[Peepers]

"Like a rose, beautiful and soft. Like its stem, strong and sharp. Let us remember even the darkest times..."

A sect that focuses on Nemea's darker themes and the way the seasons change them. Grief, Illusions, and Seasons. Each trait of the Goddess has a certain way to pray and offer to her. This Religion is meant to only obligate a person to indulge- or focus- on one aspect. However, the Soothsayer, leader of the sect, must know of all three and their practices.

The sect has been around for some time, roughly a century or so after the first Faeborne began to appear. It accepts everyone, though Faeborne are obviously looked upon more favorably. Anyone may enter, anyone may leave. So lax it is that even if one were to drop it, none should be judged for that sort of action. Rememberance is enough, to have it in one's mind for the rest of their life is more than what is required.

The only thing outlawed is betrayal. One should not turn against another's brother or sister. To turn against the very thing which you were once a part of, even, is seen as great taboo and dishonorable.

The following are the three Aspects which one is allowed, and indeed oblidged, to enter. Initiation is simple, detailed in each specific aspect's part, though it's thought that beginners of each aspect shouldn't be held to the same standards as one who has been in it for longer.



"To mourn is to suffer, and to suffer is to live. Happiness is finite, but so is Grief."

Not many know the true reasons behind 'Grief' being one of Nemea's aspects, but perhaps it has to deal with the heartbreak of losing something, or realizing that things always come to an end. This aspect is known to for its followers to wear mourning garb more often than not, and is known to be the harshest of the three aspects, for several reasons.

Once every morning, a shallow cut must be made across the palm or wrist. This form of self flagellation is to remind oneself that 'Happiness is not Eternal'. Just as Grief is not eternal, it is a neverending cycle. Nature itself is uncaring for our hardships, and will go on regardless. One must survive on their own terms and power.

Once every year, normally starting at the beginning of the year, a notch is carved into the skin. This is to symbolize the pain and suffering one has gone through, the sadness which one has survived. Another year, another time to mourn, but another time to be happy.

Aside from this, normal prayer is a simple reminder, the squeeze of an arm, the grazing of one's finger against a rock. It's a very strange ritual, one that is based on touch, on feel. A simple phrase is used. "To our Mother of Grief, I love and adore you. To the Mother of the Finite, we mourn with you as well." This is usually given when one does their daily cut.

Initiation into this subsect as simple as performing what is known as a 'Blood Pledge', cutting one's fingertip and performing the prayer- "To my Mother of Grief, I will mourn with you."

"To lie is to be false. To be false is to be true. Every facade has its reality."

Perhaps the most common aspect to be easily misinterpreted. To follow the way of the Illusion aspect is not to lie and fool others, but rather to help others see the truth. Most magi who are in this branch are illusion magi, but they do not use it to trick others. No, they use it to help others view what is really there.

Often times these are the kindest out of all of the branches, because they help to see 'the light', the way in which someone really is. Illusions are more than just visual to many in this sect. Some see them as peusdo-psychiatrists in a way, even helping others get over their fears.

Prayer for those in this branch is simple, a self-serving and self-enlightening meditation that allows one to look inwards and see the lies they make for themselves. Once an hour of this is finished, one would speak the phrase- "To our Mother of Illusions, I present my true self." 

Initiation into this subsect is simple, a pledge is given with a truth that one would not give to anyone else. After the confession, they would speak their first prayer- "To my Mother of Illusions, I've given a piece of the Truth."

"Every Winter is Death, every Spring is Life. Every Autumn is Rest. Every Summer is Bright."

The most balanced, and yet also the most chaotic of the aspects to follow, this being that they change with the season. Their personalities, their clothes, and even sometimes, the way they appear altogether. Though none of them are required more than a change in temperment, it is customary to change along with the different elements as much as one can.

Winter would bring about a cold apathy, one where they are able to sleep, and no longer need to emote. Though they should not shut off their emotions, one must also not over-extend themselves. It is one meant for sleep.

Spring would be the reawakening oneself, refreshed and fully emotional. This is perhaps the most 'normal' that those of this branch might be. Despite this, it's easier to look more positively in this season.

Summer would bring about excitement, happiness, and wonder. Many in the Summer days would try to bring people into merriment and bring forth the highest of spirits. It's the most energetic of the seasons, surely.

Autumn is for winding down, to begin resting and preparing for Winter. Many will be lax and calm, while others will simply be happy enough to let out the last of Summer's brightness for one last burst.

Such is the cycle, such is the way of this branch. A prayer to Nemea from them would be something like this- "To our Mother of Seasons, I change with you."

Initiation for this is subsect is different from the other two. Rather than a pledge, or a truth, one must gather a piece of each season, different for each person, and present it in a prayer while offering them in flames. "To my Mother of Seasons, I will change with you."

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Those who are interested in joining may DM Peepers#5811, or contact Saffron Suli'el in game! If you have any questions as well, I am open to answering any! Thank you for reading!
((The special fancy text? Ratqueen did that, go commission her!))

[Peepers]

"You're passing on so early in your life. Why is that? I... don't understand. What should I be feeling right now? Soothsayer, I'm fearful."

"Don't be fearful, dear. You needn't call me by any titles... You know, that you are my son, and I am your mother."

"... Mom, then. What should I do? I am far too young to lead-"

"Then simply do not lead. Teach them, give them a gentle push in the right direction... However, let them guide themselves. You're smart enough to do that, are you not?"

"Mom..."

"... I'm tired, Saffron. Allow me to rest, just a bit longer. Though our fellow followers have dwindled, you must remain strong. Remember these words... I love you."

---

The passing of the late Soothsayer has put the Thornwood's Vigil in some form of disarray, as many are uncertain that the newly appointed Soothsayer, a mere age sixteen, will be capable of handling it. However, his firm words have shown that he is capable of at least withstanding this pressure.

Throughout the years, the followers and those interested have waned. However, despite this, those that remain stay strong, and return to their normal duties and beliefs within a short amount of time.

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"Those of the Thornwood's Vigil needn't worry about being the best sect. Nor should we worry about any sort of numbers or lack thereof. It does't matter, in the end. As my time of grieving remains, I ask that each person that requires it, reach out. To me, to anyone else. Delphina's fate is still unknown, and many are scared of what the future may hold. However, I truly believe that so long as our faith remains unshaken, we can handle anything."

"Now, press your hands together in prayer. Repeat after me... To our Mother, the Goddess of Grief, of Illusions, of Seasons, we strive to be as you are. Oh Mother, you are the picture of salvation. We beseech you, please watch over us as we take this next step forward into the future...!"