Crossing the Gates

Chapter 1: My Pilgrimage Begins

My excitement to begin my pilgrimage afforded me very little sleep over the past few weeks. The prospect of becoming a true Aurashine like my father invigorated me with energy, however, and I didn't care if I slept only a few short hours each night. The morning that my father was due to arrive was exceptionally beautiful, but then so was every day that I awoke in Celestia's Embrace. She was a gorgeous city, and every morning when I drew the curtains around the windows of my sleeping quarters I would pause to bask in the glory of the rays of soft pearlescent light that filtered through. Whenever I would look out my little window and take in the sights, I was always reminded of what my teachers had taught me about our city's founder. 

Celestia herself was one of the first Haven Elves to receive blessings from the Pearl Gate. Thousands of years ago when history begins to blend with myth and legend, Celestia visited all five corners of the world. In those ancient stories, she used the power of the Aurashine to heal the sick, curing all diseases and uniting Elves and Humans in friendship while spreading the protective light of Aurivar. It was near the end of her journey, a few years before her soul would leave through the Pearl Gate, that she established her city. Thereafter it became known as Celestia's Embrace, a splendid landmark in the center of our Haven that stood for everything an Aurashine embodied. 

Here in our city, we heal sick and wounded travelers from all corners of the world. Visitors from all over journey here to visit our temples, take in our breathtaking landscapes, and seek respite and hospice from some of the more treacherous regions. Our lands are fertile and vibrant, and we have the great privilege and responsibility to care for all who come to the Embrace with clear hearts and peaceful intent. 

It was these ideals and the guidance of my father that sparked my desire to follow in his footsteps and become one of the Aurashines who travel the world. Although I adored my city, and the beautiful region we called Haven, I wanted to do exactly as my father did. To visit all five corners of the world as Celestia did in her time, healing those who need it, learning of the people who lived there, and only accepting modest donations for my services as an Aurashine. Any coin I made along the way would be brought back to share among the Luminal Assemblies of Haven, and wealth and friendship would be split among all of our people. The idea of sharing my talents with the world and bringing back coins to spend was undeniably exciting to me, so when my father arranged for me to study at one of Aurivar's temples in the city, I was more than eager to begin my tutelage.

After I had finished my routine of taking in the morning light, I glanced around my room to decide what I would need to bring with me on my pilgrimage. In truth, I didn't have many personal possessions, most of us in Haven were quite modest in the items we owned, and our wealth was measured by our friendships and experiences rather than an abundance of material items. However, I did have a few things to bring with me. In my travel bag, I arranged all my clothes neatly, mostly white cotton tunics and goat-silk trousers. I tossed in some riding gloves and extra pair of soft leather shoes. I packed some other small things; a bundle of parchment, some candles, a box of matches, and a sharp knife I often used to craft soap figurines for some of the younger students in the temple. 

My father wasn't due to arrive until later this afternoon, and my stomach had decided that breakfast was in order. I emerged from my room into the large hall where I and the other students spent most of their time. It was an inspiring place, with large pillars supporting the ceiling like white luminous tree trunks. Each pillar was intricately carved with the diverse flora and gently flowing creeks of our region's vast prairie lands, supposed to symbolize the connection between our magic and the duty to tend to nature respectfully. The rays of light that streamed through the windows cast an almost heavenly glow into the hall, providing warmth and illumination for reading, writing, or simply sharing a meal with the other students. I passed by an altar of flowers and pearls, meant to be a place to pray to Aurivar when I saw the welcome smile of my teacher waving me to join him at his table.