Devotions of the Faithful.
— May Lorenz extend its might through the spirals once more.
Unified, a strong and proud people, let us claim these worlds as we have the stars above them.
The sea is still regarded as a lost world to those that walk the lands above. On the shoreline, there are footprints stretch on for what looks to be miles. Each foot placed leaves its mark, but all too soon, the tide guided by the moon, seeks to wash away any trace of existence Wiped clean, to start anew. Day after day, year after year. For many nothing had changed, and why should it. Why should this day be any different to the last? The sun breaks the morning, its golds and orange hues kiss the horizon and bring a new dawn. Rising higher, life greets it with open arms, welcoming its warmth and light. But all too soon it falls back to descend beneath the hills, and the blanket of night covers all in darkness.
*
Awake this day, we find a woman adorned in the lightest of spun blue silks, that barely cover tanned flesh; gentle folds swirling about her gracious form, teased by the salt filled air. Long dark tresses beaded with tiny shells, and curled by nature’s breeze; dances about her shoulders. Rippling down her back in a torrent that barely covers rounded buttocks. Down each muscular arms, she is adorned by tribal swirls. For she bore the markings of a clan Priestess. The black tributes carved into her skin with the sharpest of blades, by the Mystic and wise. Daughter of a Shayman; proud is she, of her clan and her heritage. Though a child of the Sea, she is a servant of the earth.
*
Whilst upon the sandy beach, she walks to collect bones of the ancient sea dwellers for her trade, Teki senses something in the air. Raising her chin slightly, the Priestess inhales deeply into her lungs. Holding a few seconds, with eyes closed tight, she allows nature to speak to her. A gull on high calls to her. It’s song one that she has in her heart, but it is disturbed. The tide is drawn out fast, with the white water foam bubbling at the water’s edge.
*
Opening her eyelids, the Sun’s rays are far brighter than before, but Teki catches the glimpse of a flash of light that streaks across the very sky. Had the Gods cast down a gift upon the people, or was this a sign that the end was nigh? Upon her tiny waist, a cord of leather holds a small pouch filled with tiny bones. Teki changes her course and goes up to a large log that had been felled years before. Untying her pouch, Teki shakes the bag and then empties the bones allowing them to scatter upon the weathered log. Crouching down, her slender digits pass over each in turn, soft murmurs escape her lips. Reading the bones, Teki’s eyes open wide…wider. Her head turns sharply back so she can gaze up at the sky, her right hand shades her eyes. Glorious, the sun shines so bright down upon the land. Shaking hand she removes from her temple and then passes her hand again over the bones. The signs are all there. The moon draws the water, the Sun gives life to the earth. All in alignment for this day. The bones do not lie.
*
Teki lets out a laugh. It simply cannot be. The priestess snatches up the bones, rising and fills her leather pouch; quickly tying it off. Her face is now illuminated, cheeks glowing fiercely, and with a widening smile. Beaming; teeth of white, glow against the darkness of her skin. ~The Temple!~ Teki’s mind racing and with bare feet, she breaks into a run. Kicking up sand in her wake till she reaches the grass plains, that bend and flow like waves to the rising winds. Sure footed, Teki sprints across the plains. Ahead of her, the towering temple is raised above the crumbling remains of what was once civilization’s jewel.
*
Rise Espra!
Upon this soil claimed in our name,
harbinger of the shadow and keeper of the flame.
Help us!
The realms lay in ruins around us,
We seek your aide through strength and mind.
O come Manifestient!
Save us from ourselves.
Deny the universe it’s end.
O come Manifestient!
Slay the lesser cli’cha.
Give us the worlds you conquer.
Come Adrin!
Lay your sceptre upon our shoulders,
let us move within the waves of your resolve.
Rise Espra!
Upon this soil claimed in our name,
harbinger of the shadow and keeper of the flame.
*
The sun had reached its peak, and blazing down against the top of the dome. A miracle would occur, bringing Teki to slow from her fast run. It was then Teki witnessed a marvel not expected for thousands of years. The rumble spread from the moving of stone, the smashing of panes of glass. Elemental forces played their part in this unlocking of the seal that held many a man, woman and beast captive in eternal slumber. Teki knelt down in the tall grasses, and pressed both hands to Mother earth. Her fingers easily clawed back the dirt and she brought the soil to see with her eyes. Richness of earth; blood of man, blood of bone. The bones spoke truth. He had returned. Tear filled eyes swept upward to the marvel of being one of the first to see. The return of the Son.
*
“She has wept, and her tear brought forth life where there was none. Arise fair Prince.” Teki’s voice but an echo in the winds, as the trees shed fine petals, that danced about and made the form of a woman, that gazed down upon Teki. Her arm extended towards the temple, before the petals scattered in a gust so strong. Nature itself had sung its praise. Teki rose slowly, proudly, and made the long walk to the temple, to pay hommage to His return.
*
Survey our empire, and behold our home!
These are our realms, no limit to their sway,—
Our flag the sceptre all who meet obey.
