One Hidden Queen

The Breccia Domain

Kalani stands on the edge of the black chasm, gazing into its depths. It seems to go down so far that there is no bottom. It would be so easy to step over the edge. To fall down into the Goddess's waiting arms. The elemental queen takes a step closer, so that she is on the very border of solid rock, and open, empty space. Indeed, she is on the border of many things. Of life and Death, of Sanity and madness, of love and hate. But she can't slip over the edge. The Goddess will not allow it...

Yet.

***

Suddenly, a branch snaps, spinning Kalani out of her daze. The short queen turns, and sees a group of priestesses walking towards her. Of course. It is time for the ceremony.

The sea of white robes shuffles next to her, forming a small circle around someone. No doubt it is one of her sisters, but she can not tell which one it is. The queens are not supposed to see each other until the ritual starts.

From the left side of the woods, another group of priestess' emerges, along with the high priestess. Once they are all in their places, the high priestess draws three silver knives. Careful not to cut herself, the white robed woman hands a blade to each Queen. The other priestess' retreat quickly into the woods, as the ritual commands. The high priestess bows, and follows her subordinates.

The only ones left are the queens. They know what they must do.

Aceline takes a deep breath, calming her frayed nerves. She tries not to glance a her sister's, but it is futile. How they have grown.

Kalani is short, with a fragile frame and delicate bones. She is graceful, like a small bird, who might take flight at any moment. Over the year, her cheekbones have become defined, but her small nose and bright eyes have not changed. The young elemental queen has let her hair grow long, and it is tossed carelessly to one side.

Orianna has grown as well. Her legs have become long, giving her a whimsical, tall figure. Her straight hair is is a braid, which grazes her waist. He eyes are almond shaped, with long lashes and a wistful appearance.

Tears well in the poisoner queen's eyes, but she manages to restrain them. She must not cry. Her sisters have already raised their knives, and turned their left forearms to the sky.

Aceline does the same, knowing that the eldest queen must go first. She gently lowers the silver blade into her skin, allowing the blood to pool on her arm.

Next, Orianna quickly slices her arm, but she is to brash and impulsive. The queen curses, cutting to deep because of her haste. Aceline has the odd desire to laugh, but instead settles for a slight smirk. Orianna has not changed a bit.

Finally, it is Kalani's turn. The smallest queen grips the knife in her bony hands, furrowing her brow in concentration. As the elemental break open her delicate skin, she lets out a gasp. Kalani looks nauseous at the sight of her own blood.

It is of no matter, though, as the ceremony is almost complete. The three black queens step forward, allowing their queens blood to drip into the Breccia domain. Only then does Aceline notice the look of terror on Orianna's face.

***

You are a mistake. A tarnished queen among the many. You must die.

Jump in, Orianna. Rejoin me.

As you were supposed to from the moment you were born

The naturalist queen back away from the canyon, her eyes dancing with fear. Here she stands, among sisters that she does not remember, dripping blood to the black stone ground. As the goddess tempts her to die.

And yet, she must spend the night here. While the rest of the revelers partake in the hunt, the queens must stay here, by the domain. Tomorrow, at sunrise, they will rejoin the festival. But first, Orianna must survive this.

The priestesses have told each of the queens not to acknowledge each other. The Goddess would prefer that her queen's stay solitary on this sacred night.

Of course, that doesn't mean the queens will listen...