Luminary Prarim: Dawn of a New Era
Ensign Kivik
((Grand Mezzanine, Amity Outpost))
Prarim looked about at the faces gathered under the divine light of the Great Spirit in anticipation of the Ritual of Trust. He saw many - Hawlat, Human, Talaxian, Bajoran, and many more he had yet to meet. For the first time in centuries, the Hawlat had found themselves among a truly enlightened civilization willing to share their territory and resources with others - a place where the Hawlat religion could be fully accepted, rather than begrudgingly tolerated.
The Council of Luminaries had been assembled and all had agreed - after what they had seen in the Nebula, there could be no doubt. The Angels’ message was clear and if this was to be their new home amongst the stars, then cooperation with the Federation was not only necessary - it was divinely mandated.
oO Thank you, Great Spirit, for guiding us to this Supreme Pasture. It may have taken us a while to read your signs correctly but, now that we have, we thank you that this shall usher in a new and prosperous era in Hawlat history! Oo
Bringing forth the vials of Angel’s Milk, Prarim set them upon the dais and stood over them, arms outstretched and face up to the glass ceiling - and beyond, the nebula where a new preserve had been established in the light of cooperation.
Prarim: Mu’ulahati… Hawlahanae… We are brought together by the paths of the divine, whose guidance - infinitely wise - shall shine brightly upon our spirit of trust. By this ritual shall we remove all shadow of doubt from this bond and allow it to flourish. ::To Wong and Carter:: Step forward, please.
Amity's two representatives, Lt. Commander John Carter and Lieutenant Ikaia Wong, were standing nearby in their dress uniforms and then stepped forward after the Hawlat gestured to them to come forward.
Prarim: The Federation, newcomers to the pasturelands of the Delta Quadrant, but eager to make friends. You have shown yourselves to be honest and reliable friends and resourceful allies. We are grateful for all you have done for us, and for your patience. Please, identify yourselves under the light of the Great Spirit and recite your pledges.
Each would have their own pledge - a brief testament to their intentions in the Ritual ahead.
Carter: Response
Wong: Response
Prarim smiled as the Starfleet officers offered their words. He felt their spirits were genuine, if nervous. Understandable, given the importance of this Rite to his people - and to the continued stability of their treaty agreement.
Prarim: Acolyte Taven, Pilgrim Sahim. As the Federation has put forth two representatives, so too shall the Hawlat. ::Motioning:: Will you please step forward as well and recite your pledges.
Taven: Response
Sahim: Response
Prarim held his arms wide, his green cloak hanging dramatically by his sides.
Prarim: Mu’ulahati… Hawlahanae… Trust of the Hawlat. It is not easily won, but it shines eternal. ::Providing guidance to the participants:: You may each drink of your vials. Let the light guide you to a partner and press your brows together. The Milk shall allow for connection, as it strips away all distractions.
As they paired up, Prarim knew the effects of the Milk would happen quickly. It would be mere minutes to the observer, but to the participants, it may feel as if hours had passed. Each pair would find themselves linked in a trial - unique to their experiences - which they would face together. These trials of the spirit would require cooperation and faith to overcome. Only then would their true sight return.
Carter/Wong/Taven/Sahim: Response
One by one, the participants opened their eyes and, blinking, returned to the ‘real world’. Prarim smiled as they ‘returned’, each of them clearly moved by their shared experiences - though with such complex emotions on their faces, Prarim attempted not to interpret them. He knew that each, in time, would grow to deeper understanding.
Prarim: Your journeys are complete. Tell us - Commander Carter and Lieutenant Wong of the Federation - have you unwavering trust in your Hawlat companions?
Carter: Response
Wong: Response
Prarim: And you, Taven and Sahim of the Hawlat - have these Federation officers shown themselves to be true allies?
Taven: Response
Sahim: Response
Prarim: Then, it is my great honour to formally illuminate this ordained friendship. May it shine ever brighter!
Any: Response
With the ritual concluded, Rivi stepped forward to Prarim and the other Hawlat.
Vataix: Thank you for letting us take part and witness that beautiful tradition.
Prarim: And thank you, Ambassador, for having the open mindedness to allow it. It is a rare quality, your Federation embodies - and one which is most welcome.
Vataix: I do not know where your journeys may take you next, but please, consider Amity your home for however long you wish to stay and whenever you wish to return.
Prarim nodded, bowing ever so slightly in appreciation and reverence.
Prarim: You are most gracious. We are called to follow the Angels wherever they shall lead - but for now, it seems as though we shall call this Nebula home. ::With a look towards Wil Ukinix:: We shall have much to discuss, Emissary, in the days ahead! ::Back to Vataix:: Ambassador, we are honored to declare ourselves your trusting friends.
Vataix nodded and smiled as she and Prarim bowed their heads towards one another before she looked over at the crew--her crew.
A new chapter was being written now for the Hawlat in their eternal journey through the stars - one which would bring with it revitalization and renewal under the watchful eye of their Angels. After long years of hardship, Prarim breathed a sigh of relief.
oO Home… Oo he thought - a word that no Hawlat had uttered in earnest for centuries.
oO Home at last. Oo
END
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MSPNPC Prarim (he/him)
Hawlat Luminary
Simmed by Kivik
V239806K11