phoenix: magic

Making his way to the holy see, the tabernacle of holies was already prepared to receive the phoenix. Lady Hope, alongside Lady Faith and Joy was standing at the high altar, blessing a small golden bowl there. The four wise man of the four winds were also there, flanking the sides of the blessed ladies. in the tabernacle of holies, the atmosphere was joyful, almost triumphant.

As he made his way to the high altar, he could see other blessed beings lined the side to welcome him. the emerald dragon lord was there, accompanied by the turqoise prince and the agate princess. on his left, Lady Pleiades stood in all her majesty, with the lovely robe of 7 stars. upon locking eyes with phoenix, Lady Pleiades cocked her head slightly, giving a gentle sign of approval to the new body housing the glimmering heart.

'Come forth o' mighty bird, lord of the skies, hero of the lands', summoned Lady Faith, in her majestic yet melodious voice. In the instant, the tabernacle fell silent, and all eyes were on the shimmery plum of the phoenix as he made his way across the hall. 'Phoenix Red of the western land, we've been waiting much too long for this occassion. Ever since your tremendous battle, your victory and passing, and your rebirth, we've been keeping a close eye on you. We were waiting, anxious for your return, to lead again, and restore the harmony of the three worlds'. Wise man of the North, dressed in his resplendant black silk with tortoise motive, then said 'O lord of the birds, your plum and majestic crown surely look magnificent on you. However, to prepare you to further lead the world in harmony, and to battle the never ending forces of evil, we need you to drink the ambrosia of the gods'

'Drink it up, and mighty courage, adamantine will and beastly valour will be with you always, guiding you through your many future endeavours', quipped Lady Hope.

Lady Faith then held the golden bowl up, as the crowd closed their eyes and placed their plams together. Very slowly, a small hum like sound was heard, and reverberated in the hall. Soon, the hum turned into a melodious chant, in the language of the ancients, filled the tabernacle, and the golden bowl started to radiate.

Phoenix know slowly stepped forward, and was guided by a young nymph, tooked the bowl from Lady Faith. Feeling the essence of the bowl, the phoenix looked into it and saw the golden liquid swirling around, receiving the final blessing before consume. 'Now, drink up, King of birds', said Lady Joy.

And the phoenix drank the golden liquid, first tasting the sweetness and experiencing the fragrance of the drink, filling his senses. As the liquid slowly made way into the inner body of the phoenix, his glow became increasingly radiant, glowing brighter than the flame of a thousand torches.

When the liquid touched the shining heart of the phoenix, it created a reaction so heavenly, that it was really magic. the heart shone it fullest might, and the liquid slowly encased it. The heart also felt the courage of ahundred lions, the strength of 10 Atlas, and the valour of no rival.

As the phoenix was experiencing his changes,the nymphs of eridanus came to dance and sang to the glory of the mighty bird. The hall was again filled with air of celebration as the crowd slowly drank from their cups, an ambrosia not unlike the phoenix, but only of a lesser strength. As they celebrated, little did they know that there sat, in a small dark corner of the tabernacle, an ancient which did not share their emotions. Lord Maleficient, dark and sorrow in his looks, and gaunt in his appearance, was filled with malice and envy when the king of birds was celebrated.

[tbc]