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Citadel Plaza, Lumiiryn, Lumiir, Iythara
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The people of Lumiir have deep connections between their spirits and nature. These connections manifest as bioluminescent light, which they’ve learned to harness for a wide variety of purposes.
The Sacred Light Garden is a lush patch of land where the strongest connections are often found. It is alight with glowing blue plants of every shape and size. The greatest honor you can receive in Lumiir is an invitation to place your light in the garden.
If a person is strong spirited and good natured, they will find a strong connection resulting in a bright light. Once placed, their light drips onto the garden bed and sprouts a bioluminescent plant which will continue growing as long as there is enough light to sustain it. When a person passes away, their light passes too. These plants can grow quite large, reflecting the strength and heart of the person, and can be any variety from large, sturdy trees to delicate, beautiful blossoming vines.
The lights of Lumiir’s current emperor and next ascendant to the throne always shine the brightest. People commonly believe that if an emperor or ascendant’s light is dimmed or extinguished, they should lose the right to rule the empire. If both lights were extinguished, leaving Lumiir without a ruler, most would see that as a sign of the end of Lumiir.
Inspiration for the Sacred Light Garden (Image credit: Alamy)
Inspiration for the Sacred Light Garden (Image credit: Alamy)
When an emperor passes away, the Sacred Light Garden brightens the spirit light of the next ascendant. The garden typically chose a spirit from the current royal family, but the people of Lumiir accept its choice even if it chooses an unexpected person. No one in Lumiir’s history has ever rejected the role once chosen by the garden.
The Royal Citadel was built next to the garden so that emperors throughout time could provide protection. The Caretakers and Guards of the Sacred Light Garden are highly coveted roles in Lumiir, despite the years of delicate training required. Lights that are not good in nature will create a toxic plant when extinguished, causing surrounding plants to sicken. This sickness will spread until the plant is removed and the remaining plants carefully treated. As a result, the empire is very selective on who they allow to hold a light in the garden and barriers are placed around the most vital areas.
(Image credit: Pixabay)
(Image credit: Bigstock)
(Image credit: Getty Images)