It was a warm day in Gridania. Extra booths were open and people carrying apples and hot foods on sticks walked about, greeting and treating the pilgrims with the best the city had to offer. At the entrance to the Conjurers' Guild, the pilgrims gathered up, looking up to the Matron's stone above the Stillglade Fane.
A hand bell rings out in the glade at Nophica's Stone.
"Pilgrims, it is with great honor on behalf of the devote of Nophica to welcome you to this sacred place. The Conjurers' Guild and Gridania greet all of you pilgrims with open arms to celebrate this jovial season."
"As we have all come here for, Nophica represents the earth, the harvest we sow and then reap, here together we reap the benefits and the celebration of that time together. If you will all please join me in facing Nophica's stone above the tree stump."
"And let us show that jovial nature at the sight of Nophica's stone. We dance for our own harvest, we dance for our bounty, and we dance for all that has nourished our lives."
The pilgrims kept a semi-circle around the glade, all of them side-stepping and dancing jovially. Conjurers smiled, some joined in to the festivities and on-lookers all caught in the festive nature and tone. As they danced, people sang the hymn of Nophica.
♪ Sun's sweet smile and wind's cool breath, Both of these I send thee, To ripe thy fruit and spread thy seed, And nourish those that tend thee. ♪
♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪♫♪
The dance drifted off with the song and the pilgrims gathered up, bidding their blessings to the stone as they walked on together to celebrate. The hand-bell rang in front of the procession.
"Before the reward there must be labor. You plant before you harvest. You sow in tears before you reap joy."
"We must give more in order to get more. It is the generous giving of ourselves that produces the generous harvest."
Upon the valley by the Botanist Guild the pilgrims stopped. The field had been tilled and raked of debris. Only bushes and flower patches remained, well suited for sitting in. Some brought blankets, some decided to find clear patches of grass to not disturb the flora. The escorting guards ushered people closer, keeping a watchful eye on the peaceful gathering.
As the pilgrims settled, Jancis graciously welcomed them on behalf of the priests of Nophica and the padjal, happy to host such a pilgrimage for their Guardian and Matron.