As the cool night breeze whispered through the trees of Buran Village, Narra No. 1 stood before Narra, her expression neutral yet filled with unspoken understanding. The soft glow of the lanterns around them illuminated the cobbled path leading to the house at the end of the village.
"The house has already been cleaned and prepared for you while you were away," Narra No. 1 explained, her voice steady.
Narra crossed her arms, her gaze shifting towards the distant house. A sense of relief mixed with the weight of responsibility settled in her chest.
"Good," she replied.
"Thank you Narra no.1 I just came here to check, I will be back again, and take care of My house."
Narra No. 1 bowed slightly in acknowledgment before Narra taking a step back. With a shimmer of energy, as she opened the portal by slitting on the fabric of reality as she vanished, leaving only the rustling leaves as a sign of her departure.
As dawn painted the sky with shades of orange and gold, Narra quietly slipped back into her grandmother's house. She climbed the stairs with ease, her feet barely making a sound against the wooden floorboards. In her bedroom, she found her duplicate lying still on the bed, exactly where she had left her while she was inside the House of Magnolia. With a soft exhale, she dismissed the copy, watching as it dissolved into a wisp of energy before disappearing completely.
The scent of warm cocoa and sweetened rice filled the air, luring Narra down to the kitchen. The familiar sight of her grandparents greeted her —her grandmother stirring a pot of champorado, while her grandfather set the table with gentle care.
"Good morning, apo. How was your sleep?" her grandfather asked, his deep voice filled with warmth.
Narra smiled as she walked to the kitchen. "Good morning, Grandpa and Grandma. I slept well. How about you?"
Her grandmother chuckled, wiping her hands on her apron.
"We slept well too, apo. That's why we woke up extra early today to prepare breakfast for all of you."
She gave Narra a knowing look.
"But you also woke up early, hmm? You must have had quite a night."
Narra hesitated for a second before laughing lightly. "Just needed some fresh air."
Her grandfather placed a steaming mug of hot cocoa in front of her, alongside a bowl of champorado.
"Come, sit here, apo. Your grandma made your favorite."
Narra's heart swelled with gratitude as she took the spoon. "Thank you, Grandpa and Grandma."
As she took her first bite, the warmth of home settled around her.
As the sun continued its slow ascent, golden light streamed through the wooden-framed windows of the house, casting a warm glow over the dining area. Soon, the other family members descended from their rooms, their faces still carrying traces of sleep but brightened by the aroma of the delicious breakfast waiting for them.
"Good morning, everyone!" Pinya greeted, stretching her arms before settling into her seat.
"Good morning!" the rest of the family chorused as they joined the table.
Grandma clapped her hands together, beaming. "Eat up, eat up! We prepared a big meal for everyone today."
Laughter and conversation filled the room as they enjoyed the hearty breakfast. The champorado was thick and sweet, the aroma of freshly brewed cocoa adding comfort to the atmosphere. Grandpa made sure everyone had enough, even sneaking an extra piece of fried fish onto Philip's plate despite his protests.
"You'll need your strength today, young man," Grandpa chuckled.
After finishing their meal and helping clear the table, the family prepared for the temple visit. The women adjusted their traditional clothing, making sure the delicate embroidery and vibrant patterns were properly displayed, while the men secured their sashes and accessories. Narra tied her sash tightly, feeling the weight of the small fruit offering in one hand and the candle cup in the other.
Philip nudged her slightly. "I wonder what kind of ceremony this is. Yesterday, this place looked so different."
"Yeah," Narra agreed. "Let's find out."
Arrival at the Temple of Segoyong
When they reached the temple grounds, both Narra and Philip stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in amazement. The once serene and quiet temple had transformed into a lively, colorful scene. Intricate decorations adorned the entrance, and vibrant banners swayed with the breeze. Stalls lined the pathways, offering various handmade crafts, sweet delicacies, and ritual items. The air buzzed with excitement as villagers moved around, preparing for the ceremony.
Inside the temple courtyard, a long line of children, all dressed in similar traditional attire, stood patiently at the back of the temple. Some fidgeted with nervous excitement, while others whispered to one another, eyes gleaming with anticipation.
Mrs. Dillenia, her expression calm but firm, handed Narra and Philip their ritual items. "Hold onto these carefully. The candle symbolizes light and guidance, and the fruit represents gratitude and prosperity."
Mr. Carpus, adjusting the small wrap around Lia's tiny body, nodded toward the temple steps. "Behave and follow what the elders do. This ceremony is very important."
Philip exchanged a glance with Narra before whispering, "No pressure, right?"
Narra smirked. "Just don't drop anything, and we should be fine."
Meanwhile, Mr. Carpus and Mrs. Dillenia moved to another line, holding their youngest, Lia, in their arms. Since she was still a baby, they would be presenting the offerings on her behalf.
At that moment, a gentle chime echoed from inside the temple, signaling the start of the ceremony. The parents remained outside, forming a circle around the temple's perimeter, holding long branches adorned with flowers. A hushed silence fell upon the crowd as the elders stepped forward.
The ritual had begun.
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The Sacred Ceremony at the Temple of Segoyong
As the solemn atmosphere settled over the temple, the temple servants moved gracefully through the crowd, handing each child and each parent with a baby a white rope and a leaf. Narra accepted hers with quiet reverence, running her fingers over the smooth fiber of the rope. Philip, standing beside her, gave his own rope a curious look before glancing at Narra.
"I wonder what this is for," he murmured.
"We'll find out soon enough," Narra replied, adjusting her grip on the candle cup and fruit.
At the center of the temple, the temple priest stepped forward, his presence commanding yet serene. He raised his arms, his golden robes shimmering under the temple's glow. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed across the sacred halls.
"Children of Segoyong, you stand here today to receive the blessings of our ancestors and the protection of the deity. Follow my instructions, and let your hearts be open to the sacred energy bestowed upon you."
At his signal, the temple servants carried large torches filled with mystical blue flames. The fire crackled with an otherworldly glow, casting a serene yet powerful aura around the temple. One by one, the children and parents stepped forward, lighting their candle cups from the sacred flame. The flickering blue light danced across their faces, illuminating their expressions of awe and quiet devotion.
"Raise the candle cup with both hands," the temple priest instructed, his voice steady and filled with authority.
Narra lifted her candle cup, the warmth of the fire radiating through her fingers. Philip did the same, his expression unusually serious. Around them, the other children and parents followed suit, their candle cups glowing like tiny stars in the dimly lit temple.
Outside, the guests—grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other villagers—bowed their heads in silent reverence, honoring the sacred moment. The only sounds that remained were the rustling of robes, the gentle crackling of fire, and the steady voice of the temple priest as he offered prayers to the deity.
Once the prayer was completed, the temple priest gave the next instruction.
"Wrap the white rope around your stomach. This is the most vulnerable part of the body, and it shall now be protected by this sacred thread."
Narra carefully tied the rope around her waist, feeling a strange yet comforting energy settle over her. It was as if an unseen force was wrapping her in a protective embrace. Philip did the same, adjusting his knot with focused determination.
The temple priest then continued, his gaze steady as he raised his hands.
"Lift your fruit with your right hand. It is an offering, a symbol of strength and protection."
As Narra and the others obeyed, the priest began chanting once more, his words weaving a blessing that resonated deep within their bones. The energy in the temple seemed to hum with life, a presence far beyond the physical realm.
Finally, the priest gave the last instruction.
"Bite into your fruit or slice a small portion and place it on your leaf. This fruit, blessed by the deity, shall grant you strength, resistance from evil, and protection from poisons of both men and spirits."
Narra hesitated for only a moment before taking a bite of her fruit. It was sweet, with a slight tartness, but as she swallowed, she felt a warmth spread through her chest, as if something ancient had awakened within her. Carefully, she placed a small portion of the fruit onto the leaf, following the ritual precisely.
Philip took a deep breath before doing the same, his expression shifting from doubt to something more resolved.
With the final prayer spoken, the ceremony concluded. The temple priest lowered his hands, and the temple servants moved forward to collect the remaining offerings.
"The blessings have been granted," the temple priest announced. "May you walk forward with guidance, protection, and strength."
A wave of relief and quiet pride washed over the children as they stepped back, absorbing the significance of what had just taken place.
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Celebration and Family Reunion
As Narra and Philip walked out of the temple, they were immediately met with warm greetings from their family.
"Congratulations, my dear ones!" Grandma exclaimed, pulling Narra into a tight embrace.
"You have received the blessing of Segoyong!"
Grandpa ruffled Philip's hair with a proud chuckle. "Well done, young man! You stood tall and followed the traditions well."
Uncle Kaptan, standing with his arms crossed, nodded approvingly. "This is an important step in your journey. The protection of the deity is now with you, but remember—the true strength lies in how you carry it forward."
The weight of the words settled over Narra, but she simply smiled and nodded.
The air outside was filled with music and laughter as the festivities continued. The children ran off to play, still wearing their white ropes around their waists, while the adults took their time exploring the stalls.
Narra's eyes sparkled as she browsed through the colorful marketplace. Handmade trinkets, woven cloths, and delicious-smelling food lined the stalls. She eagerly bought an assortment of goods—sweet pastries, herbal medicines, and small charms—to bring back to the House of Magnolia.
Philip, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying a stick of roasted meat while watching a group of performers dance in intricate, synchronized steps.
"You sure you're not going to spend all your money here?" Philip teased as he saw Narra carrying several bags of food and items.
She grinned. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Might as well take something back with me!"
After spending hours at the festival, playing games, tasting delicious street food, and watching performances, the family decided it was time to return home.
As they walked back, Narra glanced at the temple one last time. She placed a hand over the white rope tied around her waist, feeling the lingering energy from the ceremony. A part of her knew that this blessing would be more than just a tradition—it would be a guiding force in the journeys ahead.
And with that thought, she followed her family home, the memory of the temple and its sacred ceremony forever etched into her heart.