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Mavuika was a complex goddess. She loved the people of Natlan, but within Her flaming heart was the ever-present wrath of war.
War was Her lifeblood. It was Her victory in battles millenia ago that solidified her place as the Goddess of War and Flames. She was righteous, powerful, and unstoppable.
The people of Natlan must have done something bad. Something wrong. The central volcano sprung to life, burning all in its path, a reminder of Mavuika’s power. Perhaps the people had forgotten how strong She was.
After the Golden Comet streaked across the sky and thundered with promises, many in Natlan must have forgotten their way. That was what the leader said, at least. After the fires and the ash, when survivors - traitors - left, only the truly loyal remained.
Only those truly loyal to Mavuika remained. Not the false idol that was the Golden Comet.
The leader's proposal could not be ignored. He spoke with wisdom beyond his years, his riddles said to be direct words from Mavuika Herself.
“Cast yourself into the flame. Prove yourself to Mavuika. Prove your loyalty.”
He would watch over them. He would ensure their souls made it to the Night Kingdom, to become warriors in Mauvika’s great army.
The walk to the peak of the volcano took days. Those who followed the leader dare not mention the ache of their feet and the hunger in their bodies.
It was said the magma would reforge them, melt them like metal and shape them into blades. Only then would they have proven themselves to Mavuika.
It was unbearably hot. The air was thick with heat and ash. But she couldn’t turn back. She had to prove herself to Mauvika. She had to throw away her thoughts of the Golden Comet. The leader had guided them back to the correct path after they had been led astray.
“This is what Mavuika demands.”
She would become a soldier. She would become a warrior. The Night Kingdom's army grows with every soul that gives themselves to Mavuika.
She remembered the fall. The leader had pushed her, his hands grabbing her shoulders harshly as she was tossed into the volcano's open mouth. It ate her slowly. She had thought she would be plunged deep like water - how foolish.
She screamed in agony as the fire caught her clothes and hair, the sludge of magma slowly dragging her down like quicksand. To say it burned would not even begin to quantify the feeling that consumed her entire body.
She screamed until she awoke.
The Night Kingdom was empty.