Life in the Order of the Destined started as early as the sunrise, with disciples and members alike being awoken by the sound of pots being beaten with wooden spoons by the help who had to get up even earlier. Unlike most days however, this particular morning was filled with a sense of anticipation, nervous excitement, and even a bit of dread for what was to come. What if they did decided to delay the Initiation Ceremony? But even with the question resting on every other initiates minds, everyone still dressed for the day and meandered on toward breakfast. It wouldn't be until afterwards when they stood in the main hall, with masters and staff lining the edges on the room as Grand Sorceress Elenor and the Grand Warrior Cider looked over the crowd of gathering disciples. The eight to be initiated standing in the front towards the slightly raised stage and their peers standing in neat rows behind them. Some of them barely keeping themselves from fidgeting.
Finally, Grand Sorceress Elenor and Grand Warrior Cide both smiled and raised their hands as four Destined Objects - shrouded so no young Sorceress could them apart - and four sets of armor on stands appeared in a neat line. "When we call your name please step forward and claim what is rightfully yours," The Grand Sorceress chimed. "Payton Macator." The young sorceress in question stiffened before relaxing into a graceful stride. On the inside, though, she was worried. She knew a shroud would prevent her from seeing her Object from afar, but what if the Grand Sorceress made a mistake and hers wasn't there? What if all she continued to see was junk? What if...
Her eyes landed on a belt made entirely of interlocking plates of intricately engraved gold metal with a string of blue and orange glass beads extending from the hollow buckle and connecting again in the back. She never knew love at first sight, didn't believe in it, but the moment that belt was in her hands she was sure the feeling was pretty damn close to it. She clasped it around her narrow hips and and bowed her thanks to the Grand Sorceress, retreating back into the line of the other awaiting Destined.
"Step forward," Grand Warrior Cider bellowed, "And claim your armor and state your desired weapon. Gareth Bryne."
When his name was called, he stepped forward to a set of armor that ever so slightly resembled a bird, an odachi resting in a scabbard next to it. Reaching forward, Gareth grabbed the helmet of the set of armor, and placed it on his head, claiming it as his own. He then grabbed the odachi, scabbard and all, and held it next him, also claiming it as his own.
"Aurora Kraeriant."
"Aureolis Wolfblood."
Rising up from the seats, he spared a smile at his younger female admirers, nodded curtly at his younger brothers-in-training, and marched off nobly to where his destiny waited for him. Even the strange armor that they had prepared was obviously meant for his usage only, for who else would dare wear such light armor? With flourish, he pulled the cloak off, sweeping it around once for effect, before allowing it to drift onto his shoulders. From the stands, he drew out the saber, Whisper, and allowed it to dance in his hands, the translucent blade whistling in the air.
Finally, with a clink, he sheathed the invisible blade, and bowed once to the Grand Warrior.
His Master will be proud of him this day, but this wasn't the peak of his life. This was merely a small milestone in the legacy he planned to carve out.
"Kasesa Kyoubu," the Grand Sorceress called firmly. Fixing her cloth as she rose, Kasesa made for the stairs as if she were about to receive the crown of a kingdom. Hands clasped together, she kept her gaze fixated on the row of veils before her, never settling on one in particular. The moment it was revealed, that simple and yet gorgeous lantern, Kasesa could feel the connection through the very air. Her gaze channeled a feeling of longing that could be cut with scissors. Tied at her wrist, the feeling of accomplishment was overshadowed by companionship. Retreating back to the seating arrangement, she basked in the emotion for as long as it would hold.
"Morgan du Ciel."
The wait was almost painful, but it paid off as his name was called. He marched forward to the sound of his heartbeat. He was a bit disappointed that the armor he received was as plain as the training armor he often wore but the meaning of it was still there, the start of his duty as Warrior as he dreamed. To Fight and Protect.
"Lucille Celestine."
A small sigh escaped from the apathethic woman as her name was called. Whatever someone wanted to do with her, she didn't really care. Life was a piece of shit anyways. Adjusting the cloak she was wearing even in a place like this, she finally stepped forward, her eyes already fixed on the piece of jewelry she was about to call her own.
"Jeral Desten."
Raising a brow at the set of armor, if only just that, he looked towards the Grand Warrior as Cider held forward a cloak wrapped bundle. Eyes widening a bit in recognition at the familiar Trinket, a smile played on Jeral's lips as he accepted the bundle with a bow. Sweeping the cloak onto his shoulders, his free hand darted out to snatch the two sheathed blades before they could clatter to the ground and interrupt the Ceremony.
With all of their newly initiated Sorceresses and Warriors newly armed, it was the Grand Sorceress who spoke up next, "And now for the moment that has changed so many lives, that puts our faith in all of you, the Destined announcements." A murmur arisen around the hall, some giggling even stirring up amongst the girls. A small amused smile teased the corners of the Grand Sorceress' mouth but it was Grand Warrior Cider who called for silence with two pounds of the tip of his great sword against the raised flooring of the hall. The main hall elapsed into silence once more. "I know this is important for many of you for many different reasons, and this is important for us as well. The Destined are called such because we were granted the power to not control destiny, but help guide it down a better path to ensure a brighter future for those under our charge; everyone else's destiny and your own."
Grand Warrior Cider continued, "With much deliberation, we have chosen these initiates to be our Destined. Stay strong men." Grand Sorceress Elenor shot him a look but Grand Warrior Cider merely smirked and proceeded. "Gareth Bryne, your partner will be Payton Mercator. Jeral Desten, you're with Aurora. Aureolis Wolfblood, you will be partnered with Kasesa Kyoubu. Morgan du Ciel, you are Destined to Vivian Lucille Cel. May Mariun and Raoul guide your paths." With those words the hall erupted into applause. The two Grands shared a look before Grand Sorceress Elenor stepped forward, raising both hands on the air to call for attention.
"Now that this matter has been settled, I'm sure all of you have your duties to attend to." A kind smile went with the polite dismissal and everyone in the main hall began to clear out. "Except for you eight. Your duties are here for now," she said to the newly destined. Once the hall had emptied, she spoke once more. "I always did like these matters to be handled more privately but a good ceremony always seems to lift everyone's spirits. This part however, can be just between us." She winked and, followed by the Grand Warrior, stepped down from the raised flooring to stand directly in front of the newly Destined.
"We've received reports from a near by village that the wild life, under unknown circumstances, have become mutated into monstrous creatures and attacked the local villagers. For your first assignment, I would like for you eight to travel to this village and investigate. Help in any way you can and please, be careful. The village is a half day's travel away from here on foot, not far away enough to qualify for the lending of horses and carriages. What we can provide, however, are supplies." Grand Sorceress Elenor motioned with one hand and a door to the side open and in came a cook pushing a cart. On the cart were old, worn knapsacks that were handed to each Destined.
"You each have a filled water skin, bread, and seasoned meat - enough to last you from there and back - and and a small vial of honey for a little something sweet. In one of these knapsacks you'll find a map and a compass. Oh, one more thing. Normally we only give this to members going off on more tough and physically demanding missions but our harvest this month was more bountiful than usual, so consider this a little going away present; a dried piece of moon pleemal. If you ever find yourself needing that little boost of energy, this will do the trick. Now, my children, be at the main gate in a half hour. That should be enough time to say your good byes and make any final preparations."
