Addressing The Crowd

By now the shouts praising the next incarnation of Sister Locust had reached an almost deafening volume. It seemed as if all of Gra'akast was in the square united in a chorus of varied cheers.

Islana seemed to instinctively know what to do next and when to do it. Her body arrived at the center of the balcony. While her left hand still held the banister, to help stabilize the young woman, her right hand moved upward above her head with the palm facing forward. The gesture was new to Islana but a long held one by the memories in her mind.

The crowd quieted down so much only the sound of the wind and an occasional shuffle of feet could be heard. Another gesture found its way to her hand, this time, turned upward facing the sky. Those that had been kneeling began to rise. Once everyone was standing, Islana took a breath. With help from those who had come before, the New Prophetess began to speak, in perfect Ozaninae to the crowd.

"Thank you all for that dedication and joyous celebration.

My fellow Ozanines, I ask that you see me not as a foreigner but as one who has embraced all of the Ozanine culture. I am a vessel for all those Prophetesses who have come before. They reside within me but I also have the unique perspective of one who has lived a life different than most. I will combine that knowledge into leading Ozanine through that which is to be.

My task will be to keep Ozanine, its people, traditions and uniqueness as it should be. Unharmed by those that would seek to dismantle this great society. I hope that all of you, to your own abilities, when the time comes will do your part for this place and your fellow desert brothers and sisters. When we are united, we are strong.

I look forward to leading you to a long prosperous future. I am proud to be your next Prophetess and grateful to the Twins for this honor.

Let us give a prayer to the Twins."

With that heads were lowered, those that could knelt once again.

"May Viher and Yther, grant all of us strength to weather any storm, the hope of a peaceful tomorrow and the knowledge that what is done, is done so for the greater good of Gra'akast, the sands, and all of Arcadia.

Go with the knowledge in your hearts and mind that now starts a new era which will take its wisdom from the past but be a step into the future for every Ozanine."

Islana paused and every Ozanine seemed to know what was coming next. It was what every Prophetess had said at this moment. A call and repeat, which called forth the past and the present unifying them.

Islana began the call, "For the glory of the Twins"

The crowd repeated in unison, "For the glory of the Twins."

"For the glory of The Wandering," the woman continued.

"For the glory of the Wandering," the crowd shouted.

"For the glory that is the Ozanine." The Prophetess ended her part.

"For the glory that is the Ozanine," the crowd getting in the last of it.

Silence for a moment, then the sounds of chanting, a song of sorts, could be heard flowing out of the temple and into the square. Ancient Ozaninaea which praised the Twins and all the Prophetesses throughout history, including the one chosen tonight.

The song ended, a brief silence before someone in the crowd called out "To Sister Locust" and everyone cheered.

Eventually people would start moving out of the square, on their own, but for now they were celebrating and there was no reason to break that up despite Islana's weakened state.