The Grand Sanctum of Vespera

In the city of Dewberry, on the island of Gorus, a new temple is slowly rising. Commissioned by Queen Catia and King Isodoro Felice, it now occupies a long-empty space in the venerable Temple Square—a place where no new sanctuaries have been added in many years.   Temple Square is one of Dewberry’s most beloved destinations, where small temples form a radiant ring of devotion to each god and goddess of the Veil. At its center stands a masterfully carved fountain crowned in gold, watched over by a marble effigy of Ygharis, the goddess of Life. Locals and pilgrims alike gather there to rest, reflect, or simply bask in the presence of old grace.   Now, a new shape joins the skyline. The Grand Sanctum of Vespera, goddess of Love, has begun to take form—almost as if summoned by longing itself. Across the islands, shrines and sanctums in her name are blossoming, as though hearts everywhere have turned toward her all at once.   Some say this wave of devotion began with the noble paladin Arthur Flameheart, who, in a moment of fierce love and unwavering faith, shattered his enchanted bracelet of fate and made a wish: that Vespera be known throughout the world—not just in whispered prayers or fey glades, but in stone, in voice, in every heart that dares to love.   Arthur still walks the world, a living vessel of her light, and his wish continues to unfold—its echo reaching even here, in the foundation stones of Dewberry.   In the temple’s current state, its beauty already begins to stir the soul. The foundation is laid in radiant pink marble, quarried from Mothalsia and warm to the touch. Skilled mosaic workers, their fingers stained with stone dust and pigment, are carefully inlaying Vespera’s sigil—the Heartblossom—into the floor: a flower blooming with love’s many forms. Columns rise in elegant arcs, framing what will become the main prayer hall. Above, scaffolding stretches like the bones of wings, awaiting the great domed roof that will one day crown the sanctum and open to the sky on festival nights.   At the heart of the structure lies space for an inner garden, now just beginning to grow. Saplings brought from Mothalsia—delicate and silvery-leaved—have taken root in sacred soil, a living homage to the glade where Vespera first bloomed from the Ambrosia Flower.   Though incomplete, the sanctum already draws reverence. Silk offerings flutter from scaffolding like ribbons in the wind. Lovers tie charms to the garden’s temporary gates. Poets pause to sketch the rising arches. Some kneel at the edge of the foundation stones and whisper soft prayers, thanking the goddess for connection, for comfort, for the ache of devotion that makes life sweet.   It is said that the first Festival of the Heart’s Embrace to be held here will be unlike any before. Perhaps even Vespera herself will walk among her followers again.   The sanctum is still rising—but already, it breathes. Love, it seems, is building something sacred here. Stone by stone. Heart by heart.
 

© Sorianna Choate. All rights reserved. All written content, including character, setting, and lore, is the original creation of Sorianna Choate. Artwork and imagery are original works by the author. No part of this piece may be copied, reproduced, or used without explicit permission

Comments

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Aug 2, 2025 12:36 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Oo, pink marble. Fancy. I bet this will be beautiful when it is finished.

Emy x
Explore Etrea | Summer Camp 2025
Aug 2, 2025 14:45 by Sorianna Choate

Definitely! Maybe I’ll paint this one when I get time.