It was early morning, and a cool but gentle breeze blew through the pale skies above the forests of Isafdar. There was an electric excitement in the air as hundreds of elves gathered on the ground below, their crystal torches guiding them through the thick woodlands that were so efficient at keeping outsiders at bay. Indeed, Tirannwn owed much to the resilient trees that sentinelled the Elven kingdom. 

The elves were an active race, thriving on the great outdoors and enjoying every moment of their seemingly endless lives, and so it was not uncommon for so many of their kind to be awake at these hours of the morn. However, this particular morning marked the Summer solstice, and the beginning of the harvest was an event that the elves had considered sacred since the dawn of their race - thus, the elves were out en masse to thank Seren for her yearly gifts. What's more, this solstice was made particularly special due to the fact that a handful of the Enethig would be celebrating Benywdod, an ancient ritual that pronounced them as women. Due to the incredibly long lives of elves, these rituals were few and far between, and so the entire community was eager to welcome the next generation into maturity. 

Cadernia Iorwerth was one such Enethig. The Iorwerths were a noble family, well-respected by the Elven royal bloodline. Cadernia was the first daughter born to the clan in hundreds of years, and so her passing of Benywdod was a particularly rewarding occasion. She, along with a couple of other girls from different clans, stood in the centre of the Pilerihud. They were dressed in long, white gowns - clothing reserved for sacred or royal occasions - and wore the white flowers of Lletya in their hair. Cadernia's dark black locks framed the floral accessory beautifully, and her eyes sparkled in the developing light. 

The three girls faced East, looking out through a magically arranged clearing in the thick forest, and Cadernia was glad that the majority of the spectators were situated behind them and out of sight. As she held hands with the girls either side of her, she could sense their nervousness at the select group of elves who were within their eyeline. Just off to their left stood the royal family of Tirannwn: King Llawrain, Queen Aeronwen and their son, Lord Arweinydd. As the King addressed his people before a glorious sunrise, Cadernia received a smile from the youngest royal. She blushed and smiled back. She and Arweinydd had known each other for as long as she'd lived, and they were very close. In fact, she completely lost track of what the King was saying - lost in the Elf Lord's eyes - until he began to read the rites, catching her attention and causing her to break eye contact with her friend as she focussed once more upon the rising sun.

"O' kind and radiant Seren, mother of these precious lands, we thank you for your continuous generosity and sympathy for our people. We thank you for the bountiful crops, we thank you for the fair weather, and we thank you for the peace that makes its home in Tirannwn. And, on this most joyous day of Benywdod,, we thank you for guiding our Enethig through the difficult journey into womanhood." The King turned to face the girls, announcing them one by one. "From the clan of Craffach; Alwen, who enters Benywdod with her skilled craftsmanship." The crowds cheered. Cadernia was not familiar with Alwen, but she had heard much of her talents with a needle and thread. 

"From the clan of Moddion; Rhoswen, who enters Benywdod with her gifts of healing." the crowds cheered once more, and with more fervour than they had for Alwen. Rhoswen's talents were considered a gift from Seren herself; able to heal wounds and ailments using only her mind. Cadernia knew Rhoswen quite well, as their families both belonged to the royal's inner circle. Though, admittedly, no clan could compete with the Iorwerths when it came to royal repute. This was a well known fact that was soon to be exemplified. 

"And finally, from the clan of Iorwerth; Cadernia, who enters Benywdod with her magical prowess". The crowds went wild, the endless sea of elves cheering and clapping as Cadernia bowed in royal tradition. It was true; she was an excellent mage and seer with a particular affinity for nature - talents that were, again, attributed to Seren by most. This was a fact of life that left Cadernia feeling less than satisfied. She knew more than anyone else how hard she had trained her skills in her search for power, from sunrise to sunset, day after day she poured through tomes in the ancient library or practiced her skills in the warm sun. There had been no divine intervention that Cadernia was aware of; her power was earned through a lifetime of dedication and perseverance. As much as she disagreed with the elven goddess taking credit, she would never oppose the elven views that so many she loved held so dearly. And so, she smiled gracefully and accepted the situation begrudgingly.

After the Sun had risen and the ceremony was over, Cadernia stepped down from the plinth and made her way over to her family. Her father was chatting to the King by one of many long tables piled with fine elven delicacies, the wives and offspring standing by in dutiful silence. Conversation turned to her as she approached.

"Ah, Cadernia. A pleasure to see you again." the King smiled welcomingly. He was a well-respected ruler, known for his fairness and good relations with the people. Cadernia smiled and thanked him, returning the sentiment. "Splendid Benywdod, wasn't it? We're grateful to have a mage such as you amongst us. I'm sure your father is very proud, right, Merddin?" he asked rhetorically.

"Of course, Your Highness. We are blessed to have a daughter such as her, Seren must look down upon us kindly." replied Merddin Iorwerth, to which Cadernia had to resist rolling her eyes. In the process, she met Arweinydd's gaze once more and smiled implicitly. He got the message.

"I'm sure you two have business to discuss," he said pleasantly to their fathers, before addressing Merddin directly. "May I?" he asked, referring to Cadernia. Iorwerth nodded affirmatively, pleased that his daughter held such strong relations with the nations future King, and Arweinydd swiftly lead Cadernia out into the forests by the hand.