Moon Lillies

Near the Footprints of the Gods, is an unusual evening sight. Aquatic Lilies growing from the dunes. Their variegated flowers bringing a lovely fragrance to the night air. These lilies actually grow in the natural aquifer that is the footprints of the gods, where the water table is within three feet of the surface. moon lilies are not native to Khemit. with the closest origins of the species is to the south in the Seething Jungles. As the temperature goes down, the lilies stretch their stalks and unfold their pads. the pads have evolved to have fine hairs inside the pad. any fog or morning dew is collected as supplement to the aquifer in case the water table recedes. they stay out to also catch the morning rays of the sun. When it starts getting warm, the Lilly folds up the pad and descends back into the sand. The flowers themselves have a waxy gloss that reflects moonlight more, attracting moths and few other insects to help pollinate. the lotus pods are large enough for camels to eat and possibly move seeds to the next oasis. Moon lilies also grow runners that drift with the underground water currents.

by Midjourney

Survival

The desert tribes look for these lilies to help guide them to water sources that are hidden beneath the sands. If in season, the lotus pods can be cooked and eaten.

History

The story known in Khemit is that, like the footprints, the lilies come from some goddess’s tears as they left this world. The Khasti have a different story to tell. Many generations ago, there was a fantastic garden at the palace of the gods. Water was plentiful there and the gardener imported many beautiful flowers into the garden to the delight of the people. One day the God-king, looked from his balcony overlooking the garden and disapproved of the people coming through the garden, picking flowers and fruit whenever they wanted. So, he commanded building a wall around the garden so only he may look upon its beauty and taste of its fruits. The gardener was unhappy. He believed that the gods originally created the garden for all the people, not just for the God-king. Years went by and the new god king wasn't as interested in the garden, but he enjoyed bathing. he wanted huge pools of varying temperatures with waterfalls and steam rooms. On his command, the water started being diverted away from the garden. knowing that the garden was slowly dying, the gardener started to collect cutting and seeds to rebuild the garden away from the God-king. As he fled the city, the God-king sent soldiers after him for stealing. months later the guards finally caught up with him. He was put to death somewhere near what is today called footprints of the gods, but with no cuttings, no seeds to take back. It is said that the night of his death, the first moon lilies bloomed.

Geographic Distribution

• Footprints of the Gods