11.11.2017
The Streets of Neu Uburzis where busy with people erecting small Stalls at every corner, Garlands and flowers decorating the homes. The Police was securing the streets and funneled traffic towards evasion routes, the Military ensuring the Security of Guests and Participants alike.
At the heart of the City,
Erik stood in front of the former City Cathedral, wearing a the Uburzian traditional Men clothing of a Toga over Shirt instead of his Order's regalia on personal request from Orion. Marveling the building that was once erect on his Orders height of Power, the Gothic Sanctum now stood as a testimony to the Empires principles. Never burned or looted, they simply changed it's use as Christianity had lost favor with the crowd, and it humbled Eric to be reminded how careful the Empire had kept their Memory preserved, when they themselves had failed.
Robert of Niameck meanwhile had already taken his Seat in the Cathedral's front row, where the close family was to be seated along the two Honorary guests. Behind him on the right side of the Seats where reserved for international Guests, while on the left Uburzians' would be seated. Robert marveled the colors painted at this early morning from the rosette window, thanking the Divine he got excepted from participating in the Procession.
At the other side of the City, the mob started Gathering around the Renaissance rebuild of an ancient Bathhouse.
Timoti and
Jocelyn had been given Marble seats inside the Bathhouse' Frigidarium, next to
Albrecht,
Kurt and
Adelheid. On the other side of the basin, several young children where seated, squabbling in hushed voices before a stern glare from Kurt silenced them up.
"Since you made us all one Family, we had decided you should be considered Family for this Ritual as well, Kauri Timoti. Only Close Family Members, and one Invited Friend are allowed in here aside from the Priesthoods." Kurt Mentioned, shifting his Wheelchair in a comfortable parking position, while Adelheid spoke up: "Those over there are all Orion's Nephews and Nieces. Basically the twerps are the next in line after him right now."
Albrecht cut both of them short: "Here they come."
From the Tepidarium Curtain, several priests and priestesses in different colors lined up aside the large Basin, with Kurt whispering to their guests:
"Each of them is a cult High Priest, unlike other Nations, our Religion is rather loose. We revere aspects of the Divine, basically a De-Personified polytheism. We have Cults of Nature, Death, Love, but also Bravery and whatever else has Gathered enough people to form a small Church. Most of them share Temples, and re-purposed Churches." Albrecht hissed again, shutting Kurt up, while footsteps echoed through the hall, ascending the staircase leading up their current room.
A moment of silence, only broken by the shifting noise from one of the Kids, before
Orion stepped through the Curtain. Dripping wet already from the Hot Bath he went through, he clenched his fists and closes his eyes, as he walked slowly into the Basin filled with cold, fresh Mountain Spring water. Taking several steps inside until he reached the Baths central spring, a marble Fountain in form of a Fish. Standing below the Water stream he gave a small nod to his family, before folding his hands. Praying under the Stream of water, as Adelheid whispered to their guests: "Our first Emperor did this as well, just her still prayed to the Christian god." Resulting in a very ungentle Elbow to her side from Albrecht.
Orion then walked out of the Basin again, clearly shivering though trying hard not to show, as he pointed towards two Priests. The others took a step back, while a Green Robed one and a Yellow Robed Priestess handed him a Towel to dry and his Silk Coronation Tunic.
"Bravery and Hospitality. Good Choice." Albrecht finally said, before standing up and giving Orion a hug: "Well done."
Orion turned to his Guests, while slipping into a Pair of Sandals: "If you don't mind, i'd invite you into my Carriage together with Albrecht while we are Brought to the City Temple."
Outside the Bathhouse, a military Honor guard was awaiting them. Two Seats in Orions Carriage reserved for Jocelyn and Timoti, a second Carriage waiting for the other close Royal family, aside from the Kids which had to travel in Secret.
The foreign Dignitaries had been given a choice to either have their own Carriage for the Procession, or arrive directly via Car at the City Temple. Either way the press was preparing to film the Red Carpet and the Procession, where first the Dignitaries would arrive and Enter, the Emperor waiting for everyone else to have taken their seats.