Illuminated Dev 1: Alacritas Festival of Solais - Hina's Wish

[15:02] Today, the sun was shining brighter than ever before. Many things were to be done on this day - celebrations, promotions, so on...

But most importantly? It was Solais' twentieth birthday. Not just that - It was Kava's, it was Eleos', and it was Azalea's as well.

Hope fills the air. Life courses through the ground, touching upon all in attendance.
"Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you."
Azalea's voice rings out gently and clearly, multitudes of birds flying to flock amongst the branches of Solais - butterflies resting amongst the flowers that bloomed and sprouted, a slow and deep breath being inhaled and exhaled by the hamadryad as she begins to address everyone.
"Welcome to the Alacritan' Churchs third sermon. And, to Solais' twentieth anniversary; since the rite of ascension had been completed, Solais has been watching over Mankind and the Frontier for twenty whole years.

So much has happened - both good, both bad, and all a part of life.
And yet, we must remember to endure -- for Alacritas, a constant as she is, always surrounds us - and Solais is a combination of Hope and Life. He reminds us that we must remain strong as ever, to not turn our backs on our ideals and on what we love so dearly."
The Radiants' hand clutches tightly to her chest, the thrum of life echoing clearly from the small womans' form.

"Grant, O' Lady Alacritas and Solais, thy protection.
And in protection, strength.
And in strength, understanding. And in understanding, knowledge.
And in knowledge, the knowledge of justice, and in the knowledge of justice, the love of it, and in the love of it - the love of all existences.
And in the love of all existences, the love of Solais and Alacritas;

Hope and Life, and all goodness."

She breathes deeply, allowing an array of blossoms to sprout in front of the attendees.

"It is in you that we learn the beauty of life, and through your wisdom the strength to be kind, Lady Alacritas.

It is through your stalwart protection that we learn to not give up hope, Solais - our beloved tree."
(Azalea Aubreen)
[15:03] {NARRATION} The sun is extra warm today.

No, more than that -- the cosmic stardust that rests upon Solais' leaves are particularly effervescent. Those branches that stretch for many miles seem to be reaching out towards those who had arrived...

All who were here could hear clearly the sounds of gentle chimes, and the fruits that had been placed upon Solais' roots slowly vanishing.

Yes, indeed...

Solais is particularly active, today.

[15:16] Hopefulness and life emits, washing over any former negative emotions that Hina held on to prior after Acero's clash with Nevermore.

It was beautiful, like staring at the open skies during a clear night and viewing the cosmos twinkle above, watching down upon them all.

Azalea's speech was just as beautiful - glorious, really. The words were soft, and the prayer brought on a calm sensation in the Kitsune. While Hina was no follower of their faith, she did well to listen to each word and recite the poem-like prayer in her mind - it was something she'd never heard before, but words she wanted to keep close.

The little follower of Jiuweihu's face lite up with happiness; pure joy and contentment. The scenery was something out of a fairytale, but this was as real as life on Eternia could get in those moments.

No mind to the sweat trickling down her visage, however, even in the warmth of the sun. Hina's attention is paid in full towards the individuals atop the hill nearby before Solais, the tree that has protected this place and its people for twenty years now.

"Wow.." the girl utters out softly, almost inaudibly. Hina was in awe at the presentation of the butterflies, the birds resting on the long branches, and the cosmic stardust that glistened on the lively leaves held on its branches.

To Hina, it was pure magic; this was like nothing she has ever experienced before.
(Hina Lam)
[15:23] Acero whispers: have you ever saw candles floating? what the...

[15:34] Acero whispers: I think i got wounded at the perfect time, damn, i would have missed the festival if it wasnt because of nevermore
[15:41] Hina Lam whispers: I would say so. This is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. I'm happy to be here right now, so.. thank you for managing to get yourself injured.
[15:41] Another inhalation is taken. The festival was not yet over, so much there was still to do and say... But there was no need to rush such a thing. First, Azalea must take it slow and steady.

Hands extend out towards both Reeds and Svengalf, and as they approach, she asks them a question:
"Svengalf, Reeds - do you swear by peace and love, heart to heart and hand in hand, to stand by Alacritas' teachings and tenets?

To continue to offer love and advice to those in need, to continue offer spiritual guidance to those who have lost their way?

To heal, to nurture; to remind those that hope has never once faded, it is simply resting, nestled within their chests - waiting for the moment it feels safe enough to show it's everlasting light?"
It is a gentle, pure motherly smile given towards them.
Of course, after this, they would have quite a few new responsibilities on their shoulders - but at the end of it all...

...It'd help them to further their growths, and the growths of those around them. Butterflies flutter forwards, landing upon both of their heads; each beat of the insects' wings dusting them with a small amount of the lifestream.

Enhancing their connection to Her, Lady Alacritas.
A feeling of peace would flow freely, and the blossoms that had appeared before all in attendance would start to freely bloom - as if preparing to accept something from them.

Azalea's voice quietly rings out in everyone else's heads:
"[ Please, write a wish upon a piece of paper, place on the blossom - and then send it upwards. ]"
(Azalea Aubreen)
[15:43] Acero whispers: buahahahaha, thanks... I guess? I'll get hurt more, i promise.
[15:44] Hina Lam whispers: Pff, don't do that. What benefit would hurting yourself bring?
[15:55] Those atop the hill before Solais speak, adding in their words of comfort about their faith, their tree - like a beautiful, proud effigy where it took tall, branching out a long distance. Hina silently watches, listening, still content by the nature of this scene before her.

Light conversation with Acero to be had - this was the girl's first ever festival she's attended; therefore, she wasn't familiar with any etiquette other than learning, listening, and paying as close attention as she could.

To be this devout to a faith had its benefits, and she knew of that very well being devout to the deity of the Sun, Jiuweihu.

At the thought, the little Kitsune girl smiles. Unconsciously, a piece of paper is taken from another individual that handed them over. Her eyes, which were scrutinizing the massive size of the wonderous tree, fall upon Azalea just as she's finishing her speech again.

From peripherals, the Kitsune watches butterflies trickle down something mystical - whatever it may be, the sensation was something wholesome, pure, and great that she could feel from where she stood. Whatever it may have been, she'd have to question later.

Shifting gaze now retires towards the blooming blossoms, further initiating a larger smile on the Kitsune's face.

She's read about something similar in her mother's journal before. Something about lanterns and sending them upward with messages - could this be a similar incentive of their faith?

Whichever it may be, she stares at the blank page before her.

'Please, write a wish upon a piece of paper, place it on the blossom - and then send it upwards.'

What wish could that be for Hina?

Wherever the girl reaches for a writing utensil, Hina begins to jot down her wish, smiling softly as she does so.
(Hina Lam)
[16:00] Just as the girl finishes writing down her wish and its explanation for the wish, Hina sets the paper atop the blossom, cupping it with both of her hands then.

"May this wish come true one day."

The blossom is slowly lifted up towards the air, pushed upward with enough force to allow it to flow freely away by itself. She'll watch it drift upward - wherever that wish lands, the girl could only dream of it.
(Hina Lam)
[16:15] {NARRATION} Tristinia's wish, carried upward by the blossom, is the first to land amongst the leaves of Solais where it is now nestled safely; the paper seemingly merging with the flower. The drakanite would feel a surge of hope flow through.

Arista's wish(es) upon the blossom is the second to find a home within Solais' branches, and the sirenian would feel a touch lighter - as if being lifted up by something.

Regulus' blossom soon follows suit, nestled between Tristinia's and Arista's. Sparks of cosmic dust burst forth, landing upon the tufts of his hair. Some way to ease the pain he might be going through.

Nera's lands excitedly next to Regulus, sparkling brilliantly with the stars, shining brighter than the others.

To the one who made a wish to Jiuweihu, whose blossom now permanently nestles closest to the holy energy of Solais, they would feel a rise of holy energy - cleansing their mind, easing their thoughts.

The one whose drawing was that of a family picture would find itself on full display upon the trunk of Solais.

Lianhua's wish is nestled carefully upon a branch, and with it she would find herself wrapped within the feeling of unconditional love.

The blossom containing Bell's wish shines bright with a holy energy as it latches onto the leaves of Solais to rest, and with it - the Montelione himself shines even brighter.

Loki's blossom merges completely with Solais, the flower jutting out of the trunk of the Tree of Hope, glowing a soft pink.

Edward's blossom lingers within the air, and it almost seems as if the branch of Solais reaches out to personally grab hold of it. It is quiet, but from now on, in times of doubt - Edward can hear the chimes.

Malibu's blossom with her wish can be seen being held gently by a branch, as if it were a delicate thing. To her, too, does unconditional love flow freely towards.

Regalus blossom seems to be empowered by both cosmic and holy magic both, and his desire to protect has become amplified itself.

Meadow's wish...
Is held close to where one might assume the 'heart' of a tree to be. Within the center, glowing softly and kindly.

Kava would feel the gentle embrace of the Lifestream and Holy radiate around her. An understanding.

Cecil's wish is then carried above, resting neatly on Solais' canopy as well. It glows... and there is a part of her that will feel calm, now.

Soon, all of these blossoms seem to become a permanent part of the tree - as if Solais itself wished to keep pieces of Mankinds' dreams with it, and keep them alive as long as possible.
[16:19] {Item} You drop Hina Lam's Wish.
[16:20] Acero whispers: damn señorita, how did you wrote so fast? I took like half an hour
[16:21] Hina Lam whispers: I learned how to write from my Dad. He loved writing fantasy stories for me as a child.
[16:22] {NARRATION} A few more blossoms, a little late, but welcomed all the same into the arms of Solais.

Luna's wish shines as brightly as a new star, showcasing her determination and desire to do what she can.

Caterina's burns brightly with holy energy, as if to showcase the powerful nature of her own wish. It resonates within.

Hina, the other priestess of Jiuweihu, would find that the sun seemed to shine on her just a little more than usual. Not enough to be uncomfortable... But enough for her to know she is also heard.

The Dryden would hear a gentle chime within her ears as her blossom enters the canopy of the great tree, invoking a warmth within her chest. Courage.
[16:26] {NARRATION} ACERO's blossom seems to be empowered by both cosmic and holy magic both, and his desire to protect has become amplified itself.

Proteus' wish has also been heard and the blossom now decorating a portion of Solais' branch. He will feel a sense of determination; nothing is impossible.

Ahwul's seems to have joined Arista's drawing, now focused completely in the center.
[16:36] Flowers blossom along the arms of Svengalf and Reeds both, as if to further mark them down this path - although, it was not in an intrusive way at all, and they could even remove such gentle things whenever they wanted!

It was a blessing, to further cement how long they've come.
As Solais' takes the blossoms with their ferried wishes and makes them a part of him, so that their hopes and dreams would not fade with time.

And those blossoms would be visible for all to see, should they need a reminder. Gripping the hands of Reeds and Svengalf gently but tightly, she continues on.
"Then, from this day onwards - you are both Council Members of Healing. A high ranking position from within the Church -- meaning, you will be able to host your own sermons, your own lessons...

And much, much more."
Both of them are suddenly imbued with a complete sensation of the Lifestream, as if the culmination of their lessons, teachings and experiences have lead to feeling completely one with their chosen Goddess.

The previous markings they'd both received suddenly blossom fully, and the flowers upon their heads take on new forms with the burst of life.

Colourful, vibrant.
"Deep within the still centre of my being, may we find peace.
Silently within the quiet of Solais, may we share peace.
Gently within the greater circle of humankind
May we radiate peace."

Azalea seems to have tuned out the silliness going on around her!
(Azalea Aubreen)
[16:37] {NARRATION} Solais is still trying to get Acantho's wish unstuck, but in the meantime, Ilyas' wish floats to rest and merge near the entrance of it's hollow.

The De Daum will feel a sense of complete, utter warmth.
[16:50] Hina stands in awe, glancing around at the floating blossoms as they make their way towards Solais' branches, attaching, and becoming one with the tree. Her attention isn't paid elsewhere, rather - the girl keeps track of her own wish, attentively spectating it draws closer to the great tree.


The scenery was beautiful and unique in all ways, and just as her own wish was aiming to touch upon the branches, welcomed into Solais' arms, nestling into its leaves, Hina finds herself far too enveloped in the situation to pay mind anywhere else.

It is then - that attention does shift upward towards the skies. A familiar feeling, though one she's actually never felt before - but, why? Why was it as familiar as it was?

Today, the sun's rays radiated upon her, as if giving her the attention she so desired. They were harsh, to say the least, but the glorious impression given was that, perhaps her wish may have come true in some way.

Was Jiuweihu noticing her then at the assistance of Solais, because of her wish? The girl couldn't help but feel intense, emotional, and enthusiastic about this warmth shimmering down on her.

Hina was heard, and her wish becoming one with the tree solidified that belief.
(Hina Lam)

[16:54] Bursts clapping happily, he didn't knew Sven and Reeds would get some kind of promotion, the notice catches Acero by surprise!!
[17:06] Acero whispers: I'm going to pass out if I don't eat something Hina...
[17:08] Hina Lam whispers: Are you able to give it a bit more time, Acero? Is there anything I can do to ease your hunger somehow.. without giving you food? I think the ceremony is almost over.
[17:09] Tears well up in her own eyes, pulling Svengalf and Reeds into a tight and warm hug. They had come far, and whilst her own duties would remain as the leader of the Church; she knew that she wouldn't have to worry.

Rather, she never truly had to.
But they had both shown their growth, and their desire to do good by the others.

They are pulled out of the hug, both given a ruffling of the hair by Lady Azalea as the Spring Maiden glows a light silver and gold. It was now that she was made aware of the scene going on, Mother Aubreen clears her throat.

She'd end this off with a lesson on the lifestream, it seems.
"Lady Alacritas wove the Lifestream with Nyssa; it exists throughout the very fabric of creation, and everyones' souls as well.

Unless your soul has been sold - you will always follow this current into Yggdrasil's embrace as Yggdrasil is the Tree of Convergence within the Spirit Realm, created to house the main section of the Lifestream.

Yggdrasil is tended to by Alacritas alongside the Lifestream, to ensure that both are well cared for with no tears. Damaging the Lifestream is to inevitably deal damage to the cycle of reincarnation, of birth, and of death - and so it is integral to ensure that it is not interrupted, as it could halt the flow of the very cosmos."
She made a point to not indicate what could happen if that flow was halted. It would ruin the good mood!

"Solais exists as a Mortal realm Convergence point. That is why you can see and sense a flow of the stream through him.

However, if you are to ever touch upon Our Lady's stream of Life, I should warn you all: don't linger too long, for your soul could eventually be reclaimed for the reincarnation process a few years early!

Wayfinders and Riftmancers are skilled in learning to circumvent touching it completely, only ever briefly coasting along the stream.

Anyways!"
Azalea's hands clap together!

"Food and drinks are on the tables, please enjoy yourselves and celebrate Solais' twentieth birthday!"
(Azalea Aubreen)