder breaks the silence, her tone soft and melodious. "You need not fear, young one," she says gently. "Please approach the table. Step forward, Priestess."

Kaiden moves forward carefully, his steps slow and calculated, attempting to maintain a sense of grace despite the growing nervousness seeping into his body. His hands begin to feel slightly damp, a testament to the impact of the Elders' collective gazes upon him, each set of eyes meticulously observing his every movement.

As Kaiden draws closer, he notices a handful of Elders leaning in towards each other, whispering quietly amongst themselves. Kaiden, unfortunately, is unable to discern the words being exchanged between them. Despite this, he can't shake the suspicion that their whispers pertain to him.

The Elders continue to regard Kaiden with a mix of both curiosity and skepticism as they sit around the long table. A few of the Elders, specifically the older male ones, observe Kaiden with a critical eye, while the middle-aged female Elder smiles warmly, attempting to inject a soothing presence. One Elder, in particular, a middle-aged woman with a piercing gaze, clears her throat and speaks up, her voice stern but with layers of care and concern. "Priestess," she begins, her eyes fixed upon Kaiden. "We have summoned you here for a purpose, and it is our duty to assess your suitability to fulfill the role that has been thrust upon you."

Kaiden stands patiently before the Elder, listening attentively as she speaks. He feels a mix of curiosity and trepidation, wondering what sort of test they would use to assess his suitability for the role of the Priestess.

The Elder continues, her voice maintaining a level of firm authority. "Tell us young one, what understanding do you have of the duties and responsibilities that come with assuming the role of the Priestess of Astryaln?"

Kaiden, feeling a pang of nervousness, nervously runs his hands along the fabric of his pants before taking a deep breath to steady himself. He then responds confidently, his voice steady. "I understand that my role as the Priestess of Astryaln involves several key duties. First and foremost, I will be responsible for locating all of the Celestial Warriors and completing a ritual to summon the deity Astryaln..."

One of the Elders, a gruff older male with a graying beard and stern eyes, interrupts Kaiden's response before he can continue. He frowns and leans slightly forward, his voice low and gruff. "Hold on a moment, boy," he says skeptically. "You speak of your duties confidently, but do you truly understand what it takes to accomplish them?"

Kaiden responds with determination and conviction, firmly stating, "Yes, I do understand. My task is to embark on a journey to locate all the warriors of Astryaln. Once this is completed, I will then conduct the ritual to summon the celestial being, who shall possess my body and bring significant change to this world."

A second Elder, a female with sharp eyes and a skeptical look, mutters something inaudible to the Elder next to her, who then whispers something back, causing them both to exchange suspicious glances. Another Elder, a large man with a frown on his face, clears his throat loudly and interjects. "Hold on, boy," he booms, his voice laden with skepticism. "You speak of possessing the celestial being, but do you have any idea what that could mean for you? "

The first Elder, the middle-aged female with the warm smile and soothing presence, picks up on Kaiden's uncertain state and steps in to address the concerns raised by the others. Her voice is firm but comforting as she speaks. "It is natural for you to be concerned," the female Elder says, her gaze fixed on Kaiden. "Possession by a celestial being is a significant responsibility, and it is important to understand the potential implications. However, we must remember that this is a crucial step in fulfilling your role as the Priestess of Astryaln."

A second Elder, a stern-looking female with an intense stare, chimes in and adds, "The possession by the celestial being is not to be taken lightly. It's not just a mere shift of consciousness; it's a profound transformation. Both your physical and spiritual aspects will undergo a significant change, and it has the potential to redefine your very nature and identity."

Kaiden's eyes widen at the female Elder's words, and he can't help but interject, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and concern. "Redefine my nature and identity?" he asks, his voice betraying his unease. "What exactly do you mean by that? Will I lose my sense of self? Will I be the same person after the possession?"

The Elders around the room exchange glances among themselves, each of them avoiding direct eye contact with Kaiden for a moment before their gazes slowly return to him. Their faces and body language remain stoic and difficult to decipher, their emotions and thoughts concealed behind a mask of unreadable expressions. No one responds to Kaiden's question immediately, creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation.

The same gruff male Elder from before, chimes in with a blunt tone, his voice harsh and unapologetic. "Listen, boy, you're talking about letting a celestial being take over your body, changing everything about you—your body, your mind, your soul. You really think you're prepared for that? Do you even understand what you're getting yourself into?"

The female Elder to the left of the gruff Elder gently elbows him, trying to soften his harsh words with a more diplomatic approach. She turns to Kaiden, her tone more measured, but still firm. "What my companion is trying to say," she begins, “is that the process of possession is a serious one. It’s not just about gaining the power of a godly being; it's about making a significant sacrifice to serve a higher purpose."

The Elder with the warm smile and soothing presence speaks up once again, attempting to assuage Kaiden's fears. "While it is true that this transformation does not often result in a complete change in the essence of the Priestess," she reassures, "it is also accurate that the encounter itself can bring about some significant changes, both physical and spiritual. It is something to be considered carefully before proceeding."

Kaiden is left feeling confounded by the Elders' roundabout words. They seem to be warning him about the potential dangers of Astryaln possessing him, yet at the same time they need him to fulfill that very role. The conflicting messages leave Kaiden doubting the Elders' true intentions and questioning whether their concern for his safety is genuine or if there's something more beneath the surface.

A soft-spoken young female Elder, her face filled with earnestness and compassion, interrupts the discussion. Her words are gentle but firm. "I think it's best if we put these concerns aside for the moment," she suggests. “We have a ritual ahead of us, a pre-swearing-in ritual that will give us insight into the connection between the Priestess and Astryaln. Let's focus on that for now."

Kaiden notices the sudden shift in dynamic in the room, as all the Elders, including the previously stern and gruff ones, immediately bow their heads in unison. He can sense the hierarchy and authority that the young female Elder wields; her words clearly carry considerable weight here. Kaiden deduces that this Elder has earned a high level of respect and recognition among the group.

The young Elder's soft voice rings out in the room, her command clear and concise. She addresses the group of Elders, requesting, "Please retrieve the scroll and the necessary items." Turning to Kaiden, she then directs her question to him directly. "Priestess, do you possess the Pendant of Astryaln? This is a crucial item that will help us conduct the ritual."

The Elders in the room, including the young female Elder, nod silently in acknowledgment as Kaiden removes the Pendant of Astryaln from his shirt and holds it out for all to see. The Elders are clearly familiar with the significance of the pendant and recognize its importance in the upcoming ritual. The soft-spoken female Elder who spoke earlier retrieves a scroll from her side of the table, while the gruff Elder, who had initially been skeptical, also stands up and pulls out a knife from his side. They both step over to where Kaiden is standing and stand there silently, waiting for the next step in the ritual to commence.

The young head female Elder gives a subtle inclination of her head, gesturing for the Elder female to open the long scroll laid out on the table. Kaiden’s eyes widen in surprise as the Elder female unravels the scroll, revealing its considerable length. As Kaiden tries to decipher the characters written on the scroll, a sudden, intense pain shoots through his head, accompanied by a dizzying sensation. Overwhelmed, he instinctively clutches his head tightly, trying to manage the discomfort. Just as suddenly as the discomfort had come, it begins to fade away. Kaiden shakes his head, attempting to clear the lingering effects. Surprisingly, he finds that the once indecipherable characters on the scroll are now completely legible to him. Without warning, the ability to comprehend the written language is now at his fingertips.

One of the Elders, a gruff and stern very older male, comments with a sarcastic tone, his voice laced with an underlying harshness. "Well, well, look who's suddenly the linguist now. Just a moment ago, you were struggling to read a single word, and now you're suddenly reading our language like a native. How convenient."

The soft-spoken Elder female holding the scroll notices Kaiden's perplexed expression and clarifies, "Astrayln seems to have given you a new ability—or more accurately, has adjusted your senses to allow you to read the ancient scripts. This will make it easier for you to comprehend the language written on the scroll."

"Ah, I understand now," Kaiden responds, his eyes widening as he comprehends the reason behind the sudden pain he had experienced. "So the discomfort I felt in my head was due to the necessary adjustments needed to comprehend the language. That will definitely make it easier for me to understand the writings around me."

Kaiden realizes that he accidentally said aloud his thoughts. Feeling slightly sheepish, he apologizes, "Sorry about that." The young head female Elder then nods her head in understanding, signaling that she takes no offense and finds no fault in his action.

The head Elder, the most authoritative young female figure present, asserts her presence once more, commanding everyone's undivided attention. She then addresses Kaiden, her voice clear and direct. "Priestess, once you have finished reading the scripture, please look directly at me to signal that you are ready for the next step."

Kaiden glances back at the scroll, slightly uncertain about where to begin. However, the wise female Elder by his side gently points to a specific section higher up in the scroll, and then moves her finger downwards, signaling the exact part he is supposed to focus on. Kaiden nods in understanding, silently mouthing a thank you to the Elder for her kind guidance.

As Kaiden reads through the scripture, he begins to realize that it feels more like a contract than anything. However, he quickly shakes off the feeling, refocusing his attention on the words before him and trying to comprehend their meaning.

-

Let it be known unto all that the Priestess of Astryaln is to remain pure and chaste, untouched by the hands of mortals or the grasp of spirits. She shall hold fast to the spiritual and physical purity bestowed upon her by the divine hand. For she is chosen as the beacon of light in the darkness, the vessel through which the celestial warriors shall be guided.

With unwavering devotion, the Priestess must dedicate her very essence to the task of seeking out and nurturing the chosen champions of Astryaln, those who are to carry forth the power of the deity. She must heed the call to serve in the sacred rituals, ceremonies, and offerings that honor the name of Astryaln, for she is the sacred conduit through which the will of the heavens flows.

Let it be known that the Priestess is bound by duty to fulfill all commands given by Astryaln, even unto the brink of the unknown. Through her, the balance of the world shall be upheld, and order restored to the chaos that threatens to consume all. In serving Astryaln, the Priestess shall be bestowed with gifts and powers beyond mortal comprehension, to aid her in the divine work set before her.

Yet in the covenant between the Priestess and Astryaln, there lay conditions and truths that must be upheld without question or hesitation. The Priestess of Astryaln shall bear the weight of the following obligations:

1. To act as the vessel through which Astryaln shall manifest in the physical realm, her very being a conduit for the divine will to move amongst mortals.

2. To hold fast to the teachings and principles laid down by Astryaln, embodying the deity's decree in all facets of her existence.

3. To perform the sacred rites, rituals, and offerings that pay homage to the greatness of Astryaln.

-

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The head female Elder nods approvingly as Kaiden finishes reading the scripture. She then claps her hands together in contentment and turns to the other Elders gathered around. "Elders, please bless the Priestess as we embark on the next part of this ritual," she instructs.

The gruff Elder beside Kaiden is a little reluctant at first, eventually follows suit and bows along with the others. After a moment, they all raise their heads simultaneously, their gazes fixated on Kaiden. The head female Elder gently rolls a new scroll across the table towards Kaiden and the other Elders. The female Elder beside Kaiden swiftly catches it and unrolls it for Kaiden's view, positioning it in front of him.

Suddenly, the gruff Elder next to Kaiden grabs his arm and forcefully pushes his hand down onto the parchment. Once his hand is in position, Kaiden notices that it is centered on a specific symbol encircled by various rings of text. Kaiden is unsure about how to react. Should he try to pull back, or allow the Elder to hold his hand in place? Before he can come to a decision, the gruff Elder swiftly moves the blade above Kaiden's hand. Instinctively, Kaiden attempts to move away, but the female Elder beside him blocks his path, preventing him from escaping.

The gruff Elder swiftly makes a swift incision close to Kaiden's thumb, causing him to wince and react to the pain. As the drop of blood falls, the gruff Elder releases his grip from Kaiden's hand. Kaiden instinctively moves his wounded hand back to himself, cradling it with his other hand. At the same time, the once lifeless parchment begins to emit a soft, ethereal glow.

The head female Elder utters a few words in a hushed tone, her voice barely more than a whisper or subtle as a gentle breeze. The room is filled with an almost uncanny silence, except for the sound of the Elder's voice, which miraculously manages to reach them despite the stillness in the air.

The head female Elder continues speaking, her voice carrying a sense of authority and wisdom. "Let Astrayln's scroll unveil a representation of the wolf, eternally bowing in servitude to the Priestess."

As the head female Elder finishes speaking aloud, a silvery, luminescent form begins to take shape on the parchment in front of Kaiden and the Elders in the room. A wolf, formed entirely out of light, materializes, standing on all fours with its eyes and snout facing only Kaiden. The room remains eerily quiet, and all eyes are focused on Kaiden and the silver wolf, its presence almost tangible in the tense atmosphere. Kaiden is unsure about what to do next, wondering whether he should speak or extend his hand towards the animal. Suddenly, he feels a subtle but noticeable energy stirring within his chest.

Kaiden glances down at his chest and notices a faint, static-like energy line issuing from it. He follows the line with his eyes, realizing that it connects to the wolf, which is also emitting a similar energy that is slowly moving toward him. Upon contact, the pendant around Kaiden's neck flares with a brilliant glow, and the wolf engraving on the metal becomes more defined and distinct. As the final lines of the engraving on the pendant are completed and fully emit a radiant glow, the silver wolf lets out a primal howl. It then proceeds to kneel down on its hind legs, gracefully lifting its head high before slowly lowering it in a beautifully executed show of submission, acknowledging its reverence to Kaiden.

The room immediately erupts in a chorus of hushed whispers as the Elders huddled together. However, suddenly, the silver wolf startles everyone with its sudden movement, jumping up and growling at the Elders behind it, causing their faces to register shock and anxiety. Sensing the unease, the Elders in the room immediately bow their heads in a display of submission and embarrassment, attempting to appease the wolf. The Elders are startled by the wolf's defense of Kaiden as well.

Kaiden witnesses the abrupt shift of the wolf's behavior toward the Elders. He is surprised as the wolf suddenly and swiftly turns and leaps towards him. Without any warning, the energy wolf is instantly absorbed into the pendant around Kaiden's neck, which ceases to glow once the process is complete. Following the disappearance of the energy wolf, the Elders once again fall into hushed whispers, their discussions carrying a sense of awe and excitement. The head female Elder lifts her head and speaks with authority, her voice leaving no room for doubt. "The process has been completed, and Astryaln has made it clear that Kaiden is his chosen Priestess, and there is no room for negotiation or reconsideration," she declares, her gaze roaming over the Elders as she speaks, a hint of chastisement in her tone.

Some of the Elders lower their heads in response to the head female Elder's firm statement, feeling ashamed of their previous reservations. Meanwhile, the soft-spoken female Elder steps up closer next to Kaiden, gathering the scrolls that had been laid out on the table and carefully rolling them back up.

The gruff male and soft-spoken female Elders return to their respective seats, while Kaiden's gaze drifts to his pendant. He feels a subtle but undeniable surge of energy pulsating within it. He swiftly lets it fall back to rest upon his chest, the object now holding a deeper meaning for him than it had before.

The head female Elder rises from her seat and takes a moment to speak, her voice calm and pleasant. "Once we have concluded with the next step, this meeting will come to an end, and you will be free to take your leave, Priestess," she tells Kaiden, her tone reflecting a sense of assurance and certainty about the process.

Kaiden nods, accepting the next phase without any trepidation. He can still feel the presence of the wolf within the pendant he wears, and the sensation serves to bolster his confidence, filling him with a newfound strength. The thin slice on his thumb has miraculously healed as well, leaving Kaiden without any pain.

The head Elder turns to the soft-spoken female Elder, and addresses her in a gentle yet firm tone, "Evelyn, if you would." Upon being called, Evelyn rises from her seat and approaches Kaiden once more, her gaze steady and purposeful.

Evelyn retrieves three scrolls from her side, each possessing a unique size and hue. She places them with care on the table before addressing Kaiden once more. "These scrolls will aid you on your journey ahead," she explains, her finger gently touching the yellow undertone off-white color scroll as she continues. "On the Proclamation Day, it is essential that you sign this scroll, entrust it with a lock of your hair, and subsequently cast it into the flames, thereby sealing your fate," she instructs, her tone resolute and serious.

Evelyn moves on to the second scroll, a black parchment with hints of silver color. "This black scroll is meant to be of assistance to you as you traverse the Empire," she explains. "If you show it to any village or city under the domain of the Emperor, it will guarantee you access and assistance," she adds, the importance of this scroll in Kaiden's journey beginning to become clear.

Kaiden nods, comprehending that the black scroll holds a significance similar to that of a passport or traveling pass for those of higher status in the Empire, such as nobles or members of the palace court.

As Evelyn's finger gently brushes against a silver parchment scroll, she begins to speak, "This silver scroll has a special purpose: it's meant to be utilized only in the event of an emergency. It is infused with Astryaln's celestial power, and if deployed, it will send out a distress signal that will summon a few warriors to your location, offering you their assistance."

Kaiden clenches his hand into a fist, silently approving of the scroll. Should he ever find himself in a dire situation, he realizes that activating it would summon the warriors to him, potentially negating the need to embark on a long and tedious search.

As Kaiden was deep in thought, Evelyn promptly intervenes, her tone turning serious. "However," she adds, "there is a constraint to the scroll's power: it will summon only those warriors who have already been encountered by you, not those who have yet to cross your path. Therefore, you cannot circumvent your mission with this aid."

Kaiden nods his head in agreement, acknowledging that while the scroll's limited summoning power was not what he had hoped for, it could still prove useful in a pinch. It's reassuring to have it as a backup plan, should he find himself in danger during his journey.

Evelyn takes a smaller off tone red scroll from her pocket and presents it to Kaiden. "This is a list of the celestial warriors serving Astryaln," she explains. "The names will remain blank until you meet them, but their celestial mark or character should become visible near their whereabouts. This parchment is meant for the Priestess and the celestial warriors alone, and there are no shortcuts when using this list," she clarifies, emphasizing the importance of discretion with this document.

Evelyn promptly pivots, her gaze fixed on the gruff Elder man from earlier. "Ainsley," she orders crisply, "could you please provide a map?"

The gruff Elder mutters something under his breath, rummaging about before finally retrieving a large map from beneath the table. He rolls it across the table towards Evelyn. She addresses him with a polite nod, "Thank you, Ainsley," expressing her gratitude for his assistance.

With a sense of finality, Evelyn speaks, "This map will guide you on your journey through our world," she says. "Now that I have imparted this last piece of information, my duties are fulfilled." She then swiftly proceeds to return to her seat among the Elders, signaling that her part in the proceedings has concluded.

The head female Elder rises from her seat once again and addresses the room once more. Kaiden gazes at the five scrolls before him, the realization sinking in that he has taken another significant step towards returning home and helping this world.

"With the formalities and preparations for the Proclamation now concluded, this meeting is officially adjourned. We shall reconvene on the Proclamation Day to officially mark this special occasion. Until then, please take care and continue your preparations, Priestess. May the blessings of Astryaln and the Wolf guide and protect you."

Kaiden bows in a gesture of respect and gratitude, acknowledging the significance of the moment and expressing his appreciation for the Elders' guidance. He understands that showing respect and humility is essential when dealing with the Elders' council.

Another Elder, a wise-looking male with a calm demeanor, speaks up. "Priestess, before you go, I would like to remind you that you will need to recite the written lines on the parchment scroll during the Proclamation Day," he says, his tone considerate. "It would be best if you take the time to read through the scroll and familiarize yourself with the text you'll need to memorize."

The female Elder, who is positioned next to the Elder who just spoke, chimes in with a question. "Before you leave, Priestess, is there anything that you're uncertain about?" she inquires, her tone friendly and open. "Perhaps any lingering questions or concerns that we could help alleviate?"

Kaiden's heart skips a beat as he realizes that this is the perfect opportunity to voice his question. Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, he gathers his thoughts and musters the courage to speak.

“The Priestess before me, Molly, my grandfather’s sister, what actually happened to her?” Kaiden says, some fear edging his voice with the last lines. “I’ve had the same dream or vision of her being taken when I close my eyes over and over again. What happened to her?”

The room falls silent as Kaiden poses his question, the mood growing serious. The Elders exchange brief glances, their collective expressions turning somber upon hearing Kaiden's question. The head female Elder is the first to respond in a soft and compassionate voice as she begins to speak. "The Priestess Molly met an unfortunate fate during her tenure as a Priestess," she begins. "She was kidnapped by an individual or group who sought to exploit her powers and Astryaln’s powers for their own gain," she continues, her voice filled with a tinge of sorrow. "We tried our best to find her, but our efforts were fruitless.”

“Kaiden," she says, "it's understandable that you've been haunted by visions and dreams of your grandfather's sister. Her disappearance has, unfortunately, remained a mystery. On that day, she was taken, leaving no trace of her whereabouts or what befell her."

The gruff male Elder speaks his words falling on quiet ears. “Molly was taken for a purpose that even we Elders do not fully comprehend."

Kaiden's frustration and disbelief are evident as he shakes his head and says, "How is it possible that there's no mention or sighting of her for so many years? There has to be something, anything that could give us a clue about her whereabouts!"

The soft-spoken female Elder responds with a slight shake of her head, her gentle tone tinged with regret. "I'm afraid we depend on information gathered throughout the Empire and from beyond our borders," she explains. "Unfortunately, we have received no news about the previous Priestess, nor has Astryaln given us any signs of her whereabouts."

Kaiden's voice rises in a mix of worry and sadness as he urgently proclaims, "I witnessed her being taken in my dream! Two men burst through the fire during the ritual. And there was a fox perched on top of the flames. That has to hold some significance, right?"

The Elders fall into hushed conversation, their surprise evident at Kaiden's revelation. They murmur amongst themselves, oblivious to Kaiden's gaze filled with both confusion and frustration.

The head female Elder takes charge, raising her hands to quiet everyone down. Turning to Kaiden, she speaks, "Priestess, please understand that we need some time to consider this revelation. If you would have the patience to return at a later time, we will address this matter further."

Kaiden, filled with mounting frustration, slams his hand down on the table with such force that cracks appear, and a silvery glow briefly flashes beneath before it subsides. His voice is firm as he refuses to agree. "I refuse to wait until it's convenient for you!" he exclaims. "I have a right to know about Molly now!"

Startled by Kaiden's outburst and the unexpected crack on the table, the Elders jump in surprise, their composure momentarily shaken. They regard Kaiden with a mix of shock and caution, taken aback by the intensity of his demeanor.

The head female Elder, is the first to quickly regain her composure, motions with a graceful wave of her hand, attempting to quell Kaiden's anger. "Alright, alright," she says, her voice somewhat steadied. "We will address your concerns now, as you wish."

Kaiden nods appreciatively, acknowledging the Elders' decision. However, he can't help but grimace as his gaze falls upon the damaged table, a sign of the strength that inadvertently went into his gesture of frustration. He sheepishly shrugs, offering a silent apology for inadvertently causing the damage.

The head female Elder then directs her question to Kaiden, her voice steady and thoughtful. "Before we delve further into the specifics of your vision, have you been informed about the celestial beings of our world, the tale of how our world came to be, and the essential knowledge that a Priestess should possess?"

Kaiden briskly nods his head in affirmation, responding to the Elder's question. "Yes, the Empress did mention the four celestial beings and explained the reason behind the summoning of Priestesses," he affirms. Then, he queries, a hint of curiosity in his voice, "But may I ask what this has to do with my vision?"

The head female Elder continues in a measured tone, her knowledge and understanding conveying a sense of authority. "Indeed," she says, her voice carrying a touch of gravity. "You are aware of Luminara, the Stag of the East; Caelum, the Owl of the West; Vespera, the Fox of the South; and Astrayln, the Wolf of the North, yes?"

Kaiden nods again, his agreement conveying his familiarity with the celestial beings. "That's right," he confirms, listing them off back to her. "Luminara the Stag of the East, Caelum the Owl of the West, Vespera the Fox of the South, and Astrayln the Wolf of the North."

The head female Elder lifts her hand, raising a finger to emphasize her point. "Your understanding is correct," she affirms. "Vespera, when in animal form, takes the shape of a fox. She oversees the Southern region of our world." She then continues, mentioning, "Her notable abilities are agility and stealth, which she utilizes to protect those in her domain." The head female Elder continues, proposing a theory based on Kaiden's vision. "Based on your account," she says, "it stands to reason that the fox in your vision is connected to the deity Vespera. The two figures you saw could have either hailed from her Southern region or served as her warriors."

Kaiden ponders the Elder's words, but then shakes his head, questioning the situation. "If Molly was taken by another deity, shouldn't there be some indication of this or a confrontation between Astryaln and Vespera?" he asks, a note of disbelief in his voice.

The gruff and stern male Elder raises his voice and adds, "Astryaln and Vespera do not interfere with each other's affairs. If Molly was taken by Vespera, you are correct in saying that Astryaln would sense it, and we would no doubt be informed of her whereabouts."

Another much quieter male Elder chimes in, "Moreover, Astryaln himself would have summoned his celestial warriors to rescue her if Molly was taken by another deity," the Elder says with conviction.

One of the silent female Elders raises her voice, the sound carrying a note of concern, "Our spies have never returned with news of Molly from the Southern Empire, either. It appears they are heavily invested in expanding their Empire."

Another male Elder, sounding impatient and somewhat suspicious, bellows, "It seems to me that the Priestess is just trying to stir up trouble and provoke a conflict between the two Empires. Perhaps he aims to hasten Astryaln's summoning to expedite his journey back home."

Kaiden defends himself, waving his hands in denial, "That's not it," he protests. "I'm simply trying to discover what truly happened to Molly, and above all, ensure that the same fate doesn't befall me." The Elders exchange a glance amongst themselves, their expressions unreadable.

The head female Elder regains everyone's focus, her voice firm and authoritative. "For now, let us set aside the matter for further investigation," she declares. "We will work on gathering more evidence to determine whether Vespera was involved in the missing Priestess situation. In the meantime, Priestess, please refrain from discussing this dream with anyone else."

Kaiden glances at the Elders, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "What about Loden and Wulfric?" he asks, his voice tinged with a subtle note of worry.

The head female Elder shakes her head firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Absolutely not," she says. "We cannot afford to allow this information to spread beyond these walls. If news were to leak that the current Priestess suspects Vespera in the disappearance of the previous Priestess, it could spark a war or unwarranted confrontation with the other Empires. We must proceed cautiously and avoid making baseless accusations at this juncture."

Kaiden nods, the burden of keeping this secret weighing heavily on his heart. It's proving challenging to engage in his usual conversations with Loden and Wulfric while carrying this hidden truth. However, for now, he understands the necessity of keeping silent, although he silently longs for the day when he can talk to them about all of this.

The head female Elder's voice breaks the silence. "Now that this matter is settled, is there anything else you require from the Council of Elders, Priestess?" she says, her tone both authoritative and expectant.

Kaiden shakes his head, signaling his lack of further queries. "I don't have anything else to ask of you at present," he replies. "Thank you for your time and guidance, Council of Elders."

The Elders, their collective nods reflecting their shared acknowledgment of Kaiden's words. The head female Elder declares, "You may take your leave now, Priestess. Be vigilant and committed in your duties. Until our next encounter, this council session is concluded." As she claps her hands, signaling the meeting's end, the Elders begin to disperse.

Kaiden gathers the scrolls from the table before him, holding them together in a bundle, preparing to leave the room. However, he pauses at the door, struck by a realization that he has no idea how to open it without dropping the scrolls.

Kaiden's contemplation on the door's opening is interrupted as two Elders promptly approach his side. Working in tandem, they grasp the door and pull it open inward, creating a wide enough entryway for him to exit the chamber.

Kaiden offers a grateful “Thank you” to the Elders who opened the door for him. He swiftly steps out of the council room, clutching the scrolls tightly in his arms as he departs the chamber.

Kaiden's eyes refocus to the corridor outside as the door closes behind him. Almost immediately, his gaze falls upon Loden and Wulfric, casually leaning against the wall on the opposite side.

Loden quickly pushes off the wall, his voice laced with both concern and anticipation. "Kaiden, how did it go?" he asks, his eagerness barely contained. "What are those?” he queries, gesturing at the scrolls in Kaiden's arms.

Kaiden adjusts his balance slightly before responding calmly. "It went about as well as it could have. Just some assigned reading," he replies with a touch of nonchalance.

Wulfric steps forward, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Should we escort you to your quarters or is there somewhere else you'd like to go?" he inquires, ready to extend his assistance.

Kaiden shakes his head, replying, "No, I'd prefer to go back to my room. I want to get started on these," he says, gently lifting the scrolls in his arms.

Loden and Wulfric nod in acknowledgment and begin to lead the way back to the sleeping quarters, strolling in silence. Kaiden follows closely behind them, maintaining a thoughtful silence as they proceed.