Deeath is not an unkown on the Mortal Lands; nay, it persists in even its name. But what comes after remains but a figment of mystery to the inhabitants of the mortal planes. Legends and speculation abound, but even the oldest myths tell that one must not depart these lands unprepared.
Components
The most important component of the ritual is the Walker's Bread. It is a small loaf of bread, often no bigger than a fist. In the earliest history of the Mortal lands the bread itself had no adornments, save for the fact that it was filling despite its small size. As time passed and nomadic tribes settled down to build settlements, then cities, small additions like dried berries or honeyed tops were added, especially for those who could not be convinced to eat otherwise. A small vial of water accompanies the bread, so as the sojourner will not thirst.
In Modern times, the tradition of the Walker's Bread and how it is baked varies between geographic regions, and the ingredients available. Cincinni uses a flatter bread covered in a fine sweet powder, while Ruben and Lazuli use puffier doughs stuffed with dried fruits.
Creator of All, guardian of our Spirits and Souls,
Stretch your guiding hand over this Sojourner,
as they prepare to pass through the Mortal Veil
into the Lands that wait beyond our reach.
Love them, Cherish them, Guide them,
Welcome them into your Awaiting Arms.
Execution
The Seer, the one who gives the Bread, bears the sustenance in a small basket covered with a cloth. They bear it either to the Sojourner's bedside, or to the line of soldiers waiting for battle. The Bread is presented, with a phial of water to the Sojourner. The Sojourner eats, often with a family member at hand to help break the bread into small pieces for the especially frail. As they eat, the Seer recites a prayer, a blessing of safe journeys for the Sojourner. The mark of the Creator is carefully traced on the Sojourner's head with pigment or berry juice, that they may be recognized as a friendly spirit by their fellow Sojourners once they have passed through the veil.
In more modern times, the Priest will use holy water rather than berry juice, but the sentiment is still the same; that the blessings of the Creator will be with them long after their spirit has departed the Mortal Realm.
Participants
Though the spirit of the Walker's Bread is a private affair between the Seer and the Sojourner, more often than not a family member or two is close at hand, with the rest of the family and village waiting outside the door. The Seer is a respected member of the community who fufills a spiritual role; a Literal Seer in days past, in more recent times a Priest or a Deacon. The Sojourner is the ill, or the one likely to die in battle before final rites can be properly presented.
In cases where the Sojourner is especially frail or unable to accept the bread on their own, a family member or aide is present to assist with consumption. In rather volatile cases involving rich estates and egotistic family members, a lawyer and a mage talented in detecting poison is also present.
Beloved Progeny, Light in eternal Darkness,
Shine your spirit upon this Soul,
That they may be guided from these Mortal Lands
through the Veil that separates us from the Glorious
And begin their Journey to your promised Paradise.
Observance
The Walker's Bread is traditionally given close to the death of the Sojourner, usually at the end of one's life or when a terminal illness is about to take the person from their loved ones. Seers would visit soldiers before battle and administer the rite to those who did not believe they would make it home.
It is often the case that the Seer would not arrive with the Bread until after the Sojourner had departed. in that event a small piece of the bread is broken off and placed on the Sojourner's tongue, the rest buried with them in their hand.
History
The Walker's Bread derives from the ancient legend of
The Walkers. The two first beings on this earth made by the Creator, separated after innocent but tragic betrayal, and forced to walk the lands until the end of days. The earliest tribes that roamed the land in the time of the Memoria held the belief that upon death, one's soul would join one of the Walkers in their journey. Those on their deathbeds or going into battle against impossible odds were given a small loaf of Walker's Bread to eat; "Food for the Journey" should their spirit join the Walkers.
At the end of the Marble era, with the sudden birth of the Creator's Church, it was taught that souls no longer needed to wander in sojourn with the Walkers, for the Creator had called them home to the Eternal Realm. The Walkers themselves would remain as guides for those who were passing between the worlds, only fated to meet when all others had passed. However, the Walker's Bread is still traditionally given to those who will soon pass through the Mortal veil.
Walkers, Guides and Guardians of wandering Souls,
Reach your hands towards this departing one.
Aleith and Cerhai, Twin Spirits in Two,
May you ever guide our weary ones to their Eternal Rest
Until the day you too pass into the Eternal Lands.
Comments