An excerpt from the autobiography of the lesser-known Neran adventurer, Welch Bekkin.
"During the height of the Longest Night, I heard rumors of a peculiar Kypiq ritual called the ''Sunsleep”. What I heard was they partied as a way to recapture the interest of the mighty sun. Intrigued, I went off on my first journey into the broadleaf forest. Taking a carriage from Silverdust Valley to the heart of Calador. After an uneventful ride of six hours, I disembarked on the roadside, hoping to hike the rest of the way. The coachman offered me parting advice. "The nearest settlement is just east of here. though you ought to stick to the roads. Those woods are difficult to navigate, especially in the dark", as he drove off.
I, young fool that I was, ignored him and abandoned the road. Underneath the pitch black canopy, I fashioned a torch to help illuminate the area. The massive tree trunks above swayed slightly, as the wind rustled their leaves. The low buzzing sound of cicadas chirping faded back into the general atmosphere. Mixed smells of fresh air and rich earth put a robust feeling in my lungs; which I carried through my stride, crunching fallen leaves under my foot. All this brought back peaceful memories as a child in Redwater. Spending many nights away from home, camping in the wilderness.
Yet, my calm gradually decayed into anxiety, as I realized I had become lost. For hours I marched, my legs tiring with each step further, as a numb pain set in. The once invigorating breeze grew to feel like an attack against my bare face. While my neglected stomach growled and cramped my gut. Hope dimmed with the light of my torch., with thoughts of laying down and giving up buzzing about my mind. Yet, a miracle occured, a faint light peeked out from between the trees. I repositioned myself to get a better look. A roaring bonfire was in the distance! Sitting on a massive tower, like a beacon. Had I finally found civilization? With newfound resolve, I clambered like a madman towards that light. Faster and faster I managed to hobble, until I tripped on a stray root. Planting my face into soil, the last thing I saw was my hand outstretched towards the pyre.
I later awoke in a bed too small to be my own. Appearing as though someone found me and took me into their home. That, or the afterlife was particularly mundane. I tried to stand up, only to bump my head against the ceiling. Pain is a good feeling, dead people can't feel it. I gather my equipment while approaching the door, slouched over like a hunchback. I exit the hut, only to be standing in the midst of massive trees stretching far above and below me. I had awoken on one of the legendary ironwoods!
I soon notice the settlement nestled in these trees. All buildings sat on platforms dotted up and down the trees. Bridges and zip-lines took the place of roads and alleyways, connecting all the settlement’s buildings. Kypiq were maneuvering about this web of a town, gracefully oblivious to the fall below. Just outside the city, a river flowed towards the coast, carrying trade barges stocked with goods. In the middle of the settlement, it stands out above all else, the towering flame that gave me my resolve.
I found my savior, a Kypiq named Karet Meßnei, and thanked him. He laughed it off and said “Think nothing of it, I should only hope someone else would do the same for me”. as he welcomed me to the town of Pyre, “The Capital of Vigil, it’s an ironic name, I know.” he quipped. "We're hosting the Sunsight Festival later on," he continued. "I hope you can stay, it's the grandest celebration across Elyria!".
The party that night lived far beyond my expectations, with bountiful feasts, lovely music, theater, and even games! The celebrations capped off with a display of lights like nothing else. A veritable ocean of lanterns flowed out from buildings across the town, illuminating the sky. Colorful fireworks exploding in the air, leaving behind wisps of smoke, smelling of gunpowder. Finally, I gaze towards the beacon in the center of it all. The fire keepers fanning its flames, granting it an incandescence to rival the sun! Losing myself for a moment in its enrapturing glow. With a grin, I return to the party, excited for whatever the future would bring on."
