Vythlak/Homilies/Holy Sorcery Party 02028025/Prayer Kertigen

[Shrine of Kertigen] The shrine here consists of a small rock garden with several stone benches placed at odd angles for meditation. It is a cool and quiet respite that so delights you that you do not at first notice something most remarkable. The miniature landscapes of tiny mountains and dwarf trees are not of stone and twig, but are actually fashioned out of precious metals and minerals. You also see a jade statue.

(Vythlak steps forward.)

Vythlak confidently says, "Today is a good day, for all days are good when we are in the embrace of the Immortals."

Vythlak bows his head in acknowledgement.

Vythlak confidently says, "However, that is not to say that the day could not be better, or that we cannot do more to help the Immortals."

Vythlak softly says, "Now I will turn to a tale of the older days, bridging the last gathering we held and the present."

Vythlak softly says, "Gather close and listen to the time when the moons were forged by Kertigen at Phelim's request, so they may hang in the skies and guide us."

Vythlak lightly touches his nightingale pin as he says a quick prayer.

Vythlak recites:

"The world was young in Phelim's day.
No moons yet upon the world were seen.
No stars cast down their silvery light.
The night was dark and long."

"So he gathered gems and shells,
And imbued them with his holy light.
Then cast them into the black listless night."

"Still the skies were too dark,
so peering around Phelim saw a light.
Coming closer he heard to his delight,
the thunder and clamor and forge-fires furious."

"Phelim came within, then waited
At Kertigen's glance, Phelim revealed his plan.
With a grunt and a grin, so did Kertigen begin."

"So did Kertigen begin."

"First with granite
next with copper,
third with rubies,
and last with cinnabar."

"His hands worked fast, the hammers rang their ruddy tune.
A sphere was formed with a grey hue.
The copper, rubies, and cinnabar were strung,
Filaments in the firmament,
Spinning quickly, twisting into celestial fire, like clouds it hung."

"Phelim pointed and Kertigen threw,
Setting the red moon so deep."

"Next did Kertigen reach into his forge,
Grabbing cobalt and sapphire,
He forged them hot -- then set them to cool,
Upon his sill so still."

"Turning now to the hardest task,
Kertigen got tongs and chisel,
Hammer and anvil,
Shooed Phelim out,
And set to work."

"In secret he forged,
Tongs taking - hammer hitting,
Chisel chipping - rasps... well..."

"Rasping."

"Colors flared out the forge's windows,
Greens and gold,
Blues and silvers."

"Sounds were heard, the songs of birds,
Scents of grasses and trees."

"For days the clamor was heard,
All while Xibar cooled,
And Yavash looked down with crimson hue."

"Then with a shout - 'Phelim come in! - did Kertigen begin.
Door thrown wide all could see -
Inside, the marvelous Katamba gloaming so green."

Vythlak softly says, "And that is where this story will end, with Yavash above, Xibar cooled, and Katamba most green and fair."

Vythlak softly says, "In the time before the moons were hung, when their maker's prints were still cooling."

Vythlak softly says, "Before the dragon fire twisted the wire, and verdant green became a dirge of black."

Vythlak begins to weep softly.

Vythlak inhales a great swallow of air.

Vythlak slowly empties his lungs.

Vythlak recites:

"Blessings upon Kertigen and his forge.
Blessings of Kertigen upon our tools.
May we be blessed by Kertigen in our endeavors."

Vythlak softly says, "And now Priestess Zynell will share a song regarding Damaris and Kertigen."