#castia

//Sorry for my inactivity. During my time away, I wrote this :]

I felt all eyes on me as the curtains moved to reveal myself behind them. Blankets of pressure laid upon me. How were they sure this was even going to work?

I look down at my snowy, white dress accented with shiny, rose-gold fabric tailored just for this occasion. I look up at the glistening door, Abuela and my parents standing nearby. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before placing my right foot forward and start walking.

Hushed excitement and sounds of my own shoes tapping against the tile below were the only things that filled my ears. Although it was quiet, it still felt too loud.

Before long, I reach the stairs, the distance between the door and I reducing with every step. I was conflicted on whether I should keep my gaze on the stairs or up at the glowing door. I ultimately decided that looking down eased my anxiety slightly better.

I started counting the stairs, hoping that number forever went up. Unfortunately for me, it didn’t. I look up at my family members who only beamed with encouragement.

Abuela knelt down to my height holding the miracle candle with butterfly engravings decorating the sides, “Will you use your Gift to honor our miracle?”

I felt the subtle warmth of the candle against me. I look up at my parents for approval. They only nod. So I do the same, shifting my gaze back towards Abuela.

“Will you serve this community and strengthen our home?” Abuela asks, holding out the candle for me to press my hands against.

I once again nod, anticipation now mixing with my nervousness.

With that, Abuela stands back up, candle still in hand, and walks to the side once again, allowing me a clear passage to the door.

I take a deep breath, heat rising in my chest as I step forward, door towering over me.

I gently place my hand on the doorknob, as I do so, the door begins to glow brighter. An outline of myself surrounded by elegantly shaped flowers was now engraved into the door.

Batch #1 of my summer art special! 

@luli-xiv @khujatotayuun @gilded-lotus-ffxiv Thank you guys for grabbing slots!

All Rights Reserved; This work is not free-use and may not be taken, claimed, edited, copied, redistributed, or otherwise used without my consent. Reposting is 🚫, Reblogging is ♥ 

Lastleaf and Ashatan at the siege of Castia