It is now the first day of fall, and the entire population is gathered in front of the main doors of the new cathedral on the western side of the building. Tall stained glass windows honor Shelyn and Gozreh, whose worshippers share the western chapel, flank the doors on this western wall.
Several merchant tents feature food, clothes, local crafts, and souvenirs. Some of the detritus of construction still lies scattered about, but most of the old scaffolding and waste wood have been repurposed in the construction of the high dais in the southeastern corner of the open square in front of the church.
In four chairs on the raised dais can be seen a slender middle-aged woman with short auburn hair; a burly, bald Shoanti man in the uniform of the town guard; a flamboyant man whose bright clothing is at the height of Magnimar fashion; and, of course, a pleasant-looking cleric whose fine linen robes are elaborately and tastefully embroidered in a repeating pattern of blue butterflies. As the crowd begins to settle, the first of these individuals stands at half-past eleven, and the crowd falls quiet.
"It is so delightful to see so many faces here today, both new and familiar," she begins. "To those of you from out of town, I am Kendra Deverin, mayor of Sandpoint, and you are most welcome!" She pauses as the crowd shouts its agreement.
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"Anyway, I can smell the lunch our tavern keepers are cooking already. A round of applause to Ameiko, Garridan, Cracktooth, and Jargie." she pauses and allows the crowd to pay their due respects. "I'm sure Father Zantus can spare an extra prayer that they don't burn anything before we get to eat it." More cheering erupts: the aromas drifting over the crowd are glorious.
"Now, since you have three more of us to stand there through, I'm going to sit down and welcome Sherrif Hemlock to the stage."
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He bows his head and began speaking, "Let us remember." He takes a calming breath and continues, "Let us remember the memories of those friends and family members who lost their lives in the tragic blaze that made our new cathedral necessary. Cherish those memories and may the blessings of the Gods see them happy and well in the Afterlife."
He rises to his feet and clears his throat. "In remembering let us also not allow these events to repeat themselves. I am of the understanding that a bonfire is planned for tonight. I urge you all to observe caution during this event." He continues to scan the crowd. "Now, I would like everyone to be aware that additional guardsmen have been added to each patrol detail over the next four nights, and members of the Sandpoint Militia have also agreed to add their support during the festival. All instances of wrong-doing will be dealt with swiftly, and to the fullest extent of the law."
"No exceptions." he says, matter of factly.
"As the sheriff of Sandpoint, I, Belor Hemlock, would also like to welcome everyone to enjoy themselves during our Swallowtail Festival... but, remember, keep the peace." he says. With that, the sheriff beckons with his hand for the next speaker to step up. "Now, give your attention to Cyrdak Drokkus, proprieter of the local theatre."
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"Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory." he pauses briefly, allowing his comment to begin to shift the mood of the crowd. "Now, I know this town has been through some hard times, but look at what we've accomplished," he says, waving his hand towards the glorious new church behind him. "And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? Solid gold. I kid you not. Our generous nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this remarkable venue. I think the church itself even chipped in a silver or two!" he says; his comment eliciting laughter from the crowd. "I even heard a rumor that all of the Gods got together and scrounged a gold pieces or two to help get this thing built. But don't take it from me, the Padre over here is the one with the direct line, he's the one you want to hear from."
"But, before I let him get things going, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to the new production of "The Harpy's Curse" starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera as the harpy queen! Previews of this production have been well received, and it officially opens tomorrow evening at the Sandpoint Theatre."[/dialog] The crowd, at the shameless self promotion, begins to grow restless. "And now, without further adieu, please join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
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"Ahem, thank you. Thank you Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day."
“Today ushers in a new season, many would call this season Autumn. The season which makes summer give way to winter, bring cool air and brightly colored trees to the canvas of the world. But others would refer to this season as Fall...and there is good reason for that. For today also marks the day that Desna fell from the heavens after doing battle with Lamashtu.
Lamashtu gloated as she began to ransack Desna’s palace, laughing all the way as her body fell into the sea below. Though all the world wept for the loss of the goddess, and of dreams, it is said that she survived, wounded, washed up on the rocks of the sea. She was discovered there, on the rocks, by a blind orphan, forgotten and cast aside by all the world. Though the orphan knew not of who she had discovered and could do little for the wounded goddess, she still stayed there by her side, holding a vigil on the beach, praying and tending to her as best she could. And though she tired and knew that the goddess had little chance to recover, she remained all throughout the night and into the week, praying and keeping faith.
And eventually, Desna did recover, though all the world thought her lost; and to thank the child who had prayed for her health, she transformed her into an immortal butterfly to forever remain with her in her palace in the heavens”
Father Zantus motions toward the newly finished cathedral, the sunlight glittering off the stained glass windows. “This story reminds us that tragedy is just a setback, not an end. Though our place of worship was destroyed, and our previous priest, Father Tobyn, perished in the flame, we have persevered as Desna would desire, and built anew. In celebration of our new grand cathedral, let the Swallowtail Festival begin.”
With that, several of the priest’s acolytes throw off the canvas of a nearby wagon, revealing a thousand swallowtail butterflies...the Children of Desna. The butterflies flutter in every direction, eager children of all ages chasing them in a futile attempt to catch one.
“Now,” Zantus booms, “Let us feast!”
At his words, a number of men from the town begin setting up tables around the square for everyone to use. Lunch is free, provided by the local taverns, the White Deer, the Hagfish, and the Rusty Dragon. Each serves its most popular dishes: Peppercorn venison, compliments of the White Deer; lobster chowder, the Hagfish's famous dish; and the Rusty Dragon's curry-spiced salmon and early winterdrop mead.
The welcome speeches concluded, the crowd begins to disperse in order to begin the feast. Amazingly, for the first time almost since you arrived, everyone manages to locate each other and you're all able to secure some seating and have your fill of as much food and drink as you'd like.
Another update to follow tomorrow.
