The sun shined brilliantly above Yunica's craggy mountains. A lady in a bright blue outfit with brown hair approached the massive female statue in awe.
"Priestess Lucia," a woman said, walking up to her.
Lucia smiled sweetly as she leaned in closer to the lady. She said warmly, "You can stand!"
"You are really nice, my leader," the lady added, bowing.
"Don't make me say it again," Lucia said more emphatically. "You are not required to bow before me. I am just a lady." Lucia raised the woman's chin, so their gazes could connect.
"Yes, your priestess."
"Isn't it magnificent?" Lucia remarked, crossing her arms behind her back. Her gait was elegant, like that of an angel yet kind to the average man.
The lady replied gently, "Emelia's statue."
"Please come up next to me and enjoy my company." Lucia extended her hand as the lady grasped it.
Lucia's gaze followed the forty-foot-tall monument of a lady holding a staff and pointing it to the heavens. "You've heard about the legend, right?"
The woman pondered for a moment. "Emelia taught us in history books to abstain from conflict and pursue peace with all countries."
"How long has that state of tranquility lasted?" Lucia moved back and forth, a pleasant grin on her face.
"We haven't fought anybody in five hundred years," the lady said, beaming.
She moved past the sculptures, which were situated next to a collection of trees and verdant grass, and into the woods. "You're absolutely right," Lucia said, placing her hand behind her back and staring at the lady with an exquisite grin. "Do you know why?"
The lady stopped before continuing. "Firstly, it would be our location and, secondly, our religious commitment. In the presence of Emelia, no one dares to cross her path. My knowledge ends there."
Lucia smiled as she kept walking. "You're right, young one. We are in an ideal position to repel practically any onslaught. Nobody would dare to assault, but we must also be cautious since evil is always around."
"Is there anything else for me to know?" the woman said.
"Remember that the Memorial Library is where you need to keep studying our old texts. It will aid you in becoming wiser as a result." Lucia smiled and placed her hand on the woman's shoulder.
The lady walked away with a grin, heading towards the brightly colored structure that sat in front of the city's central square.
"Lady Lucia." A woman bowed.
Lucia nodded with a graceful smile. Walking up to the tree she grabbed a ripe apple and took a bite. "As good as ever," she proclaimed looking at a man who was picking the prime fruit.
"Yes, thank you for your kind words, Lucia the man replied."
Lucia smiled as she walked away towards the brilliantly colored edifice in front of the city's major plaza.
"She is always breathtaking," a small girl remarked as she ran towards Lucia, raising her hands. Her mom tried to grab her hand.
Lucia waved the mother off. "I am one of you,'' she proclaimed. "My title does not exempt me from being a human." Lucia picked up the chubby cheeked girl and gave her a hug. "Make sure you study hard to make your parents proud."
The child nodded as Lucia carefully put her on the ground.
Lucia smiled as she climbed up the gold-colored staircase, past the main village, and toward a magnificent structure with pillars.
The sun shined brilliantly in the sky, the wind filling the town with crisp mountain air.
The marble-colored floor welcomed Lucia as she entered through the double doors. Gentle waves were exchanged between the men and ladies as they passed her by.
As she ascended the steps, Lucia's gaze was drawn to the stained glass and the sunlight streaming through the windows.
A stern-looking man in a tan robe approached Lucia and gave her a cold stare.
"Is there a problem, Priest Maxwell?" Lucia's gaze drew to the creases around his eyes.
With a shake of his head, the old man expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation. "It's not much... I'm simply trying to make sense of all of this tranquility." Maxwell began to stare into Lucia's eyes. "Lucia, I trust your advice."
Lucia nodded and proceeded to the right, towards the enormous double doors. That was odd… I wonder why he looked at me like that. He did lose to me in the most recent chosen ceremony.
She opened the doors, revealing a stairway going up to a massive open book with tan pages.
Remember to always bow. Lucia removed her footwear and bowed as she walked up the steps. She raised her blue gown high, so it didn't touch the red carpet in honor of those who came before her.
The chamber seemed to be the same as it had for the previous year. Paintings of the Goddess Emelia and Yunica's previous rulers hovered about the chamber, as if looking over her.
Now onto today's thoughts. Lucia jotted down the apple tree, the young child, and Priest Maxwell's expressions. This tranquil haven was founded by the Goddess Emilia. Who is he to believe that even after a year of no events, I can't rule? Can you relax? I'm going to let these words pour onto the page and then forget about them. Lucia stood firm as she finished her thoughts and closed the book.
That is enough for today. Lucia bowed, lifting her dress and walked slowly down the stairs.
Smack!
Lucia looked around as the book swung open to the pages she had written on. Lucia hurried back towards the book, her eyes gleaming down at the letters etched in gold.
Aim Far – Aim High – For Sorrow Is Nigh
Lucia's eyes sprang wide as the gold words began to float off the page. As the gold words struck her hand, she extended her arm.
Her palm shone with a brilliant light as two little, fluttering wings appeared on it..
I have but a few minutes. Lucia rushed to the steps and leaped down without skipping a beat. Swinging the doors wide, she rounded the corner and dashed down the building's steps.
"Lucia if you had a moment," a woman said.
"Now is not the time." Lucia ran past the lady without shoes on.
"Where are your shoes?" the woman inquired.
Lucia dashed out into the sunshine toward the edge of the town steps, overlooking the stairs.
As she knelt on one knee, Lucia felt all of her vitality drain from her. I can't stop. I have to do this. Lucia pushed up from her right and looked at trees surrounding the city. She silently closed her eyes, putting her left hand over her right.
Lucia raised her right and left hands as her wings vanished. What she saw in front of her was a huge bow with a light arrow at the end. I'm hoping this makes it in time. Please, Emilia, direct my hand. Lucia drew back the light arrow, shooting it through three enormous circles in the towers that guarded Yunica, causing a tremendous boom.
The village below became quiet as they watched the stream of light go forward into the sky.
Lucia knelt, sweating, as she watched the mark on her right hand vanish. I hope the arrow reaches its mark.