The Feast of Rebirth
by Wihluta
The Personal Journal of Baran-Baran Ambassador Viriam Tenet, 412 A.T.
EDITORIAL NOTE. Tenet was Ambassador in Atlantis from 411 to 453 A.T. During those years she kept an extensive personal journal in which she recorded many interesting facts about the day to day life in Atlantis that otherwise would be lost to us today. After her death in 453 her family presented the complete journals to the Lantean Archives (176 D-A 32). The following entries of 14th July to 19th July 412 A.T. record the celebration of the Feast of Rebirth. The differences between the celebration today and that of two hundred years ago are quite remarkable. It seems that in the early 5th century the Feast was a much more public celebration than it is today. The entries are printed in their original form. While some words may be unfamiliar to the modern reader, the content should still be clear. Particularly difficult words are given a translation inside square brackets.
14th of July, 412 A.T.
Today the preparations for the Feast of Rebirth have reached their height. Over the last days many people from all over Pegasus have arrived to take part in the plega [festivities]. In the nine calends that I have been Ambassador here, I have never seen the City this crowded. Inspite of all the people crowding the streets and places the mood is cól and cheerful. It seems as if everyone is participating in the preparations. Over lunch I asked Radec Dex about it and he cwæd that there are actual groups and committees who have divided the several tasks between them. Apparently this happens every year. It explains why things are running so smoothly. It amasian me to see this with my own eyes.As a child I've heard the story of Rebirth every year as we celebrated the Feast and I've always wished to see Atlantis in all its beauty. Now I actually can.
15th of July 412 A.T.
Very busy day today...
16th of July, 412 A.T.
The first day of the Feast has arrived. Today will be spend with decorating the City. I plan on watching as much of it as I can.
Later:
It is amasian! The City is decorated in garlands of paper and cloth. There are bouquets and flowers everywhere. Dried flowers from Geni, everlasting flowers from Malkan, pepyrus flowers from Tarani... Every corner is adorned. People are wearing manig-fágian [many-colored] clothes. Everyone seems to be in high spirits.
The ædelig [royal] family took part in the adornment of the Gate Hall. I saw Iona IV and her lovely daughter arranging flowers. I, too, was abeden [asked] to help with the decorations. I have to cwæd it has been years since I last felt this excited about the Feast. I can't wait for the Ceremony tomorrow.
18th of July, 412 A.T.
Oh, those last two days were awundrian! Of course I've heard stories, everyone has, ac actually seeing the real thing itself is something else entirely. I used to think our celebration on Baran-Baran were marvelous, ac they are meager compared to this.
Ac I should start at the beginning. Yesterday started with the parade of the children. They were dressed up in likeness of the old uniforms of the first Terran arrivals and other traditional costumes of many worlds. Some even wore the flowing gowns of the Ancestors. They started as three separate parades at the outer ende of the three main piers of the City and then merged at the market and proceeded down the Main Road together until they reached the Gate Hall. While they were walking they were singing léods of lof [songs of praise]. Of the City, of the First King and his Team, of Pegasus. People were lining the streets as they walked by, and those that knew the words sang along. In the Gate Room they sang the "Ring of Fire", which, it is said, was the favorite of Sheppard the First King.
Then there was a break until the late hours of the afternoon. During those hours people ate and drank together. Families came together. Old friends met, new friends were made. When the sky was turning a dark greenish blue the main part of the plega started. People congregated in the Gate Hall and in other great halls and rooms and places throughout Atlantis. The main Ceremony was held in the Gate Hall, ac there were big bíc-scylds [screens] all over the City, so people could watch what was happening.
I was in the Gate Hall on one of the balconies. I had thought that only higher ranking people would be allowed here, ac I was wrong. The Hall was crowded with people of all gráds and professions. People from different planets, young and old. It opened my eyes for the greatness and potential of our Galaxy. We might come from different planets and different backgrounds, ac we are still united. We are one people. It's the legacy of the Ancestors. The central consequence of Atlantis' Rebirth. The greatest feat of the ones that came from far away and woke the City from its slumber.
Ærost, the Priest from Athosian Brotherhood cwæd the traditional Prayer of Thanks. Then the Queen delivered her annual speech. She spoke of past achievements. Of the peace, that finally seemed to have come to Pegasus. Of our challenges for the future. It was very thought-provoking. At least that's how I felt. Then there was a lytle pause. By that time the sky outside was almost black. That was when the lights were dimmed in the whole City and Dalmar the Younger (who must be at least a hundred years old) stepped forward and started to recite the story of the Rebirth:
Lo, let me tell you how Atlantis was reborn.With this, the ceremony ended. Ac the feasting continued. People were still eating and drinking and celebrating. I stayed with the other Ambassadors for a while, ac then I went and joined the crowd. I'm afraid I had a little too much of Block's Ale... well...Long years She lay abandoned and alone, sleeping at the bottom of the Ocean. Forgotten by the stars. Then it happened that far away a proud and powerful people discovered the writings of Old. They read the signs and learned about the forgotten City. And in their hearts grew the desire to find the City. To see its beauty and its power. So they followed the signs of the Ancestors and stepped through the Gate between the stars. There were many that wanted to go, but only the best were chosen. Among them were Sheppard, who should become the First King, and MacKay, his dear friend. There were many others whose names are now lost to us, but they were brave and clever.
Bold was their spirit.
They stepped through the Gate, not knowing what they would find.
They found the Atlantis abandoned. Lost at the bottom of the ocean. Her splendor was gone and dust covered her floors. But still her beauty was undiminished. They stood awed in the Great Hall. Destiny had brought them here. But they did not come empty handed. They brought mighty gifts with them.
The Gift of Light and the Gift of Life for the City of Atlantis. The Gift of Hope for the people of Pegasus.
And Atlantis felt their arrival and She woke from her long sleep and welcomed them. She welcomed her new children. And they gave their gifts to Her and stayed. They chose to defend the Great City. So, they became Children of Pegasus.
And this is the story of how Atlantis was reborn.
Today is a quiet day. Most people are staying at home. Those who inwun [live in] the City, celebrate together with their families and friends. Those that have come here for the plega meet in the Taverns and Eating Halls, to celebrate together. Ac it's less... boisterous... than yesterday. Today is the day we clyppan [honor] those that came before us. The ones who fought hard to give us the peace we can enjoy today.
It's also the day of Gift-Giving. I sent some gifts to my nieces and nephews back at home a few days ago. I hope they arrived ætgædre [in time]. (The cárt-system on B-B has never been particularly good.) I especially like the little model Atlantis. It can actually fly. Jason will love it. One day I have to bring him here, so he can see the City with his own eyes.
I have to admit I spent most of the mergen in bed...
Ac I have been invited to dinner with Ambassador Goran and his husband, and I intend to accept the invitation. Goran is a very well-read man and conversation with him is never boring. Also, I am curious about Timon. I've only seen him from afar, ac I've heard incudlice stories about him. Maybe some of them are even true.
19th of July, 412 A.T.
Last night was very enlightening in many ways. I will have to write it up more detailed at a later time. At the moment I'm too busy.
In the City, people are packing up and leaving. The decorations will remain up for another seven days, ac the Feast is officially over. I have to say, it was an awundrian three days. It's almost a shame that everyday life has to start again so soon. I very much hope that I will be able to attend next years Feast too.