"Come, much lies ahead of us today."
The sun was just rising over the mountaintops, dew droplets still clinging to the foliage in the thick jungle. It was a promising day for the pair, although the reasons differed between them. For Miriam, it was another step in the right direction for her. Even though the outsider beside her held zero Aviari blood, it was hard to deny the importance of what was about to happen. Anything having to do with the gods sent shivers down her spine, and not just out of fear. If they approved of this new blood, then who was she to contradict them? It would be outright treasonous of her. Nope, not today, no matter how much she disliked the thought of having a non-Aviari as their Phoenix.
They made their way closer to Xiuhcoatl's Keep, its structure looming ever taller ahead of them. The closer they got, the more tingles Miriam felt in her feathers, though she didn't show it. She walked along with tremendous poise, head held high and lightly stepping on her toes through the undergrowth. The Crystalline woman couldn't have felt more important in this moment. She felt as closer as ever to her ancestors, acting as council woman, as Griffin, even if for a day. She had to make sure she played the part good for the real thing. If the boy was to be the new Phoenix, she had to make a good impression. The woman decided to act on her role, making small talk to ease any nerves he may be feeling, and of course to get to know him a bit more.
"So, Kukulkan, was it?" she purred. Quite a mouthful. "Tell me a bit about yourself. Where are you from? I seem to recall you saying your mother built your family's empire?" It was no easy feat to build an empire, and she had to say she was impressed. Not that she would know, of course, but she could understand the work put forth to create and hold such power. "She must have had some great ambition, something I find admirable." Of course, assuming he was telling the truth about all that. It was easy for someone to say I AM THE SON OF SUCH N' SUCH FIRST OF HIS NAME AND BLAh blah blah....He was, after all, still a stranger having barely spent enough time in the tribe. However, how he presented himself at the initial meeting suggested inner leadership qualities. Calm, collected, determined, bold....It will be interesting to see what message the gods send him, and if he is to be the new Phoenix, if he will share some of his mother's prowess.
The Pyramid stood just in front of them. "Ambition is something you need here if you want to succeed and make something of yourself. Some here do not possess the right amount of ambition, and so they are left at the bottom to rot away their days." She let out a pained sigh, although she held no sympathy for them. It was their own fault. She felt pity, yes, but only because it was such a waste. "A waste of potential when they could be so much more." Miriam lead the way toward the rear side of the Keep, approaching the tunnel entrance that was hidden away by vines and bamboo stalks. Turning back toward Ku, she allowed her pink eyes to soften, a smile creasing her lips. "But I have no doubts about you." Unless you disappoint....
Turning back toward the tunnel entrance, she began to make her way inside. She cast a glance back, a smugness about her face. "Hope you're not afraid of the dark...or claustrophobic." It would come across as light-hearted teasing, but there were some who would lose their sanity over such things. Gods forbid he be one of them, but she didn't take him as the type.
The woman made her way through the tunnel, ears rotating to keep track of her companion. The morning light from the entrance gradually grew dimmer and dimmer, until it went out altogether, like someone choking out the flame in a gas lantern. The Aviari woman's night vision soon grew stronger, making it easier to see any obstacles ahead. It would be her duty to warn the boy of any hazards.
"Watch your step," she murmured, her voice echoing down the tunnel. They reached a set of stairs that led further down into the Keep, patches of light leaking through from the ceiling every so often, illuminating the thick fog that bloomed from underneath. The thick fog and humidity made it harder to breathe, but Miriam knew that they would soon reach their destination, away from the fog.
Suddenly, Miriam could see a faint light from up ahead. She quickened her pace, ready to be out of the dense fog. There was an entrance to a room with a fire peacefully crackling, an eternal flame. It never went out, for it was a symbol of the gods and their power, as well as their eternal light and guidance over the tribe. The woman stepped deeper into the room, muscles relaxing as they felt the warmth from the fire. Sitting next to the flame, Miriam beckoned Kukulkan over with a twitch of her tail before resting it neatly next to her.
"This is the parlor room," she hummed, enthralled to be in a position of power. Today, she would be his mentor, as well as his judge. Speaking of which...."And that," she began, glancing over to another blackened tunnel. "is the entrance to the Trial chamber. That is where you will be given a message, or messages, from the gods themselves. Everyone must go through the Trial to become a true member of the tribe, and take their place among its people." Her voice rang confident, yet held a nurturing tone. It was as if she were teaching the young of the tribe about their culture, and in a way, she was. She carred out her Dove rank well.
"I cannot come with you. Instead, I will await here for your return. Feathers fluffing up slightly, she went on. "Since we do not have a Phoenix or council members," Yet. "I will be your judge. I am here to help you interpret what you see, smell, hear, or feel inside the chamber. You may speak of your experience to others if you so choose, but of course you don't have to." Miriam never did, and for good reason. She could still remember her Right of Passage like it was yesterday. It started out so promising, so bright, until she saw the torn feathers, heard the cackling in her ears, the sense of humiliation, remorse, a familiar voice....
Not now, you stupid woman. Her thoughts bit her back into reality, though she hardly skipped a beat. "If you have any questions, feel free to ask now. Otherwise, when you are ready, you may enter the chamber." Miriam remembered the day when the judge that oversaw her gave her the rundown. Her eyes never left them as she ate up every word they spoke. The smallest detail could mean everything, and she couldn't miss one. She and her family depended on it.
Once Ku left her by the fire, she would settle down on the warm, stone ground, making herself comfortable while she waited. However, wide, pastel pink eyes never left the black entrance, looking on unseeingly at the part of her that remained in the abyss.
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