The time has arrived. So did they.
~Saurabh, the sorcerer.
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In Zelos season, at the month Crol-17, in the Saurabh Stupa.

Life thrived amidst the thick cloaks of fog, manoring the nights.

The dawn of the living glinted its golden rays upon the pyramid roofs of the Saurabh Stupa, the enshrine of balance. Coherent wheezes of the thick, misted woods and ebbing oceans revived the breezes. The floating mass of amber clouds pecked the tinted walls. Sparkles of history, dire and sire, were etched on every stone of this serene shrine as engraved sigils of intricate epithets.

"The time has arrived. So did they."

He placed his hands on his sculpted chest as his lips carried a serene smile. His aureolous eyes, keen and kind, skimmed the parchment of the skies as he picked the basket of purple flowers that mellowed the air with their divine scent.

"Make sure the arrangements are right. We need to save the war for the last."

His skilled foot climbed down the steps as his orders flew in every direction. He then neared the little wooden door that would announce his presence to the entire crowd.

"Saurabh, we are ready."

He nodded as his eyes glanced at the pond of water placed in the right corner. He wore his usual ivory linens, hemmed with the blooms and glooms of the moon and the glitters of the constellations in equal measure. His brows had the white paste painted phases of the moon of Lumas, while the perfect streaks of yellow septagram of Solas sat brightly on his forehead, with one glint raising high to meet his hairline. The thick, tender and oiled plaits curled near his shoulders. With one glance, it was clear that, if there could be a demarcation of rectitude between the two clans with a long history of rivalry, it could be only him.

"Let the Naamekaran Utsav begin!"

Announcing it to his disciples, he opened the door with a push. The glints of flamboyant beams blinded him for a moment. After all, almost all the rulers of the regal clans, the Lumas and the Solas, had gathered. It was an important occasion. The ceremony of thumbing the names of the newborn family members under the dynastic family tree.

He entered the hallway of exuberant decoration with magical florals and ferns, jingling their sweetness for the poetic hearts. Whispers of galla and grudges lowered as all the eyes landed on the man who presented himself.

"Humble salutations and warm welcome. With a kinder heart and gentle soul, akin to the macrocosm, let's celebrate the arrival of the two new little sparrows."

Since both dynasties had their events, Saurabh pointed Volkar Wyatt Ivor and his queen Taminaz Schwenza to celebrate the beautiful birth of their little prince. They marched with pride and were escorted by Saurabh towards the Infinia, the stage of eternity. In every step, they felt thrilled to have been blessed with the serene love of their saints that crawled in between their palms.

Taking the least possible time, they stood in front of the majestic golden tree that shoke its golden branches bearing the amber leaves and pale yellow flowers. It stood as a symbol of their ancestral integrity and dignity. It contained the eternal blessings of their supreme protector, Lord Titan. The tree reared his clan and stood there as an idol of his power. Thumbing the name in the Stupa of Titan meant that they revered him and owed him their physical self and conscience. 

With great contentment and joy, Volker thumbed the name board, made from an antique brass-gold piece, in the gap between their names that were rearranged when they married. Taminaz caressed his unruly curls, looking at his oceanic eyes that glinted with innocent joy. A smile crept on his thin pink lips as she planted a soft kiss on his lids.

"Glorious welcome to Edric Wyat Ivor."

She declared to let it echo through the sovereign walls. As the showers of happiness coursed through the branches, a tendril grew upon his name to bloom a little bud.

"Blessed by the lord!"

Someone from the crowd shouted, as they relished the blessings of the supreme power. Cries of joy and mellow painted their faces with a magical glow. Upon executing their first duty for their symbol of love, they bowed to Saurabh. As their people celebrated them, the charm bells rang .

"Long live, Edric Wyat Ivor! Long live, the clan of Solas!"

As their hearts brimmed with immense pride, they retired to their seats.

"Now let's celebrate the joy of the Lumas clan."

Then the time came for emperor Walor Viz Ahnay and his empress Rominia Helen to cherish the name of their scintillating daughter. Being filled with enthusiasm, they stood up, bearing the name board and their charming infant.

They marched towards the Stupa of Hegal, the supreme protector of the clan of Lumas. It was an elegant silver tree like that of Titan, but slightly shorter. The metallic leaves and snowy blooms swayed on the twisted trunk. Together, the trees of the clans leaned towards each other but wouldn't meet, reflecting the image of their people.

When they were about to step up on the stage, the prosecutor of the clan of Solas, Volker, raised his arm. He mustered his courage to ask what was consuming his mind.

"Apologies Saurabh! I have a little confusion that is deeply stirring in my mind. Well if you let me, I shall speak about it now."

"Is that of prior importance that you chose this hasoi to get it resolved?"

"I'm afraid so. Things of suspicion hood the eternal light of the resolute. If that happens, then even the wise becomes unwise.'

"What are you up to?"

"Your highness! We all know very well about The Valiant Vow, but what happened proves that it's against the most respected Lord of Lumacy. Still, would you choose to let it happen without any questioning? It involves the matter of the heir of the throne. But I'm concerned with your peace. Is it because it's involving their prosecutor Walor? I don't understand."

The whispers thickened as Saurabh sensed the stir of fate.

"The Valiant Vow is not a thing to be forgotten. But that doesn't mean that this child is evil as your words pierce." Walor affirmed keeping his tone as humble as he could.

"My dear compeer, I didn't accuse her nor did any. But it doesn't seem enough for us to accept her," Volker pricked as his voice shook.

"Who do you mean? Unveil it right now. What are you trying to emphasize?" Walor summoned him.

"Valiant vow speaks of first born sons. But what has happened is against it. I wish to make it heard that us, all of us are worried. Ask it out if my words might stir your mind."

Walor felt a thick rush of fury boil his senses, tempting enough to slice him that very moment. Yet he thought otherwise. He had his confidence over his men.

"I know my people like my heart. But, I'm here, in this timid hasoi, to seek my trust for this mighty emperor to prove him wrong. Is there anyone who wishes to agree his statements? If any, kindly let your hands be raised."

Walor summoned all. He could see only the hands of Volker high. Then Taminaz raised hers.

Walor grinned and stated, "So this was your plan, isn't it? To make me pathetic. But, look around, Volker. In a glance brief enough, you will know who is the real one."

"Certainly not! I need not hide. I'm sorry to state it but, I didn't think your clan would have more cowards."

That abrupt accusation was strong enough to end the smooth slide. Walor fortified his exempting powers. They gleamed as an arc of green between his palms, and he pushed them towards Volker. Within no time, Taminaz let her beams confront him as she summoned them through her pale pink eyes.

The powers did meet, but they couldn't hurt anyone. A shield had formed in between them, separating them from each other. It's nothing new for any of them to witness. 

Before anyone could understand what was going on, Volker twisted his fingers to create a red flame on his right palm. Within the senugh, the miniscule of time, he could see Rominia push her teal flame into the toll. In a mighty surprise, a glaring beam of light silenced everyone and forced them to shut their lids. Pounds of fear throbbed the arena, making it certainly known that doom was near.

Suddenly someone from the crowd yelled, "The hidden mystery is lit! Cease it. Call it off!"

But his words weren't answered.

In a position of sustaining guidance and a protective injunction, Saurabh went near the beam and bowed in honor. His lips recited a silent hymn that humbled the glares. Sooner or later, people could open their eyes to see what had happened.

"Pity you all. Surrender your thoughts to the honourable saints and ask for an appealing apology. Power in hands doesn't mean that your mind is glorious! Isn't it?" His frown was evident on his creased forehead.

"But Saurabh-"

"The Saurabh Stupa shall not be the place to outcast your extraordinary ordeals as a claim for hostility. Maybe I should recall this all the time I hope!" Saurabh snorted as politely as he could.

"I repent for being a brusque. But as a father- this offensive accusation about my daughter? Should she be welcomed in this way? Is this fair?" Walor spoke between his shallowing breaths.

"Nothing to repent. Aches are a season of life. Isn't it?" Saurabh embraced Walor with all his might.

"But it doesn't mean my daughter is welcomed here. I don't understand why they have to be so dismissive about her birth!" Rominia exhaled the weight on her chest.

"Calm down, dear! If you have to call the people who question the birth of your child's purity unethical, then never ignore that your men belong there as well."

Walor and Rominia saw the entire crowd at a glance with a devastated heart. When they saw their men, everyone locked their necks to the floor, piercing their torn hearts.

"Still, if you will call them unethical, go ahead. But let not the shadow of ignorance ruin you. Remember that it will reflect on your beloved people." Saurabh convinced her aching heart.

"So what's to be done? Help us figure it out," Walor asked him.

"Let's wait until everything gets better. Let her Naamekaran take place when it's meant to be."

"It's not fair Saurabh!"

"Remember that you stand in a place that respects equality, and in that balance, I'm a facilitator. I hope my words paint you with such wisdom. If you wish to rush, then that will make her suffer in its effect for which she was never a cause."

Pain pricked them more than the sweats. They wished to set everything on fire and blow away the ashes to ease them out. But whatever he said seemed right. They never thought this dawn would bring a calamity. At dawn, they awaited letting the world know about their enthralling angel. At dawn, they dreamed about executing their first duty of parenthood.

"What did we do to deserve this pain?"

Those motherly tears landed on her plump baby cheeks. Her fleshy lips smiled while her little fingers caressed her tender arms. A twirl of blue light bloomed as she touched, but no one was in a state to read her clue.

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Note: The Naamekaran Utsav refers to the naming ceremony of the infant. It would take place in the Stupa in front of the assembly of two clans.