Chapter 42

Seraphine stood in a magnificent, spacious hall whose walls were decorated with detailed carvings of dragons and ancient Valyrian religious symbols.

The floor beneath her feet was made of polished black marble with golden veins that shimmered like liquid fire in the light of the floating crystal chandeliers. An enormous dome arched above it, through whose glazed openings the warm, golden light of the setting sun streamed in.

She would be lying if she said she was just excited. No, that wasn't even close. Her heart was pounding and she could feel the tingle of anticipation in every fiber of her body. She was overjoyed, so filled with eager anticipation and joy that she could hardly stand still.

She had dreamed of this moment for years, spent countless nights imagining what it would be like when this day would finally come - the day when her most longed-for wish would come true. And now it was here. The beginning of a new chapter in her life.

She was standing in front of two enormous doors, which were decorated with artful carvings and emitted a soft, almost hypnotic glow. These doors led to one of the most sacred places in Valyrian culture: the Bath of Flames. An ancient ritual that not only purified her, but also ensured that she was fertile enough to bear a child.

It was a ritual in which no man was allowed to be present, only her mother, Lysara, and her sisters Dona and Adema were at her side as she didn't want all their female family members here.

Her mother put a hand on her back and she took a deep breath. "Go, my love," her mother whispered reassuringly, "you are expected." With a gentle nudge to her lower back, she gave her the final push she needed to get to the door.

When she reached the door, Seraphine paused once more and turned around. Her mother was giving her a gentle, encouraging smile. Dona, who looked a lot like her father, just winked at her, and sweet little Adema had her eyes and concentration fixed on everything that glittered and sparkled.

She giggled softly before gathering her nerves and pushing the door handle down.

Seraphine stepped through the heavy doors and immediately saw the difference.

The interior was simple, almost austere. There was no room here for superfluous luxury or pompous decorations that could distract the mind. Everything in this room served a single purpose.

In the center of the room was a large basin whose surface was calm and mirror-like.

Twelve shrouded figures in black cloaks sat around the pool.

Their faces were hidden under low-pulled hoods and they sat motionless, like statues locked in an eternal circle.

In front of Seraphine stood a woman whose appearance stood out clearly from the others. She was not wearing a cloak, but a lavishly designed robe in deep crimson and gold. The fabric shimmered in the subdued light of the room and the robe itself was decorated with delicate embroidery along its entire length. Emblazoned on her chest was a symbol that immediately caught Seraphine's attention: the Sixteen-Tailed Shield.

The symbol consisted of a circle with sixteen wavy tails wrapped around a twelve-sided center. The fourteen smaller tails represented the gods, while the two larger ones at the top and bottom of the circle stood for the Standing Sage, the spokesman of the religion, and the Sage Below, the protector of the faith.

The twelve-sided center symbolized the Twelve Shadow Sages, who once taught the Valyrians their magic. The shield on which the symbol rested represented the need to protect the faith against all those who would destroy it.

"Seraphine of House Baelaeron," she began solemnly, "you now enter the sacred ritual of the flame bath, a tradition that has existed since the beginnings of our people. Here, before the eyes of the gods and the sages, you will be purified"

She pointed to the basin in front of Seraphine. "Step forward and allow the fire to purify your soul and body, as the first Dragonriders born from the depths of fire once did."

Seraphine stepped carefully to the edge of the pool, her hands trembling slightly.

She took off the dress she was wearing. It was a one-piece because she knew what was coming. At least in parts from her mother.

She drew in a deep breath, one last time, before placing her first foot in the pool.

The temperature of the water surprised her. She had never had a problem with heat, no dragon rider ever had.

But as she dove in further, she felt a slight, tingling heat creep along her body. It felt as if tiny flames were dancing on her skin, but without burning her. It was a strange heat.

The cloaked figures sitting around the pool began to chant softly. But she was more focused on herself to make out the words.

Suddenly she felt the temperature of the water change rapidly. It was getting hotter, but it wasn't unpleasant. On the contrary, it was a heat that penetrated deep inside her, relaxing her muscles and filling every fiber of her being with energy. She felt as if the water was cleansing her body, washing away all doubts, all fears.

The woman in the purple robe stepped closer to the pool, her hands raised. "Seraphine of House Baelaeron," she spoke in a voice that echoed in the hall, "you are now ready to unleash the flames within you. Let the fire purify your heart and strengthen you."

With those words, the woman lowered her hands and suddenly a flame shot up from the depths of the pool and enveloped Seraphine. But instead of burning, she felt the flame filling her being and ... she couldn't describe it. It was simply the most pleasant experience she had ever had.

She could have fallen asleep right there and then.

The ritual only lasted a few moments, but it felt like an eternity. When the flame finally went out and the water became calm again, Seraphine slowly opened her eyes. She felt that she had changed, as if she had been reborn. The magic of the ritual had touched her soul, and cleansed her.

She slowly stepped out of the pool, the water running down her skin.

The priestess stepped forward and placed a soft, golden cloth around her shoulders.

Seraphine looked into the woman's eyes and recognized the pride and joy in them as if she were her own child.

"You have unleashed the flames within you and emerged stronger from the fire," the priestess said in a voice full of respect and approval. "Now you are ready to take your place at Kaelary's side, as his wife and he as your husband."

"Follow me," said the priestess and led them down a narrow corridor, which eventually turned into a magnificent hallway again.

After a short time, the priestess stopped and opened a door on the left. Inside were her mother and sisters, as well as other women who were obviously slaves, as could be seen from their humble postures and bowed heads.

Seraphine stepped through the open door and found herself in a tastefully furnished room. The walls were hung with fine fabrics and a large mirror stood in the middle of the room, flanked by chests of drawers on which lay jewelry and accessories. Her mother, Lysara, immediately stood up and approached her with a warm smile.

"Look at you, daughter, you're glowing," and took her hands in hers. "I think this will be one of the few moments when even Kaelarys will be speechless."

Séraphine's cheeks turned red as her mother spoke.

Her mother gently placed her hands on Seraphine's shoulders and led her to a comfortable, softly padded chair in the corner of the room. 

"Sit down, my darling," Lysara said with a warm smile, and Seraphine settled into the chair.

As soon as she was seated, the slave women came to her side and went about their tasks. Two of them knelt in front of Seraphine and began gently filing her nails.

Another slave handed her a bowl of scented water to bathe her hands in.

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Short chapter again, but I just want to watch movies, hang out with my girlfriend, drink with my friends after the last two hard weeks, so I'm not that motivated, but hey, it's a chapter.