The fires were lit and already the smoke had permeated the air spreading far and wide. The sun had already set painting the sky in hues of pink, orange, and purple. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets Phaero had ever seen. His eyes scanned the horizon. As far as the eye could see pilgrims were gathering around the great pyre. Songs danced upon the air, punctuated with laughter and an overwhelming sense of bliss.Millions had gathered to celebrate the promise of the Goddess and her victory over the darkness. The day was the longest day of the year, the summer solstice. Tonight they would dance, feast, and make merry in honor of their mother and her eternal love.
This was Phaero’s first time at the festival and thus far it had lived up to his expectations. He harkened back to the stories his father had told him of how he and his mother had met. It was here that their union had conceived him. Here under the glowing flames of the great pyre, there was a promise. A promise of light conquering the dark, of love conquering hate, and a feeling of new beginnings.
He wandered about, taking it all in. Everywhere he looked there was something wondrous. The diversity of the people of Tír na nÓg came together in an inconceivable fusion of levity and reverence. His soul was elated by the songs and sounds of his mother’s people. Phaero had found his way through the marvelous mess of merchant carts and makeshift taverns. Before him stood the stone altar of the Goddess. Encircling the altar was a great pyre that stretched around the immense base. The stairs of the altar stretched to the heavens.
Phaero laid eyes upon the ancient steles. The stonework was unparalleled in its ornate design. Their sheer immensity and grandeur were unlike anything Phaero had ever seen in Formene. There were many stories told in the carvings on the monolithic stone. Yet none of them drew his attention more than the stone carvings of his mother’s people, the Aélfar. They told of the union of the Goddess and the Moon. In the embrace of the moon, the Goddess bore the Aélfar. In her arms, she carried the beams of moonlight to the earth and shaped them into the children of the moon. It was a magnificent tale that brought forth memories of his mother. Although he had never known her, he could still picture her essence, her voice, and her smile. It warmed his soul as the fire warmed his skin.
Phaero looked on as pixies whirled around the great pyre. Their starlit wings beat gently against the summer breeze. At the base of the pyre brownies, gnomes, and dwarves set more wood to be lit. The air was thick with anticipation. The last glimmer of sunlight had faded when a deep rumbling horn sounded. Millions of souls directed their attention to the stone altar in reverence. The altar could be seen from miles around. At the foot of the colossal steps, the High Priestess began their ascent. An entourage of altar girls followed, carring burning incense and glowing candles. The high priestess wore a crown of flowers and vines. Her body was nude, representing the nude figure of the Goddess. Phaero watched as she gracefully ascended the stone steps. Her breasts full and her hips were broad. The altar girls chanted behind her and not a soul spoke. All were transfixed. The eerie feel of a once boisterous crowd being instantaneously silenced spoke to the power of this magnanimous moment.
The high priestess reached the summit and looked out upon the faithful masses. She raised her arms towards the heaven as her altar girls chanted.
"Hear us great mother on this the most sacred night. Grace us with your presence, fill us with your wisdom and love. Enter the oracle and tell us your will.”
The high priestess began to sing in the unintelligible tones of the spirits of the earth. Her eyes glossed over, and her voice began to sound through every blade of grass, leaf, and rock.
"Hear this my children. On this night, you have gathered to worship your mother. To celebrate your brothers and your sisters, and feast until your stomachs burst. Tonight you will drink and be merry. Let your heart carry you to places that you’ve never dreamed. Tonight, is a night for dreamers, for lovers, and for all my children to sing the song of unity."
The crowd was enraptured. The voice of their Goddess filled them. At that moment, the pressures and stresses of their everyday lives melted away. They watched in awe, drowning in religious ecstasy.
"Enjoy the revelry of this evening to your heart’s content. For in the morning, one shall be named to join the order of druids. Through the joining the named will be born unto a new life to serve my will, to defend the realm and all my children. At dawn, you will gather here and one of you will be named. May your time be merry and your hearts runneth over with the rivers of love."
The crowd cheered as the high priestess dropped the candle she held onto the great pyre below. In one magnificent instant, every inch of kindling at the base was lit. The fire leaped into the air, scorching the heavens and soaring high above the crowds. Phaero could feel the heat on his skin as his eyes watched the flame in amazement. Music began to play again. Harp strings sounded, trumpets blared, and voices sung as the festival erupted into a frenzy. Phaero looked on as dwarves cracked open casket after casket of ale. Giants ate whole roasted boar in hardly two bites. People kissed and danced with wild fervor. It was merrymaking at its best.
Phaero caught a glimpse of his friend Jemresh racing towards a group of dancing water nymphs. He watched as Jemresh pulled out his pan flute and began to play. Just then a line of youthful maidens skipped past Phaero. Their skin was radiant, and their eyes full of lust. They giggled and waved at the tall handsome half-breed. Phaero blushed. His courage quickly returned and chased after the maidens. He caught up and gripped one of their hands. They led him towards the field of champions, singing and dancing along the way.
He thought about the memories he would make tonight, would he find love as his father and mother did? His mind was ripe with possibilities. That was when his eyes landed on her. She was a seræphym, angelic and alluring. Her beauty was beyond words. She stood with her back turned to him, her black wings unfurled and her arms at her side.
Never before had he seen any woman and felt this way and he hadn’t even seen her face. There was an irrefutable magnetism drawing him to her. It was as though their destinies lay intertwined. She turned and her eyes caught his. He looked like such a fool his was mouth open, and his eyes wide, but something in his eyes captured her. Phaero’s eyes locked onto hers and as he attempted to speak he stumbled forward in a love drunk stupor. She caught him in her arms, but as he regained his balance he simply stared at her. She realized it was up to her to make introductions.
"I’m Samsara."
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