Eleanor's fifth birthday celebration began with great fanfare at dawn in Taymer Palace.
As the first rays of sunlight coated the palace's towering white marble spires in a liquid gold sheen, the prelude to the celebration had already begun.
Inside the White Rose Hall, heavy, deep blue velvet draperies hung from the high, vaulted ceiling. Embroidered upon them in gold and silver thread was the two-headed eagle crest of the Temeris Clan, its wings spread as if poised for flight.
Hundreds of silver candles burned quietly on massive crystal chandeliers, illuminating the entire hall as if it were day.
The fragrance of white roses and the scent of cedarwood mingled in the air, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
Archbishop Fernandez, dressed in a white Sacrificial Robe, bore the Holy Emblem of the God of Stars and Truth embroidered on his chest—a star cradled by a crescent moon.
