The night was long, and yet fulfilling. The elves returned to Night Silver, their heads full with thought of apologizing until their voices gave out. However, once they were finally before her once more, she was just as free spirited, open hearted, and loving as she ever was. She has already forgiven us.
With hearts filled with gratefulness, and whirlwind of emotions they began to strip their garments off. This wasn't just a bath, it was a way to cleanse their weary souls from the strife caused by Hougan. The first woman, having stripped off everything she wore, threw it into a pile, casting it off as if to say goodbye to her life away from the mother. A sentiment she proved by setting her stripped clothes a blaze with a simple fire spell.
Night Silver didn't flinch, nor was she surprised. I had a feeling some would start the fire on their own. To burn away what they felt was sinful before allowing themselves to come back into the fold of their mother's embrace. So she smiled, and gave the woman a hug, their skin wrapping each other in the glistening reflection of light off the water. "Welcome home my child."
The woman cried, all of her emotions flowed from her eyes into Night Silver's bosom and down to the bath. "Mother, forgive me, forgive us. We'll never seek to be away from your side."
"I could never stay angry with my children. I love all of you. So long as I live, I'll love you." Her words were true. After all, even after these elves had wanted to live away from her, they were still welcomed home with open arms.
"Mother, you're so kind. Welcoming us home into your arms like this, even after we turned our backs to your grace… Preparing a bath to receive us home… A way to purify our misdeeds… I don't have the words to express how much… that I… I love you mother." She lifted her head and kissed Night Silver.
This was how the families in Tus Nadair kissed. And just as that means, there wasn't a Nadairian that hadn't received a loving and motherly kiss. When initiated by Night Silver, it's a kiss from their mother. However, when it's a kiss initiated by another, it shows that they accept Night Silver as their mother. The one exception to this rule right now, is Brightness, who is her mate. As a result of this particular scene it is seen as fully purifying their old sins against their mother.
The other elves followed the first elf's lead, and threw their garments upon the flames. Some asked for help to set their past clothes a blaze. Others seemed to be worried about what to do for their babies but they were told everything would be fine.
Of the people present there many, and from all age groups. The babies were taken care of by others from Tus Nadair as they were not required to go through this sort of ceremony. Why? Because Night Silver never blamed any of the children under 100 years old. The separation from her was through no fault of their own. As a result all of the children who returned to Night Silver, aged less than 100 years, were enjoying the bath with the children she had born from her very own loins.
As for those over 100 years, there was a small number of them who were also blameless, and thus they didn't have to participate, nonetheless they still did so. All of the adults, 100 years old or more, had each had their turn to hug, and cry into their mother's arms. It didn't matter if they were a man or a woman, to Night Silver, they were nothing more than lost children returning home.
Once the adults finished their turn with their mother, the younger children got their turn to play with her. Those over 80 years old were able to understand the majority of this ceremony's significance, and thus decided to play along. Though it was more playful, and full of joy than anything else. It only got more playful and warm as the younger kids got their turn to hug the mother of all elves. A few of the babies even fell straight asleep the moment they found themselves in her arms.
Once everyone, man, woman, and child had their turn, Night Silver relaxed further. Their home, safe and sound. Though, I have to wonder, did my natural aura from that job class increase somehow? The elves seemed more child-like than usual. Perhaps I leveled up again? No, that shouldn't be possible. Maybe it has something to do with the World Class Job I gained? There could be a link? No point in worrying about it. "Alright," She called the names of a few elves. "It's time I give you your rewards for organizing a full expedition."
"Mother? We didn't do anything deserving of a reward."
"Oh? But you did. You all gathered your people and planned a route here. Even if you didn't make the trek yourselves, it made it a whole lot easier to save all of you." She said with a warm smile, caressing the man's cheek. "Here, this is my thanks." She said, and gave him a long and tender kiss, then giggled. "Now for the rest of you."
It was a rather embarrassing night for the men and women who received their mother's rewards but, for the others watching, it was quite funny to watch. After the bath, a fresh pair of clothes was given to each of the elves, each was a traditional Tus Nadairian outfit. So the women wore open chest dresses, or they just wore it as a skirt with trails. The men wore a really light pair of shorts, or they could have an outfit that would accentuate their muscles. As for the children, they all got to choose between skirts, shorts, dresses, or ask for something to be custom made for them. The babies were given several items to keep them in good health. This was a country where the people cared for everyone. A sight that these elves were witnessing first hand.
In the woods where the elves left, morning came, and Hougan was left with less than 5% of the elven population he had the previous day. "DAMN YOU, YOU BITCH!" He shouted, upon reading the curse.
The thorn he created for Night Silver, was now a thorn in himself.