Merritt

"You wish to know of the Rites of the Spring? Well then, let me enlighten you..."

The Rites of the Spring are a series of rituals undertaken by dragons who wish to become full members of the clan. These rituals are led by either clan leader, as well as one or two Spring Attendants. The Rites are fairly secretive and all who undergo them are sworn to never reveal the details of their trial to anyone else, clan member or not.

All are welcome to participate in the Rites, whether they were born within the clan, or ventured from outside the Labyrinth to settle down. However, once one partakes of the spring waters, they are eternally bonded to the clan and the Gladekeeper.

The Rites are as follows:
1. The dragon must meet with a Spring Attendant to reveal their intent to join the clan permanently.
2. The dragon is accompanied to a small, simplistic, and secluded hut where they are left to themselves for 10 days, to honor the fact that the Gladekeeper is the 10th deity. Here they are encouraged to reflect upon the choices that brought them here and steel themselves for the trials ahead.
3. The dragon must be brought before the Spring with clan leader and Attendant present.
4. The dragon must stare deeply into the Spring as it reveals to them their past and true intentions in vivid detail. If the dragon can maintain its contact with the Spring without flinching away, the Rites continue.
5. The dragon is allowed to drink from the Spring, granting it a longer life and sometimes eternal youth, as well as healing any wounds.
6. The dragon is read the Scripture of the Spring, which swears them to secrecy and congratulates them on becoming a full member.
7. The dragon returns to the clan proper, and can begin life anew.

Depending on the reason a dragon has chosen to partake of the springs waters, they will gain different and unique abilities. For example, a dragon who drinks to regrow a limb might gain the ability to regenerate any limb if it is lost again. A dragon who has a fatal illness might become very resistant to any kind of disease from that point forward. The powers are unique to each individual and are considered permanent

However, if a dragon strays too far away from the spring or outside of the Labyrinth, their gift will slowly fade away until they die. For as soon as they partake of the Spring, they leave a bit of their own magic in the waters as well. They become tied to the clan and to the land.

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Merritt is one of the Spring Attendants. He is in charge of running the aforementioned rights to usher in a dragon's new life.