Freja's Baptism

<< Freja reached out to Gurashi & the Star Council about coming home a short while ago, and today the stars finally aligned where we could get her un-taintified with a fancy New Celest ritual!

~~~
FREJA'S LETTER TO STAR COUNCIL
~~~
Star Council,

I am writing this letter to inquire about returning home. I understand
that this matter is delicate and will take time before reaching a
conclusion. I have been spending most of my time doing my previous Inner
Sea duties, spending time with those I once called friends. It is truly
amazing how forgiving everyone can be as I hope they would be. Before I
was drowning in darkness and suffocating, feeling as if I have lost
everything and no hope. It was not conversations with family and friends
from Shadowlight, did I realize I still have all of that. Love, Hope and
the Light.

Sincerely,

Freja Ysav'rai

~~~
GURASHI'S REPLY AFTER TALKING TO SC INDIVIDUALLY
~~~
Dear Miss Freja,

It is me - Gurashi! I have goodly news. I kept poking the Star Councils and have finally heard back from the others, yes!

We are all in agreement that we would like you to return home, but under one conditions: that you agree to be Baptised again, yes, to clean you of any clingy taint that might still be holding onto you anywheres! It is good at hiding under nailbeds and in hairs and stuff.

In addition to that we would asks that you choose one of the three Guilds that you have the most interest in joining, so that they may oversee the Baptism and be ready for you when you are all done! After that we can citizen you again, yes. You can come home!

Please let me know if this is amenable or not. I do not know if you want myselfs or someone else on the Star Council to baptise you but it must be someone who is a Duke or Duchess and part of of Ministry of Educations or Star Councils.

Stay goodly and kind and go in Love and the Light in all things,
Gurashi Skydrifter

~~~~ Freja agrees to the terms, IT IS TIME ~~~~

On the ground floor of the Deep Blue Cathedral.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. What appears to be an intricate four- story structure of spires and alcoves on the outside reveals itself as an open, singular, massive chamber on the inside. The ground level is filled with pews in concentric circles, radiating out from the centre of the large floor. In the centre of the floor is a raised circular platform, with a wide concentric system of steps leading up from all sides. In the middle of the circular platform is a stone tile mosaic representation of the Pool of Stars, the central landmark of New Celest. A single uncut, seamless slab of white marble, winds up the inside of the large chamber in a tiered spiral, story after story. Notably, the acoustics here are astounding. A beautiful lectern of pearl and coral, delicately carved with scenes of the sea, sits across from the pulpit set in the Cathedral's centre. Perfectly crafted of silver and opal, an ornamental pulpit engraved with Celestial imagery sits at one side of the raised platform in the Cathedral's centre. A wide, shallow basin of burnished gold rests here, brimful of rippling light. A young priest of the Holy Supernals, clad in white robes, tends to the cathedral grounds. There are 2 imperial scrolls of blue and gold here. A headless humanoid stands here wearing bloodied hunting leathers and carrying a large, grinning jack-o-lantern under one arm. She are surrounded by a deflection bubble. Divine radiance limns the figure of a holy champion who stands guard here, travailing against the ongoings of injustice.
You see exits leading north, northeast, southeast, southwest, northwest, up, and out (open door).

You eyes light up as you smile.

Warmly, you say, "Ah - good morning. Good morning."

Enero gives you a respectful salute.

Calioliahali gives the world a smart salute.

Enero bows respectfully to Calioliahali.

Raising her hand in greeting, Freja says "Hi!"

Their hands clasping together, you say, "What a goodly day! I am so happy could wake up so soonly."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Freja.

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Enero.

Fluttering as if caught by a breeze, the silvery threads of tinsel weave about in a haphazard pattern: conjuring new constellations and shapes as they glow from the sidereal light of the wreath's fine filaments.

Sir Enero La'Saet says, "Good morning, Herald. Good morning, Lady Skydrifter."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask, "I hope you are both doing well?"

As the sun's rays begin to break over the horizon, a slender leothin's amaranthine visage begins to fade back to a soft gray, wings dissolving like mist with the morning light.

LOOKIT FREJA
She stands a diminutive five feet tall though her large feathered wings give off a statuesque presence. The elaborate plumage is black at the top and fades into a light, dusty grey with blue tips towards the bottom. Ebony black hair flows over her shoulders in gentle waves not unlike those lapping at the shores of the Inner Sea. Across her forehead, sideswept bangs along with her wide-set eyes give her an expected youthful mien as she is a nimble faeling ink-stained demigoddess. Her dark amethyst irises, dappled with shards of gold and bordered by thick ebony lashes, add colour to her face.
Her glossy, raven-black hair has been gathered into a refined updo, wavy locks escaping the confinement in artistic disarray. In the front, the hair sweeps over her forehead in a wave on one side, and curls in wispy strands on the other.
She is wearing:
Tribal Prayer Beads of the Predator is wrapped around her left bicep
a proud toad bracelet dangles loosely from her left wrist
thick leather footwrap-style boots
a diamond encrusted platinum chandelier earring through her left ear
a diamond encrusted platinum chandelier earring through her right ear
form-fitting ebony plate armour of the huntress
a feathered ebony helm of the huntress
a glowing silver engagement ring encrusted with gems fits snugly on her ring finger

LOOKIT ENERO
He is a noble merian celestial demigod and stands roughly six feet tall. His stature is mature, with developed muscles rippling under his light, steel-blue hued skin, with the blue more dominant around his gills, and numerous scars covering his body. From underneath silvery arches, his steel-grey eyes pierce the air, like a well-honed weapon, but they no longer shine as they used to, evident of scars that the physical body can not bear. Silvery grey hair has been trimmed short on the sides and back, forming a fade, while longer, layered wavy locks, have been left on the top, cut neatly in half by a steel-blue fin and combed back for a trendy, yet formal look. Devoid of any facial hair, his face is smooth, ignoring the occasional scar, with a masculine, well-defined jawline and chin. His skin shimmers faintly from a thin application of oil and smells faintly of dragon's blood, deep and exotic.
He is wearing:
a crown of pure silver engraved with a lion
an imperial helm bearing the La'Saet crest
a resplendent stole of fine chain links
a sable cloak bearing a lion and star
a black and silver tunic
an imperial suit of white plate armour bearing the La'Saet crest
a brooch bearing a star emblem
a mirrored vambrace
a white leather frogge with the La'Saet family crest
a white leather frogge with the La'Saet family crest
militant prayer beads of the Even Bladed
a pleated kilt of heavy black leather
thick leather footwrap-style boots

LOOKIT WIFEY
Pale and muscular, as though clad in packed snow, she is an ordinary human vernal ascendant and is but a pair of inches short of six feet tall. The woman's frame is defined by broad shoulders and wide hips, attached to which are thick arms and powerful legs honed by untold years of battle. Although her countenance is rife with hard edges, as if it were hewn from ice, a tenderness lurks beneath her often forbidding demeanor. By far her warmest feature, waves of mahogany-hued hair spill naturally from her crown to just past her shoulders. The reddish-brown locks occasionally obscure her glacial blue eyes, within which dwell chilled streaks of electricity. Hardened through severe training and menial labor, her calloused hands seem prepared to bring to bear the worst of her icy nature at a moment's notice.
She is wearing:
an elegant pink rose, tucked behind her right ear
a steel-hued stola dress, straps adjusted so that it tightly accentuates her form
a striking wedding ring bearing a miniature black ghodak stone, worn on her left ring finger
classical sandals of soft golden leather, snugly strapped around her calves

LOOKIT ME
Standing at a lithe five-foot eleven, they are a graceful elfen kindly demigod changeling. Their shoulders are sharp and broad, their arms surprisingly sinewy and ending in long, lissome hands. Their gentle complexion is of a smooth tawny hue and covered in a smattering of dark freckles. Their long cheeks and thin, upturned nose both bear a permanent shade of blush, accentuated by the greatest cluster of freckles. A moderately sized crescent-shaped scar mars their right cheek, brightly visible against the deep hue of their skin. A hint of discolored flesh can be seen at the center of their sternum, mostly obscured by their clothing. Their thin elfen ears are slightly longer than average, pointing downward and just visible behind the tangled mess of vibrant, apricot-colored hair. A shock of bone-white has grown in along their left temple, lending a somewhat aged appearance to their otherwise youthful features. Their sleepy eyes are perhaps their most striking feature, a vibrant blue-gray that almost seem to glow against all the surrounding hues. Two tendril-like scars akin to burns wind their way up the elfen's arms, marring their knuckles, the backs of their hands, and ending just before the elbow.
They are wearing:
a starry wreath of celestial light set atop their head like a halo
a circlet of crystal thorns resting loosely atop their head
a vivid red-orange poppy tucked lovingly behind their left ear
the Mantle of Starlight which flows dreamily about their shoulders and back
a comfortable hooded lounge shirt of dusk-blue lambswool which hangs loosely from their form
mercurial Mysraian prayer beads pulled taut against their right wrist
minty citrus incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
aromatic cedar and cinnamon incense beads pulled taut against their right wrist
a shifting, living poppy of ivory petals worn delicately upon their left wrist
a charming wedding ring bearing a miniature white ghodak stone fitted securely to their left ring finger
dark blue trousers which fit their form snugly
Refined Boots of the Paladin, worn and weathered from use

Enero nods his head at you.

Freja nods her head emphatically.

Softly, Calioliahali Skydrifter says, "Greetings, both of you."

Sir Enero La'Saet says to you, "Very excited, I would say."

Enero beams broadly at Freja.

Freja nods her head at Enero.

Wringing their hands together, you say, "I am excited, yes. Nervous with excitement. I will do my best to do rightly by you on your Baptisms. We are happy you are coming home, yes yes."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Ah - ouwah - if ah, everyone would not mind following me, then ..."

Freja nods her head emphatically.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "O-K. To the Nave, then, and we shall begin."

The Nave of Celestial Radiance.
A calming warmth suffuses the surroundings, indicating a healing shrine of Valtreth nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Brilliant white columns stretch upwards alongside the enormous entryway, which reaches outwards towards the radiant Archway of Eternal Light. Each column has been smoothed and polished, the pale marble veined with gold, platinum and silver that lends to its luster, each a tall sentinel positioned to silently observe those who pass by with an imposing air. The walls beyond the columns are decorated with marble friezes of angelic beings, their wings stretched up behind them as they reach towards another of their kind. The smooth white floors of the nave have been composed of pale white marble with soft grey wisps, stretching onwards and onwards until they reach the dais upon which the radiant archway rests. Standing radiant and proud upon a raised dais, the Archway of Eternal Light dominates its surroundings.
You see exits leading north and south.

Flares of energy flash across the planes as wild nodes form and begin to discharge wildly in the Astral Plane, their power waiting to be claimed. <-- RUUUUUUDE

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses, exhaling through their lips to blow their bangs away from their face. "O-K, O-K," They mutter to themselves, making sure they have a phial of celestial holy water at the ready before turning to face Freja. "Ready? A--". <-- I WAS WRITING THIS HELLO???

(OOC Clan): Calioliahali says, "L o l."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa."

Enero coughs softly.

You clear your throat.

Sir Enero La'Saet says to you, "Do we have time, Herald?"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "We do - ah ..."

Enero nods his head at you.

Clearing their throat, you say, "I will attempt to be, ah, expeditious. But also - this is not something that can be rushed ... TOO much. We will give aid as soon as we are able."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Some things are very important."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Freja.

Freja nods her head emphatically.

Calioliahali gives you a friendly squeeze.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

Enero takes Freja's hand into his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Freja, "Blessings upon you who wish to re-join the Holy City of New Celest. You have come forward as a hopeful, to be embraced by the blessings that are bestowed upon those who dwell in the ever presently paradise that is our Light and Waters and underneath the gaze of those we guard, the Holy Supernals and the Lords of the Tide."

Looking for affirmation, you ask Freja, "Is this so?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes."

You nod your head emphatically.

<-- steppy steppy
In the alcove of Raziela.
A calming warmth suffuses the surroundings, indicating a healing shrine of Valtreth nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This brightly lit alcove is set deep in the structure of the cathedral walls. The rear wall is split in two concave halves meeting at a narrow point at the top. Their form, combined with the milky pearlescent hues reflecting from their surface give the impression of part of a large, upright mussel shell. A white marble statue of Raziela, the Loving Radiance is placed on a sturdy, wide pedestal. A glass globe lies here on the ground.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "With the love of Raziela, I wash your spirits free of hatred, anger, and intolerance. I bless you with the capacity to follow your heart down the path of Light."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Freja, "Do you accept this blessing willingly?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "I do."

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches out to collect Freja's hand carefully before lifting lifts a phial of celestial holy water carefully above Freja, letting a drop fall onto the palm of her right hand.

You nod your head emphatically.

<-- steppy steppy
In the alcove of Shakiniel.
A calming warmth suffuses the surroundings, indicating a healing shrine of Valtreth nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This brightly lit alcove is set deep in the structure of the cathedral walls. The rear wall is split in two concave halves meeting at a narrow point at the top. Their form, combined with the milky pearlescent hues reflecting from their surface give the impression of part of a large, upright mussel shell. A stunningly lifelike statue of Shakiniel, Defender of the Dawning Hope stands resolute, with both arms extended.
You see a single exit leading northwest.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "With the hope of Shakiniel, I wash your spirits free of insecurity, doubt, and despair. I bless you with the capacity to see the journey ahead of you with bright optimism and clarity."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Freja, "Do you accept this blessing willingly?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes, I do."

You have emoted: Gurashi again lifts the phial above Freja's hand, letting a drop fall into her left palm.

<-- steppy steppy
In the alcove of Japhiel.
A calming warmth suffuses the surroundings, indicating a healing shrine of Valtreth nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This brightly lit alcove is set deep in the structure of the cathedral walls. The rear wall is split in two concave halves meeting at a narrow point at the top. Their form, combined with the milky pearlescent hues reflecting from their surface give the impression of part of a large, upright mussel shell. A polished marble statue represents Japhiel, Illuminator of Merciful Justice.
You see a single exit leading northeast.

Enero smiles softly, as his gaze travels from you to Freja and back.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "With the wisdom of Japhiel, I wash your spirits free of ignorance and lift the veil that clouds the mind and prevents one from seeing the truth. I bless you with the capacity to remember the lessons learned from your mistakes and to be motivated to seek out the knowledge vital to your mental, physical and spiritual growth."

The Mantle of Starlight flows gently against your form, twinkling stars shifting across its surface as the starry infinity continues its eternal motion.

Smiling now, you ask Freja, "Do you accept this blessings willingly?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes, I do."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts a phial of celestial holy water and dabs a droplet on Freja's forehead.

<-- steppy steppy
In the alcove of Methrenton.
A calming warmth suffuses the surroundings, indicating a healing shrine of Valtreth nearby. This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. This brightly lit alcove is set deep in the structure of the cathedral walls. The rear wall is split in two concave halves meeting at a narrow point at the top. Their form, combined with the milky pearlescent hues reflecting from their surface give the impression of part of a large, upright mussel shell. Mighty Methrenton, Crusader of the Holy Flame stands depicted here in a marble statue. A glass globe lies here on the ground.
You see a single exit leading southwest.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "With the strength of Methrenton, I wash your spirits free of weakness and cowardly actions. I bless you with the strength of character to follow the Light, overcome your foes and sustain yourself as you come to trials in your life."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Freja, "Do you accept this blessing willingly?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes, I do."

You have emoted: Gurashi lifts a phial of celestial holy water and dabs a droplet onto Freja's throat.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "I shall now lead you to the Baptistery of the Sacred Light, where the Light shall consider you."

You nod your head emphatically.

<-- the final steppiest!
The Baptistery of the Sacred Light.
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. Perched upon a raised dias within the Deep Blue Cathedral, the Baptistery of the Sacred Light is lined by the smooth walls native to the Cathedral, beautifully decorated with large stained glass windows, each depicting a different supernal - Raziela upon a vibrant field of daisies, clutching one in particular against her chest, a smile upon her face. Methrenton stands upon a glorious field, the nondescript forms of celestial angels arrayed behind him in formation, as though marching behind the golden supernal to a great battle. Elohora, the Lady of Eternal Light stands in the centre, her radiant form placed against a backdrop of varying white glass, her arms stretched upwards, reaching and embracing the brightest portion of the light. Next comes Shakiniel, her cobalt shield held protectively before her, the like-tinged forms of merian children huddled behind her. The farthest right of the windows bears the wise and knowing form of Japhiel, the Holy Libram in one arm while he wields a dark wooden gavel in the other, his gaze set upon the scene below. Resting quietly at the eastern edge of the azure waters, a coral brazier is here, its flames extinguished. Resting quietly at the southeastern edge of the azure waters, a coral brazier is here, its flames extinguished. Resting quietly at the western edge of the azure waters, a coral brazier is here, its flames extinguished. Resting quietly at the northern edge of the azure waters, a coral brazier is here, its flames extinguished. Its depths cold and pure, a pool of clear water has been sunken into the heart of the baptistery here. White robes clinging to her lithe figure, Jarana Farain stands here, her fins rising and falling gracefully. Resting quietly at the southwestern edge of the azure waters, a coral brazier is here, its flames extinguished.
You see exits leading south and in (open door).

Smiling despite the serious tone of their voice, you intone to Freja, "Please take this time to consider past faults and sins, yes."

You touch a piece of burning tinder to the incense within the cradle of the eastern brazier, sending spouts of blazing white flames flaring upwards with a blinding yet illuminating intensity, its sense of raw power and security permeating the air around you.

You touch a piece of burning tinder to the incense within the cradle of the southeastern brazier, sending spouts of opaque cobalt smoke trailing upwards with a warmly refreshing scent, akin to the salty sea air of the open ocean, permeating from it.

You touch a piece of burning tinder to the incence within the cradle of the northern brazier, sending spouts of warm pink smoke upwards with a heady, intoxicating scent permeating the air about it.

You touch a piece of burning tinder to the incense within the cradle of the southwestern brazier, sending spouts of glowing topaz smoke trailing upwards with a soft, refreshing scent, akin to the fresh mountain air, permeating from it.

You touch a piece of burning tinder to the incense within the cradle of the northern brazier, sending sparkling white smoke billowing upwards in a dazzling and twinkling display of perfumed smoke, an exotic, cloying scent that brings to mind the raw and pure light of Celestia.

A dizzying swirl of perfumes and smoke fill the air above the Baptistery of the Sacred Light, the dazzling and pulsing smokes mixing until they are no longer many but one, a soft, thin veil of smoke that hangs over the baptistery like early morning fog, yet warm and embracing, as though a higher being were drawing those present into their affection.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you intone to Freja, "With the unity of Elohora, I wash your spirits free of the loneliness within one's heart. I bless you with the perfect balance of the Holy Supernals and the eternal knowledge that you are not alone, that you may rely on those around you that walk with you in the Light."

You delicately lower yourself into a clear pool of cold, pure waters, standing waist-high in the icy waters, yet feeling suddenly refreshed and invigorated.

You raise your hand slowly, calmly beckoning to Freja to join you in the waters. She closes hers eyes for a moment, before nodding. With a steady step, she slowly enters the water, keeping hers eyes fixed upon your own.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you ask Freja, "Do you accept this blessing willingly?"

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes, I do."

Softly, smiling, you say to Freja, "You have willingly accepted each of the blessings the five Holy Supernals have granted you. You shall now be submerged within these Sacred Waters blessed by the Lords of the Tides and emerge cleansed and pure."

Unable to wipe a smile of happiness from his face, Enero stands to the side, eyes affixed to Freja.

You smile warmly down at Freja, as she relaxes within your embrace. Your eyes locked upon hers, you slowly lower her into the azure waters, the soothing cold washing about your hands, wrists and then arms as she disappears beneath its surface. After a moment you slowly draw draw her back upwards, a soft, luminous glow of newfound purity enveloping her.

A puff of smoke emits from the southwestern brazier, before the smoke and flames die.
A puff of smoke emits from the eastern brazier, before the smoke and flames die.
A puff of smoke emits from the southeastern brazier, before the smoke and flames die.
A puff of smoke emits from the western brazier, before the smoke and flames die.
A puff of smoke emits from the northern brazier, before the smoke and flames die.

Warmly, you say to Freja, "Your spirit has been cleansed, and it is pristine and pure, once again."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Freja.

You ask Freja to repeat the oaths of the Grand Province of New Celest after you. She does, and you admit her as the newest, proudest citizen of the Grand Province of New Celest.

Enero embraces Freja with great ardour.

(Celest): You say, "Welcome home, Freja."

Freja hugs Enero compassionately.

Freja hugs you compassionately.

(Celest): Enero says, "Welcome home, my love."

Smiling, you ask Freja, "Do you wants to join Archons again you said?"

(Celest): Kennian says, "Welcome! We're so excited to have you!"

Sir Enero La'Saet whispers to Freja, "Welcome home, my love."

(Celest): Haegan (from the Astral Plane) says, "Welcome, Freja."

In a light, sing-song brogue, Freja Ysav'rai says, "Yes."

Calioliahali lifts a calloused hand to your shoulder at the end of the ceremony, squeezing tenderly.

(Celest): You say, "Whew! That was goodly timing! Thank you!"

You welcome Freja into the Archons.

(Celest): Bereias says, "Welcome home aunt."

You beam broadly.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Thank you so muchly for your time. You did beautifully, yes."

Enero beams broadly at Freja.

Sir Enero La'Saet says to you, "I will... deposit Freja somewhere safe and head up to Astral at once."

A large burst of power across the Astral Plane heralds the beginning of the capturing of the Wild Nodes!

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "Thank you! I will be up there soonly!"

In soft, mellifluous tones, you exclaim, "Thank you both so muchly!"

A wave of starlit warmth and benevolence washes over you, coursing through your link to the Pool of Stars as it shines all the brighter for New Celest's championing of the Light throughout the First World.

Sir Enero La'Saet says to you, "Thank you, Herald."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Enero.

Enero gives you a respectful salute.

You nod your head emphatically.

In a light, sing-song brogue, Humble Freja Ysav'rai, Avower of the Archons says, "Thank you."

Enero bows respectfully to Calioliahali.

Calioliahali gives Enero a respectful salute.

Freja leaves, following Sir Enero La'Saet.
Enero leaves to the south, emanating an aura of immense power.

Leaning up to press her lips to the elfen's cheek, Calioliahali Skydrifter says to you, "You performed wonderfully, my apotheosis. I am so proud of you."

You have emoted: Gurashi crawls out of the water, laughing and wringing out their shirt as they do. "Ahh - m-my hands are shaking. That was ah..."

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say to Lady Jarana Farain, "Thank you for your help. That was wonderful."

You nod your head emphatically.

In soft, mellifluous tones, you say, "We should go ah - help."

<-- nyooms to Wildnodes!!