Era : Entropy

Dear Shrine, What's Mine?

Limestone walls layered with gold surrounded them. They admired the carvings in the walls depicting one-armed prosperity spirits with their bat wings and lizard tails. There were other people in the shrine standing by the carvings with their eyes closed, focusing on their wishes to the spirits. Bells rang in the distance. The heart of the shrine held statues of prosperity spirits, their wings arched up to envelop anyone giving their offerings. Offerings were plentiful, from flowers to honey cakes. The scent of incense and weathered stones wafted to their noses.

"If you'd like, we can lead you to bathe in rosewater. The spirits love the smell of it. It won't be long. We provide a covering for you as well so don't be shy," the senior maiden offered. Citrine and Angie's eyes sparkled. They quickly agreed. Sakura thought about it. It sounded relaxing to bathe in a shrine. She could pretend to be an olden princess of the shrine. She nodded. The others shook their heads.

"May I take some time make wishes to the spirits?" Yukika asked. The senior maiden nodded and gestured for a maiden to accompany her. A short girl with a water lily pin in her hair came forward. Her round face held a youthful feminity. She smiled pleasantly as she led Yukika to the heart of the shrine.

"Would these young men prefer to be dressed in their robes now?" the senior maiden asked. Astros and Mikhail nodded. Two boys appeared clad in lime green robes that denoted their status as monks in training. They escorted the two Defenders to a room away from the prying public's eyes.

Ms Limon waved them goodbye. "You all go and indulge yourselves, I'll be looking over the preparations for your celebration," she said. They nodded in understanding. Ms Limon's slim form disappeared behind the walls. The maidens whisked the remaining Defenders further away from the main shrine area.

Lanterns hung from the ceiling with orchids, peonies and lilies painted on their surfaces. Gongs and drums sat in every corner of the shrine. Even in the morning light, candles were lit underneath the carvings. The flickering flames produced an illusion of dancing stone figures. Against the tallest wall in the shrine were grand thrones carved from marble to seat a dozen people. Sakura pointed to the thrones.

"What are those for?" she asked. The senior maiden glanced to the direction she pointed to. A smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

"Once a month, all the members of the shrine will meet, from the chief monk to the newest maiden. We meet to give thanks to the spirits of the shrine and to reflect on our connection to them. Of course, the most senior members will sit on the thrones," she explained. The other maidens bowed. One spoke. She had a bright look in her eyes.

"It is also a little celebration for us. We dance and sing and take joy in each other's company. Happiness helps attract the prosperity spirits towards us," she piped up. The senior maiden nodded. Sakura's mind whirred with scenes of celebration, of nimble feet and deep resounding gongs. Of people so different yet united by the spirits.

They exited the main shrine building and walked along stone steps. Blooming trees stood over them. The stone was damp with recent rainfall. Sunlight peeked out of leaves that shone like emeralds. They shivered in the pleasant cold. Serenity awaited them. The maidens led them to a clearing in the thick cluster of trees.

Slabs of smooth rocks stuck together with cement formed bathtubs. Wooden stalls were erected to the side of the clearing. The trees formed a roof over their heads. The air was cool and inviting. The powdered maidens appeared to be nymphs as they fluttered around the clearing. One scooped up water from a large pot to pour into the tubs. Another disappeared into the trees.