The cracking of the flames reverberated throughout the packed but silent room as the group made its slow procession across the marbled floors. The flickering light of a thousand different candles reflected off the bejeweled and silk-clad ensemble, their joyous and colorful appearance providing a marked contrast to the tense atmosphere. Suddenly, a soft sob broke through the crowd, drawing the eyes of the youngest in the procession to the old nurse partially hidden amongst the guest's finery. The old woman was clutching her apron to her mouth as though to physically restrain her fervent protests with the cloth barrier.
"Eyes forward Selene," said the middle-aged woman to her left.
The young girl obeyed, turning her frightened eyes once more to the flickering flames coming ever nearer.
"This is a great honor being bestowed upon you, Selene," the woman continued as the wavering lights of the floating candles illuminated a golden crown atop silvering waves. "To be chosen by the Goddess herself… you have been truly blessed."
The girl said nothing, letting the cowl of her cape dip slightly forward to obscure her expression. One by one the other members of the procession branched off as they approached the circular dais upon which a roaring fire of blue flames stood.
"You will not fail me, Selene," the woman whispered, grasping the arm of her charge in a vice-like grip. "You will not fail your people. You will not insult your Goddess. This is your duty. You were born for this night and to this purpose."
Any protest the young girl might have raised was immediately quelled by the matriarchs' harsh final words and she instead focused on clearing her mind in preparation for the ceremony ahead…