Lorona says happily "Heyo and welcome. We are gathered here to celebrate Lormandu or Spring. This is a time of great rejoicing throughout Elanthia. Lorona says, "Lormandu means Day of the Flower in Gamgweth. And this is truly what Spring represents. Lormandu is the time when the light of Spring shatters the darkness of Winter. Lorona recites: "Hodierna is the Goddess of Life, morning, and light As well as Springtime, harvest and crops. Farmers, herbalists, healers and empaths all venerate her. " Temple Rubble, Outdoor Chapel] Nothing remains of Hodierna's Chapel except for a small portion of her figure depicted in the fresco that once defined this shrine. The goddess' spun gold hair frames a face that remains loving and calm, and her right hand still stretches out in blessing. The fountain, the altar that once stood here -- all gone. Desolate ruin prevails. You also see a small altar and a withered heart-shaped wreath. Lorona whispers to Tigerra, "The gift of Life be thine!" Lorona offers a pale daffodil to Tigerra. Lorona intones: "She is the granter of Life and favor Ultimately she must be pleased for ressurections and healing. Her emblem is the gentle Unicorn. " Lorona intones: "We revere Hodierna during Lormandu for Her gift of the spring, Her influence over crops, harvests, and Life itself. " Lorona bows her head and quietly chants a prayer. You sense a feeling of peace and serenity wash over your body. A faint mist enters the room and slowly transforms into the image of a Unicorn. Lorona gently strokes the Unicorns head as it nuzzles into her hand. The unicorn gazes at you for a moment before leaving the room, beckoning you to follow. Lorona intones: "A special place shall we visit on this eve. A place very sacred to Hodierna Lormandu is a time for remembering those who have gone before us Hodierna's Solace is specially dedicated to this task and is the major site of observance during Lormandu" Lorona exclaims, "Hodierna hath blessed us with life giving rain!" Lorona gets a jonquil. Lorona whispers to Lileath, "The gift of Life be thine!" Lorona offers a yellow jonquil to Lileath. Lileath puts on a lemon yellow jonquil. Lorona says, "Now, if ye join me we will take a short journey to Hodierna's Solace" An Ancient Tree, Hodierna's Solace More a platform than a room, the chamber is lit softly by the glow of hundreds of candles that have been carefully set into niches along the walls. The leaves of the tree's crown block out the night sky, creating a naturally woven canopy that protects the tiny room from the wind and elements. A circular staircase that appears to be sculpted out of the sides of the tree leads back down, winding so far that you cannot see the bottom. You also see a small carved stone. The sweet scent of flowers fills the chamber. Lorona intones: "Here we stand in a spot dedicated to Hodierna This is a holy spot which Hodierna watches over. Hodierna has two aspects. One light aspect and one Dark aspect. " Lorona intones: "Berengaria is Hodierna's light aspect. She is the motherly goddess Berengaria is often envisioned by artists as a plump and cheerful woman holding a sheath of grain in the crook of her right arm. She is wise and kind, a good match for Divyaush. Berengaria is the finder of lost children and the bringer of dawn the first light that shatters the darkness. Where she treads, the earth is renewed. Beneficial and kind, her emblem is the cow." Lorona smiles as she once again bows her head and chants a quiet prayer. You watch in awe as the image of a cow appears before you. The cow nods in your direction as if giving you it's blessing. Lorona intones: "It is through Berengaria that Spring can truly begin She brings the light that destroys the death of Winter When the first light of Dawn reaches Elanthia on the 50th day, Spring begins and the destruction of Winter begins to heal. " Lorona intones: "Those of us who have received favor or have been restored to life by the blessings of the Immortals should give thanks to one of the Powers Responsible for such miracles Berangaria is revered because of the many miracles she brings to us mortals. " Lorona intones: "Asketi is the darker aspect of Hodierna. " Lorona bows her head and chants a prayer. She takes a moment to observe the area. You feel a sense of security and protection come over you. You lift your voice in praise of the gods, feeling the burning warmth of faith flowing all through your veins. Lorona intones: "Hodierna hath blessed ye with her protection, Asketi cannot bring harm to ye while Hodierna watches over us. " Lorona intones: "Asketi is the "hag" A stealer of children, wild mistress of barren fields and the midnight hunt. Asketi is the master of the North Wind, and delights in causing pain and terror in the lands. On the darkest night of the year it is said she rides on the backs of hideous black unicorns and carves a bloody path through the city that has failed to venerate her the most. The stealer of life, she carries a rough burlap sack at her hip in which she carries the souls of those she has killed. Lorona prays fervently. Lorona intones: "Although Asketi is a wretched Mistress, we must keep her in mind during this time For it is she who brings death into the land She loves the death that winter brings into Elanthia and when it is shattered by Spring she goes into a rage seeking revenge on anyone who has not paid her tribute But don't fret for Hodierna has taken notice of our worship and she will protect us on this eve. " Lorona takes a step back as an adder slithers towards her from near the dark alter. It stops at her feet and hisses at her. It looks as if it is about to strike her but Lorona whispers a silent prayer to Hodierna and a ray of light fills the room, striking the serpent. The adder hisses in discomfort and disappears. Lorona prays fervently. Lorona raises her arms towards the sky, chanting a prayer. Suddenly a bright aura surrounds everyone and you feel a warm, peaceful sensation. The light intensifies until you cannot see. When the light begins to dim you notice a unicorn, cow and adder have appeared in the room. Lorona gets an ivory prayer parchment from inside her tapestry knapsack. Lorona reverently unrolls her parchment. Lorona recites: "*Hodierna, Mild Mistress of Life*" A prayer by the holy poet Caedmon Descendens Lorona recites: "Hodierna, mild mistress of life, light, and morning, Turn the dark face of Asketi away. Favor your folk in their budding and borning, Hasten the dawning that heralds the day. Lorona recites: "Strengthen our hands in the season of sowing, Guide where to plant, where to prune or entwine. Send showers for seedlings, your West Wind a-blowing, Fill hives full of honey, set flowers on the vine. "Wild grows the North Wind, we hark to its warning, Guard flocks and fields from its death and decay. You spill forth your splendor, all prophecies scorning, Golden the meadows -- we plant, you repay. Lorona concludes: "Reap us your harvest of grain overflowing, Fruit on the limb and the ear on the stalk. You gladden our gleaning, your bounty bestowing, The earth yields its treasure wherever you walk. Amen. Ward touches Lorona's forehead and you see a pale white-blue nimbus enfold her body. Your skin tingles, and you feel the immense power of the gods brush you for a brief instant, filling you with holy fire. Lorona says, "There is a small niche here" Lorona says, "Ye can leave offerings here for Hodierna" Moonlight, dappled and mysterious, plays over the floor. You feel the winds surrounding you disperse. Lorona says, "Now before ye go back into the world, remember what I said. Keep Hodierna and both her aspects in mind, because they are very important to Life"