Seiryuu's Shrine

[Seiryuu]

Located on the small stretch of land across Staten Island's Seaside Wildlife Nature Park is a magnificent tower that reaches far into the sky. Over a thousand feet high, the tower houses a single elevator that reaches to the very top. It opens onto a platform at the roof of the tower.

Surrounded on all sides with tall railings to prevent falls, visitors are protected from the buffeting winds of that height by an unseen bubble around the platform. At the center crouches a glass statue of the dragon deity, wings folded at his back and head lowered to eye-level, appearing to make eye contact with those who approach. Offerings are set between Seiryuu's front paws.

[Luna Grace Larel]

Luna walked into the tall building, holding a bouquet of flowers in front of her. It was a meager offering, but she hoped it was enough. She didn't want to god to be angry at her, in fact, she wanted his favor. The only people she could truely trust with her feelings were her and her deity. He might not care about what she said, but it just felt good to speak about it out loud.

Entering the doorway, she walked down the hallway, her shoes clacking down the tiled hallway. Luna had worn her good shoes, the ones with a heel. Her dress was also a nicer dress, not the normal jeans and shirt that she wore. Smoothing down her hair on instinct, she wanted to make sure she looked good at the shrine. After all, it was only polite.

Approaching the elevator, she pressed the button then awkwardly stood there. It was not a long wait, since the elevator was high-tech in favor of Seiryuu. When she entered, a Priest opened the door and motioned for her to hold the elevator. Waiting until he joined her, she dipped her head polietly to her higher-up while closing the door.

Like while waiting for the elevator to arrive, the journey up didn't take long. The Priest exited first, and she followed in his footsteps. He wandered off, and finally she was left alone to pray to her deity. Walking to where the statue stood, she placed the flowers - daisies - on the floor in front of Seiryuu, then knelt down, placing her heads together and bowing her head.

Murmuring the words of a prayers, she sat in silence for a long moment, then finally whispered, "I'm sorry, that my father hasn't been here lately. Ever since Mum had died . . . he hasn't been the same, and I fear that his belief and trust in you has faded. Maybe I could make up for him, in my prayers. Please . . . don't hurt him for his non-belief in you . . . he's all I have left."

With that said, Luna stood back up, stretching her cramped muscles. Bowing one last time, the woman turned around and left the shrine, hoping that her prayer and offering were enough for his favor.