The Gathering [Pasting Setting, By invite only]

In the village of Saichuushigai, located near the center of the village just north of it, is the temple in with our fair young maiden resides. One who has been kept indoors for almost her entire life. Given no freedom to do as she pleases until 'The Gathering' occurs for her. The only outer connection were the other priestess's that she has met whenever they came to visit the temple, or whenever she was taken to the great temple to pray and attend the meeting's. Other than that her notion to be freed has be rightly revoked as even traveling they have her blindfolded until the arrival of the destination. So it is they believe that if she see's what is out there in the world, she would become tainted and be incapable of controlling the spirit without letting it control her, so that she could become a true seer.

The invitation's has been sent out to the other high priest's and priestess's so they could attend to become witness to the new seer of Saichuushigai. At the festival they would be able to enjoy many festivities, and speak with the Young Priestess before the ritual would begin.For about a week now the festival had been set up and merchants had their booth's set up and the games and all the decorations has been set in place for it all. Today is finally the day of the gathering and many of the invited guest's were already here already out and about the festival. Seijin was still in the temple of light merely anxiously awaiting the time that they would finally let her out into the village before the gather. She awaited in the main hall, on her knees she had her head hung low and her eyes shut closed, her hands clasped together as she prayed to the large glorious statue that was before her.

Word count: 315

The Gathering [Pasting Setting, By invite only] Kaza_01

My head was giddy from the merriment I had participated in last night at one of the smaller villages in the forest. I was not drunk, just a bit wobbly. I looked to my companions riding with me. For once, I had let my guards accompany me and sure enough they were making fun of me.
"Told you not give her the homebrew"
"I figured it would be amusing"
"Well at least she was not the one dancing without their clothes"
"Well , Kyo?"
My three companions were always fun to be around, if they were not using me as the rear of their jokes and barbs. Kyousuke and Takato were my cousins and never let me forget that. Kyo had his polearm strapped to his back with on hand on his head. Takayo and Koji had switched easily from me to Kyo only because he was hung over. His nly response to their picks was a grunt. He had drank a bit too much of the wine.

Soon we began to near the city and temple. "Look proper boys" I smile back at them and hiccup a bit. that brings a blush to my cheeks. We were here for a special occasion. At least I would not be drinking anything but tea today. No matter what.

"Oh holy one up above, the grand maker of us all, please bring you're gaze upon thy city and cast a smile upon us all to bring us nothing more than good times. Today is quite an important day as I, Seijin Senkensha, shall finally become a Seer as it has been destined for me to do. I will under you're guidance keep right and true as you wish for us all to do. I will maintain order and keep justice in place, I will spread you're word for other's to hear in hopes to bring more of you're children back to you..." She spoke to herself in prayer as she kept knelt before the statue. The priest's and monk's of the temple continued to scamper about with worry about keeping everything right and prepared for tonight's ritual. Worrying themselves and making sure everything's rightly prepared not only for the ritual but also for their guests.

The village was live with festivities, music playing about from the many bards throughout the village, children running about and playing and many grand talk's about the day and subtle rumor's about what the new seer will look like. Not many had come to witness what Seijin look's like since she's always was kept indoors, all they mostly knew was that she was a woman. Some had guessed her to be some hideous thing kept from sight, like a sort of witch maybe, others considered her as a beautiful maiden. Some even doubted for her to be a woman in the first place. It's really ridiculous how rumor's spread and change from how they once were. Many other visiting priest's and priestess's were already here within the village out and about talking with the villagers and some even playing with the children to spend their day to go on by.

Word count: 306 | 621

as we road into town, I noticed all the celebration and at the same time almost as one, Kyo and I both pull on the reins and groan. The other two glanced at each other and laughed. The look I shot them, could have peeled a potato without the help of a knife. And they just laughed harder. "You two are impossible. Why did I bring you?"
"You did not bring us"
"We invited ourselves." I shook my head, turned back in the saddle and spurred the horse forward. Kyo following suit. We moved around the people until we reached the temple stables. Kyo had already dismounted and was there at my elbow to help me down. His face stern and neutral. His battle face, Koji would comment at times. The other two slipped down quickly as I landed lightly on the ground, with Kyo holding my hand. We had stayed in the closest village last night only since the inns were full. Not to mention as one of the strongest healers in the temple, my services had been required. At least it was only a few minute ride.

"...Within you're name I pray, amen." she said finishing her prayer as she slowly opened her eyes and she looked up towards the statue and stared at it with a joyous smile plastered onto her face. She was thrilled, excited, and over joyed for this occasion. she's worked very hard for this and been kept inside for so long, she would soon finally be able to know what the world is like on the outside. She's only heard thing's from the other people within the temple, and heard stories from those that passed by the window's talking rather loudly. Truly it was something she was just dying to see more than anything else, what mysteries would this outside world hold. she rose up to her feet and she placed her hands to her chest over her heart as she was feeling her heart beat very rapidly.

"High Priestess Kazakura has arrived, please hurry with the preperations and make sure everything is going as planned." Said a priest to a young monk who quickly rushed off to do as he was told. Seijin heard this and looked over to the Priest and she walked over. "High Priestess Kazakura has arrived I hear?" she asked, the priest looked at her and gave a bow. "Yes, Young priestess." Seijin had a even bigger smile growing on her face. "What grand news!" she said in an excited manner, the priest had excused himself and rushed off, Seijin took a moment to realize she forgot to ask him where she was.

Word count: 256 | 877

I wore my ceremonial robes today. they were pristine white, with silver trim. The silver circlet, armband, tattoo I had received when I had merged with the spirits, and pendant were all adorning me and showing in full regalia. (See pic) The four of us moved towards the temple, those about us bowing in respect. I was lead by Kyo, the oldest of my family as was proper for me. I hated being proper. I might look like a beautiful, well bred priestess, but sure if it the weight of the jewelery, ceremonial attire and the world press me harshly. Screwing a smile on my face as other priestess and priests bowed, I continued to nod and work my way up the temple steps. Kyo squeeze my hand gently. Our clan was one of the most secretive due to the training and isolation we enjoyed. In fact if I did not know he was there, I would not be able to hear Takato's foot falls on the stone. One moment he was there, the next he was gone. Off to scout the area. Koji never released the handle of his sword as we made our way up the steps.

Well she proceeded to wait in main sanctum where everyone comes to pray. She would sit herself down and watch as people walked about here and there. Occasional hello's were given when they had taken notice of the young priestess watching them. Thing's continued to go well and according to plan, the fun of the festival continued to grow and cheer's could just be heard from outside by many group's of over joyed people who began to sing to the music, obviously the group were drunkards having fun. Seijin would look towards the statue a smile never leaving her face. "Today is the day where I finally get to see the outside. I've wondered what this village really looks like." She could only imagine so much, but it was difficult to imagine something she's never been told about or described in detail.

The festivities would go on like this for quite sometime. soon a Priest would appear before Kazakura. "High Priestess Kazakura, I welcome you to the temple of Light. Please if you will follow me into the Main sanctum, there you can meet with the young priestess." He spoke in a calm and soothing voice after he gave her a deep respectful bow, he would wait a moment in case she was going to say anything else before he would lead her to the Main Sanctum.

Word count: 227 | 1104

Finally I am met by someone who knows what is going on and we are lead around the temple. My eyes roll skyward for a moment. I almost want to do a religious face palm but I refrain from it. These monks were so stuffy. They had made my companions wait outside. Well at least the clans around here weren't the hostile ones. I glance up and smile when I enter the main room. It was tranquil, but not as tranquil as my gardens and hot springs. But I kept that to myself. Must remember, respect. A virtue we all strove to have. But it was difficult in the face of stuffy monks. And so I wait, dusting off imaginary flecks of dirt on my dress. My hand then comes up to run itself through my hair as a gentle comb. A flick of the hair as well had it sitting behind my shoulders. I still wore my riding cloak, but at least the hood was down. With a sigh, I glance about admiring the decor wondering how we could get a few of those figures to put in our temple. I would have to fill out the forms when I got to the great temple. Was Yuna here yet, would she be? I shrugged to myself, lost within my own thoughts.

Seijin sat letting her mind wandered as she was just day dreaming about what the village would be like. She knew a festival was going on because they told her and she could hear the happiness that is coming in through the window from the cheers and laughter and even the music just made her want to move, but within the temple she had to control herself.

The Priest guided Kazakura towards the main sanctum. "I do apologize for how rushed we may seem, we are merely worried about keeping the festival going right to prepare for the main event of the night. Ah there she is, Young Priestess!" He called out to Seijin. Seijin heard her nickname and she turned her head to see who had called for her, she saw the priest and soon she saw the High Priestess near him. She jumped to her feet her hands clasping together as she would giggle and quickly rush up. "High Priestess Kazakura, I'm so happy you could make it!"

Word count: 169 | 1273

I hear Seijin and I turn my face to look at her. She was looking lovely and more refreshed. Hopefully the hot springs helped her relax some before she left that night. My smile was enough to light my eyes as I looked at her tenderly. As one would gaze at a younger sister. "Greetings" I give her a formal bow and then glanced back up. "I hope you are doing well. Are you excited?" She must be, she seemed to be teeming with excitement, but until we were left alone, we really could not talk about much more than the weather. I was more concerned for her true well being. If my clan had kept me locked away for so many years, I would have gone insane. I might live in seclusion but I still had the ability to roam about the village without a different look. My eyes gazed over to make she that she was healthy and well taken care of before I reached out to clasp her hands in an age old feminine fashion. "I am honored to be invited. You will have to excuse my escort when you meet them. We had to stay in the small village to east. And well, they were celebrating a good harvest."

Seijin would just nod her head quickly like a child would do when excited for a new toy. "Oh yes, oh so very excited!" She was unaware of Kazakura's concern about her well being, she just smiled and gazed at her while Kazakura was Gazing back looking her over. Seijin was taken well care off and fed well, of course her skin may have been pale compared to regular people who would be out in the sunlight a lot, but that's what you'd expect from those that stay indoor's especially for many years. She was still quite healthy and fed well, so she wasn't unnaturally skinny, but slender and beautiful. At this point her hand was clasped and Seijin would blink taken a little by surprised but giggled to what Kazakura had said. "It sound's like you've had quite the fun." She was envious of other's for having such fun, but it was a small envy because she would soon be able to have freedom like they would to be able to walk around the village and explore a bit more than just the indoor's of the temple.

Word count: 188 | 1461

Good, everything seemed well. "I wish you all the best and I shall say a special prayer for you tonight." I hoped this would not take too long. We had a long way to travel back to the Temple of Time. And so I released her hands and looked around. I had witnessed these kind of ceremonies before. I had been through one. She would be a seer I had been told. That was a good a thing. I wondered where the others that had come were at this present time. Was the first or last to arrive, I wondered. Perhaps there would be food and something drink before hand, I could use some tea right about now. But I might have to wait until after everything was done. And then I remember our clan's gift and chuckled. "I almost forgot. Our gift waits outside for you. She is from the finest breeding stock of our clan."

She was quite happy when Kazakura had told her that she would pray for her tonight. Kazakura was the first priestess Seijin had seen so far, but she was told that other priest's and priestess's were out and about the village. Seijin blinked when she was told of a gift, it made her beam until she was told that it was outside and her smile disappear. "I'm not allowed to leave just yet, I have been waiting until they tell me when I can head out the temple." Her eyes would glance down towards the ground as her hands moved near to her stomach and she began to fiddle her fingers together. She was greatly awaiting when they would come and tell her to go out into the village and go around. But it seem's that so far they weren't ready to tell her to head out just yet. Seijin looked up to Kazakura. "Though will you show me later when they finally permit for me to leave the temple?"

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"Of course I will. I can at least tell you. Since it will be your first time out and about, we decided that you might like something that may help you get to places or just to get away from this place faster." An impish grin comes to my face as I whisper this to her so that no one else could hear those last comments. My voice rose with the next comments "We brought you one of our finest mares. And since you might not know how to ride, we have brought a groom as well, who can teach you. She is the most beautiful and gentlest horse you will ever know. She is white, a pure white that is hard to come by. Also a good sturdy saddle for her as well." I hoped that she like the gift. Perhaps it might make her even more excited. If that was even possible.

Seijin was a little confused at first to what she may have been talking about, but it made her heart thump faster and she felt rather excited to find out what it looked like. Her mouth was just a circle as she was staring at Kazakura as she was told of these things. As the last part of her explanation came, Seijin began to understand as her circled mouth grew larger as she hoped up onto her toes and gasped in joy, giving a slight hop she giggled and out of impulse gave Kazakura a glorious hug. "Oh thank you!!" she said in a much more excited manner. A Priest had walked out loking around the room a moment to see where Seijin was located only to ind her hugging one of the High Priestess. He gave a cough and Seijin jumped a little and pulled herself away as she scratched at her cheek's and blushed. "Young Priestess..." He said in a stern voice as the look in his eyes were sharp and cold toward's her. Seijin slightly coward. "y-y-yes?" Her closed his eyes. "It's time..."

Word count: 186 | 1817

I could not help but smile broadly at the look on her face. The hug comes out of nowhere, but I chuckle and wrap my arms around her in a protective hug. She reminded me of my younger brothers when they were children. "You are quite welcome. And if there is anything you might need in the future, please ask" I say right as the priest enters. When she releases me, I frown and narrow my eyes at the priest. All she had been doing was acting as a girl should. And she was happy. My displeasure at him, showed upon my face. I was not one to anger easily, but the way these people had treated her thus far was a bit extreme. I could not say much as it was now time, but still it irritated me. I was well known for my peace and tranquility. But he had managed to irk me.

Seijin looked at him and she gave a small smile and nodded her head. "Okay..." she uttered as she looked toward's Kazakura. "Please wait for me, It won't take long they just have to give me a headdress, and then after I come back we can head outside." Her smile grew as she looked towards Kazakura. She gave a slight bow, The Priest looked towards the High Priestess's displeased look on her face, but the look on his face didn't change. He didn't seem bothered by her look and merely awaited for Seijin to walk towards him before he would lead her to the other room. Seijin wasn't gone for more than ten minutes, before she returned with a rather peculiar headdress, one in which covered over one eye and wrapped around her head and lifted up above her head and encircled around it as though it were a halo, it looked to be made from thorned vines. Seijin just had a smile on her face, though she felt the pain of the headdress. "I-I'm done Let's go outside now!" She spoke in an excited manner, though she did feel the pain and attempted to hide it. This was a headdress that was done to all the seer's of the past, that way when they would leave the temple, it would restrain from them to get too excited about anything they see out there, the more excited they got the more painful the headdress would be, so they would be forced to keep a straight face for the time they were outside until the ritual when it would be taken off.

Word count: 272 | 2089

When she came back, I raised an eyebrow at such idiotic practices. My arms crossed myself in such a manner that my escort would laugh and tell me I was assuming the ‘I am dealing with idiots’ stance that my father got when training new recruits. I shook my head kept my face fairly passive. When she walked outside I would follow along behind her. I detested such barbaric practices as needlessly cause pain to ones self. I was a healer after all and it was apparent that she was in pain.

Finally they would be heading outside, she was joy with that, though she did try her best not to move her face much at least the upper half of her face. Seijin was a bit quick in her step's almost skipping along excitedly but not moving too past as she had to stop for a moment and place a hand to the headdress and grumble something to herself. Though they finally would reach outside as Seijin turned to face Kazakura. "Do forgive my temple and their practices..." She felt the need to apologize for them, even Seijin wasn't blind to know that her temple had some rather foolish practices and that the people of the temple seemed a bit stiffer than most. "They done this for every seer that has ever grown from this temple, its just they try so hard to keep the mind of the seer from gaining too much thought so that when the ritual comes they won't be fully taken over and be out of their control." she looked down as she spoke to Kazakura about this. "So I apologize for them."

Word count: 186 | 2275

"Rest yourself, I am not angry with you or anyone. I will make my feelings known to the High Priest while I am there. If they did not want us getting too powerful, they would not have let my ceremony go so wrong." my voice was quiet as I walked along beside her, my own escort dropping in a few paces behind, still missing the third member of the party. I glanced up and around, catching sight of the black clothing behind a corner of the building. Then it was gone. So he was around. "I will tell you the whole story after your moment. Besides the High Priest, Yuna is the only one who knows the whole story." I kept glancing around as if to find something not where it suppose to be. On guard so to speak.

She looked at Kazakura and she would nod her head and give a smile on her face when she told her she wasn't angry with her or anyone else. Now they were walking along side one another. Seijin looked at Kazakura when she had told her she would explain to her of something that had happened to her when she had her own moment. This was exciting to be able to know a bit more about someone she looked up to so much. Of course she would have to wait until after she fully became a seer to be able to hear this story. "I'm kinda nervous though to fully become a seer you know." she admited that she did have her own fears.

Word count: 124 | 2399

"There is no need to be nervous. Trust in the power you hold within yourself." I continue to walk along keeping an eye on her and our surroundings. My hands and arms folded neatly in front of me like a good little priestess. I was surely going to talk to the high priest about this barbaric practice. If this girl had gone to the high temple as she should have, it would have been easier. Much like Yuna and myself had done. But these priests had wanted to keep the priestess to themselves in some sort of torturous fashion. A little stupid is all that I could think. I sighed and a slight frown bent the corner of my mouth down for a brief moment as I got lost in my thoughts.

She nodded her head to what Kazakura had said. "You're right, though none the less it still worries me just a small bit." She said in a soft voice as she gave a smile, her hands were holding each other in front of her but up against her chest as though she were walking in prayer. Her eye's would look around as they were making it to the front of the temple, toward's the very entrance she had sometimes found herself just standing there and staring at. I was almost like a reaction but as she got close to it she found herself just stopping and staring toward's the entrance. She had flashback's of her own times where she would just stand there staring at the entrance just wanting to leave, but she knew the others were near, and soon it had become a habit of her to just stop and there at it.

Word count: 154 | 2553

And so we stop and stare at the entrance to the temple. It seemed to be something she was use to doing. "Are you alright?" I ask quietly waiting for her to take that first step towards freedom. I stared at the entrance and wondered how I would feel if I was in her place at this moment. Most likely I would be just as nervous and scared to go out. It was a big scary world out there and she didn't even know the half of it. People would be out there to try and hurt her, people would try to use her for their own benefit, and most of all, there was sadness out there that she would never know if she remained locked up in this temple. but for all of those there was equal light. There were friends out there that she would make, perhaps even find someone to fall in love with, and most of all, there was life to enjoy for good or bad. All of this she wouldn't find if she remained in this temple. It was time for her to spread her wings and fly into the open. Everything changes in life, and one had to be strong to accept that change and make it work for them. It was a moment of zen that I had. One of those few moments when the clouds cleared away and I actually understood the universe. too bad I did not have something to write it down on. AS soon as that understanding hit, it flew away like a cherry blossom on the breeze. Too bad it never lasted, but I would take away something new with this experience. And for that I was grateful. I glanced back at her and smiled. "Are you ready?"

She stared at the entrance as she watched there. her heart was thumping in her throat as she never really once thought about how she was going to deal with finally going outside. She knew she wanted to but she never really thought about how she was going to deal with it. The first question that was asked of her if she was alright went past her head as she didn't notice she was asked something. The thought that she can leave excited her, but it also scared her and she wondered about what could be out there. She thought were there dangerous things? Was there things that would be nice? Was it like how she dreamed? She wasn't certain, and soon she snapped out of her trance at the second question. "huh? Oh! I'm sorry, Y-yes..." she paused for a moment as she took in a deep breath and she clenched her hands together tightly. "I'm ready...." she said as she finally began to take her steps towards the entrance of the temple. her steps began to move and once they did, they didn't stop.

Word count: 186 | 2739

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