Morning arrived gently, just like any other morning in Riverbend. Soft blue light crept in through the tall windows of the castle room where Caela and Rieva slept. Caela awoke again from the same dream—and the same voice—before the sun had fully pierced her room. Her breath was shallow and quick as she looked over at Rieva, who was still asleep.
Caela climbed out of bed and walked to the window, gazing out at the distant Temple of the Water God, now clearly visible. She could hardly wait to meet the god and uncover the meaning of her dreams.
**
After breakfast in the hall, Caela and Rieva were given more proper attire—ceremonial robes of white, embroidered with silver threads in water-like patterns, lending them an air of elegance. Rieva stood behind Caela, adjusting the robe's clasp before giving her a reassuring nod. Caela nodded in return.
Soon after, castle guards arrived to escort them. They walked through quiet corridors until they reached the inner docks, where a narrow boat floated on still canal waters. The air was calm, the water smooth as glass. Without a word, they boarded the boat, and the guards rowed them toward the distant temple that seemed to rise straight out of the water.
As they drew closer, the structure became more defined—a graceful formation of stone and pale glass, seemingly hovering above the water. Faintly glowing runes lined its pillars, and streams of water rose from the surface like columns, forming a mist around the entrance. The aura of the deity was unmistakable—its presence near.
They stepped onto the temple platform. To their surprise, the King was already waiting there.
"Your Majesty... You're here..." Caela said.
The King chuckled softly and stepped closer to Caela. Slowly, he waved a finger before her face in a circular pattern, then chanted a protective spell. Once finished, he placed both hands gently on her shoulders.
"May the Gods bless you, young one," he said.
Caela's eyes widened. She was moved by his gesture and gave a small smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. May the gods bless us all." She bowed respectfully.
The King smiled and withdrew his hands. He then ordered his guard to bring out a crystal—now formed into a blue pendant necklace—and handed it to Caela. She received it with a nod.
Caela and Rieva proceeded into the circular chamber at the heart of the temple where the ritual would take place. The King and his guards waited outside.
Inside The Temple of the Water God, Varuna.
Caela and Rieva stood in silence, staring at the temple's center—a stone dock extending into a vast, pure-blue lake. Rieva squeezed Caela's hand before Caela stepped forward.
"Caela, remember. Be honest with the god, and try to merge with him," Rieva said, a hint of concern in her voice.
Caela nodded and walked forward slowly, Rieva following close behind. Reaching the dock's edge, Caela looked into the tranquil water below, then stretched out her hand and closed her eyes.
"Great Lord of the Waters, Varuna, I summon thee."
Instantly, the still waters swirled into a vortex, and from it rose a creature with a humanoid form—partially scaled, twice the size of a man, with a massive tail. Varuna, the Water God, emerged, whipping his tail and sending water splashing onto Caela and Rieva. Though silent in voice, his words echoed in Caela's mind—deep, calm, eternal.
"What dost thou seek from me, Mortal?"
Caela was stunned—by the sight, the presence, the overwhelming feelings. Warmth, sorrow, joy—they all collided inside her as she heard his voice. She clutched the crystal pendant the King had given her, now trembling.
"Dost thou wish to confine me within that crystal?"
Her eyes widened. The voice echoed again. She shook her head and let the crystal slip from her hand, tumbling back toward Rieva, who raised an eyebrow in concern.
"Thou hast called me, and here I stand before thee. I beseech thee to bless me, and guide me towards the truth,"Caela finally spoke.
"A calling, thou sayst?"
"Indeed. The Gods summoned me through dreams. I followed their call, ready for the fate and truth they weave for me, even if it be grim."
"...Thou… the Chosen One… Thou swear to restore balance to this world?"
"If that is thy purpose in calling, then I am prepared for the most dire consequences," Caela replied.
"...Very well… The Chosen One…"
The waters surged, and at that moment, Caela felt herself leaving her body. A blinding light filled the Temple of Varuna, and the god vanished—absorbed into Caela's form. She felt faint, on the verge of losing consciousness. The brilliant light made her body feel weightless. Looking down at her hands, she was stunned—they had transformed. She had taken the form of Varuna.
"Is this... the true power of a Host?" she murmured in her heart.
Rieva's eyes widened, tears falling as she bowed in reverence to the Water God. Soon after, the light faded. Caela collapsed unconscious in her human form. Rieva rushed forward, cradling her in her arms to carry her out of the temple.
"Thou hast seen death. Thou hast felt misery. Thou carry the echoes of a forgotten world. And yet thou bring no offerings, no demands, only a question. Thou art the Chosen One,"
Outside, the King and his guards could see the blinding light—unlike anything they had ever witnessed. The people of Riverbend, even the children, pointed toward the temple, watching the light vanish just as quickly as it appeared. The King smiled in relief and satisfaction.
"At last… the Chosen Host has arrived…" the King murmured in contentment.
***