The Mark of Aether

Rejuvenation

Clouds appeared in the sky, obscuring the sun. Trailing my gazes to the firmament, I observed the totem that overclouded the sky.

It was Aether's mark, but this time it was adorned with stars.

"It is the goddess' symbol.''

The clouds converted to light, the stars reflecting the golden rays of the morning. The symbol glowed with such might that it looked even more radiant than the sun itself.

A loud scream exploded in the air before the totem detonated into waves of twirling light. The intensity was so strong that I had to shield my eyes, the strong luminescence making them sore.

The blaze enshrouded everything around us, attracting the lost souls like a magnet. And as fast as it appeared, it vanished.

Coughing and gasping rung in the air, and with a flabbergasted self, I watched as the souls resettled in the unmoving bodies, revving them with life. Everyone stood frozenly, the holiness of the magic surrounding us made us motionless, as though each movement was sinful.

The citizens brought back to life fell on their knees, one after the other, their hands extended in infinite prayers. The king of the gods himself chose to bless them with another life, and it was no doubt an immense honor.

Another light swelled around me, dragging all eyes to scrutinize me, and it was then I realized that the glow emanated from my own self. Underneath my feet was traced in bold, gold color the national symbol of Ardoria.

"All hail!'' yelled a voice I couldn't discern, ''bow to your queen! To Ether's lineage!''

Everyone, including Mayra, Leon, and Carter knelt on one knee, their heads bowed down. I could see the shocked looks and flabbergasted faces. All had heard about the death of the queen and the awaited heir. All heard about the fighting king. But none had ever heard of this, because it was a lost fragment in the past, a fragment covered by the dust of the years.

I fiddled in my place, feeling my fingertips going cold. I was not used to attention. But now, as I was hailed as the Crown Princess with hundreds of people bowing, showing their respect to the crown, my name evaded every mouth.

In my depths, I was mortified at the fact that my true identity was revealed, but I could not help it. It was the gods' will, after all, and who was I to step in their way?

My friends were the first to rise, and soon everybody followed. Bells' ringing resonated in the air before another voice shouted, ''to the temple!''

Everybody walked towards the opposite summit, while two peasant women came forward and took my cloak away, replacing it by an aqua-colored cape. We were pushed through the cohort, walking all the way towards a farther temple.

"What is going on?'' I asked, walking with my company alongside, small pixies showering us with flowers' petals and shining powder.

"This is a first that the goddess' symbol is used as joy and glee instead of sadness. By obligation, a special religious festival must be held. Your presence makes it necessary all the more,'' explained Carter.

"Hey,'' said Mayra, slightly hitting the shadow's arm, ''how come you know all that about the deities? I am from Cantelot's noble families and I didn't even hear about all of that before."

Leon gave her a playful, raised eyebrow. “And who do you think you are to compare yourself to me?''

"Your modesty is so enormous that it could drown an ocean, milord,” teased Mayra, fanning herself with her hands, faking a faint.

Our laughter echoed amongst all the noises before it died, mellowing down. ''Your mother has been studying the etymology and existence of the gods, this is from where you own such information, am I mistaken?'' asked Carter, seeming to have read the shadow's mind.