Ezekiel the German Shepherd arrives, following Artorius.

Darkness has settled in consuming the majority of the Shrine's interior. Pronounced footfalls, shuffled movements, and indecipherable whispers echo from the overly shadowed corners -- dread and uncertainty lurking. All that guides one half-blindly forth is a single softly lit path with an archway strung with tiny glowing globes of oil. Beyond it, should one cross the threshold, lies the ever-burning, ever-holy, The Eternal Flame of Lagoma. Its fires drive out the cold and darkness, welcoming all to bask in its light to find home and refuge at the half-circle of cushioned chairs and pillows set before its base.

Standing afore the Eternal Flame is the Palace Seraph who smiles in welcoming any who approach the half-circle nearby. When those in attendance have settled to their seats, Ailith speaks calmly, pitched to be heard to the farthest reaches of the Shrine. "Good evening and welcome. Midwinter, the longest night, is here. On Flammas, we gather around our hearths, or in this case," she gestures behind her where the main source of light resides, "Her Eternal Flame to share in happy experiences about being together and learning from our most difficult times as an acknowledgment of the changes Lagoma brings. We do this as well in the hopes her comforts bring warmth against this cold and dark seasonal change. Some of you may have experienced Flammas through the Mercies. Families who are unable to make the journey the local temple or shrine would light a candle and place it in the window to guide the Mercies to their doorstep. The Mercies offer counseling to temper struggles with darkness and grief faced by those families or individuals living with loss. You will see many of them among you now, ready to offer the same."

    Merek has come, this time with his cloak on and his hood up, while he offers Sparte an extra candle or two, then he has his lanterns ready. He then watches on and listens while he smiles a bit at the sermon included in all this, though also tilting his head a bit, seeming in thought.

Melinda walks into the shrine with a lantern, her eyes move to the flame and she leans in to whisper to Art as she walks within beside him, she looks to the flames and there were sad empty eyes that looked hopefully to her lantern.

Speaking of the Mercies, a notable number of them are present, including the Mother Mercy herself. They are dispersed throughout the shrine, ever so warm and serene in demeanor -- and reverent.

Esoka enters as quietly as she can. Which still isn't silent. She's a trompy sort of woman. But she slots herself in crowd with her lantern, mood one of somber respect.

Fortunato has relaxed himself in the darkness near the entryway of the shrine, his own lantern lax by his side.

Arcelia makes her way into the shrine holding a lantern. She quietly steps off to the side and waits, the newly wed woman looking exhausted... probably from dealing with everything happening in the Thrax Ward right now. But exhausted or not the Countess is here tonight.

Entering, Caelis gathers her cloak about her to keep off the chill. She carries a small lantern with her. One arm looped with Katarina she leads the princess to find a place wordlessly.

Sparte is next to Merek, a lantern hung from his belt and hands busy trying to help his stoat - which he somehow thought was appropriate to this ceremony - hold an unlit candle.

Nisaa walks into the shrine, carrying a brand new, purple-glassed lantern. She seems poised, graceful, but also a bit unsure, and so tries to blend into the background rather than stand out.

Artorius walks in on the heel of the Lady Melinda Grimhall with a warm smile at his soon-to-be, his arm wrapped around her waist. He waves happily to everyone present and even spots his sister Caelis, the soon to be birthday gal, and gives her a knowing expression with a smile. He looks to Melinda when she whispers to him and offers a kind smile, whispering back to her.

    On the arm of the Lady Admiral of Malvici, the young disciple of Sentinel and Valardin transplant walks into the Shrine of Lagoma. In her hand is a small lantern, delicately shaped to resemble a white scaled dragon entwined with a soaring gold hawk symbolically. She smiles softly at the sight of the Mother of Mercies, briefly tugging Caelis along to draw Sophie into a short hug and kiss of the cheek. Cousin, yo!

Ailith continues solemnly, "I will begin with a benediction, then welcome you to come forth one by one to the Eternal Flame, to say a prayer and then light your lantern, globe, or candlestick." She gestures to the area set aside to collect one should none have been brought. "We will then gather together after to share in our experiences or stories -- to speak of how Lagoma has brought us change -- comforted by the lights we've produced by her Eternal Flame. Any are welcome to stay through the night until the last candles flicker out by morning."

Footfalls echo when Ailith strides up the steps to the Eternal Flame. In turning, she begins with her voice pronounced and full of fervor.
"Our Goddess, Lady of Change, Blessed Healer of Hearth and Heart
We gather here on this longest and darkest night
to celebrate this seasonal change, day's depart,
and be comforted by your light."
Candlelight suddenly brightens a corner of the Shrine. A massive candelabra is lit by the unseen disciples.
"Honored are we, Great Mother of Mercy, Lagoma of Light,
Behold us now as we share our experiences
and brighten and shield our hearts against the night."
Another corner now glows. This time driving out the darkness and a glimpse of the disciples can be seen.
"May your Flame be ever Eternal,
guiding us from evening to morning,
In your name, we praise."
At long last, a radiant illumination fills the Shrine as all the candelabras are lit, all encircling those in attendance in representation of the seasonal rites for Lagoma. Ailith motions for the first person to approach.


Lambent and welcoming are adjectives countless ascribe to Sophie, and they are no less warranted this moment than in any other. She fondly returns Katarina's small display of familial affection and offering Caelis a warm smile, before reverentially returning her attention to Sister Ailith and the ceremony. The deep, summer sky blue of the Mother Mercy's eyes is alight with the inner and outer reflection of the Eternal Flame, and then she is gently encouraging others to step forward to light their lanterns.

    Merek takes his time to move forward with his own lanterns and the candles from within and lights within. One has a brilliant curious blue glow while the other is a classic light. Why he has two is anyone's guess, but he has them lit all the same as he makes his way up, while he offers up a quiet supplication, in earnest, then he steps back for others.

Melinda moves forward with her lantern, she looks to the illumination and then she sighs as she looks to the priest "Mother of Mercy, please let me carry your light." "May your Flame be ever Eternal, guiding us from evening to morning, In your name, we praise."

Arcelia gets in line with her lantern, exhausted she doesn't say much, not out loud... but when she gets up to the flame she closes her eyes and offers up a silent prayer before she lights the lantern. Once her lantern is lit and her prayer offered up she quietly goes to take a seat against the far wall, setting the lantern down in front of her and letting her eyes watch the flame within.

Nisaa watches the pageantry as people begin to one by one light their lanterns and candles and say their prayers. She seems riveted, paying close attention to every movement and every word.

Artorius moves forward at this time, carrying his own lantern to the front to be lit. It is a simple light, nothing unique or special about the design of his lantern. "May your flame remain eternal." he mutters simply, offering his prayer with other silent words. He moves then to let others light their lanterns and say their prayers.

Sparte heads up with Tiny Tom the stoat in hands, who is in turn holding a slightly nibbled candlestick. "Honored are we, Great Mother of Mercy, Lagoma of Light. Behold us now as we share our experiences, and brighten and sheild our hearts against the night." With a little nudging Tom relinquishes the candlestick to be lit for the prayer, but wants nothing to with it once it is on fire. She scurries around to a hiding spot in Sparte's belt pouches instead. Sparte gives a sheepish smile before quickly moving on.

Fortunato says nothing. He drifts in the dark until the candle is lit. His eyes stay fixated on the Flame itself, almost warily.

Greeting Sophie quietly, Caelis joins in moving forward with her lantern. She offers a silent prayer before moving back to rejoin Katarina, she leans over to talk to her quietly so as not to disturb things.

3 Iron Guardsmen arrives, following Calaudrin.

Katarina stays with Caelis, their twin lanterns lit together with the young acolyte bowing her head for a brief, reverent prayer offered to Lagoma. Afterward, she leads her sister-to-be back to Sophie to watch over the procession in quiet contentment.

Esoka holds her lantern and unlit candle with care, approaching the flame with slow, heavy steps. She murmurs something soft in a shav'arvani tongue that has the general rhythm of a prayer.

Finally, after watching so many others, Nisaa walks up to the flame. She glances around with bright verdigris eyes, then lights the lantern from the sacred Eternal Flame. She says nothing, but closes her eyes for a moment of quiet, personal thought before walking on and returning to her previous spot.

Calaudrin slips into the back of the entire process, arriving with his unlit lantern. One that looks suspiciously like he detached it from the wall of his shop. He waits until it's his turn and lights the lantern, saying something softly and quietly under his breath on his way back to find a seat.

Aneka have been dismissed.

3 Iron Guardsmen have been dismissed.

Meeka have been dismissed.

Ailith waits until the last worshipper returns to the half-circle before attending to a moment herself. She lowers to her knees, bent in silent ardent prayer. Then with a push of a foot, she rises to light her own lantern from the Eternal Flame. The glow illuminates her serene features, gently tugged into a smile, as the Seraph now joins the others by seating within the circle as well. The lantern is set next to her feet and she greets with a softer chuckle. "In days past, I would sit like this around the hearth, surrounded by family and friends. Here," her eyes smile when she glances to each person, "we may be strangers to some and friends to others, but we are bonded by our Faith and devotion. Since it would be rude of me to place the stress of the first story or experience on another, I pray you'll forgive me if I stumble through mine." She pauses, then begins. "Three years ago, I arrived in Arx, a stranger not only to its people but of its societies and circles. There I was, plucked from an obscure region which barely warrants a mark on a map, to be appointed by the Dominus as His Majesty's Seraph. Those reasons are not part of the story. What is dates to an early moment when I walked the halls of the Palace. I knew my purpose, that I have no doubt, but as a commoner it was very overwhelming. This is when I met Princess Sophie." To her, she fondly smiles. "She greeted me with such warmth and offered to guide and help me through the adjustment. I honestly do not know how I'd have done so without her. So I thank Lagoma for blessing me with her Mother Mercy helping me through this change but also having her friendship."

Elegance, Pellinor arrive, following Alarissa.

    Merek listens for now, and settles in to watch the flames. He seems quiet as he watches from under his hood. The night is dark and full of terrors, but within here, it is warm, and cozy. He seems to be in for the long haul.

Melinda gets some light in her lantern and she moves back lightly looking to Artorius she looks then to her lantern and draws a little breath. The voice of Grimhall turns to leave with her own private thoughts

Artorius glances to Melinda and at first tries to stop her, but he nods for a moment, knowing why she left after a fast whisper. He leaves her be.

"Ah, ah, self-description and self-exposure," Fortunato says, drawing in closer. "The dangers of participation! Essential for a thriving religious event, but tends to make people shy." He raises his lantern and looks past the crowd to the flame. "I thank Lagoma for Her infinite patience with struggle and uncertainty, for Her understanding that changes are sudden when they come and often not at all, that they might be undone, that they might be pivoted from unexpectedly. And I pray that she helps us struggle to where and who we must be. In dark times and light times."

1 Grimhall House Guards leaves, following Melinda.

Elegance, Pellinor leave, following Alarissa.

Lantern lit, Caelis prays quietly a moment before leaning over to whisper to Katarina. She offers a warm smile to those gathered and slips out.

Rohm the Blackguard leaves, following Caelis.

Ailith chuckles at Fortunato's statement. "It isn't necessary for all to share in a similar moment. My father was a simple man who tended to the land. His stories tended to be thanking Lagoma for the seasons which bring the harvest, how his wife made him a better man. Others, have been more solemn as we talk about a lost loved one and the impact of that loss. There is no need of formality. This evening is what we all make of it, to hold through the darkness and let the light warm our days." She pauses then says, "Thank you." Then looks to the others gathered. "Are there any other stories for Lagoma?"

If one were to judge by Sophie's warm demeanor, she seems entirely grateful for Ailith's friendship, as well. "Each of us have moments where we either need someone to shine a light for us..." The words drift lambently throughout the Shrine, audible to the far reaches as befits one who is no stranger to sermonizing, and her attention shifts from Ailith to Fortunato, "...or to reflect our own when we cannot see it."

Arcelia continues to sit quietly looking at her lantern while she listens to everyone talk. When Ailith asks if there are any other stories for Lagoma she shakes her head. If she has something to share she's not keen on sharing it.

Esoka listens, as Ailith and then Fortunato speak their thanks to the Goddess of Change. She then steps up, holding her lantern. "I sometimes think Lagoma is the most difficult of the Pantheon for me to aspire to. Change can be very hard. It can push us forward very fast, or wear us away like a whetstone, so we do not even notice how different we've become until we look back months or years. This year, in particular, has been one of great change for me. I left my home, where I'd spent all the days of my life, to assume my duties in this city. First for the war against the Silent Army, and now to build a life for myself in this new place. I have new and heavier duties, and sometimes what change demands feel difficult. But I've also made friends I treasure, and found love, and at the end of it I am very happy. So I thank Lagoma for that."

Artorius listens to everyone, though he remains silent when asked to speak of stories. He seems to be smiling though, happy to see everyone say what they are so thankful for.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Katarina before departing.

Nisaa shakes her head when Ailith asks for people to speak. She does however pay close attention to each of those who do.

Sparte looks around the room thoughtfully before lifting his candle up and rising. "Before the Siege, there was a ceremony done here much like this one. Many lanterns were brought through the city, hung on hooks, and it was magnificent. The lanterns being lit, seeing them hung, the glow of the city from afar... All of it. Yet there were those who wished to turn flame to a weapon against their fellow man, and lit fires. Arsonists." Sparte gives a moment of silence before continuing. "So many good people came together to save those threatened, it turned what could have been a deeply dark day into one filled with yet greater light. People were drawn together, and though belongings were sacrified to the flames, their hearts remained strong and the fire within them was stoked. Thank you Lagoma, for bearing witness to our struggles and guiding so many to safety." He tilts his candle. "And please accept this light as offering and rememberance for the one who was not."

Calaudrin isn't prone to public speaking, it's not exactly his wheelhouse. But he'll play at it today, for a change. "I thank Lagoma for giving a grouchy, sometimes unfriendly man with a penchant for drinking and smoking too much the opportunity to be a little more of a person. Less of a guard and less guarded by turn. If it weren't for her pointers, I probably wouldn't have asked the woman that I love and who tolerates me to go out for a drink. Sometimes doing just one thing differently from what you normally would have done, changes many other things that you end up doing later on." Then he's patting his jacket like he's looking for case of smokes. Is it in bad taste to light one off of Lagoma's fire? /Probably./

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Katarina before departing.

Eventually Arcelia decides to speak. "I am a member of The Faith, A Disciple of Jayus, and lately I find that my personal faith is taking a hit." She pauses and takes a deep breath. "But even though I have doubt in my heart I can still feel the warmth Lagoma provides. I married from being a Lady of Saik to being the Countess of Navegant. But for all the wealth and influence I have gained the transition from Velenosa to Thrax has been difficult for me. Especially due to the state of relationship between Thrax and the Faith. But while I have began somewhat felt abandoned by The Faith my hearth still burns warm, my bank is flowing, and I have a loving family that all have their health." She smiles. "Though I lost ships and innocent lives to the Kraken, we were in a state to be able to begin recovering the damages right away. And in these things, though my life feels a touch darker, I can still feel the light, warmth, and hope offered to me by Lagoma. And for that I am grateful to and and feel still blessed."

Fortunato glances at Sophie with a small flicker of surprise, then inclines his head. Simply that.

Esoka seems a little surprised when Calaudrin steps forward. She listens with rapt attention to that. And, when he's done, smiles very broad, a slight flush creeping into her cheeks. She works her way through the crowd so she can stand next to him. Her face sombers at Arcelia's tale, head bowing throughout it.

"This year has brought changes in many of us," Ailith acknowledges Esoka, smiling in kind. "And I'd like to think many are stronger in the end. I am glad to hear you've found your calling." Another speaks and she quiets to listen to Sparte and Calaudrin and, at points, she solemnly nods or smiles. For Arcelia's, the Seraph leans forward to listen more carefully. "That personal inner struggle of doubts, abandonment, and loss is shared by many. It is not wrong nor invalid. Faith is a personal journey of discovery. But what we can do is work together to explore our doubts as they arrive and find ways to restore our Faith."

It is a bittersweet smile conjured at Sparte's tale, knowing for having led the rite and helping to deal with the aftermath and community healing. Yet it was a happy ending of sorts. The tale of Calaudrin and Esoka has a much happier beginning and middle, and Sophie's expression is one of rejoicing in the good fortune of the pair finding their places in the world and with each other. The Valardin's expression turns truly compassionate when Arcelia speaks. "I can echo the words of Sister Ailith, when it comes to crises of Faith. I have known moments where the pain was so immense that there was no semblance of comfort. Not from my loved ones who remained. Not from the Gods. Yet, in time, I have found in myself and in many others that something beautiful may somehow come of it, that the injuries may, with great care and diligence, be transformed into a strength. That, when we are in the dark so long, brightness is also blinding. And at out lowest, when we rue and lament the state of the world and what we feel is lacking, we have it within us to become the change we wish to see. That said, dear Countess, I offer the balm is simply listening and being present, should you wish it. On this night in particular, although at all times, the Mercies of Lagoma are willing to tend to all manner of wounds. On this night, on this most blessed Flammas of Lagoma, I urge those of you who may be disinclined to publicly share to seek out a Mercy to confide in. And if not, then someone you trust."

Yet, again, perhaps out of habit, Sophie kind eyes and warm smile find Fortunato, at some point.

Arcelia nods her head to the replies given. "Yes, it is just hard when I get more responses from one that supposedly follow one of the Archfiends than I get from the Gods. Those who I have put faith in my entire life." She really does look exhausted. "So I struggle, hearing more from The Gyre when I dance than from Jayus. Then from The God to whom I have given a large part of my life." She leans back against the wall and moves her hand closer to the flame so she can feel its warmth. "I face temptations and darkness and often feel abandoned to deal with them myself. It is difficult. But perhaps finding someone with which to speak about this more deeply will do me good."

    "... Not all change is good," Merek states, after a moment, then he takes his flask from his belt and takes a drink from it. It seems to have some whiskey in it, and he places it at his side once more. "I mean, there's always change in folk and around us, but since the siege, many old darker thoughts dwelling in folk have come up. A lot of hatred has been renewed, for folk. And some of us can't ever forget the siege. Forever changed, forever to fight demons of our own making until we pass on to the Shining Lands and wheel beyond." Mister 'cheerful' here. He looks to Arcelia, at her words, and considers them a moment, "Change is going to test us all as the world recovers what it once lost. Change is powerful." He then shakes his head a bit, "But don't worry, Jayus is listening to you," he adds all of the sudden with such assurance it's almost scary. Still he seems to be lost as he looks into the lit flames, gaze haunted in a way, the kind one would see in many who were soldiers.

Katarina stays for a while, seeming to enjoy the proceedings and stories shared before she has to depart. Quietly, she excuses herself and slips from the shrine.

Quiet, a Valardin champion, Aioni, a regal snowy white owl leave, following Katarina.

Upon hearing the word, 'Gyre,' Nisaa turns to look at Arcelia, eyes wide and with a deeper interest. Quietly, and with a very heavy accent, she asks, "pardon me, please. Are being you wife of Count Turo?"

"The dark often speaks more loudly to our ears than the light," Fortunato says, almost as if to himself. "The gods are in everything, but this makes their voices very hard to hear. As voices." He taps his chest, lightly. "I myself am an artist, I approach Jayus in my art. I do not expect his voice, though. I only know that when I paint, I am, in a sense, an extension of art and inspiration. I am attuned, in a way. We encourage positive change knowing that Lagoma speaks through change, of seasons and of ourselves. That which sinks ships and wounds Mangata's pool, well, we can see its effects clearly because it is novel corruption, a disruption. But Mangata is still the wind and sea, directing and uplifting." He exhales.

Artorius listens closely as Arcelia speaks of her troubles, frowning lightly in deep concern, but he seems quite happy when everyone starts lending their verbal support. He doesn't get involved in the conversation, but he does say a quiet prayer.

"Thank you Merek." Arcelia offers the man a smile before her attention is pulled to Nissa. "I am Count Turo's wife, yes." She looks over to Fortunato. "Perhaps, but I've always heard his voice. So to not hear it quite as loudly any more makes my heart ache. But it is possible that it is the darkness that clouds my connection to him? I get visions, sometimes from Jayus, when I dance. But lately... just from The Gyre."

Ailith empathetically smiles at Arcelia. "Though I may not be a choice, Countess Arcelia, I am willing to listen. I have been there - alone, abandoned by my Faith, and cold. It is not a place I ever wish any to dwindle in. Count Turo spoke with me some and I will not abandon either of you. But the way is tough." She shares little else of those details, saying kindly, "Though I will ask that you look at all here. See that they, too, share in the glow of Lagoma's warmth. You are not alone, Countess. We welcome you and hope peace will return to your heart."

The compassion does not abate when Arcelia speaks of Archfiends, although there might be a hint of concern as to how others might respond. Sophie, though, responds with lovingkindness. "For whatever it is worth, Countess, I offer to shine a light or to reflect yours. Failing that, I will do what I can to help you find someone you will trust enough to help you heal what ails you." To Merek, then, "The Mercies of Lagoma are no strangers to the changes of which you speak, Master Mereth. Any who have spent time serving at a field hospital or caring for veterans of war learn how to see wounds most cannot see. I ask that you have faith and believe when I tell you they have not gone unnoticed since the siege, and that the Mercies, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Whisper House, have been treating the worst cases. We slowly build the means to offer this widespread care throughout all the Compact, but not all change is swift. Simply know that we are tirelessly working."

"I feel I see the darkness in the world far more clearly this last year," Esoka agrees somberly with Merek. "But I also see ways to stand against it. I pray we shall find the best way to confront the force behind the horror in the harbor." Arcelia is just regarded gravely, as she speaks of the Gyre.

Fortunato inclines his head, careful, to Arcelia. "Sometimes the dark interferes for a time. Encourages doubt and isolation. But it is a trial, of a sort. Know that Jayus still speaks, soft, under the clamor. The gods always do."

Nisaa is quiet a moment, nodding as she tries to form her thoughts. To Arcelia, she says, "I met with him recently about.. something. He said I should maybe be wanting to meet with you and speak about your dancing. I am a dancer, but, it is more my singing he thought I should speak with you about." Glancing around she then says, "but I do not of course with to interrupt the celebration here. Perhaps we can be speaking soon though?" She falls silent again, looking rather apologetic should anyone glance at her.

    "That is because there is a darkness in Arx that attempts to intercept your supplication. Do not think it is any act on your part that has brought this," Merek explains to Arcelia for a moment, "You're hearing him less for that reason, but don't fret, he is still there, and he wishes to reach you. " He seems kind in his words to her. Then to Sophie, "I know, Radiant Whisper Selene explained that. I don't blame anyone, I just know the nightmares, the eyes of those I killed won't ever leave my mind anytime soon." He then looks to Fortunato, and shrugs. "Anyways, let's be careful what we speak in large gatherings when in a Temple during a rite. Can attract... Attention."

Calaudrin listens to the exchanges before he leans over and says something quietly into Esoka's ear before direction his attention down onto the floor.

Sparte hears Merek's words, and quips as if someone had just kicked him in the knee and he talked as a response. "You mean you didn't bring snacks for campfire stories?" He blinks after a moment and his cheeks redden, as he remembers himself.

Sophie is not the least bit defensive as she gently stresses, "Again, some changes take time. Some take far more time than we'd like. Some changes aren't readily visible to us, like a seed in the ground that has yet to sprout. Simply know that none of us are spared this, and that me and mine make ourselves available for any and all who may have need."

"Of course." Arcelia responds to Nissa and offers the rest of them a nod of her head. "I am doing my best to keep my faith. Perhaps I should do something soon for Jayus and try to hear him through all the dark noise." She lifts her lantern. "Until then, I think I will take my lantern home and have it fed to keep my front door well lit. I have a husband who is leaving soon and I'd like to say goodbye." She rises to her feet. "Thank you all for your ears and words tonight. It was a blessing all its own."

" Gods be with you, Countess. And may the light of Lagoma's Eternal Flame bring comfort to your home and family," says Ailith, rising to bow.

"Gods bless and keep you," warmly echoes Sophie.

Artorius waves to Arcelia "Be well Arcelia. If you need an ear, mine is available for you. May your path be clear." he bows his head.

Nisaa dips her head in a respectful not to Arcelia. "My best to your husband for his travels. Good evening, Countess."

    Merek looks at Sophie for a moment, actually upset, then he nods to Arcelia, "Be well," he states, and decides to remain quiet after he's basically told to twice.

Esoka murmurs some low response to Calaudrin, then raises her head as Arcelia takes her leave. She offers the woman an inclination of her head and says low, "Gods keep, my lady."

Sparte carefully takes the candle in hand, using it to light the lantern hanging on his belt. With a light in each hand he turns to start making his own exit from the gathering.

Tiny Tom leaves, following Sparte.

Ailith returns to her seat and breathes out softly. "And this is why I am grateful for Lagoma especially on a night as this, Flammas. A time where we are able to give needed comforts on this dark night. And if I heard about snacks," she grins at Sparte, "they are welcomed, too. Sometimes during Flammas I spent laughing about good times and cherishing what I have."

Nisaa gives one last look around the quiet scene and lifts her lit lantern up, the purple light casting its glow all around her. "Thank you for allowing me to learn, and to light my lantern. Be well and find joy where you are able," she says before she walks to make her way out.

    "I'm going to remain the entire night, til the last candle is out," Merek tells Ailith after a moment, "If that is alright with you?" he asks curiously. He then looks thoughtful a moment, "I've taken up a lot of art opportunities since coming here. That's a change."

And through the evening those who remain share their stories and can bask in the warmth Lagoma provides.