Huzuki

Huzuki, or winter cherry blossom, is a species of cherry blossom tree (sakura) which grow only in the region surrounding the Oseuda Imperial Court.

Mythology
Huzuki play a major role in several Imperial and pre-Imperial myths, tracing their mythological roots to the early Time of Immigration.

The Goddess and the Kami
The tale of the Goddess and the Kami provides a poignant view into relations between supernatural beings. In this short poem, the goddess Eleduna Darkbringer - patron of Arvana Sanys- was walking the lands of the Nilankal continent and came to rest in the shade of a grove of sakura trees during late spring. The blossoms wafted all about, dancing on the breeze and forming a cacophany of pink and white. This pleased the Dark Lady with its simple beauty so much that the tree itself reshaped itself to Her whim, no longer blooming in spring but instead in Her favored season of winter.

Feeling the power of a deity washing over her, the kami Hua Bao exulted for a moment before realizing the change that was to come. Stepping forth from the tree and bowing low in the presence of the Lady, Hua Bao waited to be acknowledged. Eleduna opened Her eyes from the minor working and lifted the spirit's chin so their eyes met. "You are the kami of this grove," the Lady remarked, the answer already known. "I am, Mother of Dark Places," the kami answered confidently. "I desire the beauty of your grove at a time more suited to My needs, and while the change is done I choose to honor you further, if you would have a blessing?" "I would," answered the kami, her skin already losing its previous pale luster in favor of a deep pink hue.

For a night and a day which became a turn of the seasons, the Lady of Whispers and the kami Hua Bao, now Hua Bao Huzuki, enjoyed one another's company and passion. The grove's fading blossoms of spring became vibrant once again as summer faded to winter. Such was the power of their coupling that the final moments of passion stopped the turning of the Skyflame completely and its turning in the heavens altered permanently so that the perfect light of its zenith at midwinter would forever after highlight the grove which they shared.

The Opal Throne Prophecy
"Fuyu sakura no tani de wa, opāru no gyokuza wa, teikoku o sapōto shinakereba naranai." These words, called the Opal Throne Prophecy, are considered the most important indication of the proper location of the Imperial Capital, Kogo No Toshi. Literally translated, the phrase is: "In the valley of the winter cherry blossoms, the Opal Throne shall support the Empire."