Dedicated to the Harmonious Muse and the Valar of creativity, Solinor
Weave seams
Weave songs
Weave magic
Weave joy
The smell of honeyed pumpkin and watermelon signalled the elder Chaerona couple to their daughter's latest establishment. It is time, they decided.
"Oh mother! Father! Come on in," Liliae said to the door from behind her kitchen counter. The elder couple drifted towards the bar stools, watching Liliae bottling the elven wine and adding finishing touches. "Try some, would you?" She said to her parents with glinting eyes, already pulling out two goblets when they said "Of course".
"One Fae, one Winterfrost..." Liliae muttered as she poured the two different flavours into separate goblets in front of the elder couple. They swirled the liquor in front of them with deep contemplation, before taking a sip each. The mother was the first to smile. "Need more time, my dear. Time and patience. Blossom season is the best time tracker for the wine. Start fermenting when the buds are young. Full bloom, or even near wilting, is the best time to set and bottle."
"Or look to the stars if you find yourself outside of blooming season," her father added, also with a smile. Though he was not as picky with the ale.
Liliae absorbed the teaching quietly as she poured herself a mug of ale as well. Then her father spoke again: "Let's relocate our banter. Make yourself comfortable, away from all the hard work. We have something to tell you."
They carried their drinks to the reading corner with soft cushions and pillows. The vibrant colours Liliae had dyed these in, brought the elder couple back to younger times. They smiled at each other knowingly as they sat down, before regaining a more serious composure.
"Liliae... we are so proud of you." The elder couple faced Liliae across the small rug. They took turns to speak each sentence, and each sentence gradually more ethereal than the last.
You were awakened at the beginning of peace after the Age of Chaos. We watched you through your First Rite, Bonding, Gleaning, First Dream, and the Weaving. Arandor embraced you as you have embraced the sacred city of the Valar. You have chosen a path of remembrance through celebrations and positivity. We couldn't be happier for this outcome. Arandor couldn't be happier to have you. You are a manifestation of this new age of peace.
A gentle glow of energy began to envelope Liliae from the inside. She felt simultaneously blessed and mystified by something beyond the presence of her parents. Perhaps something divine, perhaps the Valar are also in audience with them.
Liliae, our Glory-in-the-Snow, you will thrive no matter the weather nor season. You will bloom even in the harshest cold. You will sing even beneath the darkest clouds. We shall rest easy knowing that you will be part of this future.
"Are... are you...?" Liliae sat forward, beginning to catch on what her parents are telling her.
We are not leaving you. We are resting in the embrace of the Valar. Co-exist, connect and grow with the beyond. We will be all around you, all around Arandor, all around the living earth.
At this moment Liliae has left her drink on the floor to leap towards the elder couple for a hug.
"Continue as you were, my dear. Bring joy and celebrate our existence. Remind everyone of our kin what we live for." The mother comforted her sobbing daughter. The father also added "Peace is sustained by cherishing the past, the present and the future. The future, in particular, will be sustained by this also".
"Mother... Father... Thank you for everything." Liliae withdrew her head, tears still wet on her face. "I will do you proud. I will do Arandor and the Valar proud."