The Harmonic Accord

The Harmonic Accord began not in public decree, but in private, with meditative intention at the turn of the year; each soul offering a quiet vow to live in harmony with kin, grove, and self. This is a rite of renewal, whispered to the unseen, carried to The Resonant One, whose presence is felt in every vow.

At the full moon, prior to the winter's solstice, there is a public ceremony where the folk gather in communal reflection and connection. Hymns are sung and requests made to the Watchers for either confirmation that the harmony has been maintained or for signs of clarity to reflect and correct, for some a more dire pleading to avoid the reckoning and for another chance at restoration. 

The Watchers (The Steward and The Harbinger) are not sovereign. They move as operatives of The Resonant One, the unseen hand that guides the Accord’s rhythm. Where the Watchers reinforce or urge gently, The Resonant One grows impatient with any false harmony, each discordant act like a grating note in its ear. For those who stray from the path, The Watchers plead for mercy: for another chance at restoration, and often, The Resonant One relents, granting time for correction.  In that silence, when patience frays, it descends in silence and removes the disharmonious chord with finality.

The Accord is lifted to starlight. The threads: its frays, its flourishes, its forgotten strands illuminated in the clear light. Those who have walked in quiet accord, where harmony has endured, are affirmed and warmth remains. Those who have veiled discord in praise and hubris, where false accord has festered, silence and cold settles, their sins of pride laid bare.

For those the Watchers visit, The Steward is a pleasant welcoming, though even the Harbinger is appreciated as though the path forward requires honesty and accountability, another opportunity remains, as no one knows when The Resonant One's patience will run out.

No names are spoken. No final verdict passed. But the pact is held to the light and truth is made visible as the Accord seeks balancing as the turn of the new year awaits.

Some whisper that those laid bare simply vanish, erased from the communal song. Others believe they remain but recognize they can no longer exist within the communal harmony and attempt to find another communal song. None can say for certain, for The Resonant One does not explain - it only resolves.