Oras-pietruit, the cobblestone city, was more alive than ever. This wasn't the first ceremony that the city held, but to Vander, it seemed as if there was an unimaginable amount of people about. To be fair, there were wandering merchants, wizards showcasing petty baubles and tricks, craftsfolk attempting to attract crowds as they work, and unrecognised philosophers conversing and toking on their ornate pipes filled with Pamantian powder root. Vander remembered from one of Hemly's stories that the Pamant people used their powder root in high concentrations to create explosives to "open new doors" in the mountains in which they call home. Funnily enough, in small quantities, most considered it an enjoyable substance and on exhale, the smoke contained a few small sparks. There are stories, however, of non-Pamantian folks packing their pipe much too tight and losing a few teeth that live on in these philosophers' circles.
"Feeling alright," asked Hemly, who had unintentionally snuck up on Vander while he was lost in his daze.
"Oh…yes. Just a little overwhelmed," Vander replied sheepishly, "Guess, the amount of people surprised me is all."
"Surprised you," Hemly rhetorically asked with a chuckle, "My dear boy, I can count on one digit the number of I've heard of you being 'surprised.'" Hemly gave a small push. "Come now, let us rejoin the rest of the group."
On their journey back to the church folk, Vander and Hemly shared a few pleasantries, walking through the throng of people in the city and remarking on some of the more colorful characters selling wares and conveying old heroes' tales. Vander even heard Hemly give a quiet "aww" when passing a firebreathing performer. Eventually, the duo rejoined their group and joined in the merriment of conversation as the sun started to set.
As time trickled on, silence finally fell upon the people in the city centre as the head priestess took her position on the stage. Small candles on the stage were the only lights in the city centre allowing for the night sky to be the main source of illumination. After letting her gaze sweep the crowd for a moment, the priestess began, "Children of the Goddess, we gather under Y'sdria to celebrate those who have reached the age of change. I look forward to speaking with all of you and blessing your journey to the next step in your life."
The priestess then gave a prayer for the festival and ended it with the usual call, to which the crowd replied. After waiting for everyone to raise their heads, the priestess made her way to the stone church which beckoned the celebrated individuals to follow.
Vander was accompanied by about 20 others, a few of which were from the church. The massive doors ahead of him, spawned a heavy lump in his stomach. He had never been inside the stone church before. As the doors opened leadenly, a warm glow leaked from the stone building. Vander was struck speechless, he had never seen such architecture before. Early Oameni stone carving was truly breathtaking. It is said that the artisans who built this church were inspired by Pamantian works. High vaulted arches, seemingly impossibly large columns, and even ornate chandeliers, also hand carved from stone. Vander couldn't imagine the amount of time and effort it took to bring this church to its whole. The doors closed with a solemn thud that seemed to echo endlessly. All sounds of the festivities outside disappeared, leaving Vander uncomfortably aware of how loud his heart was beating. He did his best to still himself. The priestess took to the altar and gestured for everyone to take a seat. The air seemed to increase in weight as Vander waited. He was unsure if it was anticipation or, perhaps, a channeling of holy pressure, either way it was increasing his anxiety. Suddenly, the church bells rang in the midnight hour. BTOOM! BTOOM! BTOOM! After twelve strikes, the bells rested, allowing for the final toll to reverberate throughout the church. Finally, the priestess indicated for the first of the newly formed congregation to approach. Vander was happy that he strategically placed himself at the back of the group. One after another, the newly distinguished approached the priestess, shared some private words, received a blessing, then returned to their seats awaiting their next command. After many grueling minutes, it was Vander's turn. He rose rigidly, his body moving without his command towards the priestess. Vander swallowed hard, fighting the chaos of nervousness and excitement raging inside of him.
"Hello, my child," the priestess said soothingly, "Cu ea."
"Intotdeauna," Vander replied quietly.
"You've lived a rough life, more than most. I'm curious what you believe you are destined to be," the priestess said, her eyes closed, "The Goddess's favor emanates from you."
"I wish to travel and act in the name of the Goddess, to help those in need," Vander stated.
"Ah," sighed the priestess. She then opened her eyes, "I am happy to hear such conviction…however, many hardships await you. Fret not, though, for the Goddess has smiled upon you and given you her blessing. For as long as you move through her, you shall overcome any obstacle." The priestess then gave a blessing and sent Vander back to his place among the rest of the congregants. "May you all journey forth and be successful in the name of the Goddess. Please, find your way to the quarters and occupy an empty bed. Tonight, you shall sleep next to the Goddess's bosom and wake anew."
The congregation did as directed. Vander found himself extraordinarily tired. The beds were quite soft paired with satiny sheets. He had never experienced such luxury before, but struggled to find time to appreciate them consciously any longer as he fell into a deep sleep.
The dawn bells brought Vander back into the waking world. He felt lighter, freer. He chuckled at the idea of how much a good bed can make a difference and noted to himself not to take the experience for granted. After getting dressed, he went to join the congregation for morning prayer, followed by breakfast. The acoustics of this large stone church made everything seem so loud. Vander couldn't help but feel that his steps sounded like large stones being dropped onto pavement, making him very subconscious of his movements. The regular inhabitants seemed to walk on air by the way they were able to maneuver so quietly and effortlessly. Vander noticed that the more veteran folk of this church seemed to glide across the floor. It made him envious in this particular moment. After experiencing all of the grandeur of the architecture and beds, Vander was slightly surprised that the food was not that different from that of his humble church. He supposed that humility had to be found somewhere. After breakfast, the head priestess gave one final blessing and sent the new adults back out into the world.
Once again, Vander witnessed the stone doors begrudgingly open. Vander was momentarily blinded by the near noon sun, uninhibited by any clouds in the sky, as he stepped outside. A few paces away from the stone church, Vander saw Hemly waiting patiently for him donning a warm smile. Vander approached the humble priest and embraced him, squeezing him tight.
"Easy, easy," Hemly gasped out, "I'm not as strong as I once was."
Vander eased his grip, but didn't release Hemly. He wanted to soak in this feeling. For as long as he could remember, this feeling was what made the church feel like home, like he had a family.
"I'm nervous," Vander quietly admitted, "I don't know how I will be able to go on without you next to me."
"I see," Hemly said with a fatherly warmth as he began to rub Vanders back. "But you won't need me next to you, cause I will always be with you as you will always be me. I knew you would grow up to be an amazing person, but not even I could have imagined what you've become. You've set the bar so high, that I could only think that you'll continue to exceed expectations."
Vander finally pulled his head up to look into Hemly's eyes with tears welling up in his own.
Hemly chuckled. "Quite emotional today, aren't we," Hemly asked rhetorically with a slight grin, caressing Vander's face with his left hand. Hemly looked for a long moment and finally reaffirmed, " You will do great things, my child." Hemly then placed a gentle kiss onto Vander's right cheek and pulled him for a tight squeeze of his own.
Vander was using every available ounce of his effort to catalog this moment into memory. He was always awestruck how Hemly had the ability to melt away anxiety and worry, but more importantly, in this microcosm of time, Vander was truly moved. Finally, the two separated and made their way back to their church. On the way, both were sharing their experiences from the previous night. Hemly reported mostly how the younger children were seemingly restless and Vander described the beauty of the architecture and the comfort of the beds.