Honor Earns The Crown

“A strong tree shall always grow from the roots, not the seed.”

Sage sits by the riverbed absorbed by the nature that surrounds her. The mourning doves' coos greet her ears while the melodious sound of flowing water soothes her into a deeper state of tranquility. She glides her hand along the grass blades and rich soil. Its cool and moist texture comforts her knowing the ground is rich with life. She looks at the wildlife nearby, both predators and prey, drink from the river blessed by the spirits protecting the great stretch of land along with her village and its people.

She sends another prayer to the spirits thanking them for their divine protection. The air shimmers and Sage feels a burst of warmth surround her. The moment was fleeting but told her all that she needed to know, grateful that her words reached the other side.

Despite her transfixion to the environment, she knows she has several things to finish before night falls. The sky has gradually shifted to a magenta color growing darker by the minute, the time gnawing at her to return home.

She rises from where she once sat, quick to light candles and lay down two apples near a slanted rock formation as an offering to the river spirits.

That or free food for the curious antelopes she chuckles to herself.

She picks up her vase that was passed on by generations of priestess and carefully places it on her head. Its intricate designs of ivory, gold, and bronze detailed a rich history of how her nation came to be and what is yet to come.

When the ancient kingdom of werewolves in the continental West merged with the mighty group of individuals blessed by the Heavens, the Kingdom of Soleil reigned supreme for thousands of years.

Nevertheless, with great power comes even greater foes. Several centuries ago the Kingdom of Soleil was attacked by the megapowers from the North and East–kingdoms they thought were close allies but instead were our adversaries all along. Her people and resources were pillaged, their homes destroyed, and the kingdom's priestess slaughtered and wrung dry of their powers in the process.

The Great Kingdom of Soleil had been rendered to the minute Soleil Pack holding little to no leverage in the international fora of supernaturals, most notably the Werewolf Society. Stripped of their kingdom title and dignity, no werewolves respected her kind in spite of their people's physical prowess, intelligence, and contributions to the world as it is known today.

History tends to forget your worth when it begs for your downfall.

As the high priestess in Soleil, Sage is duty-bound to tend to the weak and provide protection to the nature around her. She must frequent her communications with living beings in the physical world while fostering strong relationships with spirits and protectors on the other side. Her spirit blessed and bathed by Luna herself, she has a strong affinity toward water. Since her birth, the kingdom's elders stated she was destined to be a strong priestess that would change the tide for Soleil and its people. In what ways ? A confident answer, or answers, has yet to be determined.

The sky was a deep violet by the time Sage saw the light of the border homes in her village. As she made her way through the small market street, mothers and children said their hello's while others expressed their gratitude for her continued prayers and devotion.

"Sage !" she hears her name called. She looks up to see her dear friend and highest ranking warrior Georgios walk towards her direction. Georgios towers over Sage's small frame, clearly signifying his strength and rank in the pack.

"Georgios, it's so great to see you. Have you finished your rotation for the day ?" She asks.

A bright smile stretches across Georgios' handsome face, white teeth contrasting against his deep and smooth complexion. Amber eyes gleam with warmth with a hint of mischief.

"Fortunately I did, Princess. All borders are secure, including the human community a couple kilometers out. My men and I will be returning to post once dawn breaks." He reports to her.

"No need to detail your accounts to me, Georgios, but I appreciate the gesture. I'd rather hear more about how your day went and less about work." Although the two are close friends, Georgios is true to his servitude for the pack. Sage is the second daughter of Alpha Dahvid Lazar. He shares a strong connection with her but holds deep respect for birthright and title as High Priestess.

The two fell into rhythm as they walked down the cobble stone toward the center of town. Georgios talks fondly about his new recruits and their silly antics. Sage could not hide her laughter hearing how the serious and prideful Georgios could allow such devious pranks on senior military officials under his watch.

"The recruits placed fire crackers under the general's cushion ?" She exclaimed.

"In their defense, it was just party poppers so it was nothing too crazy."

Sage let out a dry laugh and gently shook her head. "For all that is good and holy, let us hope they do not try similar pranks as we prepare for the Supernational Assembly." The air of the conversation becomes slightly more serious. Every five years, high level representatives from werewolf packs across the globe must convene to the residence of the Werewolf King for a month-long conference.

Georgios scoffs. "The Supernational Assembly is useless for werewolves like us. What is the point of attending if they do not value our input or our vote in the first place ?"

"Much like my grandparents, Father believes that presence is paramount, no matter how they may view us. In a sense, that is the right approach but it does not absolve the complete lack of respect they show my family." She calmly responds.

"Are you ready to participate this time with your family ?" Georgios asks as he turns to Sage. Sage looks up in the sky, face neutral but topaz eyes gleaming with warring emotions. She is beyond grateful to have been coronated as High Priestess but in exchange for Luna's blessing, Sage was born without a wolf. The people of Soleil are already looked down upon. She worries her presence would make it more difficult for her people's reputation.

She takes a moment before responding, "I cannot deny that I am not nervous, but I know that my presence is needed for this delegation." Georgios chooses not to push further. They calmly walk to the center of town where the Alpha and his family resides. They stand in front of large villa surrounded by various, exotic vegetation, thanks to the blessed hands of Sage and her vase. Alpha Lazar believes that no citizen, supernatural or human, should ever go hungry so all fruits grown in front of his residence are free for the Soleil people to harvest.

"You leave next week ?" Georgios asks. Sage nods her head in response, a polite smile across her face.

He sighs and places a hand on Sage's shoulder. "I know you're worried, but you will be just fine. I don't think you realize how influential and magnetic you are to people around you. Have faith in yourself just like how you have faith in the spirits that protect us. You were blessed for a reason."

Sage smiles a genuine smile with the comfort and reassurance by her dear friend. She does not have the proper words to thank him, so she instead hugs him in response.

"Thank you," she whispers as she pulls away and walks to her home.

Sage turns to look at him one last time before closing the door behind her.

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