The dappled light pierces through the canopy of Anlyth and into the Temple of the Ancients, the party are sat among the crowd of visitors, all sat cross-legged, in the temple's main central garden. The crowd has filled all available space so as to view the raised stage at the far end. Four large stone altars have been arranged, each crowned with an equally large basin, and from a distance one can be seen with a fire ablaze within.
Eparch Jandar Bijor walks out in front of the altars and the whispers of the crowd die down. He begins a speech that talks of Eloranos, the elven people, and the Primordial Spirits, highlighting their connections, the great mother and her children. He goes on to elaborate on the sibling like relationship between the elemental spirits and the people of the world. His words slowly change from thankful admiration to a call to action. Jandar states that it is time for the elves to give back by returning imprisoned primordial spirits to Eloranos, and restore the natural order. With this he wishes to begin a ritual and calls upon certain individuals who have recently done just as he desires, returned a spirit to the goddess of nature. The party are called up to the altars, and for their heroic deeds, they have the privilege of being first in line.
One by one they are asked to place a hand in each of the four large basin, and soon after everyone else in the temple will perform this tradition. Now that the party are close enough, they can see that each basin contains a representation of the four elements. The first is full of clear water, the second a burning fire, the third a magical wind vortex gently blowing leaf and pollen, and the fourth is full of fine pale sand.
Amarion is first, and as he dips his hand in the water, he hears faint voices. As he waves his hand through the fire, he feels the warm embrace he did in morning prayer. As he puts his hand in the miniature cyclone, he hears voices again, recognition, and further connection to the primordials. Finally, as he embeds his hand in the sand, he hears a voice give its thanks to Amarion and he feels ever closer to his goddess and her creations. Once he is done and moves away from the final altar, in unison the crowd utter together "Blessed be the Mother".
Mornington Lormanston is next up and as he passes his hand through each of the elements, he is struck with memories of his journey to and amidst Usta. From the day the Alacrity set sail, to The Battle of Storms, to meeting Reot Windwalker and finally facing Unknown. The crowd once again utter "Blessed be the Mother".
Crom sees animals all around whenever he touches the contents of an altar basin, the creatures are always related to the element they rely on the most for survival. His most vivid vision comes to him with the final basin as he sees, once again in his path of the totem, an eagle eyed bear that presses its head to his. "Blessed be the Mother".
Edward Fogbluff is last and decides to place both his hands into each basin, his back facing the crowd as he does. He feels a presence and voices reach his ears, they state he is a dark flame and by the last basin they ask if he needs help. Edwards magic-blackened hand begins burning, as if by acid, and he feels flames at his back, but knows there are none. A pressure rises at the back of his head and as he contemplates the offer, his Patron's voice emerges. The voice of Xarturas crackles and simply states "NO" angrily and with great disapproval, Edward is very still for a short moment. Lifting his hands and letting the sand run from them he joins the others on the far side, Mornington has seen that something has caught the young warlock off guard. "Blessed be the Mother".
Jandar continues to watch over the ritual as a large line has now formed, the other attendees keen to find their connection to the divine. Those done with the ceremony are free to leave and the party gather in the entryway to the temple, grab some of the offerings of fruit and discuss what just happened. Mornington presses Edward on his reaction and everyone shares the feelings and visions that were experienced, Edward feels a primordial spirit offered its help to him. They then decide to visit Folas Carna in Lunas Orberus, there they set up a meeting for him to visit the temple that evening and speak with them and Jandar. The Master of Arcana agrees to the meeting and the party explore the city looking to restock their supplies before their next trip into the wilds of Demoras.
That evening back in the temple the party begin to discuss the morning's ceremony with Jandar, and what they experienced. Soon after Folas joins and they all sit in Jandar's sanctuary. The Eparch Cleric is pleased to know they felt the will of the primordials, surely his wish for the Element Stones to be destroyed has grounding when it is clear these mighty beings are held against their will. Folas interjects and opposes Jandar, he points out that they don't fully understand what they are dealing with and that they cannot risk allowing more outsiders into the Material Plane. Jandar believes the natural order must be set right and any enemies they face will be opposed by the will of the gods and the primordials will be sent to protect them. The party then raise the issue that Xarturas has shown a want for the stones to be destroyed as well, and they highly suspect it is not for good reason. It is fully unveiled to Jandar that Edward is sworn to an evil outsider, and the conversation quickly sours. He is close to ejecting Edward from his temple for his meddling with devilry. The party stand strong and support their youngest member but restate how this is a complex issue. Jandar, clearly frustrated, states that it is within the parties hands now, it's their decision which path to tread, but the fate of many is on their shoulders.
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