Into What Is Impossible (Hiatus, Re-write In-progress)

Part I

I sit on the rug across the table. We use chairs and benches for day-to-day use, but the rugs that we use now is one of the many that have been used in these rituals even before the start of the then Elven Confederation some five thousand years ago. It was imbued with ancient and lost magic- inscrutable to our brightest scholars, and is an important part of elven history and tradition. The rugs were used to highlight someone's magical potential- determining one's likely future role in society.

The elder poured hot tea into two cups,- then gave one of them to me. We both drink the mix of hot water and leaves to relax ourselves- mainly me, before the actual ritual starts. After finishing it, I put down the empty cup of tea. And waited a moment for it to help soothe and calm myself.

"Give me your hand." The elder says, briefly after the drink.

I extend my hand to her- to which the elder took hold and held it in hers. I could feel the magical energy as I touched her hand, and it slowly grew as she probed my aura- trying to discern extent of my potential.

I stare at the elder and our hands, slightly nervous of the outcome. Though in my mind I was sure to have a potential that is considerably above a normal one. Still, there was a tiny piece of me that was scared of the outcome.

Taking a shallow breath, I push the thoughts out of my head to calm myself. The elder has her eyes closed and she had been probing my aura for a while now. I wonder if this was usually how long it took? I never really paid much attention.

Eventually the elder opened her eyes. I look at her, silently asking what the result is.

"Please tell your parents to come in, I have to speak to them, in private." She says in a serious tone.

My heart starts to beat faster- because if a discussion with my parents is needed, it must be something serious.

I try not to show any nervousness as I nod, getting up, turning turning around, and heading out of the door. I spot my parents sitting on a bench nearby, and they see me too and get up to greet me- but their expressions changed to worry when they see my nervous face.

"Eletha dear, what's wrong?" Father asks.

"The elder wishes to speak with you." I say quietly.

They both look at each other, puzzled. Then smiled at me with obvious worry- before heading inside.

The time waiting after was filled with anxiety; what could the elder possibly want to speak about with mother and father? Some of the attendees for my celebration who were returning home passed by and greet me- some even asked about my concerning expression to which I replied that it was nothing to be concerned about.

I am sitting on the bench where my father and mother sat. And when then they finally came out of the elder's home, I went up on my feet and approached them- then noticed that their expression are gloomy. It added more to the anxiety building up in me. And now, I start to dread it.

"Mother, Father?" I ask.

My father opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out as he closes it again to look at mother, who nodded at him.

"Eletha- do know that we love you, and that we are most happy to have you..." Mother starts.

The dread is overwhelming, something really bad was seen by the elder and that is what they had to discuss.

"... so please don't be alarmed by what we have found today."

Father clears his throat, I direct my attention to him- he is obviously distressed.

"Eletha dear, we... the elder detected that your aura grew weaker."

"What?" I ask in despair and disbelief, the anxiety and dread slowly making my voice crack.