[The Ruined Cathedral] Baptism of Nathan II

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Aldin
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[The Ruined Cathedral] Baptism of Nathan II

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The Ruined Cathedral, blasted apart and burning continuously since the days of the Butter Bull's reign of mild terror, had been chosen by certain religious and civic authorities as the location of Nathan II's baptism. The Pentheros inspected the holy fires and concluded that they would not burn people. Anyone who would be burned, it was theorized, was likely to have an evil or impure soul and would be cast out of the ceremony. Preparations were made and invitations were sent across Micras to all heads of state, government, religious and civil leaders.

Several of those responsible for Nathan II's safety advised against a ceremony in Lindstrom, it the total domain of the present Emperor, and recommended Flaventia, Athlon, and even Haraldsborg as safer alternatives. Aldin and Kyle were in agreement, that Nathan II must be baptized here in Lindstrom, to publicly state a claim to the boy's birthright as future Emperor of the Natopians.

Aldin had prepared special butter for the boy's first communion. And the baptismal font in the cathedral had been filled with milk from dairy farms across the Empire. A farm from every demesne was represented in the giant pool of milk. Full submersion in milk was generally reserved for converts from other religions, to represent total renewal in Bous, and special occasions like Nathan's.

Aldin called the special Baptismal Herd to order, standing in front of the milk font, which was built behind the altar, with a visible side to allow the baptism to be witnessed. He lead the herd in prayer and a song, "The Spirit of Cow like Butter if Melting," it was Nathan II's favorite hymn, and it was originally written by Nathan I, so it was appropriate to sing at this occasion. The song was so ancient, that it was before the full revelation of Bous as four-parts, and the hymn sings only to the Butter Cow. Aldin was aware of this, and wanted to foster a connection in the public's eye between Nathan II and the Butter Cow, which was the benevolent, just, and tolerant aspect of Bous. He also hoped the hopeful and mild jingoism of the song would rally the faithful behind Nathan when the time was right. Nathan II was to be the second coming of Nathan the First, and he would restore Natopia to its former liberal utopia.

The Spirit of Cow like butter is melting;
The latter day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning;
The angels are coming to visit the earth

We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of Athlon:
Hosanna, hosanna to Cow and the Saints!
Reverence to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever: acow and acow!

The Cow is extending Athlon’s understanding—
Restoring her judges and all as at first;
The knowledge and power of Cow are expanding
The veil o'er the earth is beginning to burst.

We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of Athlon:
Hosanna, hosanna to Cow and the Saints!
Reverence to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever: acow and acow!

We call in our bovine assemblies, in spirit,
To spread forth the Kingdom of Athlon abroad,
That we through our faith may begin to inherit
The visions, and blessings, and glories of Cow.

We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of Athlon:
Hosanna, hosanna to Cow and the Saints!
Reverence to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever: acow and acow!


Aldin then beckoned for Nathan to join him in the font of milk, both were wearing pure white clothing and seemed to just be floating heads and hands in the milk. Aldin spoke to Nathan, asking him if he accepted Bous as lord into his heart, Nathan nodded, "Yes, I accept Bous into my heart."

Aldin put his hand on the boy's back, "Then Bous now accepts you, fully and completely," and leaned the boy back into the milk until he was fully submerged, then tipped him back up. The baptism was complete. Aldin and Nathan left the font to go change for the first communion ceremony.

A bosarch led the herd in several more hymns while Aldin changed into his full Pentheral regalia and Nathan changed into his royal attire as Faro. A simple stool had been placed in front of the font. Aldin stood next to it and Nathan sat down. Aldin held up the stick of special butter, and cut it in half. Then cut the remainder into slices and placed them in Nathan's hand one by one.

"The first taste, do this in remembrance of the Cow, let the light of love come through," Nathan ate the first slice of butter.

"The second taste, do this in remembrance of the Bull, let the light of dedication come through," Nathan ate it.

"The third taste, do this in remembrance of the Spirit, let the light of knowledge come through," and Nathan ate it too.

"The fourth taste, do this in remembrance of the Once-Living God, let the light of memories and understanding come through," and Nathan ate it, his eyes opened wide.

Aldin then spoke to the herd, "May Bous bless you all for you have witnessed the miracle of baptism here. Acow."
His Eminence, Aldin Ayreon-Kalirion
Metrobosarch of the Eparchy of Smjorkyr,
Marquess of Sentratera

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Nathan II
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Re: [The Ruined Cathedral] Baptism of Nathan II

Post by Nathan II »

As each butter slice touched his tongue he felt such warmness and joy that he had never felt before. By the fourth slice, he was overwhelmed, memories of people and places and events that he had never experienced. Were these the memories of his great-grandfather?

Nathan could feel a change in his demeanor, a sudden mental maturing and an understanding that a great burden would soon be placed upon him.

He was ready.
His Most Bovic Majesty, Nathan II,
Emperor of the Natopians

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