Honoring the Gods

At Cairne's cry, the priests who sensed the change in ambient light all looked up. At the same moment, amid the dimming radiance, a figure appeared beside the brilliantly glowing Elune.

The figure was only the height of an ordinary person, yet in the eyes of the priests, it possessed an indescribable majesty. Blue arcane patterns wound across its white fur, four sturdy hooves supported its proud body, and from the tips of its two enormous antlers hung golden bells shrouded in a faint blue glow.

"Aparro."

Following the appearance of the white stag Malorne—Aparro—more beast-shaped figures began to appear one after another: Ulathek, Nalorakk, Halazzi...

These gods of nature appeared above the altar like statues, like suns in the sky radiating their own light upon the world.

The priests and attendants beneath the altar instantly prostrated themselves in worship before the great beings that had appeared above it. Only Zul'ra counted each figure as it appeared, comparing them against the list.

Every god who had been widely notified had arrived. They exchanged no words and did not reveal their immense divine forms; they simply stood there and accepted the worship. Seeing this, Zul'ra could not help turning to make a strange sound at old Cairne.

"The gods have all arrived. Present the rites." Prompted by Zul'ra, Cairne came to his senses and gave a loud call.

At Cairne's chant, Zul'ra and the priests rose together, carrying the prepared gifts before the altar and offering them to the gods in their hearts.

Most of the gifts were jade, silk, and similar items. Zul'ra placed the jade in his hands before Elune and Malorne, then quietly offered a word of thanks. Honestly, he had not expected Elune and Malorne to come either.

Besides Zul'ra, the other priests also spoke blessings as