Maelis, the Songbird (ˈmeɪ.lɪs)

Maelis graces the Merillian Decadivum as a major deity whose essence exudes the subtlety of a melody and the vibrancy of a painter's palette. Known as the Songbird, her presence is the brushstroke of complexity on the canvas of the First World infusing it with the hues of raw feeling and the rhythms of heartfelt expression. Her influence is not one of overt power but of profound inspiration, touching upon the souls of all who seek the deeper resonances of life.
While not the sole object of worship, Maelis' spirit is acknowledged in the quiet moments of creation, the intimate whispers of lovers, and the unbounded expressions that break forth from the chains of convention. She is the unseen zephyr that stirs the leaves to dance and the silent muse behind every artist's vision. Maelis is the essence that enlivens the cycle of emotions, the silent serenade that plays beneath the bustle of daily life, and the gentle reminder of the freedoms that lie just beyond the veil of the ordinary.

Temples of Maelis

The temples dedicated to Maelis are enchanting spaces, designed to resonate with the ebb and flow of creativity and the harmony of the human spirit. Each temple is strategically placed to embody the deity's inspirations, often found in locations thriving with cultural vibrancy and natural beauty.

Architecture

Constructed with a deep appreciation for artistry, Maelis' temples often feature graceful arches and soaring domes, with facades that incorporate elements of design from theaters and galleries. The materials vary, from warm-hued sandstone to richly veined marble, chosen to complement the local environment and artistic traditions.

Performance Stages and Theaters

At the heart of every temple is a performance stage, an embodiment of the temple's dedication to the living arts. The stages are designed with open plans, allowing for various performances, from intimate recitals to grand theatrical productions. Acoustic design is paramount, ensuring that every note and word reaches the audience with clarity. These spaces are often semi-outdoor, blurring the lines between the temple's interior and the world outside, symbolizing the accessibility of art to all.

Sanctuaries for Union

Small, intimate chapels provide a sacred space for personal rites, particularly unions and reaffirmations of love. These sanctuaries are adorned with art that captures the essence of partnership and intimacy, often featuring natural light that bathes the couple in a soft glow during their ceremonies.

Libraries of Lore and Song

Branching from the central performance space are libraries that serve as repositories for musical scores, poetic anthologies, and narratives of historic performances. These tranquil halls are lined with shelves that reach towards ornately painted ceilings, depicting the muse's influence across time. Reading nooks and study areas offer spaces for quiet reflection and study, inviting a deeper appreciation of the artistic journey.

Festival Grounds

Adjacent to the temple or within its precincts are open spaces designated for festivals and communal celebrations. These are vibrant, adaptable areas that come alive during feast days, marked by the spontaneous performances of troupes and the shared experiences of the community. They are a testament to the temple's role as a center for communal joy and celebration.

Design Elements

The overall design of Maelis' temples integrates features that encourage both contemplation and joyful expression. Stained glass windows scatter colorful light across interior spaces, creating an ever-shifting tapestry that mirrors the dynamic nature of emotion and art. Sculptures and frescoes celebrating the beauty of artistic and emotional expression adorn the walls, telling stories without words.

Gardens and Retreats

Surrounding the temples, or sometimes enclosed within their courtyards, are gardens that serve as retreats for meditation and inspiration. These gardens are carefully curated with plants that attract songbirds and other wildlife, creating a natural symphony that compliments the artistic atmosphere of the temple.

Divine Domains

Maelis presides over music, dance, joy, and freedom. As the Songbird, she is the muse of musicians and the patroness of dancers. She champions the joy that comes from music and dance and the freedom these arts provide from the world's burdens. She also symbolizes liberation, encouraging her followers to live life unchained by societal expectations.

Divine Symbols & Sigils

The primary symbol of Maelis is a stylized songbird in flight, often portrayed against the backdrop of musical notes. Another widely recognized symbol is a silver flute, representing her divine instrument. These symbols are often worn as jewelry by her followers or are carved into musical instruments. Temples dedicated to Maelis often feature these symbols in their architecture or decor.

Tenets of Faith

Celebrate Life Through Music and Dance: Followers of Maelis are encouraged to express their emotions and experiences through music and dance. They believe that these art forms are gifts from Maelis to celebrate life's joys and cope with its trials.
Cherish Freedom: Maelis teaches her followers to value their freedom – freedom of thought, of expression, and of being. Her followers are encouraged to live life unburdened by societal norms and expectations.
Spread Joy: Devotees of Maelis are taught to spread joy and happiness. They are expected to use their music and dance to uplift others, bring them comfort, and share the joy they derive from their art.

Holidays

Festival of Melodies (14th of Verdantbloom): A day dedicated to celebrating music in all its forms. Followers of Maelis perform music in the streets, houses, and temples, filling the air with harmonious melodies. The festival culminates with a grand concert at sundown.
Dance of Liberation (30th of Ivorybloom): This day marks the freedom of expression through dance. Public spaces are filled with dancers of all kinds, each performing their unique style. The day ends with a grand ball where everyone is invited to dance.
Day of Laughter (22nd of Goldbloom): This day is dedicated to spreading joy and happiness. Followers of Maelis are encouraged to share jokes, stories, and songs that bring joy to people, aiming to fill the world with laughter and merriment.

Physical Description

Body Features

Maelis embodies the grace and beauty of music and dance. She appears as a slender and elegant figure with the dual traits of an elf and a bird. Her skin glows softly, a gentle shimmer akin to morning dew under the first rays of sunlight, while her eyes are a deep, mesmerizing sapphire, twinkling with mirth and knowledge.
Maelis' hair is long, flowing, and resembles the color of a starry night sky. It cascades down her back, moving rhythmically as though caught in a perpetual gentle breeze. From her back sprout two grand wings, not unlike those of a songbird, shimmering with countless hues, akin to a rainbow after a gentle rain. When she unfurls them, the sight is breathtaking, and the soft rustle of her feathers often syncs with the rhythm of a distant song.
Her face is softly angular, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and full lips that often carry a knowing smile. Her fingers are long and delicate, perfect for the gentle plucking of lute strings or the swift, precise movements of a dance.
As for her attire, Maelis prefers garments that are light and flowing, often resembling the styles worn by dancers. These clothes are adorned with delicate embroidery and patterns that seem to shift and move with the music in the air. No matter her guise, Maelis always carries a silver flute, a gift from Elyndra, the Dreamweaver, which is said to create the most harmonious notes ever heard.

Divine Classification

Major Deity

Realm

The First World

Presentation

Feminine