The tension in the air dissipated as the priest approached the group, Lyn with her energetic nature calming down at the sight of the kind old man. She introduced herself with a polite smile, revealing her humble origins hailing from the plains.
"I'm Lyn, the chieftain's daughter of the Lorca tribe. Are you hurt, sir?" She asked with concern, introducing herself.
The priest smiled warmly and shook his head.
"Thanks to you, I am unscathed. You have my gratitude." He said, his voice warm and genuine.
Lyn nodded as she took a look at the priest.
"And the sword? Is it safe?" Lyn asked.
"Yes, I have sealed the sword safely away." The priest answered.
He then approached the altar where the legendary sword rested. It was a magnificent weapon, shining with a golden light.
"Until I remove my spell, the sword cannot be drawn." The priest explained.
The priest raised his hands and began to chant in a solemn voice. He spoke in an ancient language that the group did not understand, but they could sense the power in his words. He moved his hands in a circular motion, tracing a symbol in the air. The symbol glowed with a white light and then flew towards the altar.
The sword was covered by a thin layer of mist. The mist shimmered and changed colors, creating a dazzling display. The mist seemed to resist the priest's spell, as if trying to protect the sword.
The priest did not give up. He continued his chant, louder and faster. He pointed his finger at the sword and uttered a final word. A beam of light shot out from his finger and hit the sword.
The mist let out a hissing sound and vanished. The sword was now visible and unguarded.
The priest lowered his hands and sighed. He looked at Lyn with a smile.
"Now, as a token of my gratitude, I shall allow you to lay hands upon the Mani Katti."
He gestured for Lyn to approach the sword. She felt a mysterious attraction to it, as if it was whispering her name. She hesitated for a moment, then walked towards it with curiosity and awe.
"Touch the blade's pattern, and pray for a safe journey." The priest instructed.
"Oh, thank you so much!" Lyn said gratefully, a smile spreading across her face.
She reached out her hand and touched the intricate pattern on the blade, her fingers tracing the lines with care. She closed her eyes and prayed silently, her lips moving in a soft whisper.
A dazzling light flashed and covered the entire room, making everyone shield their eyes in surprise.
"Hm?" The priest was startled by the sudden brightness.
He shielded his eyes and felt a surge of energy. He wondered what was happening, and if the spirits were pleased or angry with him. He hoped that he had not made a mistake by giving Lyn access to the sword.
"What? Did--" Lyn opened her eyes and gasped, the brightness fading to reveal a flash of golden light.
The sword shone brightly and emitted a soft hum, its power pulsing through Lyn's hand.
"The sword... It's...glowing." Lyn said with wonder, her eyes fixed on the sword's shining blade.
Lyn stared at the glowing weapon. She felt a warmth in her hand and a bond in her heart.
"Interesting… This sword is extraordinary." Astrid remarked, his eyes fixated on the glowing blade.
Sain was equally stunned. "I've never seen anything like this before. It's like magic!" He exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief.
Astrid whispered to himself. "It IS magic... Enchantments and runes… I wonder if I can replicate it…"
Kent, on the other hand, was more reserved, he was silently observing the sword.
"Ah. Hm... It's the power of the spirits." The priest explained calmly.
He looked at Lyn with interest and admiration. "Lyn, they have looked into your soul, and they call out to you."
"What does that mean?" Lyn asked puzzled.
The priest said solemnly. "You are its rightful owner. You are to wield the Mani Katti."
Lyn shook her head in disbelief. "No... I can't... I couldn't…" She was just a simple girl from the plains, not a hero.
The priest insisted. "It is the sword's wish." He said, his voice carrying the weight of his words.
He smiled gently and encouraged her. "If you require proof, draw it from its sheathe."
"Um…" Lyn was unsure of what to do, her hand hesitating on the sword's hilt.
She looked at the sword again, and felt it inviting her to draw it. She also felt it warning her of the consequences. If she drew the sword, she would accept its destiny. If she refused, she would lose its favor.
"…"
Taking a deep breath, Lyn gathered her courage. She gripped the hilt firmly and pulled, feeling the sword slide effortlessly from its sheathe.
Another brilliant light flashed and faded into sparks, making the everyone eyes widen in amazement.
The priest was amazed by the sight. He saw that the sword fit perfectly in Lyn's hand, and that it glowed with a golden aura. He realized that this was a rare and miraculous event, and that Lyn was destined for great things.
"It came out effortlessly…" She whispered, awestruck, her voice barely above a breath.
Lyn was amazed by how light and smooth the sword felt in her hand. She held it up and admired its beauty and power.
"I never dared to hope that I might meet the wielder of the Mani Katti in my life." The priest said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I am indeed fortunate to see your sword reach your hands."
Lyn looked up at the priest, noticing the tears welling up in his eyes. She felt a sense of responsibility settling in her heart. The Mani Katti was not just any sword, it was a symbol of hope and power for many people.
"My sword?" Lyn asked, feeling a little overwhelmed by the priest's words.
"It is time for you to go, Lyn. You face a great many ordeals." The priest replied, nodding his head gravely.
"Grip this sword, and meet your destiny head-on." The priest said, his voice filled with conviction.
"Yes... Yes, sir!"
The group left the temple, with Lyn leading the way, the Mani Katti strapped to her side. She felt the weight of the sword on her hip, and knew that it was a symbol of the great responsibility that had been placed upon her.
As they stepped outside, the bright sun greeted them, and they were momentarily blinded by the light. The group instinctively covered their eyes until they adjusted to the brightness.
Lyn took a deep breath of the fresh air and looked around. They were surrounded by tall trees, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The ground was soft with grass and a nearby stream flowed peacefully.
"We should rest here for a moment and catch our breath." Lyn said, gesturing to a nearby shady spot.
As they sat under the shaded trees, the group took a moment to catch their breath and reflect on the events that had just unfolded.
Sain couldn't help but admire the blade, stating. "So this is the Mani Katti... A blade with no equal."
"This is all so unbelievable." Lyn let out a sigh and shook her head, still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she was now in possession of one of the most famous swords.
"Perhaps the most famous sword in all of Sacae...in my hand."
"It's not so strange. In fact, many legends tell similar tales…" Kent tried to assure Lyn. He looked at Lyn with admiration and respect.
He continued. "Special blades all over the land call out to their proper owners."
As they admired the Mani Katti, Sain's eyes gleamed with excitement. "You know, I've heard stories about swords like that."
"It's said that in the far east of Elibe, there's a kingdom that's been hidden away for centuries. They say it's separated from the rest of the world by the ocean and protected by a powerful magic barrier." Sain continued dramatically.
Kent raised an eyebrow. "Are you talking about Asteria?"
"Asteria?" Lyn repeated, the name rolling off her tongue. "Isn't that a myth?"
Sain nodded eagerly. "That's the one! The kingdom of Asteria, with its founder, a dragon-slaying hero who wielded a magical sword that only he could use, single-handedly defeated a dragon during the Scouring, a sword that glowed with a blinding light."
"A sword that glowed with a blinding light?" Kent asked, sounding skeptical.
"That's right, and they say that the sword and its wielder were granted the power to command the winds and control the seas, and that they used this power to create a magical barrier around the kingdom, protecting it from all harm." Sain said, grinning.
"A magical barrier?" Lyn repeated, her eyes widening.
"That's what they say, at least." Sain said with a shrug.
Astrid, who had been listening silently, couldn't help but feel amused by the story. He knew the truth, of course - that Asteria was real and that he was its prince - but he decided to keep his knowledge to himself for now. After all, it wouldn't do to reveal everything all at once.
After Sain's story time ended. Kent turned to Lyn directly. "When I saw you draw that blade, Lyndis…"
"I felt something extraordinary. That sword was waiting for you. You were meant to draw it." He said, his voice sincere.
Astrid smirked and leaned closer to Lyn. "You have such a way with words, Kent."
He whispered in her ear. "Are you trying to woo her with your eloquence?"
Kent heard Astrid's remark and felt a pang of annoyance. He glanced at Astrid and saw his mocking smile. He knew Astrid was just teasing him. He decided to ignore him and focus on Lyn.
Lyn blushed and pushed him away gently.
"Stop it! I... I'm nothing special!" She protested.
Astrid chuckled and winked at her. He enjoyed teasing her, but he also admired her modesty and courage.
"Think of it this way: Some weapon feel more comfortable with your hand, right?" Sain said, joining the conversation. He smiled at Lyn warmly.
Astrid curiously raised his eyebrows. "Oh? The person who forgot his sword is talking..."
He muttered under his breath. "I guess no weapon feels comfortable with you."
Lyn nodded, ignoring Astrid's whisper. She understood what Sain was saying.
"Well, the Mani Katti itself feels very comfortable with you." Sain continued.
"Does this make it any easier for you to accept? It doesn't appear that either of us can use it." He gestured around the group as both Astrid and Kent shake their heads.
Lyn looked at the sword in her hand. It did feel right, as if it was made for her. She felt a connection to it, a bond that she couldn't explain.
"It...does feel right in my hand." Lyn said as she admired at her blade as it shined from the sunlight.
"A blade that only I can wield." She whispered, closing her eyes and feeling its power.
She opened her eyes and faced the group again. She smiled confidently.
"That seems reasonable enough. I can understand that."
Lyn held the sword in her hand, feeling its spirit resonate with hers. She felt a surge of joy and gratitude as she looked at the blade. It was a beautiful and powerful weapon, a gift from the spirits of Sacae.
"Look at it, Astrid." She said, her voice full of wonder and admiration.
Lyn held up the sword in front of him, letting the sunlight reflect off its blade. It was a beautiful weapon, elegant and graceful, yet powerful and deadly.
She wanted to share her excitement with him, to show him what she had achieved. Like a proud student showing her master the result of her hard work and dedication.
Astrid nodded and smiled back warmly.
"This is the Mani Katti. This is...my sword." She declared.
She remembered how the sword had chosen her, how it had reacted to her touch when no one else could draw it. She felt a bond with it, a connection that went beyond words.
She lowered the sword and caressed its hilt gently. She felt its warmth and pulse in her hand.
"I must care for it well." Lyn added softy.
Astrid reached out and touched her shoulder gently. "I'm sure you will, Lyn."
He looked at her with pride and affection. He had seen her grow stronger and braver since they met. He had seen her face danger and hardship with courage and determination.
Astrid's face showed his resolve. "And I'll be here to help you along the way."
He remembered the day he had sworn to train her, to pass on his knowledge and experience.
'And I'll be your strategist, and you will be my warrior.'
He imagined the hardships and perils that awaited them on their journey, but he was confident in their strength and courage.