The towering church

The coal grill crackled and popped as the vendor expertly rotated the skewers of meat, ensuring each one was perfectly charred. The sizzling aroma filled the air, and the trio's stomachs rumbled in unison.

"We'll have three of those," Tabatha said, pointing at the skewers, her voice filled with amusement as she noticed Vasir and Raveer's eyes practically glowing with hunger.

The vendor nodded with a practiced smile, swiftly retrieving three skewers and placing them on separate plates. He drizzled a rich, reddish-brown sauce over the sizzling meat, the smell alone enough to make everyone's mouth water.

Tabatha leaned in, wiping the corner of Vasir's and Raveer's mouths, where drool had started to form. "Couldn't wait a moment, huh? Bumpkins!" she chided playfully, urging them to hold their enthusiasm a little longer.

The boys eagerly took their plates, tearing the meat off the skewers with their teeth. The food was heavenly, tender and juicy, with the perfect balance of smoky flavor. Their eyes shone with happiness as they exchanged glances, savoring each bite.

"Please prepare a couple more plates to go before they finish and start drooling again," Tabatha requested with a knowing smile.

The vendor nodded with understanding and began preparing additional plates, making sure they'd have enough to last through their journey.

As they finished their delicious meal, the unmistakable sound of a loud burp broke the calm—Raveer's contribution. Laughter erupted from the group as they wiped their mouths and prepared to leave.

"Now, to the church! Let's get me awakened!" Vasir exclaimed, raising his fist triumphantly toward the sky, full of energy and excitement.

They made their way toward the church, which was not far from the market. The towering structure loomed ahead, built with magnificent red bricks, rising to an astonishing height. Vasir and Raveer had to crane their necks to take in its full grandeur.

The church was a revered place, known for being the home of the ancient disciples of Lauriel, the goddess of light. She was believed to be the originator of the awakening process. The church's members controlled the fees for the awakening ceremonies, which was why it was so expensive.

They entered through the massive wooden doors, adorned with intricate engravings of archangels and notable historical figures. The moment they stepped inside, the beauty of the interior took their breath away. High ceilings supported a grand chandelier, while sculptures and paintings depicting long-forgotten events graced the walls.

At the far end of the church stood a towering statue of Lauriel herself, with her magnificent wings spread wide. She was adorned in minimal golden jewelry, which gleamed brightly, catching the light. Vasir couldn't help but admire the exquisite craftsmanship. "Those jewels must cost a fortune!" he exclaimed in awe.

A long carpet stretched from the entrance to the altar, its rich brown hue lined with intricate silver patterns. On either side of the aisle, rows of beautifully carved wooden benches awaited visitors. The atmosphere was reverent and serene.

At the front of the aisle was a desk, behind which a nun stood, wearing an elegant white dress with silver embellishments. Her calm demeanor welcomed the trio as they approached her.

"Welcome to the Church of Light. How may I assist you?" the nun greeted warmly.

"We're here for the awakening ceremony. Is the priest available?" Tabatha inquired politely.

"Yes, the priest is here. First, I'll need to gather some information about the candidate and confirm his readiness for the ceremony," the nun replied with a kind smile.

Vasir, unable to contain his excitement, stepped forward. "Hi, I'm Vasir from Schwarzwald village. I just turned eight today!"

"Happy birthday, young one! May Lauriel bless you with health and prosperity," the nun said, her smile warm and sincere. "Now, please place your hand on the orb. It will confirm if you're ready for the ceremony."

Vasir eagerly approached the orb and placed his hands on it. The moment his skin touched the surface, the orb shone brightly, confirming that he was indeed eligible for the awakening.

"Hurray!" Vasir's face lit up with joy as the orb's light faded.

Some children, even at the age of eight, might not be ready for the awakening ceremony due to slower brain development, but Vasir had passed the test. The awakening ceremony would help him better understand and control mana, preparing him for his magical future.

After the nun recorded Vasir's details, she turned her attention to Raveer, who had been standing quietly beside Tabatha, watching with a proud smile.

"Now, it's your turn," the nun said gently to Raveer.

Raveer looked surprised for a moment, his hands clenching nervously. "Oh no, I'm not here for the ceremony. It's just Vasir," he explained, his voice tentative.

Tabatha gently placed her hand on his back, nudging him forward. "What are you talking about? Of course, you're going to get awakened too!" she said with a firm yet loving tone.

"But Ammi, it's too expensive..." Raveer's voice faltered as he looked down, gripping his hands tightly.

Tabatha knelt down and lifted his chin, meeting his gaze. "Boy! Did you really think I wouldn't pay for your awakening? Have I ever treated you any differently from Vasir? You're part of this family, and nothing will ever change that," she said, her voice full of warmth and love.

Tears welled up in Raveer's eyes as he looked at Tabatha, unable to find the words. In an instant, he threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly. "Bb… Bb… Am…" he cried, his emotions overwhelming him.

Tabatha hugged him back, gently patting his head. "There, there," she murmured softly. "I'll always take care of you."

Vasir, moved by the moment, stepped forward and patted Raveer on the shoulder. "Enough weeping, Raveer! That sweet nun isn't going to stand there all day waiting for you to finish crying!" he said, his voice playful, trying to cheer him up.

The nun, watching the tender exchange, had a small tear in her eye, touched by the love and care the family shared. It was a reminder of the kindness that still existed in the world.

After a few more moments, Raveer composed himself. He approached the nun with a soft smile and provided his details for the awakening process. As he placed his hand on the orb, it glowed once more, confirming his eligibility.

With both Vasir and Raveer now confirmed for the ceremony, the trio eagerly awaited the arrival of the priest, ready to begin the next chapter of their magical journey.