25th Brightening, Ioannes, Summer, Era II, XIV
Outside the walls of the observatory excitement hung thickly in the warm Summer’s air as the last arrangements were made, stages constructed and the last stalls were set up for the Summer Star Festival. The Kalendryan Order hastily moved around; every so often a Orbit would glance up at the sky almost as if they could see the stars even though the sky had not yet darkened.
Much thought and preparation was put into the festival to appeal to the interests of the Kermite people whilst at the same time imparting wisdom about all that the Kalendryan held sacred. Entertainment included elaborate puppetry shows that told stories of how the stars came to be; dancing acts whispered of the constellations in every twirl and step; and heavenly voices eloquently sang about the influence of the cosmos on all life.
Just for this one night Zinn’Sunn’s lamps remained unlit. The townspeople are asked to keep their windows darkened to allow a better view of the stars. Scattered throughout the festival small lanterns are set to cast only a dim light. As each person arrives at the festival they are greeted by a Orbit who presents them with a customary gift of a paper star. Townspeople are then free to roam about as they please. If one was hungry many stalls were set up that offered a delightful cuisine of rice, noodles and mantou; accompanied with dishes of vegetables and bite sized portions of fish and meat. A variety of hot tea is offered followed by juice and chilled tea.
In all directions Orbits could be seen roaming about; groups gathered and all looked up to the sky as a Orbit named the constellations; a group of children sat on the ground listening intently with wide eyed expressions as an Orbit told legends of the stars; other Orbits made predictions or gave lessons on astronomical objects; maps were consulted, astrological profiles were analysed and interpreted and for those that wished, for those who dared, the Kalendryan Order offered to write a person’s fortune upon the heart of their paper star.
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