The Promised Of Elaria

The Elder Women's Counsel

The midday sun cast a soft glow over the courtyard as the mother sat in the sacred circle, surrounded by the elder women of Elaria. These women had been by her side for years, each one a pillar of wisdom and strength in their own right. Together, they had led the realm through the challenges of a world without men, always relying on the connection they held with the gods. Today, however, their discussion held a weight that none of them could ignore.

The elders had summoned the mother, something they rarely did, and now their eyes were fixed on her, their gazes full of quiet expectation. There was a tension in the air, a feeling that something was about to shift.

One of the eldest, Nyra, cleared her throat and spoke first. Her voice was steady, but her words carried an unspoken urgency. “It has been some time since the gods sent Ethan to us. He has performed with many of our women, and yet…” She paused, glancing at the others before continuing. “You have not partaken.”

The mother’s brows furrowed slightly. She had anticipated this conversation, but still, hearing the words aloud gave her pause. “My role has always been to guide, to watch over Elaria. It is not for me to take part in the rituals of youth.”

Another elder, Elys, nodded but pressed on gently. “You are the chosen one, the voice of the gods, yes. But you are also still of this realm, and there are things that must be done to ensure the continuity of our people—both physically and spiritually.”

The mother felt the weight of their words, the unspoken truth that hovered in the air. She had dedicated her life to the gods, to her people, but she was still mortal. Her time would eventually come to an end, and when it did, the realm would need another to take her place—a new medium to act between the gods and the women of Elaria. That medium would need to come from her lineage.

Nyra leaned forward, her eyes sharp with wisdom. “The gods will need another when you are no longer with us, mother. The next vessel for their voice must be chosen, nurtured, and brought forth from you.”

The mother’s heart clenched at the thought. She had always known that her time would come, but now, faced with the reality of her mortality, it felt more immediate than ever. “You believe that I should partake in this as well? With Ethan?”

Elys’s eyes softened as she spoke. “It is not just a belief, mother. It is the will of the gods. You must plant the seed that will one day bloom into the next voice of the divine. You have carried the burden of leadership for so long, but this too is part of your duty.”

The mother’s gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers tracing the lines of her palms. She had always seen herself as separate from the others, her purpose focused on guidance rather than personal fulfillment. But the elders’ words made sense, and deep within, she felt the tug of her responsibility.

“I have dedicated my life to the gods,” she murmured, more to herself than to the others. “I never imagined that this would be asked of me.”

Nyra’s voice was gentle but firm. “It is not just about you, mother. It is about ensuring that when you are no longer here, the gods will still have a voice to speak through. You are their chosen vessel, but another must follow.”

The mother looked up, meeting the eyes of each elder woman. Their expressions were solemn, but there was a sense of unity among them. They believed in this, in the necessity of what they were asking of her.

“I understand,” she finally said, her voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside her. “I will do what must be done.”

The elders nodded in approval, the tension in the room easing slightly. They knew the weight of the decision the mother had just made, but they also knew that it was the only way to ensure the continued connection between their realm and the gods.

Elys smiled faintly, her eyes soft with understanding. “You will not be alone in this, mother. We will guide you, just as you have guided us for so many years.”

The mother took a deep breath, feeling the magnitude of the decision settle over her. She had always been the one to lead, to counsel, but now she would be stepping into a new role—one that would secure the future of Elaria, even after she was gone.

As the conversation ended and the elders rose to leave, the mother remained seated for a moment, her thoughts racing. She had never considered herself part of the rituals meant for the others, but now she saw the necessity of it. Her legacy, the future of the realm, depended on it.

With a final glance at the retreating figures of the elders, the mother stood and made her way back to her chambers. She had accepted the task laid before her, and now it was time to fulfill her role in the grand design of the gods.

Ethan would need to know soon. The time for hesitation was over.