Timestamp: 46th of Winter, 510 AV Status: Open to All, enjoy the festival! The night is an integral part of every Lhavitian’s life. The night brings glory, renewed activity, comfort and familiarity. Night brings out Zintila’s sacred stars; an ocean of them mingling in Akajia’s inky black veil over the lands. Midwinter has arrived, and the denizens of Lhavit have fully awakened at the dawning of Syna. Carts were hauled out onto Zintia Peak, a procession of people and animals and crates packed with food hastily passing over the slender bridges connecting each peak together. Surya Plaza, as wide as it is grand, had rows of beautifully lit lanterns with dull blue glows. There were no large bonfires on this night, only small offerings to the food being lain out on various countertops, laden with well-wishes and silk tablecloths. The sky overhead was drowned in stars, with Leth’s generous presence enveloping the city in his enchanting light. Denizens were dressed in beautiful white fabrics, and it didn’t matter if one was young or old, servant or wealthy, the colors were the same. People were just beginning to set up, and it showed. Old men were settling their carts to show an array of glow-in-the-dark lizards, called Gila, others were piled with various fruits, even more with scrumptious rice dumplings ready for eating. And some others held games and prizes for the youngsters or the young-at-heart. In a corner of Surya Plaza, a band was playing beautiful, invigorating music. A composition that left the listener feeling as if they were in the center of benevolent spirits dancing all about them. From the steps leading toward the grand Koten Temple, in all it’s glimmering and glowing beauty, another procession began. Priests and priestesses garbed in flowing robes of silky white emerged, holding banners stamped with the insignia of the Star Lady. Upon reaching the Surya Plaza, the two rows of priests split on either side, and from the top of the stairs emerged the tall Ethaefal Anchorite Hayani, as well as another being. A beautiful woman garbed in the same white as the rest, but skillfully glimmering with the subtle glow of her stars. Lhavitians halted their actions to gaze upon their Star Lady, some kowtowing, others bowing low to show their undying respect and devotion. The Star Lady’s hand rose just as the band settled into silence, a smile painted on her lips as she spoke, “My people deserve a night of festivities and beauty. Today is the longest night of the year, when my stars can give each and every one of you the guidance you deserve. Let me be the first to say… Let the festivities begin!” It wasn’t long before Lhavitans rose once more and tossed rice into the air to signal the beginnings of joy and excitement. The music resumed, and from the corner of the plaza emerged the deep-blue garbed ladies of Leth’s temple. The Chandra, as they are called, just as their sisters, the Taiyang, held displays of beauty and dance for the people and for the enjoyment of Hayani and the Star Lady, herself. Only for this night. As they begun their preparations for the coming show, a group of Shinya were tossing out small wooden tokens from one section of the plaza. These tokens, if caught by an individual, signified prosperity in the future and good health for long days to come. A crowd of others were amassed around the battle wizards, cheering for every one caught, some sighing for their loss. The air was vibrant with joy and fun. |