The leaves are turning from green to a firework display of golds, reds and oranges. It is the Autumn Equinox and the time when we celebrate Illuridei, or the Watchers Flame. All members of the Alliance are cordially invited to attend this autumn celebration.
On the 21st of Kaldore the Nightblades, together with guests from near and far, celebrated Illuridei – The Watcher’s Flame. The celebration began in Astranaar where each participant was given a flower crown to wear, as well as a small bag of seeds. Together the group set out from Astranaar in procession, walking in almost complete darkness until they reached a small moonwell font close to Raynewood tower.
At the font, Priestess Ialluen Moonglow, assisted by Novice Kathene Wildstar, performed a ritual to honour the Watcher’s Flame. During the ritual the group lit lanterns as a way to pay homage to the Watcher’s Flame and as a symbol of sharing wisdom and knowledge amongst oneanother.
With lanterns lighting their way, the group then left Raynewood tower and headed along the road towards Forest Song. Along the way they raised their voices in an ancient hymn to the Night Warrior, welcoming the dark aspect of Elune and embracing the darker months ahead.
At Forest Song, Acolyte Telariel Moonseeker, assisted by Novice Kathene Wildstar, led the celebrants through a ritual to honour the Night Warrior and get her blessing of might and strength. Weapons from fallen Horde soldiers were ritually burned in a moonfire brazier and once the blessing had been bestowed and the ritual concluded, the group left Forest Song to embark on the last leg of their journey.
The procession continued on towards Azshara and Talrendis Point. Once they arrived, they gathered at the Moonwell and a last ritual to honour the harvest was enacted. Seeds were scattered around the moonwell and once the ceremony was concluded, all attendees were invited to partake in a hearty and delicious harvest feast. Stories of wisdom learned and knowledge gained were told around the fires as the evening’s celebrations continued on well into the early hours of the morning.
