Kaylin the Seer wanted to worship at a holy site on Ernalda's holy day. We travelled to Nidham, avoiding Bullpen since we didn't want to be drawn into a fight against Chaos.[1] Many people had already gathered at Nidham for the holy day, as it was a great and ancient temple to Ernalda. Perhaps as many as 5000 or more had gathered by the holy day. The chief priestess, Orenernaldesta, was revered almost as a goddess in her own right. Kaylin and Korlmhy Poet were called as participants.
The chief priestess traveled from her big wooden temple in the nearby village to the great granite rock of Nidham, carried in a wagon drawn by cows and accompanied by the women who sang and danced in her wake. The men followed behind, parading a small herd of cattle, pigs and barnyard fowl. The men sang praise to "rich-haired Ernalda, mother and magician."
The women gathered atop the stone of Nidham, and the men stayed outside, watching. The women were colorfully attired and many wore gold jewelry. Some wore masks of the goddesses who would be present. At the center, seated upon a high wooden chair, was the chief priestess, who was given gifts of beer, wine, flowers and fruits by the women, while the men chanted. The priestesses scattered crushed grain to the animals and then killed them. All the women performed a great dance and the men sang.
Further beyond, the fiercest warriors were appointed watch guards, and wore two red feathers in their helmets. As a famed warrior of the High King, Herger the Cat[2] was appointed the champion of the watch, along with Nisk the Flyer.
While the women were on the other side, a great, bloated, two-tailed scorpion attacked the watch guards. Herger and Nisk rushed to the defense. Nisk was hard-pressed, and all Herger's followers fled from its fearsome demeanor. But that only gave Nisk a clear shot for his thrown sword. Herger stood his ground, but Nisk was sorely pressed and decided he had to fight next to Herger. But he leaped back into the air at a critical moment. Herger simply withstood the shower of venom, then cut off its head. [5 HP spent on our side, Nidham's wyter strengthened against Chaos]
The ceremony ended with a great feast atop the stone of Nidham and the watch guards were thanked and praised as protectors of the goddesses.
[1] This took place in Earth Season 1617, and Chaos has erupted from
the Print.
[2] Oddly enough, Herger the Cat is not a Yinkini, although his
sister is.
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