Blue petals, blue as the cloudless sky above, drift down from open windows on to the procession passing below.
It is the first day of spring, Lady Day, in the city of Arcassanne. Led by Prieur Maugis, the followers of the Lady process with Her statue through the streets of the city. Girls strew Her path with blue flowers, the colour of Her gown, the colour of redemption. Choirs of little children sing the Lady’s song in high, piping voices, clear as a chorus of skylarks. It is a day of happiness for the city, this first day of spring, the day when the Lady’s statue is taken to each well on Her way, to bless and purify the waters for the year to come.
The procession approaches the archway that leads to the dark, narrow streets of the Tsiyonim Quarter. By order of the Comtes of the city of Arcassanne, the Tsiyonim are allowed to practise their religion without interference or persecution. The Lady passes on by.
In the shul the little congregation of Tsiyonim have gathered together. The Elders take dust from the floor and smear it on their foreheads. The dust is stained with their tears. Oblivious to the sounds of rejoicing in the city, they listen to the words of the Book of Alevi and mourn the loss of their own holy city, Tsiyon, as they have done on this day for years without number. The day of joy for the followers of the Lady is their day of sorrow and bitter regret.
Rebh Jehiel intones the ancient prayer, the prayer that they may one day return to Tsiyon and rebuild the holy city, that they may one day put right the mistake their forefathers made, the one terrible mistake that cost them their land and their holy city.