Illaine
The Illaine is a beautiful and yet fragile-looking flower that only blooms during winter and in the light of the Tewyblis. Some might recognise its shape from its cousin, the snowdrop. But while the snowdrop blossoms in spring are in the lower part of Northern Agia, and across most of Agia, its cousin, the Illaine survives much harsher weather.Upon the white fields in the darkest time,
A flower blossom, in light shine.
Blooms to greet the Tewyblis,
In the cold it does resists.
Myth behind the Illaine
When Hailan Isith was defeated by Foras in 931 BGD. It is said, the goddess Rathias shed her tears for her lost friend and adopted daughter. The tears she shed were under a full Tewyblis, in one of the coldest months, and from her tears came a little flower to be. Despite Rathias did not have any light and therefore could not create anything living, it is seen as a sign for many Northerners that Agia tried to comfort Rathias in her grief.Description
The Illaine is about 14-30 cm high, flowering between Tynebris Temyn and Glux Iselum, the four winter months in Agia. The plant itself lives for about three or more years, and grows from the bulb in the ground. From the bulb, three leaves that are narrow and lanceolate, with a blue-greyish colour, and the flower stalk, grow. The flower stalk is long and thin and grows directly from the bulb. On its top, it bears a solitary white and blue flower.The flower consists of either three to four outer petals that are white and sometimes slightly blue or silverish, and provide around 12-21 inner petals. The inner petals are greenish-blue with a bright white border around each petal. During the night when the Tewyblis shines down on the flower, both its leaves and flower glows. The leaves have a dimmer and darker glow than the flower petals, but they are still visible in the dark.
When the flower is still a bud, it hangs its head like an ordinary snowdrop, but when the moonlight touches the flower, it raises its head to greet the light. When the snow disappears and spring moves to land, the flower has faded away, and only a few weeks after the leaves follow. Leaving the bulb in the ground waiting for the next winter to come.
Medical Properties
The people of the North often connect the flower to youth, somehow several people claim their memory loss connected to old age is being on hold when eating the bulb. Others claim the bulb helped their nerve pains, and thus many view this plant as sacred. A means to be youthful once more.Cultural Significance
The sap of the flower is used as an oil during funerals and Light Baths. The sap also contains the substance, which makes the flower glow, and thus if the oil is in the light of the Tewyblis, it will also glow white with a blush tone. Only priests are allowed to make the holy oil made from the sap, and anyone who attempts to make it will suffer dire consequences.The plant is also a well liked flower to put in coffins before the lid is putted on the coffin. A reminder that the soul is becoming youthful once again in the afterlife. The name Illaine means youthful and is a rather common name in Northern Agia.
Lifespan
3+ years
Average Height
14-30 cm.
The flower is about 2-5 cm.
Geographic Distribution
I love the art so much. The story is lovely and nostalgic, it reminds me of the ones I was told about flowers growing up. You weave it in well with your worldbuilding too, talking about how it's a common name, a common funerary flower, etc. Lovely work!
Thank you so much <3 That really means a lot to me!