Chapter Forty-Four

For the past two days, the elves and villagers were anxious about work and preparations. Some were nervous and curious, while others were happy about the coronation. Frisky had his share of work, having to notify all the villages about this long-awaited moment. Preparations were on the way and everything was going as scheduled.

Natives had to assemble at midnight, at the foot of the western mountain. No one was allowed to fly to the site of the elemental shield or anywhere near it. The trees surrounding the heights of the mountain would be heavily guarded by the elves. When Nucamma heard the news, he was surprised that everything was happening. The news of the crowning had him a bit suspicious, wondering if there was another reason for the rush. Despite any concerns he might have had, he would be attending for Atohmma.

The crowning of a leader came as no surprise to Venomma and Orgamma. They hadn't a clue about who the leader would be, but they were expecting this day, since the appearance of the shield. Finally, they would come to know who the chosen was. Orgamma would be surprised but he will be happy for Atohmma when he hears her name being announced at midnight tonight. Venomma would be surprised or maybe not, but it depends on how she accepts Atohmma's decision to leave the village secretly.

Atohmma was being prepped by a few elder elves. Lady Petal brought her attire and had many other related rituals being done throughout the day. Atohmma had to get a special bath, then they placed special herbs around her tent. A concoction of herbs, blended in water taken from the crystal lake, was placed on her skin and her hair was tied in a special cloth. All protocols were being observed. The guards were taking their posts, the elves were organizing themselves for what they had to do and so were the elders. Everyone was looking forward to the long-awaited moment.

Over at the western mountain, the elemental shield was fluorescent. It seemed like its colours have blended and the brightness was blinding. It was even larger than a few days ago. The Chief sage constantly glanced across at the mountain from his tent, noticing the many forms and colours. For him, this was a magical experience because he has never seen anything like it. There were times, in his childhood, where he doubted the legend. As he grew older and experienced the mysteries himself, he became a believer. This belief led him to indulge himself in the traditions and customs. His journey had its share of failures and dedication to his role. His part in this ceremony was major. It was the most important function and he was the other important person apart from Atohmma. It was the reason he had been born and the duty he had a responsibility towards.

Later on, that day, as the grand moment was approaching, Atohmma became nervous. She was more nauseous than ever before. She was having anxiety attacks and couldn't seem to feel strong enough to help herself through it. The elders did the best they can, but somehow, Atohmma's thoughts were disturbed. Frisky tried to help, by using distractions, while some of the children were called to sing and dance for her. They tried every form of distraction, to get her mind away from the moment that would change her life. This she could not escape, but although she knew it and was preparing for it, the reality of the responsibility and duty she had to their world, was staring her in the face. She didn't doubt herself, she just felt overwhelmed with past experiences and memories of the way she had been treated for being her simple self. This would have made things worse she thought. She felt as though she would have aroused envy, hatred and even gossip, from those who didn't seem to appreciate the person she was.

Some of the salamander guards from her village were instructed to take their positions a bit earlier than the others, because of their fire element. It was needed, to maintain the use of the shield. There were times when the shield had to use up the energy of the colder and wetter elements, but there was the need for the fire element and energy, to be available around it for the balance to be maintained. No trees were surrounding the vicinity of the shield, only rocks. It was easy for the salamanders to maintain a high frequency of heat and fire around it, with the rocks in that location.

The oracle Cobra went to visit the Shaman. They also had their part to play. They discussed Atohmma's progress and the plans being carried out by the elves under the leadership of Chief sage. The Shaman also did his rituals before he left his home and the oracle had to keep his promise to Atohmma, that he will be watching, so he took his post, as near as he could be, to the site of the shield. The Shaman had his role cut out for him. He had much to do after the ceremony. His role was dedicated to the guidance of Atohmma after she receives the Sword of Compassion. Her journey from that moment of crowning, would have had a close tie to the Shaman. He would be more active in Atohmma's life from there on than Chief sage would be, but they were both necessary. Atohmma may have lost her dad, but with time, she gained two and more family than she had ever imagined she would have. The little that she did, made her into all that she could be. She was unaware of her destiny, but it was always alive and active, in her personality, behavior, style, deeds and thoughts. She may have never imagined, her journey to be the way it has been. She didn't know she would have become a different person, physically mostly. Although who she is becoming, doesn't compare to who she was, there is much similarity and just a more developed version of herself.