Leora hated going to the shrine. She always had. When she was little it was easier. Yes, there would be stares and comments, but often she’d be given sweets or little gifts by the priests. When she turned eight everything changed. Suddenly she was expected to spend every morning there, alternating between sitting in the cramped and dusty classroom learning the doctrine of light with the trainee priests, who were all way older than her, and spending the mornings being bashed around on the training fields. Instead of treats, the senior Clerics were more likely to assign her chores, or insist she join them in the chapel to pray.


    Nearly four years later, all she had to show from it was an extremely biased education, a grounding in the use of various weapons (despite not showing any particular talent as a fighter), the ability to make herself as inconspicuous as possible, and a bubbling resentment for every person involved. As her twelfth birthday approached, and along with it, her coming of age ceremony, the pressure had only increased. Her precious free afternoons had been lost, in favour of more praying. Whispers about what her titles would be and the bright new future she would herald were becoming more insistent.  Even her few friends from the shrine’s orphanage were behaving strangely.


    Leora looked down at the white circle on the back of her hand. One little mark makes such a big difference. She sighed. Why me. Why does it have to be me. Why can’t I just be normal. She looked up at the beautiful stained glass windows which towered over her, casting rays of coloured light onto the white stone floors. Her favourite activity at the shrine had always been to visit the Blessed Glaziers who made beautiful glass sculptures, sun catchers, and stained glass. She even had a small piece of stained glass hanging in her window at home that she had made herself.


    “Leora” chastised her mother quietly, “do not get distracted!”


    Leora glanced across at her mother kneeling next to her. She had perfect posture and long smooth golden hair which glistened in the light. Her smooth face twitched into a frown as she caught Leora looking at her. Her eyes were an icy blue, and just as cold.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Leora quickly straightened her back and lowered her head, staring at her clasped hands. Her unruly brown curls tumbled forward, blocking her face from her mother’s view.


    I’m never going to be what she wants me to be. How would that even be possible! Also, who adopts a child just because of a prophecy?  She hates children, everyone knows that. She would far rather be back on the battlefield with Father than here. Now because of this stupid ceremony she comes here and doesn’t even pretend to be interested in me as a person, just my progress. Ugh, it would be so much better if she stayed away and I could live with Nana Clara and Grandad Josef. Then I could go to the forge with Sammy, and practice carving with Grandad. It’s always so fun over there. Leora sighed again. Things will just get worse after next week. Lucas went to the front when he was fourteen. I can’t imagine I’ll get to stay back any later than that.


    Leora’s brother Lucas was ten years older than her. He was the biological child of her parents and was constantly held up as a shining example. He, like her parents, was a demi elf, blessed with strong battle magic, and was currently assisting their father who was General based at the fort in Aruen.


    Leora’s mother was a Battle Mage and Elementalist, she led one of the troops of mages who were fighting the forsworn in the south, but recently had brought her troops further went to join the base at Aruen.


    Nothing had been officially announced, but it seems like this was not a tactical move but rather a necessary retreat after a serious defeat in the foothills of Marom. Leora had heard some of the priests discussing it, and had seen the requests for more supplies which had overwhelmed the logistics office.


    Leora surreptitiously shifted her weight to stop her legs from falling asleep. The bells chimed the next hour and finally her mother smoothly rose to her feet, genuflected once, and glided out of the shrine. Leora scrambled to follow her, staggering as she hurried back down the aisle in her wake.


    As they came out into the bustling courtyard, Leora’s mother turned to her with an unreadable expression. “I have several things to achieve, you are to return home and read your scriptures. Please ensure that your garments are ready for tomorrow. I shall return after nightfall so you must light the candles.” With that she spun around and strode off into the crowd.


    Leora stared after her for a moment, before she also hurried down the steps and weaved her way through the busy throng.