(OOC Note: The purpose of this starting point is to give new characters an easy place to begin their journey in Aleris. If you post here, Aurora may respond. Other players may feel free to respond as well.)

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The Temple of the Goddess of the Spring is located on the South East Coast of Aleris on its own island. Nestled within a thick forest not far from where the forest ends and the coast line begins, Aurora's temple seems to spring from the Earth itself. An earthen edifice, it rose from the ground to form a large cavernous mound surrounded by an unusual standing rock formation that protects it from all sides. The only opening in the protective rock structure would be the two large standing stones that acted as the entrance into the Temple. As you near the temple, the intricate swirling designs engraved in the standing stones would become visible, the two acting as gateway carved with protective sigils.

Just beyond the sentinel stones were a small alcove with a large heavy wooden door that would admit you into the main body of the temple. The temple was circular in nature and something of a large cavern. Inside the temple, the walls crawled with vines and flowers and all manner of living flora. The floor is not really a floor at all, but rather a thick cushion of living moss that covered the entire ground. In its center stood a tall oak tree, its roots running deep into the ground while its branches sprouted up to the roof where it became part of the ceiling and covered the expanse of the temple. This tree acts as the only altar Aurora would need and it was from this tree that the Goddess often appeared to her faithful.

Directly across from the main entrance sat another door. Identical to the first, beyond this door was a short corridor with four doors opening off of the hallway, two on each side. These acted as quarters for the four chosen attendants of the Goddess should they choose to live within her temple. The projection that housed these quarters is not visible to the eye from outside the temple.

(Chat logs from 12.04.12. This event happens shortly after Wish leaves the battlefield near Jade City in the Dreams of Glory storyline.)

Wish
Though Wish was without her horse, as it had thrown her due to the battle outside of Jade City, one of the mobile trees had decided to follow her. She parted ways as the group of soldiers left to charge towards the grove where clouds above it hung a swirling vortex. Wish could only guess that it was Madrin's doing that the tree had followed her and as such, Wish convinced the tree to at least let her ride on it like some sort of mount. The fifteen foot tall oak obliged; it wasn't often when they felt the need to argue, especially with a fae who only wanted to get to Aurora's temple. It was almost a day later and night had fallen when Wish arrived at the narrow strait of water that separated Aurora's Temple and Eiler. Wish bid farewell to the tree, offering it a bow and by the use of her wings, made way across the gap of water. Wish headed through the forest that surrounded Aurora's temple, marveling in the way the earth was formed here, how in the middle of all the woods the ground slowly rose up to create the rock-like structure that was the temple. Flora and vines decorated the temple. Wish left her rapier at the entrance to the Temple of Spring and the two stone doors carved with protective sigils glowed green for a moment and then opened to allow her to pass. Before entering, Wish paused and took a breath, letting her olive colored eyes study the open hallway before her. She noticed the floor in the temple was made of moss and briefly, Wish bent down to untie her boots, pulling off the short stockings she wore, and finally entered barefoot through the Temple of Spring. It seemed, at least to her, the right thing to do. It was not long until Wish found the center of the temple and stood before Aurora's great oak tree, symbol of the Goddess of Spring. Wish folded her hands before her, placing them in front of her stomach and bowed her head, letting her eyelids close. "Aurora, I have finally come to the Temple of Spring to bring you thanks for keeping me safe while I was in Arthuran. After I travelled alone, I was able to regain my strength and my hope, which I believe you took some part it. For that, I wanted to return that hope and let you know that even in these dark hours, I am certain Aleris will grow again."

Aurora
The Goddess of Spring stood as still as her great oak, a warm smile touching her lips as she watched the fae woman enter her temple and respectfully removed her shoes. It was not a requirement when entering Aurora's temple, but the mossy carpet under bare feet felt rather nice which was the main reason the deity went barefoot. Aurora had recently repotted the herbs that a certain Chaos Goddess knocked over carelessly when Wish paid her a visit. Elysia, the Goddess of Death and Winter, had recently experienced her rebirth from that sacred oak after the unpleasant encounter with the Spider Birvuo, and was most likely back in the sanctity of her own temple. This gave Aurora time to recharge, for she expended a great deal of energy bringing Elysia back to life, and was taking time for herself when she was made aware of the impending arrival of Wish. Aurora waited until Wish was finished with her prayer, and standing directly behind her intoned in that sweet voice of hers, "Well of course, my dear child, will Aleris grow again," Aurora chuckled upon seeing Wish jump and turn quickly as Aurora surprised her by sneaking up on her. The Mother Goddess brushed the dirt from her hands and quickly embraced the startled fae. "Wish my sweet child, it is so very good to see you." Aurora beamed broadly as she released the fae and held her at arm's length for inspection by those critical green eyes of hers. "Hmm. I think some tea is in order. Come now." Aurora grabbed Wish by her hand and led her into the rear of the temple where a wooden table and chairs awaited, and not surprisingly at all, was a tea service readied and waiting with fragrant tea steaming from the pot. As she gestured for Wish to sit, Aurora poured two cups before settling herself. She smiled to Wish as she blew on her tea. "So you came all this way to thank me when a simple uttering of words could have accomplished the same goal, child?" There was a twinkling of amusement in Aurora's verdant gaze. "Such the long journey," she commented, hiding her chuckle behind the rim of her tea cup as she waited for Wish to state her true purpose.

Wish
Indeed Aurora's sudden appearance was a surprise and as such, Wish did jump a little, her eyelids immediately opening back up. Truthfully, she did not expect an actual visit from the Goddess of Spring, so for a moment she very slightly opened and closed her mouth as if trying to find something to say, but could not find the words. At long last, Wish managed to bow before Aurora, but the Goddess only responded by pulling Wish into a hug. Aurora held Wish at arm's length after this embrace, inspecting her as if a mother, which was not far from the truth. Aurora then suggested a cup of tea and Wish was all too happy to oblige and partake in a beverage with the Goddess of Spring. After all, she was somewhat parched from her long journey and did always favor a cup of tea in the evening however late it was. The two women circled about the oak tree and moved to a room in the back of the temple where tea was already waiting for them, a pleasant aroma wafting from the pot. Wish breathed in, savoring the wonderful smell and let a soft smile grace her features. Wish sat in the chair Aurora gestured to and after pulling her cup of tea towards her, she added a few small drops of honey into her tea. Wish stirred her tea and lifted the cup to her lips to blow gently to cool the tea. Aurora smiled at her and then asked about Wish's purpose for coming to the Temple of Spring. "Aye, I believe that some thanks are better given in person. And besides, I had returned to Eiler and was in the neighborhood," Wish said her smile slightly teasing. Wish then took a sip of her tea and set the cup down, nodding softly to Aurora. The goddess seemed to know that Wish had come here for some other purpose which was entirely true. "I have come to offer my service to you - no, my loyalty. To help be your voice when you are not able to speak. It has come to my attention that many in Aleris have lost faith after the wars and recent tragedies. They believe the gods only surface at times that are 'convenient'... I do not follow this same belief."

Aurora
The Spring Goddess arched her dark brows as she listened to Wish's explanation for the visit. She drank her tea in silence and only when Wish was finished speaking did Aurora set her cup down and leaned back in her chair, her slender copper colored hands resting upon her lap. Aurora's all seeing gaze roamed over Wish for a few moments before the Goddess smiled to the fae and plucked her teacup back in hand. "Your loyalty Wish, has never been in question. You, like my Madrin, serve me well. Always have." Aurora's smile faded around the edge some as she sipped her tea, her eyes never leaving the face of the fae. "Before I respond to your request, I have a question for you." Once more Aurora set her cup down and crossed her legs. She gestured with a nod of her head toward Wish's lower torso. "You are healed, physically from what I can tell, but mentally? Emotionally? How do you fare, little goddess?" Aurora let out a sigh. "I ask because my dear brave and beautiful Wish. it would seem fate is not without a sense of irony and has plans for someone like you." When Wish appeared to speak, a confused look passing over her features, Aurora held up a hand. "Hush. Just because fate has bigger plans for you, doesn't mean I shall reject your request. I am concerned with your well being, is all. Now the truth, Wish, if you please."

Wish
Wish lowered her head as Aurora asked her the one question she did not want to speak of so soon. Truthfully, no one else had known about Wish's miscarriage except for herself and Aurora. Not even the father, the wayward and missing Victor Sage knew she had ever been pregnant. For a few silent minutes, Wish played with the rim of her tea cup, running a slender finger along the edge of it. Eventually Wish lifted her gaze to look at Aurora, though it was unclear initially what emotion she felt. "I... some days - few and infrequent as they are - am not sure how to feel. But mostly, I am doing better since that night. There are times when I do still blame myself for not being able to preserve the life that once grew inside of me - that life I did not even know about. Then again, it might not have been the right time for that life to be born as Victor Sage has seemingly 'disappeared' from my life. But it's not just about that. I would have never been afraid to be alone and raise a child. When I see Nedira Kir and her happiness, perhaps what I gave up in return was not for nothing. When I was healing Nedira, something inside my body warned me and told me to stop - that something was very wrong. But I persisted and continued on. I still have faith that saving Nedira Kir was the right thing to do though, despite all the warnings. Her life is no less important than that of the child that was once growing in my womb." Wish took a swallow of her tea and then set the cup back down. There was a soft smile on her face, though it bore a hint of sadness. "To answer your question, I do feel stronger, though I will never forget."

Aurora
Aurora's smile was nothing short of beautiful and the love she felt for Wish, as well as pride, was evident in her emerald orbs. "Excellent. We bear our pain with quiet strength and dignity, but we never forget that it is that pain that once weighed heavy upon us. It is that pain that shapes us, forges us into either becoming weak, and therefore allow that dispair to drown us, or nourishes us to give us the will to carry on." Aurora stood then and stood behind her chair, allowing her hands to rest upon the intricately carved wooden chair back. "There are some in this world that are strong, some that are weak, and then there are those select few who are simply lost, Wish. They bear their pain as best as possible, but sometimes, even though they are capable of great strength, they simply cannot find their way into the light. You, my love, are not one of these people, which is why fate has something very special planned for you." Aurora paused then, gauging her reaction. "For me to explain the purpose, would be to interfere and perhaps sway the outcome of the situation, and in such, I cannot offer any other explanation for your future path, Wish. However, child, I will say this," Aurora's smile was warm and loving, "though it is an immense request from you, it is something I am positive you will be fully capable of handling." Aurora left it at that as she went to the sideboard where there was a plate of freshly baked cookies, specifically gingerbread of which Aurora was particularly fond of, and placed them on the table before Wish and indicated for her to help herself. "On the subject of serving me, Wish, I have given this great consideration." Aurora reclaimed her seat and plucked a cookie off the plate, daintily nibbling on the treat. "I was planning on offering you the position as my Priestess of Hope, for if there is anyone who represents Hope best it is you, Wish. Howevr, considering the special circumstances that will play a part of your future, it is my wish," Aurora laughed a bit at her pun, "that you act as my Paladin. My reason for this," her eyes sparkled as she regarded Wish's reaction, "is because I believe you will represent me and all that I stand for better than anyone I could consider, and...," The Goddess smiled mischieviously. "It will bind us closer together, and believe me my darling Wish, you will need a mother now more than ever." Aurora brushed crumbs off her hands. "So, child, what do you say? Aurora's Paladin. Has a lovely ring to it, does it not?"

Wish
Wish sat silently as she listened and took in everything that Aurora had to say. She nodded in understanding agreeing with Aurora's sentiments that some people are either strong, weak or lost. For some time in the last few months, Wish had thought she was one of those select people that had been lost. Fortunately, she was able to find herself, or rather the faith and strength that she thought she was lacking. These thoughts, however, were momentarily pushed in the back of her mind as Aurora spoke of fate having things in store for her. Wish was curious, but did not pry as Aurora confirmed she could not give away the finer details. As it was, Wish was also patient and could wait out the course of fate as it took its toll. Aurora then took a platter of cookies which she placed before Wish and offered her one. Not objecting to a sweet (it was difficult for faes), Wish took a bite of a vanilla sugar cookie, washing it down with a swallow of tea. As she did this, Aurora with all smiles, offered to Wish the position of her Paladin. Wish's cup paused in mid-air as she held it, not quite expecting the honor. When it all sunk in, Wish lowered her tea cup back to the table and unwrapped her hand from it. Wish stood briefly and bowed to the Goddess of Spring, her head lifting to regard Aurora with a gentle, but proud smile. "It would be my honor, Aurora, to be your Paladin," Wish said. Wish straightened herself then to her full 5'2 height and nodded to the Goddess of Spring. "It would be a blessing to feel some other presence in this world besides... my own."

Aurora
Aurora laughed joyously as she stood as well and hugged the petite fae. "Know that you were meant for something more. Always more. Sometimes, the best parts of one's life are the surprises in store." Aurora winked then disappeared for a moment into her inner chamber located in the back of her temple. "Stay put. I will return in a moment." Aurora figured Wish would require a moment or two to process all that had taken place, and took her time locating a particular piece of jewelry that she had been holding onto for quite some time. Acceptable for either gender, the amulet was something to be worn only by Aurora's Paladin. Strung on a fine golden chain that wasn't of particularly long length was a tree, more specifically, the Tree of Life. There wasn't anything remarkable about the tree itself save for it was made of gold, but the leaves upon the tree, tiny leaves that decorated the branches were formed out of dozens of tiny cuts of emerald, peridot and jade. It represented all Aurora stood for: Birth, Life, Hope and Spring. Smiling to herself, the Mother Goddess held the amulet in hand as she returned to Wish and motioned for her to step foward and lift her hair off her neck. Aurora fastened the clasp of the chain and adjusted it so it settled upon the hollow of Wish's throat. "There," she smoothed the fae's hair in place. "Let me have a look." Aurora's eyes narrowed and she nodded in approval. "Done. You look lovely and it suits you." Aurora grinned. "I suppose I should say something, some words to coincide with this event, but truly, it is not necessary. It is done, Wish Star. You, my little goddess, now speak with the voice of Aurora. You act in my name. You are my right hand, and as always, my most precious of daughters." Aurora clapped for Wish, and tiny dimples appeared in her cheeks. "Now we celebrate with more cookies and tea." The laughter of the Spring Goddess was warm and rich as she sat down once more and poured another cup of tea. "I have all the faith in the world in you, Wish, and as always, my love and light are with you. Now, try a gingerbread. They are fabulous."

Wish
As Aurora disappeared, Wish in a way was not processing everything that had happened and her new position. Instead, she stood in the antechamber of Aurora's temple, letting her eyes scan in every corner of the room that was flowing with nature, the room that was now essentially part of herself as well as Aurora. When Aurora returned, she brought with her an amulet shaped like a tree on a thin gold chain. As Aurora clasped the necklace around Wish's neck, Wish was amazed at the intricate detail in such a small charm. Tiny jewels - emerald, peridot and jade - made up the leaves of the gold tree. It was the Tree of Life - the representation of Aurora's Paladin and Wish wore it with a newfound honor and pride that she did not have prior to coming to the Temple of Spring. Wish was pulled out of her trance though when Aurora clapped her hands together, suggesting more cookies and tea to which Wish laughed softly and finally sat back down in her chair to join the Goddess of Spring. Wish did reach for a gingerbread cookie, taking a small bite, her olive colored eyes occasionally flickering to the amulet she wore. "I shall try not to disappoint you," Wish said with a nod. "May my future journeys take me to where I can help and protect people in the name of Aurora."

Aurora
Aurora waved a hand. "Naturally, little goddess. If I thought for one moment you were inept to handle the position, for any reason, I would not have offered it to you." Aurora's smile was gentle as she reached for her cup to sip her tea. "Now, you are most welcome to remain here with me. You will always have a place in the temple. It is as much yours as it is mine." Aurora sipped her tea then set the cup down. "However, if you choose to set up residence elsewhere, you will not offend me. Besides, you might need the space soon." Aurora winked. "In any case Wish, my home is your home now. You may come and go as you please." Aurora settled once more in her chair, tucking a chestnut strand of hair behind her ear. "My Madrin is alive because of you, Wish. Do not think I am not aware of that, or that you do not have my gratitude. You do. I cherish him as I cherish you, but that boy is hot-headed." Aurora laughed. "He is a male, and therefore he is handicapped in that matter. In any case, I am pleased you two found each other and trust each other. I chose wisely with the two of you." It was a random comment to make, but Aurora did not hide her pride for her children, especially those particular two. "Have you decided to put down roots somewhere close, Wish?"