Sabatsday, 23rd of Marcia, 470th Year of the 5th Era

The night was shone brightly by the moon and stars the next day as the people of Goria were gathered at the large village square at the center of the village. Besides the natural light of the celestial bodies, the village center itself was lit up by various lanterns and lamps set up throughout the streets and from a few posts. Much of the oil used to fuel the lights came from the animal fat from the slain Rhino beast itself with some of it being sourced from other livestock. The ground of the streets were laid out with many colorful carpets made of bamboo fibers and straws weaved together by the village artisans and craftsmen. These carpets provided the proper cover for most of the villagers to sit down and partake in the feast, including all the Clan elders and even the King and his family.

There were about several hundred people gathered in the square who could take part in the celebratory feast while others who couldn't participate included some guards who acted as Sentries and perhaps a few other folks who had other issues to attend to or were sick at home, but regardless, such a massive event involved nearly the whole community. A platform at the edge of the square was constructed for the village musicians to play their instruments on, including the Gondang and the Sarune with many others playing flutes and other traditional string instruments making for a very festive atmosphere indeed. Next to the musicians, stood a large life-sized wooden puppet dressed in elaborate and noble clothing called the ‘Sigalegale’ controlled by a person using strings from a platform on which the puppet stood on to move its head, hands, and arms, making it look as if it was dancing on its own along with the music. The puppet would also usually be used by children and novices who aspired to be mages and whatnot to train the control of their mana by making the puppet do similar movements without the use of the mechanical strings.

The general seating arrangement was made so that all the people in the feast were divided into several different groups shaped like boxes who sat in rows of two facing each other while at the far ends of each ‘box’ were sat three to five people who faced the entire row. They sat there with plates made of wood covered with large leaves from banana trees to easily place food on top of them. Josias was sat at the main seating area for the more prominent members of the village, including the King, his personal retinue of advisors, and the other Elders of the Clans and their families. Being the guest of honor, Josias was sat to the right hand side of his grandfather the king who because he sat in the middle area, faced while to his own right was his father and on Sat at the rows right next to him were his immediate family. A little further from their seat but still in their same group sat his uncle Partogi and his own family though due to the incident the night before, Timotheus had chosen to seat himself far from his father instead of next to him which broke some forms of protocol and caused a few eyebrows to be raised but since he asked to be seated on the other side of his grandfather, next to Ephorus Ludwig, no one asked any further questions especially when considering tomorrow, the young Lord Timotheus would be ordained as among the very first of the native Halak into the priesthood of the Halak Church.

Just as most of the people were already settled into their seats, King Parhal nodded towards his spokesperson, the Lord Marasi, and gestured with his hand. Seeing this, Lord Marasi nodded back before he cleared his throat and declared, “The King speaks! Give heed to the words of our great king!”

As Lord Marasi bellowed that out, the square almost instantly quieted down as King Parhal straightened his back before he raised his right hand and placed it upon Josia's shoulder. “Horas ma di Hita saluhutna! (Peace be upon us all.)” The king spoke with his raspy voice once more “I am well and very pleased... that I get to see all my people here. Gathered together in honour of my beloved grandson and his companions! I thank our Savior everyday in my prayers that He had… saw fit to bless my House and my clan with such… a fine heir. Truly! And so, in my feeling of blessed thankfulness, please enjoy what small offering we could prepare for you all!” As the king said that, Lord Marasi spoke up once more as he clasped his hands together in loud claps.

“Boan ma tuson sipanganonna! (Bring in the food!)” Lord Marasi declared. And right as he said that, the music played out once more but only the Gondang drums and the Sarune which was a shawm-like double-reed wind instrument and the combination of these two musicalbinstruments were considered sacred by the Halak peoples. As the music started it's iconically entrancing and nigh-hypnotic melodies, from the darkened streets of the village, the young women of the village emerged while dancing purposefully rigidly in tandem with the music in a formation where the young women in the front were clasping their hands in the somba position while moving them rhythmically along with the music in the traditional Halak dance called the ‘tortor’. All this while the young ladies in the middle of the formation were carrying wooden plates and straw containers on their heads as they also moved according to the rhythm of the music, with many of them even being able to keep their balance so as to have the large plates and straw bags remain on their heads without having to balance the items with their hands. On the plates were the various main dishes of meat made from the Rhino as well as some supplementary meat of fishes freshly caught from the River. Within the straw bags that the other women were carrying was pounds and pounds of cooked rice. As was the tradition of almost all the native peoples within the huge island of Neacordis, white rice was the staple food of the Halak peoples. It was to the point where many people would say that they haven't eaten if they had yet to have rice on that day.

Despite the fragrance of the aroma coming from the food that was coming and about to be served by the young women of the village, Josias' attentions were instead captured by the young woman who was dancing at the head of the troupe. His beloved Serena was full of smiles as she focused on her dancing. Along with the rest of the young women, she had worn special make up on that day which accentuates her beauty, that along with her hair that had been tied to a bun while she wore an ornate ‘Sortali’ headband which was decorated by bronze coated with gold. The clothes the young women wore were composed of only a simple but intricately designed fabric cloth which was tightly wrapped around their upper torso, covering their chests but exposing their shoulders while the cloth covered all the way down to below their knees while they wore another ulos cloth over their shoulder. Josias couldn't keep his mouth closed as he left it agape at the sight of Serena's shapely figure accentuated by the traditional outfit she was wearing. Noticing this behaviour, his grandfather the King gave a small chuckle before he put his hand to Josia's chin to close the gaping mouth. The act startled Josias who immediately shook his head and snapped him out of the trance. As the king laughed however weakly with coughs interjected in between, Josias could only laugh sheepishly as his face reddened while he scratched his head in embarrassment.

Immediately the King leaned sideways towards the Bishop who was sitting to his left side and said, “Bang Wig, My grandson said your daughter looks exceptionally pretty tonight…”

“Oh did he now?” Ludwig gave a playful smile before he looked towards the young Prince Josiah. Lord Parulian also saw the scene of his son looking at Serena lovestruck also joined in the fun of teasing Josias.

“What was that quote from scripture again, Tulang (Uncle) Ludwig? It's on the tip of my tongue but I can't seem to recall…” Parulian was saying as he pretended not to remember “Something about eyes and looking at someone with lust…”

“‘But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart’... The Gospel of the Apostle Matthaios, Chapter V, verse twenty eight.” Ludwig said as he played along with Parulian before he dramatically put the back of his right hand to his forehead while looking to his father-in-law, Lord Marasi “Oh dear Father in Heaven! What are we to do, Lord Marasi? This young swinish rascal has dared to desire your precious granddaughter!”

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Ludwig's playful acting caused Parulian, King Parhal, as well as Lord Marasi and the people around them to laugh out loud in joy.

“There is no other choice then, my Lord Ephorus!” The old but spry Lord Marasi joined in the acting as he put on a serious yet exaggerated front “Such an act that defiles the purity of my beloved granddaughter carries a steep price! I shall demand the young rascal to take responsibility and care for my granddaughter for the rest of his miserable life! And I shall expect a very heavy ‘sinamot’ (dowry) from the boy's family. With all due respect, Lord King, it falls on you to make this right!”

“Oh Lord, I'm already dying as is but seeing my dearest friend extort me like this!” Finally the King joined in on the fun “Such a price would be steep considering the beauty and wit of the Young Lady! Any man upon this Plane of Existence would desire her. The dowry will send me to my grave but I swear I will not die until I see your granddaughter and my grandson sitting next to each other at the throne of marriage!”

“”Emma tutu!! (It is agreed!!)”” everyone around them shouted in unison before they exploded into a fit of laughter. As if by pure coincidence, Serena had approached the gathering with the main dish serving of meat and rice to be placed in front of the people as she had gracefully knelt on both feet while arranging the food. Due to the Halak people's notorious boisterousness when speaking, she had caught most of what they were talking about and was greatly blushing along with her beloved Josias who could only hang his head and face the ground in embarrassment as he held his crossed legs while King Parhal and Lord Parulian had out their arms around him to cheer him on. Despite all that, Serena couldn't help but have a big smile plastered across her face as she couldn't even hide how happy she felt despite her duties. Catching a glimpse of her smiling face, Josias nodded as he steeled himself and resolved within his heart to prepare as soon as possible to make an honest woman out of his beloved.

Soon enough after some time had passed, all the food dishes and rice had been arranged and served to all the groupings of people in the square with many of the people unable to hide their desires at the sight of the succulent food that lay before them. The fragrance of the Rhino meat which was served in two ways could only entice them further as some of the children could be seen wiping their mouths as they couldn't help but salivate at the sight of such a meal. The first way that the Rhino meat had been servers was called the ‘Saksang’ in which the meat was minced into many smaller pieces before being stewed in it's own blood mixed with coconut milk, limes, and a mixture of other spices that were native to the Halaklands including hot chili peppers, bay leaves, shallot, garlic, and the almighty andaliman pepper spice. The second way the dish was served was called ‘panggang’ in which is was more traditionally grilled and roasted before being served with dipping sauce also made by it's blood. Accompanying the meat dish were bone marrow soup dishes which was also accompanied by lime and other ingredients. It was a great feast that night. The Halak prided themselves on such dishes of blood and the like but it wasn't just pure barbarism as the dishes themselves were very tasty.

Finally when all the dishes had been served and the young women had also taken their seats on the ground amongst the crowd, King Parhal motioned to bishop Ludwig beside him who nodded before he stood up from his position as he brought his hands together. As he stood up, the people quieted down once more before he cleared his throat with a couple more coughs than necessary.

“Horas ma di Hita saluhutna. Tu ho sude angka natuatuanami, naposoposonami, Manang pe tu ho angka anakkonami dison… (Peace be upon us all, to you Elders, Young folk, as well as to our children here.) In front of us has already been served a great and wonderful meal courtesy of our great young warriors who have been able to make this happen for us…” Ludwig started as he put his hands in a praying position in front of him while talking “But let us not forget that all of this is made possible only through the blessed providence, kindness, grace, and mercy that flows everlasting from our Father in Heaven. Therefore before we partake in this Blessed meal, let us first say our graces to the Lord, but before that, a single hymn to remind us to always be thankful…”

And with that, Ludwig began swinging as he also motioned to the person playing the ‘Hasapi’ string instrument to help set the base note.

“~Godang ni pasupasu i, dilehon Tuhanki… (Some thank the Lord for friends and home, for mercies sure and sweet…)” Ludwig sang as the crowd - with the marked exception of some - followed along in singing “~Tarlobi asiasiMi marhite Anakmi (But I would praise Him for his grace, in prayer I would repeat!)”

“”’~Jalo ma pujiankki, Jesus sipangolu I! (Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul! Thank you, Lord, for making me whole!)””” As the people followed along in singing, the Halak showed off their natural talent in the art of the voice as without any prior direction, the villagers had neatly separated their voices into tenors, altos, and bases to weave together a beautiful harmony “~Boi ahu bongot tu Surgo i? Marnida hasangaponMi… (Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation so rich and free…)”

“Martangiang ma hita… Marhitehite Goar ni Debata Ama, dohot Anak, dohot Tondi Parbadia… (Let us pray, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit..” Ludwig immediately made the sign of the cross followed by most of the villagers who crossed themselves with the most blatant exception of Lord Partogi and His wife which Josias' noticed as he peeked a little before closing his eyes to follow along in prayer “Dear Father, Almighty God, who reigns from Heaven above. We Your children come before You now, ready to partake in such Great Blessing for which You have provided us. This we feast to celebrate Your holy providence and protection that You have granted to us through the strength that You have invested upon Your young and mighty warriors here! May they always be blessed, always be strengthened, and always be the foremost in the vanguard of Your sacred armies, Heavenly Father, as we struggle and fight against the enemies, the principalities, and the darkness of this world brought forth by the adversary. Also Lord we pray that You may bless the food that had been prepared for us, that You may bless each and every hand that had partaken in the preparations for everyone here, and most importantly, that it maybe a source of strength and health for all of us here. All this we pray in Your most Holy Name, through the intercession of Your Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who has taught us to pray…”

As the Ephorus spoke those words, the people followed automatically as if it were second nature like breathing as they recited the Most Common and Universal prayer of All Christians on Orbis, the Lord's Prayer, “Ale Amanami na di Banuaginjang, sai pinarbadia ma GoarMu, sai ro ma harajaonMu, sai saut ma lomo no rohaM di Banuatonga on songon na di Banuaginjang. Lehon ma tu Hami sadari on, hangoluan siapari. Sesa ma dosanami, songon panesanami di dosa no dongan na mardosa tu hami. Unang hami togihon tu pangunjunan, palua ma Hami Sian pangago…”

Finally the people sung the final part of the prayer which was the Great Doxology, “~Ai Ho do nampuna harajaon, dohot hagogoon, ro di hasangapon… salelengnilelengna… Amen…!! (For Thine is the Kingdon everlasting, and to Thee the Power, and to Thee the Glory. Forever and ever, Amen…!)”

Ludwig bowed his head as he raised and spread both his hands and palms towards the crowd as most of them bowed with many even stretching or drawing out their hands in front of them in a supine position as if to say that they were ready to receive the blessings. Immediately Ludwig's hand's glowed in a brilliant golden Light as a similarly Golden aura permeated throughout the crowd as he spoke, “Sai dipasupasu jala diramoti Tuhanta Debata Jahowa Ma Ho. Sai didompakkon ma Tuhan Debata Jahowa ma bohiNa tu ho jala asi ma RohaNa mida Ho. Sai dipasondangkon ma Jahowa ma BohiNa tu ho jala dipasaorhon ma dameNa tu tondim! Amen! (The Lord Blesses you and Keeps You, The Lord lifts up His countenance towards you and be gracious towards you, the Lord lifts up His face towards you, and gives you peace! Amen!”

“”’Amen…! Amen…! Amen…!”’’” the crowd sang out in beautiful unison the final three Amens.

“Horas!!” Ludwig finally said as the crowd responded to him likewise and he sat down. And so the feast had well and truly started as the cheerful and lively music restarted ande veryone started to enjoy themselves to the fullest.