For hundreds of years, the people of Eir have watched over the Sohm, the Goddess's final resting place.
The land of rich and plentiful, blessed with beautiful flowing rivers and lush greens. Sohm is placed under the divine protection of the Goddess to ensure the safety of the land and its people. No matter the threats that are lurking around, seeking to invade Sohm and stealing the Goddess's treasure, under her divine protection, Sohm survives through all hardships and attacks.
"My lord, her ladyship is in the labor chamber…" the starseer bows down, reporting to her master.
"Very good, Kalani. It's time for us to get to the altar, I shall pray for the safety of my beloved Celine and unborn child."
Kalani follows her lord, smiling. The divine healer, lord Ciel, has always been a kind and loving husband to Lady Celine. She looks out to the window, surprised to see hundreds of people gathering at the Altar of Eir, the Goddess's resting place. They're there to pray for the safety of the child.
"My lord, we're ready for the praying ceremony."
"Thank you."
The man nods in acknowledgment, holding his staff as he walks to the platform in the middle of the pond, in front of the statue of Eir. With a warm voice and flowing movements, the man sings his prayer, dancing to the rhythm of the instrument. Each movement is gentle, with water following him in every step and the butterfly mark on his back shines a warm light. The divine healer is doing the ritual dance to please the goddess and to send his prayers to Lady Celine.
In the labor chamber, painful screams can be heard from her ladyship as she is with the midwives, giving birth to her baby. Her blue eyes swim in tears, her body sweats profusely, she feels tired, but the baby…
"My lady, keep pushing. The baby is crowning!" the midwife tells her "Keep pushing!"
"AHH!"
She cries out, the pain is unbearable. Her body tensed up, feeling like it is tearing in half. The other midwife wipes off her sweat with a warm cloth, telling her words of encouragement as Celine's scream echoes in the chamber.
"My lady, can you hear his lordship's voice?" the midwife smiles "He is singing his prayer for you and his child."
Celine's eyes are hazy, but she can make out her husband's warm voice. It's as beautiful as she can remember. She holds onto the hands of the old woman, grunting as she pushes the baby out. Her husband is singing for her, so she needs to do her best too. The baby is waiting to see her and Ciel after all.
Another scream erupts. Celine slumb down onto her bed, shaking as she pants heavily, the butterfly mark on her mark shines, soothing her with a warm aura. Her blue eyes watered, these are the tears of joy as she finally hears a loud infant cry fill in the air. The midwives cheer, wrapping the little one in a warm cloth and showing her the baby.
"Congratulation, my lady! It's a baby girl!" the midwife cries "Thank you Eir for bringing this small child into life!"
Celine reaches out her hand, smiling weakly when she sees her baby girl. Such a small child she is and yet, her cries are lively and vibrant.
"Celine!"
The door of the chamber opened, Ciel walks in, sweating as he runs here as fast as he can after the ceremony. Kissing his wife on her forehead, the man can not hold back his tears when he hears the soft cries coming from his baby girl. Cradle the small lady in his arms, Ciel coos at her, earning him a giggle that lights up the whole room. She knows that her dad is here.
"Such a beautiful child, my lord." Kalani smiles "Do you see how bright the Venus star is today?"
Ciel looks out to the window, eyes widening at how bright and shiny the star is. Could it be that…?
Open the cloth, he looks at the baby's back and a soft laugh escapes his lips. This has to be the wildest dream, on the girl's back is a beautiful butterfly mark covering the whole surface. The mark shines a beautiful light, just like how he and Celine did, before fades away, leaving no trace behind.
"My lord, the child who is born under the Venus star and has the mark of the butterfly…" Kalani bows her head "You both must know what this means…"
A divine healer…
Celine looks at her daughter, not knowing what to say. Legend of Eir said that when a child is born under the Venus star and has the mark of the butterfly, they are the divine healer of Sohm. But when a child is brought to life under the same conditions, with both parents being divine healers, they are the child of Eir herself.
The birth of the holy child signals a start of a calamity. The child of Eir whose hair matches the color of the sky, blue eyes as deep as the ocean. Wielding the power to control water and vast knowledge of healing, they shall dance their way to victory and protect Sohm, the resting place of Eir.
"My lord…"
"Enough, Kalani. I understand what you're saying." Ciel holds the child tightly in his arms while standing close to his wife "We shall prepare her should that day ever come. But now, the people of Sohm are eager to meet their new princess."
"Of course, my lord."
Ciel bends down and places a kiss on Celine's forehead, telling her how happy and grateful he is that she and the child arrive in this world safely. This child is the creation of their love. Whether she is tasked with such heavy duty on her shoulder, she is still the beautiful baby girl that they will protect at all costs.
"My love, what will her name be?" Celine asks him "Have you thought about it?"
"I have. She is Lucienne Mar Thalassa, the holy child of Eir."
"Mommy, mommy, look!"
A bright giggle fills the air as Celine smiles at her daughter. The little girl is holding the hem of her dress, twirling around as if to imitate her dad's movement. Ciel is partaking in his daily training, his dance movement is swift yet strong, each step is steady as he follows the rhythm in his heart.
The dance of the Goddess…
A ritual dance that is performed by the leader of Sohm, a dance that has been passed down for many generations of divine healers, to show their gratitude for the goddess. Lucienne's face lights up as she twirls around, trying to keep up with her father's step. But for a 5-year-old, it's quite impossible for the little girl.
"Lucienne, that's not the right way to do it." Ciel speaks up as he stops dancing "You should know that move belongs to the Dark, not the Light."
"B-but they're almost the same…" she looks up at her father with big, wide eyes "How can I tell the difference between them?"
"That's why I told you to learn to control your energy." Celine giggles and picks up the little girl "You have a lot to learn, small lady!"
She huffs cutely at her mother, only to make her parents smile. They're happy that Lucienne is eager to learn about the ritual dance, she is meant to be the next leader of Sohm after all. It has been five years since the first day they welcome her to this life, little Princess Lucienne Mar Thalassa, the holy child of Eir.
Knowing what is going to come, Ciel and Celine have spent these five years training their daughter so she can fulfill her mission. While nothing changes in Sohm, Ciel can't help but feel worried, the sinister aura around the holy land keeps getting stronger. A dark force is trying to invade Sohm and steal the treasure of the Eir.
The people of this holy land are known to be the greatest healers of all time, especially the divine healers who can use the latent power of Eir and bring someone back from death. The neighboring empire, Eclea, has tried to invade Sohm for so many years after their royal family learns about their power, planning to use their power to increase their military prowess to conquer the neighboring lands.
Their current king sends many letters, threatening to destroy Eir's resting place if Sohm doesn't cooperate with them. He wants to harvest their revival ability for himself should something happen to him during his reign.
A power-hungry monster who desires immortality more than anything else in this world…
"Daddy?"
Lucienne tilts her head, watching her father in deep thought. She wonders what he is thinking. Celine giggles at the father-daughter duo, planting a kiss on each of their cheeks, pulling them back to reality.
She has told her husband many times that Lucienne is more than ready to take the task by the time calamity strike. Their little girl has the spirit of a fighter as well as the kindness of a healer. Training since she was only three years old, following her parents' footsteps to learn the art of dancing and healing, studying under Kalani in the art of spear fighting, she even memorizes the lyrics of Eir's blessing song. The people of Sohm have prepared the little girl for her future duty, both as the ruler and protector of Sohm.
"Daddy, what's the Light and Dark dance?"
"Lucienne, you still don't understand?" he laughs lightly at his daughter's request "Here, let me show you."
And he dances, each movement is strong and steady. Lucienne looks at her father, observing. Some are powerful and swift, others are slow and gentle as if he is dancing to two different songs. Is that the difference? The speed at which each movement is being made?
Celine's eyes are still on her husband, mesmerizing. No matter how many times she sees his dancing, it always makes her heart beat fast. Blushing at the thought, she turns to her daughter, who is still having trouble identifying the two.
"Let me explain to you, Lucienne…"
The little princess nods, listening to her mother attentively as she explains how the movements are slightly different, how the speed can determine which part her father is dancing, how the energy flows in his body can either cleanse the target or curse them.
The dance of the Goddess…
The one who receives it will either get rejuvenated and cleansed from evil deeds, or get cursed with the most immense pain anyone can experience. One who masters the dance must be able to identify their own perception of darkness and light, then transfer them into their energy before dancing to the target.
"Perception of darkness and light?"
"You will understand it once you grow up."
Lucienne huffs at the answer, she wants to know it now. But Celine chuckles and tells her that patience is a virtue and that she needs to learn things step-by-step instead of trying to jump around.
"Alright now, little one! Time for us to head back home."
Ciel picks up his daughter, who lets out a bright giggle when she is in her father's arms. They walk back to their house, hand in hand, talking about their daily life and their daughter's progress.
When they arrive at their house, Lucienne wastes no time running to the backyard to enjoy the beautiful sunset view. Her father is taking a shower, her mother is preparing dinner, so it's normal for the little girl to have some free time for herself.
Light and darkness, darkness and light…
She pouts, unable to process the thought. In her simple mind, light is light, darkness is darkness. What is the perception of light and darkness? Why the Eir the Goddess makes it so difficult for her to learn?
"How did daddy do it again…?"
The young Princess stands up, eyes closing. She envisions how Ciel dances and moves her arms and legs. Slow and gentle, she dances to her heartbeats, using them as a rhythm to guide her steps. The water around her starts to move as she sings the prayer song, forming small circles as she dances inside it. A small stream of water follows her hand movement, swirling and twirling around the young girl, making Lucienne giggle in excitement.
She has enjoyed dancing even more ever since she knows she can control the flow of water with her dance.
The door of her house creaked open, Ciel and Celine watch their daughter with proud faces. Such a fast learner she is, being able to remember the steps just by watching her dad dance. While she is still too young to understand the Dance of the Goddess and how to use it properly, with good training and dedication, Lucienne might prove herself worthy of the Divine Healer title.
When Lucienne stops dancing, there is a satisfying smile on her face. She doesn't know why, but every time she dances, it feels amazing, almost like she just shrugs off all the problems she has, whether it is Kalani scolds her for not focusing on her spear training, or how there's no candy in the house. For a five-year-old little girl, not having sweets is probably her worst nightmare.
Somehow the sunset is even more beautiful today. The big fireball paints an orange color on the clear blue sky, making it livelier than ever. She can see flocks of birds flying back to their nests, how the people of Sohm are going home after a hard-working day, how the wind dances around her, blowing a cool breeze against her small body. Such a peaceful place she is living in right now…
So peaceful, she wishes she can stay here forever. Or at least, that's what she thought…
Frightening screams erupt in the air, the sound of weapons clashing against each other, the cries of children fill the air as blood spills out, flooding the once peaceful realm.
"Run Celine!" Ciel yells at his wife, who is holding their daughter tightly in her arms. "Take Lucienne and get out of her!"
The man smirks, slashing his sword as Ciel jumps back, avoiding the attack.
"Get that girl! Whoever gets her, I will grant you any desires you want."
The enemies after hearing this all run towards Celine, trying to take the little princess from her. However, they are stopped when Kalani steps in, striking her spear against the foes, knocking them down.
"My lady, we have to go, now!"
"Kalani, Ciel… he…"
But the starseer grabs her arm and pulls her away, leaving her master behind. In this dire situation, they all have to prioritize Lucienne's escape.
The empire of Eclea has raged a war against the peaceful realm of Sohm. Using dark magic, they are able to breach the divine protection of Eir, bring armies of people in and slaughter everyone who gets in their way. Their general, King Galashiels II, seeks to seize the holy child of Eir and the treasure hidden deep in Eir's tomb.
"You're not getting any of that, I will protect my daughter at all cost!"
"Look at your pathetic self, Ciel. You can't even walk straight anymore."
Ciel grits his teeth, holding onto the spear tightly. For the people of Sohm, for his Lucienne, for Celine, and for Eir, he can't fall here…
"Mommy, we have to help daddy!" Lucienne cries, her small hands reach out to the now blaze that was once her home.
"Lucienne, we can not go back there." Celine hugs her tightly "Shh, you can't cry. You must not cry. They will hear us if you cry."
Covering her daughter's mouth, Celine silently cries at the sight of Sohm. Corpses piling up, from young to old, all have been slaughtered under the hands of the Eclea's army. There are people running away, screaming and crying as they try to flee, but the sound ends at one strike of the enemy. Kalani is leading them through the forest, using the tall trees and large bushes to hide as the enemy draws closer to them.
"Find them, find that girl!"
Celine holds her tightly, covering her mouth with shaking hands. Is this the calamity that they have predicted five years ago?
If they stay here, the enemy will find them. She can not put her daughter in danger, she must protect her at all costs. Looking at her daughter one last time, Celine kisses her forehead before covering the girl's eyes, drawing a small gasp from her. Kalani stares at what just happened, her ladyship has put the unconscious princess in her arms.
"Forgive me, Lucienne. I'm too weak to save you from this calamity." she bites her lips, holding back a sob "I entrust the safety of her to you, Kalani. Take her away from here, as far away as possible."
"My lady, no! This is my job, you must leave with the princess!"
"No, it will be easier for me to lure them away. But you, your mission is to protect the princess at all costs. This is my and Ciel's final order, do you understand?"
Kalani looks at the little girl in her arms, shaking as she nods her head.
"Very good. Whatever you do, do not let her take off this bracelet…" putting a golden accessory on Lucienne's wrist, Celine gives her final words "To ensure her safety, I have removed the memories of Sohm from her mind. She will not remember anything about our land, our people, and Eir. Until she is ready, Kalani, you must not remove the bracelet."
"Y-yes, my lady…"
Celine strokes her daughter's sleeping face one last time, smiling ruefully. It's time for her to go, to take down that monster who killed her husband.
"Raise her well, Kalani."
With that, she runs out of the hiding spot, catching the enemies' attention as they chase after her, opening an escape path for both Kalani and Lucienne. The starseer holds onto her princess tightly, she must bring her somewhere safe. They must escape this place…