Journal Entry

[songbird_slayer]

Sender: Madhuri
To: All
Subject: Of Saints and Helpers


Good evening, wonderful dreamers. My name is Madhuri. May I tell you all a story? It's one of my favorites.

There once was a terrible war between dragons and the people of Ishgard, the mountain nation always draped in a chilly blanket of snow and ice. Many lost their homes, and many children lost their families. But on the bitterest nights, a group of Ishgardian knights and their captain would sneak the little ones into their barracks for a warm place to sleep and a bite to eat. This was strictly forbidden, and many of the men and women of the knights did what they could to keep them hidden during barrack inspections, even having them hide in the big red coats that came standard with their uniforms!

Years later, the now-grown children wouldn't let the knights' kindness be forgotten. During the coldest weeks of the Sixth Umbral Moon, they dressed in scarlet and traveled the realm, bestowing gifts upon children in kind. They passed it forward, and in years beyond, those children grew and continued the tradition of spreading happiness to others. In time, the captain of those Ishgardian knights became something of a legend, a man with a snowy beard who would become the Saint of Nymeia the Spinner.

To this day, children would write their wishes in letters to the Saint and tuck them away beneath decorated fir trees, hoping he will come and deliver those wishes to Nymeia Herself. When the Sixth Umbral Moon comes about again, red-coated figures calling themselves the Saint's Little Helpers set about their task of granting those wishes.

By my estimates, that time's around the corner, isn't it? I wonder if that old Saint's ears can pick up the rustle of an envelope from this far away, tucked in a world of dreams...?

Comments

[legbreakings]

It is a beautiful, educational story. Thank you for sharing the tales of your world with us.

I like to think my ancestors can still hear my prayers and receive my offerings, so why should your knight captain not know of the letters offered to him.

[songbird_slayer]

I would hope so! Perhaps if I find the perfect fir tree by moon's end, the Saint's ears will perk from across the stars.

I'm very full of stories! But I would love hearing new ones even more if you feel so inclined, kind stranger.

[legbreakings]

I'm not much of a storyteller. My people know many legends both real and fictional, and more in-between, but the only stories I tell reasonably well are those of wars and battles.

What makes the perfect fir tree? I like to go hunting in the woods, I can watch out
for one.

[songbird_slayer]

Tales of battle are inspiring. You'll find no refusal from me on that front.

A perfect fir tree? Let's see... the even cone shape is a must, and the branches should be nice and fluffy (no bald spots)! The branches must be strong enough to support decoration, too.

Those are signs of a healthy tree, one that'll make the whole world around it smell wonderful. I thought about using dreamotion to maybe grow a tree in the square, but that may be beyond my capabilities right now.

[legbreakings]

These requirements are easy enough to look for while I'm hunting. If I find such a tree, I will get in touch with you.

Did you say you are decorating it? There is a lot to this ritual to honor your holy man.

[songbird_slayer]

I can't really call it a ritual more than a tradition. You cover it in little things that represent fond memories!

For instance, when I have children, I'd happily decorate the tree with wonderful little things they made of clay, or small things that make me think of them. Or, some folk enjoy covering it in shiny things and sparkling lights to catch the eye and fill their hearts with that same, happy glow.

I knew someone who would bake little cookie men that look like his friends purely to sit them in the tree branches, so no matter how far away they were, they would be there guarding the tree. It's all for fun.

[legbreakings]

That sounds like a very nice tradition. It is important to preserve good memories of your loved ones, even if they are far away or gone.

Is that what you need this tree for now? So you can decorate it with memories of the people you left behind?

[songbird_slayer]

Got it in one. I left a lot of people behind when I left my country, and further still coming here. I'd like the Saint to know I'm thinking of them, at least.

[legbreakings]

It is good to hold on to the traditions from home, even if you are the only one who understands them in this place. I'm sure the Saint will appreciate that your dedication does not falter, even across worlds.

[songbird_slayer]

Thank you. I'm doubly motivated now!

Why, you just might find some sweet little tidbits nestled at your door one morning.

[legbreakings]

Oh! I had not expected that. I did not offer for repayment.

[songbird_slayer]

You didn't. The Saint's Helpers move in mysterious ways, however.

[legbreakings]

I see. Then I would owe my gratitude to your Saint and his helpers.

[songbird_slayer]

Perhaps. But until then, I myself am always amicable to social drinking of what the season has to offer to spread cheer far and wide.

I'm curious! What fills your cup to cure your ails, stranger?

[legbreakings]

I like wine, preferably from Yunmeng! That is, not the grape wine I came across recently. Baijiu, a liquor distilled from grains.

What do you like to drink?

[songbird_slayer]

I'm used to kumis- a fermented mare's milk- but I've come to know some lovely brandies and wines from La Noscea more recently after I left my country.

I sort of miss the kumis, however. Should anyone have their hands on some horses around here I have a rather strange proposition for them, now that I think on it, ha ha!

[legbreakings]

I know of fermented mare's milk alcohol! The people of the steppes drink it. But the grasslands are far away from Yunmeng, these drinks aren't popular in my area.

I don't know of anyone who has horses here, but I wonder if the milk of other horse-like animals could be substituted.

Another thought: can you milk dream horses?

[songbird_slayer]

I do miss it a lot. Perhaps one day I'll be that very strange pioneer who has the answer to that question.

I hope dream horses are friendly. Perhaps I'll ask nicely if I find a unicorn, too. That has to be legendary at the very least.

[legbreakings]

What's a unicorn? I don't believe I have heard that term before.

I only interacted with the rainbow spiders in that dream. They were friendly enough.

[songbird_slayer]

The spiders were terribly adorable.

Ah- a unicorn is a rare and powerful creature, resembling a white horse with a shining golden horn on its head. It's said they appear to those who are pure of spirit or maidens, and I can hardly say I'm either. Might be why I've never seen one.

[legbreakings]

I see. We have an animal that sounds a little similar. It would be nice to see one of these unicorns. Are they dangerous to those who don't meet their standards?