Saint Celeste

Saint Celeste was born in the summer of 101 to a blacksmith and his wife. Well into their middle years and blessed with five sons, they had lost hope of ever having a daughter. So joyous were they at her birth, they named her after their beloved Queen unaware of what an impact the Queen's death would have on the tiny infant's life.

A child of eight at the time of the royal massacre, she accompanied her family on their excursion to fulfill the Law of the Spring in compliance with King Dav's Declarations. As the pure water touched her lips, Celeste was filled with such religious fervor that she broke from her family and ran off into the wilderness. Making her home in a nearby cave, she spent those early days in quiet prayer and contemplation. Gradually she began venturing out to speak to the pilgrims who would regularly visit the spring. As word of this pious child spread, larger crowds began to gather to listen to her speak softly of the importance of charity and kindness.

In the winter of 120, at the age of nineteen, she was found dead by the spring, both hands clasped over her heart as if in prayer. In her hands, she held a single red rose. There were no marks on her body nor were there indications of illness or poison. It was determined that mages, jealous of her piety and fearful of the sentiments she inspired in others, used their evil talents to silence her. King Dav, so distraught upon hearing of her death, immediately declared her a martyr and saint.

In artistic renderings, Saint Celeste is usually shown as a delicate child holding a red rose between both hands as she kneels before the sacred spring. A holy day is observed in honor of the anniversary of her death on Februarius 14th. Devout followers pass the day in quiet contemplation and acts of charity.