The Procession

The Duke walked back and forth as he waited outside by the carriage. He was excited to see Elaine in her dress that he personally chose. But at the same time, he was worried Elaine's trauma would get triggered during the procession. She told him many times that it would be okay, but he couldn't help but worry. He laughed at himself. He couldn't believe a child was the one comforting him instead of the other way around.

The door opened and the Duke as well as the knights turned around to see her. The duke's eyes sparkled at her sight. She looked just like an angel. He smiled softly as he watched her made her way to him. The way she walked was with confidence and good posture unlike before. He was proud of how she had changed over time.

"My little girl," He said as he looked down at her. He held out his hand to help her get into the carriage. "How pretty you are."

"T-Thank you, grandpa." She blushed as she placed her hand on his.

They entered the carriage together. She found Jared sitting in the corner as he looked out the window with folded arms. He wore a matching blue top with trousers. Dezmond and Amelie had no need to attend for they were still too young.

"Good afternoon, Jared." Elaine greeted him as she sat down on the opposite seat.

"...Good afternoon," he said still not looking at her.

Elaine would greet him every time she saw him, but he would only look away and ignore her. However, they were in the presence of the Duke so he couldn't do what he usually did. The Duke sighed.

They made their way to the church. The closer they got, the bigger the crowd was. The carriages were all lined up on the street waiting for its turn for the passengers to get out. Elaine looked up at the tall white building. She could tell just by looking at it, how old it was. She learned it has stood there for at least one and a half thousand years ever since the founding fathers had settled in. She was surprised she wasn't reacting to the church like how she does to a priest. But it was probably because her trauma only had to do with people in priests clothing.

She didn't realize her hands began to tremble until the Duke placed his hand on hers to comfort her. She looked down at her hands then at the Duke.

"You're going to be fine, my child." He tucked her hair behind her ear and caressed her cheeks. "I'll be there watching you so if anything happens, just know that I'll be right there."

Elaine smiled and nodded at the Duke. She looked back outside and it was her turn to go out. The crowd stared at the carriage, knowing fully well who was inside for the duke's crest was marked at the door. They waited to see the rumoured adopted child of the duke's house. The footman opened the door and she got off the carriage. After her came the Duke and Jared.

They couldn't help but stare in awe. The family was made out of beauties and it was not everyday that one was able to see them. Both children would surely grow up to be dashing. They watched as they made their way to the church.

Elaine looked around and there were many other children wearing white. Their families accompanied them and made their way to their designated seats. Just by the entrance, she saw a girl with red orange wavy hair that wore a white dress like her. That was the first time she had seen that hair colour but she did read about them. She was amazed with how radiant it seemed to be. Beside her was a boy who was most likely her older brother and a girl who was her younger sister. With them were their parents as well as their grandfather. They looked like a perfect happy family.

"Hendrix!" The Duke suddenly say with a big smile on his face. He walked towards the family. The old man looked behind him and a smile formed on his face.

"Zyair!" He said as he laughed with joy. "I'm glad to see you again, my friend."

They both hugged each other. Elaine looked at them confused. Jared only looked bored while the other children looked over with a smile. The girl her age saw Elaine and nodded towards her and Elaine did the same. The old man named Hendrix then looked at Elaine.

"So this must be her," He said and the Duke nodded. "Nice to meet you young lady Elaine. My name is Hendrix Fidel Whitlock, the former Marquess."

Elaine put out her right hand as per etiquette lesson. He bent down and took her hand to kiss it on the back. She then in turn curtsied and introduced herself.

"M-my name is Elaine Elsher," she stuttered. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"What a charming young girl you are," he said feeling delighted.

The church bell rang, indicating that the procession would soon begin. They all went in and sat at the front row. Elaine had to stay at the back with the other children. They formed a line. The children chattered feeling giddy and excited to receive their middle name. But Elaine began to turn pale. There were priests everywhere and she tried hard not to focus on them. The Duke looked back to check on Elaine and she smiled back and waved.

The high priest began with a short speech, thanking and praising the Goddess. Then it was almost time for the first child to enter, which was Elaine since she was of higher rank. The girl behind her, the Marquess' granddaughter, noticed how nervous Elaine was and tapped her on the shoulder.

"You'll do great," she said with a straight face.

"T-Thank you," Elaine replied with a smile. She noticed the necklace she wore and couldn't help but stare. It had the shape of a blooming flower and it had a tear shaped gem in the middle.

"It's a family heirloom," she said. "My name is Feanix by the way."

"M-My name is Elaine," she said a bit surprised that Feanix was talking to her. But before she could indulge more in the conversation, she heard the cue for her to enter.

She nodded at the girl and began to walk. All eyes were on her as she got closer and closer to the altar. She regulated her breathing as she tried to stay calm. She looked at the high priest who smiled at her as he waited. She tried to force a smile, but had to lower her eyes to avoid getting lightheaded. It almost felt like ages before she reached the altar. She knelt down on the cushion on the ground. She was feeling dizzy and nauseous, but she held it in. No mistakes were allowed. The priest began to pray and finally asked her a question.

"Do you promise to believe only in the Goddess and forever stay loyal to her?"

"Ak niwa xihlas," Elaine replied with her hands together. She was starting to have cold sweat. She had never been so close to a priest nor spoken to him. She did practice back home with Miles who wore a priest's robe, but she wasn't that fazed because she knew it was just Miles. This was different. It felt different.

"Then I hereby gift you the name the Goddess herself had chosen especially for you."

He held an artefact in his left hand while he blessed her with his right. She looked up with her eyes closed and the priest placed his hand on her head. Elaine almost fainted on the spot for she felt pain she had never felt before. It had felt like her heart was about to explode. She clenched her jaws and focused on keeping herself composed.

"The Goddess has gifted you with the name Lavelle," the priest announced and the spectators cheered. "May the Goddess be with you."

With that she was allowed to take a seat with her family. She sat down beside the Duke and he looked at her worried. He noticed how pale she was and how badly she trembled. He put his arms over her shoulders and he let her lean on him. Even if he wanted to leave right away, nobody was allowed to until the procession was over.

Elaine tried hard to keep herself conscious during the procession. The duke's presence was a big help to that. She couldn't hear anything else, but her beating heartbeat. But if she remembered correctly, the girl after her was named Helaine. She wanted to remember this because she wished to become friends with her.

When the procession was finally over, they hurried out of the church. The Duke helped her walk. Everyone around tried to congratulate the Duke and Elaine for the blessing, but he kindly excused himself and told them that Elaine felt sleepy, for she had been awake since early morning to prepare. They all understood and watched them leave.

Once they passed through the exit, Elaine immediately lost her consciousness. The Duke caught her before she fell to the ground and carried her in his arms. Jared stood still as he was stunned and couldn't understand why she had fainted.

"Bring the carriage over immediately!" Ordered the Duke.

The carriage stopped in front of them and the Duke hurried inside the carriage. Jared was still on the same spot. The Duke realized this.

"Come now, Jared." The Duke urged him to come in and he quickly went inside.

The Marquess family watched them leave in a hurry and prayed for Elaine's health, hoping she would get well soon.