The Aerial Pavilion floats above the Festival's Central Plaza, an indomitable conquest platform long ago refurbished for non-military application, and lavishly decorated in themes and colors appropriate to the Festival and its guest of honor. The pentagonal base has been altered to resemble a stylized floating cloud, strung with yellow and blue streamers and magicked to trail wisps of white mist. A raised stage is the centerpiece, with the Festival symbol (two clockwork wings framing a depiction of the Palace of the Founders) embossed over the entire surface in detailed marble mosaic.

The entirety is attended to by a host of people of the air garbed in white and azure, and guarded by ADF soldiers in ceremonial uniform and armor, including matching Phoenix Pinions in blue jade and orichalcum. The Anthegenian Defense Force's commander-in-chief, General Ruby Falcon, accompanies them personally, standing out in his Festival uniform and cloak of crimson, cobalt and gold accent.

Though the Pavilion is currently closed to outside traffic, those watching from sky-bridges and airships might glimpse a sighting of Princess Sophia, resplendent in a full-skirted gown so vibrant in hue it seems woven from sky and sunlight spun into cloth, accessorized with orichalcum jewelry and her crown of office nestled atop her brown curls. Another lesser-seen figure, the High Priestess Laelia, stands next to her, conferring with several of her acolytes. Dark-haired and ageless, clad in the simple but elegant white robe of her station, Laelia is both Priestess of the Unconquered Sun and Anthegenia's patron goddess, the Sun's Handmaiden, Vesperna.

As the airships start arriving en masse, and the streets begin to fill up with excited festival goers, the Aerial Pavilion opens up for a limited audience. Only Exalted are allowed to land on the Aerial Pavilion, and only those with a means of flight, whether artificial or natural or shapeshifted. Anyone else who tries is gently but firmly refused by the winged ADF guard, and if need be escorted back toward the ground or an outer platform with a view.

Weapons are allowed to be carried by the Exalts, but any sudden and unexpected moves towards said armaments would quickly lead to a response from the stalwart guards -- or if need be, the Celestials accompanying Sophia. The rumors have been heard, whether the Princess wishes to acknowledge them or not, and while everyone is excited for the celebration there is an undercurrent of concern among the Anthegenians.

Luxurious, comfortable seating surrounds the Pavilion stage in a half-circle, where four of the City's VIPs now stand: Princess Sophia and High Priestess Laelia, General Ruby Falcon and the solemn Headmaster of the Academy, Lonan Ishmerai. Standing regally among her peers, Sophia adjusts her pectoral of resplendent speeches, and begins to address the Festival as a whole.

"I am overjoyed to welcome you, citizens of Anthegenia and honored guests from the five directions of Creation, to the Festival of Journeys Celebration of 3516! Before the festivities begin in earnest, High Priestess Laelia will lead our welcome to the guest of honor, Vanileth, Shogun of Artificial Flight, with prayer and grace. We will honor the Unconquered Sun, Maiden Mercury and the Goddess of this fair City, so that this day is smiled upon not only by the luminaries present today but the gods above as well."

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OOC: All areas of the Festival can hear this. However I will not repost the text in every thread. :) There will be one more smaller wave of arrivals before the ceremonial portion starts.

As Vanileth's vast skyreme comes into view, floating at reduced speed toward the Aerial Pavilion on Essence-powered turbines, High Priestess Laelia steps forward and activates her own pectoral. Sophia, Falcon and Lonan stand aside, giving room for her robed acolytes assemble to form a choir in a V formation, like wings opening outward with the Priestess at the center.

Laelia begins by facing toward Vanileth, extolling the virtues of his purview, which allows humans to touch the sky, triumph in aerial combat and exult in the glory of flight. In the name of Anthegenia and her guests, she gives thanks for every form of artificial flight, from the simplest kite and gliding harness, to the personal artifacts that give its wearers wings, to the panoply of flying ships that represent every nation present for today's Festival of Journeys, which would be greatly diminished without Vanileth's presence.

Both she and her choir activate their wings: Laelia's a pure white tinged with gold, while her choir members sprout Essence wings of every color of the rainbow. Together they rise, so they float high above the stage, and Laelia directs her gestures downward, toward the City. She gives praise to the Handmaiden of the Sun, for her beauty and her purity, for the flowers that are her gifts to the world, the morning glory and the daylily. She leads a hymn of Vesperna's blessing, which protects Anthegenia from the brightest and hottest rays of the Sun, from the fury of storms and lightning, from the enemies who would wish the City or her people harm.

For every cardinal direction of Creation, Laelia utters a prayer and leads an answering refrain for Mercury, the Maiden of Journeys. Here she praises not only aerial travel (North), but sailing upon the vast ocean (West), crossing sand dune and savannah (South), riding across grassy plains (East), and scaling the highest of mountains (Center). Though Vanileth provides the means of flight, the Journey between one point and the next is guided by the Maiden's own hand, Laelia proclaims, and thus everyone present today is Her passenger. She asks that Mercury watch over the races and demonstrations today so that they are both safe and fair.

Then High Priestess Laelia's face tilts up toward the rising Sun, her arms spread wide as her wings hold her steadily aloft. Her paean for the Unconquered Sun is one of the peaks of the ceremony, rising from alto to glorious soprano as her choir serves as harmonic accompaniment. Her golden anima blossoms in an array of sun-touched lilies as she glorifies the Celestial body that Exalted her, for without Him shining over Gaia there would be no light or warmth on Creation; all plants would wither and all life and vitality would fade; all those who mean ill for Creation would grow strong in the shadow of His absence!

In conclusion, the Priestess floats back down to the stage, and returns her attention to Vanileth. With words both humble and gracious she prays that the city, nay, all of Creation flourishes from his generosity, and expresses hope that with his continued guidance the technology he has gifted them will continue to progress in leaps and bounds, so that all mortals, Exalt or otherwise, may navigate the skies in his name.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:03, Tue 06 Oct 2009.

Mattel landed on the pavilion just in time for High Priestess Laelia's opener. He remained still in his human form. Personally he felt as if she over did it. But Mattel could only guess how he might be if he were ever a high priest of such important area. But then again... he would never be in that position. He tried to keep his thoughts from wondering. It was a great prayer. He needed to focus on what was in front of him. Prayer was very important for the gods she mention.

As she concluded the student looked around for his mate. He could feel he was close and he didn't want to dissappoint him further.

Thalia had held off at a respectable distance, waiting for the prayers to be completed, rather than landing in the middle of them.  This was a choice born of both respect for the prayers being uttered, and more practical concerns of an arrival going unnoticed.  Once they were over though, she alighted.

She was not flying in a skyship today, having made the relatively short trip from her residence on the flying city to the festival under her own power.  Or at least, under the power of the wings she had made.  The wings themselves were a sight to behold.  Each was made from one hundred and one feathers.  Each of the feathers was forged from a single flame, and to those with keen sight, it was clear that no detail had been spared.  Each of the feathers had a central spine, from which myriad tiny strands of flame had been drawn off to complete the pattern.  Whilst most of the flames burned red, a most pleasing pattern on each wing had been formed by the introduction of alchemical reagents into the flame, causing them to burn in different, vivid colours.  Each is mounted to the gossamer frame of orichalcum by a cunning clasp, apparently made from two pieces of ruby somehow twisted around each other.  After a brief stretch--to settle them from landing, and not to show them off, of course--they folded onto her back, where they fitted snugly.

The flame-and-gems motif extended to her dress.  Opals, rubies and diamonds--somehow teased out into threads finer than the finest silk--had been combined into a figure hugging dress which seemed to be made of a single flame which shimmered with each step she took.  Picked out in a delicate embroidery of flame-thread was a rose which coiled around her body to bloom over her left breast.  Next to the rose blossom, there is a broach.  The broach is in the abstract ideal of the orchid, sketched out in fine strands of orichalcum, every strand perfectly, beautifully, placed.  Stockings of smoke covered her legs, obsidian heels clicking on the decking of the pavilion.

Around her neck was orichalcum necklace, again based around a flame motif with each jewel trapped in a cage of golden flame, which sported no fewer than three hearthstones.  A forth hung from a charm bracelet around her left wrist.  The whole outfit was set off by the Orichalcum clasp which held her hair in a tight curl and the brilliant orange chrysanthemum blossom which was pinned to it.  Another stone is visible under the blossom.

Thalia made her way towards the watching Princess and her companions.  "Greetings to you on this most auspicious day.  You are looking well today, Sophia," she said, as she kissed her friend on the cheeks.  "And you, Lonan," a momentary hesitation as she briefly considered the etiquette of kissing one's current employer, before he too received the friendly kisses.  "A masterful prayer you offered, Laelia," acknowledging the skill of an artisan of a different field to her own with a respectful inclination of her head.  "And well met, Ruby Falcon," giving the man a brief kiss on just one cheek.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:30, Sun 27 Dec 2009.

Circling the Pavilion once after the prayer has finished, Wave dives straight out of the air and alights on a free patch of ground with a flick at the last moment to tumble forward and land on her feet, the wings splaying out to kiss the ground as she gives the procession a deep bow. With all the essence woven into her outfit and wings, she was hard to miss as if a second sun had fallen out of the sky with the warrior woman playing the role of it's heart.

"A warm welcome to you all. I am Wave Crashes Against the Rocks and am honoured to be among such company." she says with her voice heavy with respect. So many older exalts together was intimidating, no matter what efforts you'd taken to stop yourself being shown up.

Aligning herself to give a second low bow to Laelia, "That was beautiful, I hope one day I too might have such a gift with speech." she continues in a more conversational tone her wings curling up around her back, shielding all but the handle of her sword from sight, which stuck above them as if her personal banner.

Clematis watched Mattel arrive. He maintained a good distance quite sure the lunar would notice him. It was suprising Mattel didn't notice him sooner. The elder solar only guessed that Mattel was not paying attention to his surroundings as he should. He would have to teachn him another lesson about that soon. He could not have 'his' lunar mate going around oblivous to the enviroment.

Becoming impatient after the prayer Clematis headed towards Mattel. But as he did he noticed a beautiful solar stunning arrival to the pavilion. "I must meet her" he thought and said out loud in a soft whisper. He approached her from behind but stopped short as she spoke to the high priestess. Even he knew to wait for her reply before introducing himself to the warrior sunchild.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:51, Wed 07 Oct 2009.

Laelia only makes a slight bow to the comments and compliments. She appears to be a humble woman, despite the fact she is older than even the Princess, so 'showing up' anyone hasn't even crossed her mind. "Thank you," she replies to Thalia and Wave, her measured tone conveying an equal amount of respect regardless of age. "However the true worth of my prayer will be judged by the gods that have heard it."

Without the golden aura blossoming around her, Laelia is once again a dark-haired woman in a white and gold-trimmed robe. Attractive, but no more so than half the Exalts at the Pavilion, and her relatively understated beauty is dwarfed by those who wing in from the parade grounds or private airships. The fact that she can armor herself with integrity despite this though, differentiating herself from her showy peers with serene, unconcerned dignity, allows her to stand out in her own way.

"Please enjoy the Festival, honored guests." With that she steps aside slightly, to allow the Princess and others their place to greet and welcome guests. As the Keeper of the Shield, the High Priestess so rarely speaks to her fellow Exalts -- and it suits her fine, not out of any sort of bashfulness, but simply because her duty is that much more important to her.

Sophia's face lights up to see Thalia show up at the prayer completion. She returns the friendly kisses with pleasure, and stops short of hugging her friend right then and there. They've yet to retire to a more private location, after all; she is still in her public function as Princess.

Most looking at Thalia and Sophia together should be able to tell that they know one another well. "I am well! And I am glad you have made it just in time. You look absolutely gorgeous," says Sophia with a warm smile. "And I will thank you for the personal advice on my dress as well." She steps back and twirls her sky-and-sunlight skirts, which while not as daringly eye-catching as Thalia's flames and smoke, suit the gentle, dignified Princess well.

Her expression shifts very slightly, then, seeing Anansi-magpie winging his way toward her from over Thalia's shoulder. Neither disgust nor disappointment, just a shared glance with the soon-to-be Craft Professor, some sort of secret passed between the two. The entire time Sophia's smile does not slip. "Do excuse me, I've a few more words to say to those gathering. And Shogun Vanileth shall be arriving shortly, as well."

For every guest that arrives and presents themselves to her personally, the Princess gives kind words of welcome and an appropriate bow for their comparative station. Keeping track of such details is a monumental task in and of itself, but Sophia shoulders that responsibility well.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Wed 07 Oct 2009.

Professor Marek, having the responsability to watch the offerings he and Mitsumi created for the festival sent an Infallible Messenger to those in the Pavilion, the spell was directed to Princess Sophia but his message adressed everybody.

- "Honored members of Anthenegia's staff, Beautiful Priesstess Laelia, Respected Lord Vanileth whose godly purview is the inspiration for my engineering projects. I send my regards in this way since I have no opportunity to leave this important post safeguarding the artifacts Professor Mitsumi and I created to honor our special guest. Both of us hope you will enjoy what we have created."

Just as the high priestess finished addressing the bright and beautiful female warrior, Clematis swooped in as dashing as one with his age could manage. Surely any mortal woman would need to change at such a move. But this woman was an exalt surely she had been approached on this level before. At least that is waht Clematis thought.

Almost at a deep bow. "May I know thy name of such angelic beauty? For I am Clematis, failed diplomat, tried and true warrior, and a general of the Deliberative's army."

The man was clearly pooring it on. His entourage had all followed suit making a small situation a bigger one.

"I try," she said with a pleased smile, at both the complement and the thanks.  She returns the glance with a single, elegant quirk of her eyebrow, almost unnoticeable, before she nods.  "Of course, do not let me detain you, I'm sure we can find the time to talk later," she stepped back a little to allow the princess to perform her duties.

"Welcome," she said to the young warrior queen.  There is a momentary flicker on her face as her eyes note the amulet at the heart of the Solar's garb.  Distaste?  Whatever it was, it passes quickly and her smile is warm and friendly.  "I am Thalia.  A very impressive pair of wings," she said, indicating the glowing crystalline pinions.  "I don't recognise the maker though.  Your own work?"