Willow Town 6

Mia felt herself being pulled back, her consciousness returning to the waking world. She jolted upright in her bed, her heart still pounding from the intensity of the dream. The room around her was bathed in the soft glow of dawn, and for a moment, she wondered if the encounter had been nothing more than a vivid illusion.

But as she rubbed her eyes, she felt a strange sensation – a faint, lingering warmth in her hand. She looked down, and to her amazement, she saw a faint, ethereal glow emanating from her palm, just like in her dream.

She turned to look at her side but she could not see her father. She became curious and rushed outside, only to see her father sitting outside discussing with Chief Kellan. She became surprised when she realized that she could actually hear what they were discussing from a distance. "What is happening to me?" she mumbled.

She looked at her hands again, but this time they were normal. She decided to go inside to start packing up her things and her father's belongings. While doing so, she overheard him say, "She is grown now but not ready at all."

"It's time you show her and tell her all she needs to know about herself. You don't have much time yourself," Chief Kellan said.

"I know that, and that's why I have brought her here. From here, we are going to see her uncle," her father said.

Mia was confused when she heard the words 'you don't have much time'. What could they mean by that?

Mia finished packing and decided to wait for her father. When he finally came inside, he had a serious expression on his face. He sat her down and gently broke the news to her that they were not leaving the village just yet. They were going to spend an extra day there.

Mia looked disappointed, "But Papa, I thought we were going to continue our journey to see my uncle."

Her father smiled softly, "I know, Mia. But there are some things we need to attend to here first. It won't take long."

Later that day, Chief Kellan approached them, his demeanor grave. "My dear friend," he said, addressing Mia's father, "it's time for the ritual."

Mia's curiosity was piqued, but her father's nod indicated that this was something serious. The chiefs had gathered around, their expressions a mix of respect and concern.

Chief Kellan began. "It's a tradition passed down through generations, a bond between our soul and the supernatural forces that govern these lands."

Mia's father nodded, "I understand the importance, Chief. And I appreciate your willingness to involve my daughter."

Chief Elara, a woman with an air of wisdom, spoke up, "Mia's destiny is tied to our world, even if she doesn't fully understand it yet."

Mia listened, her curiosity growing stronger. Chief Kellan continued, "The ritual will strengthen the connection between her and the energies of this land. It will help her tap into her latent powers."

Mia's father turned to her, "Mia, this is a crucial step in your life. You have abilities within you that you need to embrace."

"What do I need to do, Papa?" Mia asked

"You simply need to focus on the moment, and allow the energies to flow through you," her father explained.

Mia found herself being led to the river where the ritual was to take place and a circle was formed around her

The riverbank was a serene place, and Mia watched as the village chiefs prepared for the ritual. Chief Kellan, along with her father and some other prominent figures, were involved in the preparations. Mia's curiosity grew as she saw the serious expressions on their faces. This was something she had never witnessed before.

As the ritual began, Mia's heart raced. She saw her father and Chief Kellan chanting incantations, their voices blending with the sounds of nature around them. The atmosphere felt charged with energy, and Mia could sense the ancient power that surrounded the ritual.

Mia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to center herself. She felt a gentle warmth spread through her and a sense of unity with the land. It was as if the very essence of the village was embracing her.

Throughout the ceremony, Mia kept her emotions in check. She pretended not to fully understand what was happening, even though her intuition told her that this was significant. She watched as various elements were incorporated into the ritual – water, fire, earth, and air. Symbols and sigils were drawn on her skin with a mix of natural pigments.

Her father's presence reassured her, but she couldn't help feeling a mixture of fear and excitement. What did all of this mean for her? Why was she the focus of this ritual? And why had her father not shared this information with her before?

The ceremony continued until the sun began to dip below the horizon. The last rays of light danced on the water's surface as Chief Kellan performed the final part of the ritual. Mia's father stood by, his eyes fixed on her, a mixture of pride and concern in his gaze.

As the ritual reached its climax, Mia's father stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. She felt a surge of energy pass from him to her, a transfer of strength and guidance.

When it was finally over, the fire's glow faded, and the atmosphere seemed to shift. The energy that had enveloped the area scattered, leaving Mia with a feeling of both tiredness and revitalization. She looked at her father, seeking answers, but he simply smiled gently

"You have taken an important step today, Mia," he said softly. "There are things you will come to understand as time goes on. Trust in the journey, and remember that we are here to guide you."

Mia nodded, absorbing his words. Although she didn't fully grasp the details of the ritual, she trusted her father and Chief Kellan.