The floating lights became beautiful living beings one by one after entering the festive area in the middle of loud cheers of their own kind and animals. The rest of the forest spirits approached the venue in their natural form wearing the most colorful and vivid outfits one could ever imagine.
The first to enter the glade was their king. Second to him was the queen and the rest were the honorable elders. Despite their age, their outfits were dashing in the candlelight. Then the younger ones followed them with fancy clothing and ornaments being second to none. The radiant colors in their outfits made a great match with the colorful carpets and a clear contrast with the white frost in the background. Not to mention that happiness was overflowing from everyone's faces, and the smiles were contagious. Their eyes widened with delight seeing the mesmerizing decorations and the beauty of the place.
First of all, let me introduce you to one of their most unique traditions; they never used honorifics when calling each other. They addressed the king in his name and the queen the same. It was their philosophy that everyone was important and should be treated equally. It did not mean that they were disrespectful to the elders and each other. They were the most disciplined and polite creatures on earth since the very beginning. Let's return to the beautiful place where the festival was commencing.
This festival started with a tradition every year. The 'Holy Flame' was handed over to the one who was responsible for the spring by the one who took care of the winter. This Holy Flame which was given by the angels when they were created was the icon of the Purus and they carried it from generation to generation for thousands of years. It was a flame of gold color trapped inside a hollow sphere of crystal. This crystal sphere had a diameter of about five inches and was decorated with very fine carvings. Most of the golden light from the flame reflected on the crystal wall illuminating the inside while thin light rays penetrated the crystal carvings and created beautiful patterns outside. The Purus treasured this beautiful precious thing and they had sworn with their lives to protect it.
Nix was the one who kept the Holy Flame during the winter and he was ready to hand it over to Liana who was supposed to keep it throughout the Spring. After everyone had entered the venue, they spared some space in front and started chanting their traditional hymns. Nix carried the Holy Flame in his hands and walked with utmost care and respect in front of the crowd and handed it over to Liana while the rest were chanting the hymns.
Both of them had dressed charmingly; Nix wore a bright white silk shirt, white trousers and a thick coat that reached below his knees made of feathers of every shade of blue. His belt which was embossed with crystals and snow-white shoes completed his looks complementing his silvery hair and blue eyes. Liana was wearing a long dress dyed in bright green and green shoes. Her overcoat was decorated colorfully with seasoned leaves and flower petals and she wore a beautiful ornament decorated with feathers in her thick black hair.
Liana received the Holy Flame carefully and started walking towards a decorated path with lights, which was directed away from the glade. The rest of the crowd followed her while chanting the hymns. The path was leading to a huge tree where there was a door to enter inside its trunk. Inside was a large hall that was lighted brightly with a huge crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Hundreds of candles were lit inside this chandelier to produce light. There was a circular staircase that ran upwards along the wall of the tree. They climbed to the first floor inside the tree where there were four different chambers for four seasons. Each chamber was decorated with the theme of its season and there was a stage to place the Holy Flame in each.
They entered the chamber representing spring which was decorated with brightly colored flowers and leaves. Although it was hard to find fresh flowers and leaves during that season, there were potted green plants that bloomed with flowers inside the chamber. It felt like they entered a different world as the chamber was full of greenery with flowers and their fragrance. The reason was that each chamber had an everlasting season inside and the chamber they entered had everlasting spring inside. Liana placed the Holy Flame she carried on its stand that was arranged on the stage. Then they all came out of the chamber and Liana sealed the crystal door to the chamber so that anyone could not open the door. The door was opened only by her to take out the Holy Flame at the end of the spring.
The tradition ended after sealing the door and then, a loud cheer came from the group who had ended the hymns. Then they hurried back to the glade with loud talks and laughter. There began the grand celebration afterward. The music started in a happy fast tune, unlike the soothing tone it had before. The king and the queen were enjoying the merriment of the event while watching others sitting on the seats arranged for them.
The main traditional food of this event was winter mushrooms. There were many different dishes of mushrooms that looked very delicious. In addition, there were plenty of other popular food such as seasoned moss, seaweed sent by mermaids, bamboo shoot soaked in honey and dried fruits. Their favorite drink was nectar and also there were fruit juice and vine. After a few minutes, all of the Purus were seen talking and laughing loud while sipping from their glass. Friends, relatives, and families were gathered together and enjoyed the moment.
There were many specialties in this Purus community. As mentioned earlier, they never used honorifics when talking to each other. Another thing was that basically, they did not have any law or penalty system, they had only traditions there. Every one of them knew their duty very well and they performed their part well without causing any issues. They lived peacefully for thousands of years without having any disputes. Unlike in human societies, the responsible ones in the community were the younger ones. The elderly were there only to assist if there was any issue. The younger ones took the lead concerning all aspects.
-To all readers, I would call these forest spirits as they were people because they are very similar to humans. -
That night, there was a group of young Purus who were more charming and attractive and they caught others' eyes more often. Nix and Liana who took part in the opening ceremony were also seen among them talking and laughing. "Would anyone of these pretty ladies want to dance with me, the most handsome man tonight?", Nix asked the young ladies, raising his eyebrows and making a proud face. "Oh, god!.. Prince Charming is looking for a dancing partner", screamed a beautiful lady who was wearing a dark blue dress and an exotic ornament made of seashells in her silvery hair. The colorful seashells which were hung from gold threads along her long hair shook as she screamed in excitation and then fell on Liana's shoulder. "Oh, poor Irrora", said Liana and patted her head slowly.
Then another lady who had a sophisticated look, wearing a long black dress with a long leopard coat began to cry, "Oh, how unfortunate I am.., I must leave before the clock strikes twelve". Although, she did not seem sad and her sharp black eyes sparkled blending well with her pitch-black hair. "Oh that's sad.. You missed your only chance Fera!", Nix said slightly frowning at her. "Hey! anybody's got a poisoned apple that I could have a bite? Prince Charming's here!.." Liana shouted to the crowd that did not pay any attention to what she said.
Then a handsome gentleman who wore a decent light brown suit with a thick coffee-colored coat stepped forward. "Don't mind them, they are no match for you. Take my hand, I'll have the honor of dancing with you", he said dramatically in a very touching voice and hugged Nix tightly. All of them except Nix who were holding back their laughter suddenly burst out loud and Nix was struggling to escape from Liro's tight hug. "Ha.. ha.. haa.. very funny", said Nix frowning at everyone while arranging his messed-up clothes after escaping from Liro's arms. "And don't dare touch me.. ever!.. You strong beast!.." he said to Liro while others burst into laughter again.
This kind of merriment was seen everywhere that night and loud laughter spread everywhere. These living beings were very lighthearted and they did not get stressed easily. They lived simple lives but with happiness and they also had a good sense of humor. Next, the dancing session started and anyone who watched the festival could not deny the fact that all of them were very good dancers. The fireflies who were forming the canopy above, changed their patterns as the music changed the beat. From above, the whole glade looked like a colorful ocean with rhythmic waves. They danced until dawn and it was time to end the festival. When the first golden rays of light touched the glade, there were no clues to be found about the grand festival last night.