Elizei frowned, “Then why even give me an option.”

“Basic courtesy child, you have stepped into this cavern, despite what Dreni told you, that makes me obliged to show you some courtesy.” 

“Hollow courtesy you mean?” She replied, Elizei realised the more the voice spoke the more comfortable she became with it. 

“Every courtesy is hollow, child, as fleeting as the clouds themselves. It lasts as long as the farmer has good yields in his fields, as long as the soldier has coins in his pocket, as long as the noble has power in the court. Take those things and the treacherous courtesy bids you farewell. Fortunately both of us are a bit better. Both you and I are running out of time. Yet we're civil enough to spare courtesy.” 

“Well… like you said, we are running out of time. Would care to explain why? Is the Empire going to attack us?” 

The voice chuckled, “They are attacking you as we speak child.” 

Elizei tensed, “what do you mean?”

“Oh don't be too alarmed, child, it's not the Empire itself. It's their proxy, the Ulov's new great chief has joined hands with the Emperor, though the emperor has sent some of his personal pawns to hasten the process.” 

Elizei remembered about the frequent raids on the colonies and their outposts. The meeting of the chiefs that had happened a few days ago when she had met Avin in Flery. 

“But we've defeated the Ulov every time, we can do it again.” Elizei replied panicked, “we don't need your help for dealing with them. Everyone knows no Ulov can defeat the chiefs.” 

Although she said it, Elizei knew deep down she was saying all that to convince herself rather than the voice. 

"Of course the Ulov can't defeat the chief's child, but that was six months ago. Now, however, if it was impossible you wouldn't be here would you?” 

“So… why am I here? To be a sacrifice? To die in order to save my people?” She asked. 

The voice let out a shaking laugh, “no child, nothing of that sort. You're just here to accomplish two things. First: you are to carry on the legacy of your people to protect something that you've been doing for centuries; Second: you would deny the emperor something he wants, something vital for his plans. Luckily for you, you accomplish both of those goals by doing just a simple thing, something that you've been preparing for all your life.” 

“I don't understand what you are talking about, master –voice? But it sounds important. And I doubt I have been prepared for anything, considering that all I knew, and prepared for, have been lies.” 

“I can understand your struggle child, believe me, I do. I too once knew a god, a god I thought was so benevolent and kind, someone deserving of my worship and devotion. That is the things with beliefs, they're just as fleeting if not more so, than courtesies.” 

“So… what do I need to do?”

“Like I said, you have to do what you've been preparing for all your life, you're in the spirit sanctuary, so bond an Elemental like your ancestors did, like all Oracles and Chiefs did, but the one you will bond is not just an elemental. But.. brace yourself.. a guardian, the guardian of this sanctuary.”

Elizei took a step back, “N-no! That's blasphemy, one does not dare to bond the Guardian. They're sacred, they're the protector of the spirits, and the Sanctuary. I can't do that!” 

“Easy child, easy. Your sentiment towards the elements are admirable. But I am afraid this is what you must do, if you wish to protect the legacy of your people. If you want to make their sacrifices throughout the centuries worth it. This is your task.”

“Even if you say that, it's impossible! It's the guardian we're talking about.”

Elizei paused, “W-what? Who would dare bond a Guardian? And what special circumstances.” 

The voice laughed in its soft grating way, “Many, although I am unfortunately on speaking terms with just one of them. And his patience is running thin with me these centuries. Regardless, I would not have called you here to perform this task, if it wasn't possible. You see child, the spirit Guardian of this Sanctuary is the one who needs that bond. You won't be abusing or disrespecting the Guardian child, and you certainly won't be blaspheming. On the contrary actually, you will be helping it, and doing it a great kindness, it would be a mercy child, I assure you.” 

Elizei hesitated, she found the idea very, very wrong. She suspected this voice, she definitely didn't trust it no matter how much ‘courtesy’ he showed, or how amicable he sounded. This was not something you could just do with no prior knowledge or training. Even if the voice said she was prepared for this her whole life.

‘That's totally bogus, I wasn't prepared for all this! I was told all my life how sacred the Guardians were, and now I have to bond one? I don't remember skipping any lessons, where the Oracles taught us to blaspheme!'

But as much as she wanted to protest, the threat to her people was slowly dawning on her. It was sinking in, that the threat and danger was real. It was no dream, no nightmare she would wake up from. Her life had become a nightmare, so despite how repulsed she felt at the idea, she gritted her teeth, and nodded.

“F-fine. I will do it, but if I find your words false, you will make an enemy out of me, not an ally.” 

The voice chuckled, “Well, if you wish to become my enemy child, you will have to get in a long, long line.” 

“I thought as much.” She replied with a tight smile. 

“Your temper is like your hair child, dark flames, that is good. It would help you well in the bonding process... now.” 

The spirits of the dead, hovering and flying around like fire-flies surrounded her, they flew around her in circles, Elizei had to raise her hands to shield her eyes, her hair was tousled by the flow of the spiritual force, and the world around her turned to a faded color and then it blurred, and then everything vanished from her vision and she stood in a garden of lights.