Ceremony of the Wing II
From FiranMUX
Stepping to the front, Sabria looks a bit nervous. Public speaking is not something she is very comfortable and it shows. She puts a bunch of feathers out before her. "I thank everyone for coming today to the Ceremony of the Wing. It is an honor to be able to perform it. I have spent hours writing what I wished to say. It is perhaps longer than the ceremony's before. Before I get started, could everyone please join me in a prayer to Lady Uf so we can ask her presence." With that, the Ticanee initiate bows her head and waits patiently for a few moments.
"As we return to Ellish, we face challenges unknown before us. Never before have we had to reclaim a city that has been in enemy hands for generations. We come to you, Lady Uf to ask your wisdom and guidence in this difficult time. We do not take your blessing lightly but with the utmost sincerity and reverence." The nervousness that was present in the Ticanee initiate seems to vanish when she begins to address her goddess. Her voice becomes strong and steady. "We thank you for the ability to dream. We have seen your power as for so long, reclaiming Ellish was a dream for many. Some said it could not be done, even after we had regained Fort Sacrifice. We were told to face reality and not to believe in dreams. But it was our faith in the dream sustained us and the dream of a free Ellish has came true. For this, we thank you and ask that you join us so that the feathers can be blessed by your grace." As the prayer is done, Sabria raises her head and looks perhaps not at those gathered but almost beyond those gathered.
After waiting a few minutes, Sabria up a basket that has groupings of feathers already tied into bundles. One bundle is left untied. She picks up the first feather. She holds up a grayish feather with darker bars going across. "It has been a difficult journey to reclaim Ellish and the losses have been staggering. Many lives of those who believed in the dream were lost. The owl is one of your messengers that has long been associated with Lord Unot. It brings wisdom. We ask that you grant us wisdom so we make the right decisions in regards to handling those who reside in Ellish." She sets the feather on the alter before her.
The second feather is lifted and shown to those there. It's a long black feather with a bluish sheen. "Along with the wisdom, we will need the reasoning that comes from intelligence. The raven is a very intelligent bird, some would even call it cunning. We need the ability to be cunning and intelligent as we face situations unknown so we can adapt to the needs that lie ahead." Sabria places the second feather beside the first.
Holding up now a third feather, Sabria's voice carries the temple. This feather is a dark gray and appears to be rather long. "We will also need patience in Ellish. Buzzards are known for being patient. Some do not like the buzzard as they believe it only represents that something has died. While they are scavangers, they show tremendous patience so they can do what their job in nature is. We will not be liked by some in Ellish. But we must be dilligently patient so that we can do our duty. It will take time to heal the rifts." The feather joins the first two on the altar.
It is the fourth feather which causes Sabria to pause. She finally picks up a long white feather that is much larger than many of the other feathers. A rare smile formes on Sabria's face softening her sharp features. "We will need understanding. This is a griffon feather and it may seem like an odd choice for understanding. The griffon is a creature of two worlds blended into one being. Those in Ellish are like griffons...they have two cultures. Therefore, it will take understanding on both sides so that their two cultures become one culture. It will be uniquely theirs. It will never be exactly like the parent culture as we will not be able to erase all traces of the enemy. Griffons were once property only of the Shami but we have made them into our own. With time and understanding, we shall make Ellish our own."
As the griffon feather joins the others on the altar, Sabria picks up the next feather It is also white but much smaller. The lower end of the feather is frayed somewhat, making it appear softer and fluffy. "We will need loyalty. The goose is known for being a loyal bird. A goose will only have one mate in it's lifetime. This is one reason beds are stuffed with goose feathers. We will have to remain loyal to our mission, our leadership and our gods. We are about to be tested as we have never been tested before. If we retain what we must have, then we will be strong in our duties."
A rich reddish brown color feather becomes the next target for the showing to the audience. "We will need strength. The eagle is known for it's might. It is an inspiring bird whose strength is well known. We will need strength of body, mind and spirit. The task before us will take all three. Therefore, we ask for Eagle's strength, Lady Uf."
The next feather is the smallest and is an emerald green. "We also ask for the fearlessness of the hummingbird. We can not show any weakness. We must stay resolute to the duty that befalls us. The hummingbird is one of the smallest birds but nothing can deter it from it's mission. It is swift and adaptable as well. These are qualities we need in Ellish."
"We need the clear sightedness of the Hawk." Sabria begins as she displays the hawk feather. "We must not go into Ellish without having the ability to see things clearly. There will be things that are hidden from us. We ask Lady Uf to grant us the vision of the hawk so we can see things clearly."
Another feather that seems to give Sabria a cause to pause. She then nods as she realizes why she chose this feather. Again, she looks not into the faces of those gathered but toward the back of the temple where the winds blow in. "Ellish will require that we are like the chicken. Not the swiftest of birds, the chicken is known for it's ability to sacrifice. A mother chicken will pause and allow her chicks rush to saftey while she stays in the open, knowing in doing so that she may not survive. We must sacrifice time from our families and loved ones. Some of us may be required to sacrifice our very lives. As this is part of our duty, please grant us the ability to make the necessary sacrifices for the good of our people both at home and in Ellish."
The final feather is a light gray feather. Sabria holds it up with reverence. "Last but not least, there is one more bird whose favor we ask of you, Lady Uf. Doves are often the symbol of love and peace. We ask that you grant us the peace within ourselves so that peace can be achieved outside of ourselves. This means we need peace among each and every person who undertakes this mission as well as within our clans. This peace will be achieved by love for our Republic."
As Sabria places the last feather on the altar, she reaches for some leather to bind them into a package of feathers. She ties them togehter and then speaks once more. "We know you are watching, Lady Uf. We will make sure you are not ashamed." Those words may sound vaguely familiar to any of those who was there at the very last battle. Those close enough to the front might catch a glimpse of moisture in the farrier's eyes. Her next words are said with conviction. "We do our duty for Unity, Republic and Ellish." She pauses and lets the battlecry set in once more. "Let us pray to Lady Uf once more and thank her." She does not voice a prayer but bows her head in silence.
