[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/PeDKNDL.jpeg[/img][/center] [center] [color=cecece] [sub] [b][Location][/b] Nythavon, Nibelheim [b][Time][/b] Friday, 08:00 AM [b][Interactions][/b] - [/sub] [/color] [/center] [indent][indent][indent][indent] [color=808080] The rattling old alarm clock clattered away at the appointed hour, only to be knocked to the floor in protest. Nia groaned, pulling the pillow over her face as though she could shut out the world. She felt the familiar pressing of paws through the sheets, followed by the insistent nuzzling of a nose against her hand. Her black cat, with a distinctive white patch on its chest, was not one to accept defiance when breakfast was due. Reluctantly, Nia tossed the pillow aside, earning a pleased purr from the cat as it leaned in to lick her nose. [colour=purple]"I suppose you want feeding, don’t you?"[/colour] she muttered to the black feline, who seemed oblivious to her words but dashed towards the door as soon as she stirred, tail held high and letting out an eager meow. She peeled back the sheets and swung her legs out of bed, still in her pyjama top, pulling on a pair of bottoms as she shuffled toward the kitchen. The cat trotted ahead, looking back periodically to check that she was following. Reaching for the cupboard, Nia pulled out a box of kibble and a blue pouch—fish, by the smell of it. She filled the bowl with kibble and squeezed out the contents of the pouch as Harel hungrily dug in. While the cat ate, Nia scratched behind his ears, though he playfully shook his head as if to evade the intruding fingers. [colour=purple]"Amma will be taking care of you while I’m gone."[/colour] she said, giving him one final scratch at the base of his tail before retreating back to her room to get ready for the day. As always, she started with her gentle morning routine—a good stretch to get her blood flowing, followed by deep, slow breaths. She took her time preparing a simple breakfast of warm oatmeal porridge with milk and honey, spreading butter and jam on slices of soda bread. The radio murmured in the background, keeping her updated on the Festival of Lights, one of the busiest religious celebrations across the world. Nia usually helped locally with the festival preparations, but this time she’d been summoned to attend the main event in Estren—a request that felt more like a demand, though it made sense. It was an opportunity to meet the Regalia, including one she happened to be distantly related to, a cousin in Eshea. After a brisk, cool shower, Nia dried off and browsed through her wardrobe for the right outfit. Harel, having finished his breakfast, lounged on her bed, lazily observing. [colour=purple]"Should I go for the evil cultist look?"[/colour] she teased, pulling out a black gown with dangling tassels. The cat fixated on the tassels, swiping a paw at them. Nia quickly moved the gown out of reach before his claws could shred it. [colour=purple]"No, something more… casual,"[/colour] she decided, settling on a dark, long-sleeved top paired with a purple tartan skirt, black leggings, and a matching tartan serape pinned with a silver brooch—stylish, yet traditional, as she finished her ‘natural look’ make up. Grabbing her bag, she made her way to the door. Leaning down, she gave Harel a gentle kiss on the forehead. [colour=purple]"Be good,"[/colour] she murmured before locking up and heading toward Nythavon Harbour, where the boat to Eshea awaited. [center] [color=cecece] [sub] [b][Location][/b] Montá, Eshea [b][Time][/b] Saturday, 07:00 PM [b][Interactions][/b] [@Aeolian] [/sub] [/color] [/center] If one were to glance at the map, they might mistakenly think that Nia had travelled vast distances. However, the world was round and the edges of the map connect together, and as the ocean liner crossed and sailed by Tenshi, it finally docked on the eastern continent in the nation of Eshea as Nia was escorted to toward the city of Montá. This was her first time in a foreign land, and the sight of the cobblestone streets stretching ahead like a yellow brick road to the great dome of the Citadel was nothing short of enchanting. The citadel itself rose like a magnificent mountain in the distance. There wasn’t time for much sightseeing, though. Her destination lay outside the city—the airstrip, where the majestic skyship known as the [i]Skypiercer[/i] awaited. The [i]Skypiercer[/i] stood proudly at the edge of the field. Its elegant, ovoid shape resembled dark mahogany, the hull shimmering in the sunlight, with intricate brass-like detailing polished to perfection. From what Nia had learned, it boasted two pairs of solar sails that spread like wings from its sides, giving the airship the appearance of a butterfly in flight when viewed from below. Luxury was not something Nia was accustomed to, and this journey had not been arranged for her but for her distant cousin, Cécile. It had been years—he had been just a wee boy the last time she saw him. Word had reached her that he had risen to the prestigious role of Hopekeeper in Eshea, guiding souls through death’s passage, a role that resonated with her own calling as an Ardent. Yet, it was his status as a Regalia that garnered the most awe, and it was through this familial connection that Nia found herself aboard the airship en route to the Festival of Lights. As she stepped inside the skyship, its opulent interior greeted her with wood panelling, plush leather seats in the lounge, and richly adorned tables set with fine china in the dining area. Crystal chandeliers hung gracefully from the ceiling, casting soft light, while large windows bathed the space in natural light. Velvet curtains draped over the doorways leading to private cabins, creating an air of exclusivity. Uniformed waitstaff flitted about, eager to attend to the whims of every guest. Nia offered a smile and a polite thank you as one of the waitstaff took her luggage. She wandered deeper into the ship, her eyes scanning for any sign of her cousin. When she was unsure, she asked a nearby attendant for his whereabouts. As she was guided, she breathed in short breaths, and tensed her muscles, then breathed out long and relaxed, as she lowered her anxiety. Her purple eyes sparkled as she saw him, as her lips curled in a warm smile, [colour=purple]“Cécile, you’ve grown.”[/colour] [center] [color=cecece] [sub][img]https://i.imgur.com/0yfgf77.jpeg[/img] [b][Location][/b] Landow, Estren [b][Time][/b] Sunday 06:00 AM [b][Interactions][/b] [@Mirandae], [@rabidbacon], [@Tlaloc] [/sub] [/color] [/center] Nia strolled through the rows of shrines, observing as people applied the final touches to their stalls and prepared for the festivities. She was pleasantly surprised to see such devotion gathered in one place, even if, in her eyes, it was an impure form of reverence. With her hood up, she walked the path of the Ardent, where her identity was irrelevant; only the true veneration of Eitrú in its many forms mattered. The hood served a personal purpose as well, shielding her from the overstimulation of crowds, bright lights, and elaborate displays. It allowed her to retreat into her role, blending seamlessly into the surroundings. Many did not recognize her for what she was, though they sensed her as a religious figure of some kind. A few approached her for blessings, and she smiled warmly as she shared words with them. The divine did not punish curiosity—only ignorance, for it was ignorance that trapped souls within the cycle. She observed the earlier demonstrations with quiet interest. The Regalia of Gaia presented herself, polished to perfection, her every flaw sculpted to enhance her overall appearance. Nia couldn't help but note the amusing irony of how the avatar of nature seemed so unnatural. In her mind, Gaia was elbow-deep in the soil, dirt smeared across her cheeks, bringing forth life in the form of a bountiful garden blossoming. Raw yet majestic. But the will of the Dominants often transcended mortal understanding, so she paid the proper tribute at Gaia’s shrine regardless. Next, Nia watched the Regalia of Leviathan, a figure who appeared steadfast in tradition. As a gesture of respect, Nia bowed her head as she received the offered water from a crystal-lined flask. She noted the Regalia's selfless dedication to the less fortunate, as she sought them out, and tended to their needs without hesitation. In a show of respect, Nia bowed even deeper at Leviathan’s shrine due to her piety. The Regalia of the Leviathan appeared to someone who followed tradition, as she bowed her head as she accepted the offering of water from the crystal-lined flask. She watched as she appeared to selfishlessly sought out the less fortune to tend to their ails. Her head bowed deeper out of respect at the shrine. Her feet moved with purpose as she visited the other shrines, each belonging to different Dominants. Some had their Regalia present, while others were absent. To each, Nia paid the appropriate homage. There was no shrine for Bahamut, and the absence of any marker on the uncovered ground brought a smile to her face. It felt fitting that there was nothing—an apt reflection of Bahamut’s void. She laid a silent tribute on the unmarked earth, closing her eyes in deep contemplation. The last and certainly not least was the shrine of Ultima. As Nia approached to offer her tribute, she noticed a commotion up ahead. A couple was pleading for alms from the Regalia, who responded with an apologetic expression and a gentle blessing before they were escorted away by security. As the couple passed her, Nia lowered her head in acknowledgement and continued toward the shrine. Once before it, she withdrew a black amethyst crystal from her robes and placed it on the altar. The dark gem stood in stark contrast to the bright light surrounding the shrine, amplifying the sacred display. Nia took a step back, offering a smile as she bowed her head in reverence. [/color] [/indent][/indent][/indent][/indent]