FESTIVAL OF SPRING

[Junoix 2301]

FESTIVAL OF SPRING

A Celebration of the Spring Equinox

To be held on Malin’s Welcome and the First Seed in the 225th Year of the Second Age

To the People of Nevaehlen and Our Allies, 

 

The plans for this festival have been in the works long since before war was called, and no matter how the political climate may change in our lands, it will not disrupt the seasons. The snow thaws from our glades and the brightest of flowers begin to sprout from the soil, and while the realm may call for the shedding of blood, Cerridwen is still upon us and must be revered. The Mother must be thanked for the arrival of her spring, and beseeched for her many blessings. It is our hope that we can put aside our preparations and bloodlust for a day of festivities before the call of battle. The Isle of Nevaehlen thus invites you all to a Festival of Spring, a celebration of its Equinox.

The Weaving of Tiva’illern | Thursday, March 20, 6 PM EST

 

The day before the Spring Equinox, the denizens of Nevaehlen are invited to join Eliheiuhii Sonna Vulnrith in the weaving of Tiva’illern; the sacred elven language of flowers, and specifically its use in ritualistic ceremony. Wreaths of vervain, golden columbine, and orange bud shall be made, and placed on every doorstep within the Isle to bring the blessings of Cerridwen into the abodes.

The Rite of New Beginning | Friday, March 21, 4 PM EST 

 

To officially begin the festival, the realm of Aevos is invited to join Prophet Illynora Sylvaeri and Eltaliyna Liriana Sirame in performing the Rite of New Beginning. It shall be done in the practice of the Way of the Mother, and in prayer to Cerridwen. Those who wish to partake in the ritual shall offer forth a braid of their hair to be burned by pyre, as well as any items that represent past attachments or something that holds symbolic meaning, should they wish. Once the offerings have been burnt to ashes, said ashes will then be scattered over flowing water.

Merchant Stalls | During the Festival

 

Throughout the festival, merchants shall display and sell their wares from the many stalls throughout the grounds. All are welcomed and encouraged to peruse what is available for purchase, and to bring enough mina to spend in excess. The merchants registered so far are as follows:

 

Serinwë’s Hand

Serinwë's Hand is a company of healers named for the ancient matriarch of the Almenodrim peoples. Herbalists within Serinwë's Hand spend their days crafting traditional herbal medicines to cure aches and pains and minor illnesses, such as atheros root tincture, javens tea, and coltsfoot syrup, among other remedies.

 

The Grub Core

No fancy slop, no weak bellies. Under Gruul, the best chef in the realm, the fires burn high, the meat stays thick, and the drinks hit hard. Roasted beasts, heavy stews, and brews strong enough to make an ogre stumble - eat what’s served, drink what’s poured, or crawl back to the mud! GRUB CORE ON TOP.

 

Meracahe

Herbs, spices, and relics.

Bard Performance| During the Festival

 

We are looking to hire Bards to perform during the festival! If you are interested in performing, please send a bird to Sonna Vulnrith.

Wood Elven Games | During the Festival

 

Throughout the festival, popular games of the Mali’ame shall be available to be played. A couple boards for Wetlands Crossing, as well as marked trees for Hitching shall be set up within the grounds, as well as a pit for Sparring. Victors of said games shall be rewarded prizes.

 

Rules of Wetlands Crossing

The goal of Wetlands Crossing is to be the first player to remove all of their pieces from the board, thereby crossing the wetlands safely. The board consists of three rows of ten tiles, with each tile being known as a domain. Each player starts with five pieces, which begin on the top row in an alternated pattern.

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/241250-wetlands-crossing-a-wood-elven-game/

 

Rules of Hitching

The game of Hitching is a competitive, Wood Elven climbing game originating from Nevaehlen. Kinsmen would challenge one another in their climbing skills, scaling the length of a tree with various branches, to retrieve the prized bundle of colored feathers at the tree's peak. Only the quickest of climbers, those said to have the spirit of Saen’Dei or Norra, prove successful in this game.

Spoiler

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/223682-hitching-climbing-game-wild-faith-tradition/

 

Rules of Sparring

Spars may be done with bare hands or wooden weapons. The spar is called at first blood. No targeting of the eyes.

 

The Rite of Ostara | Friday, March 21, 8 PM EST

 

To conclude the official festivities, an old tradition of Nevaehlen, the Father Circle to be exact, shall be performed by High Priestess Arle Sirame. The Rite of Ostara involves the blessing of an egg in the waters of Attunement, such an egg then handed out to a youth to take care of. The waters of Attunement shall then be drunk by those who wish to participate with the use of a seashell.

Special Invitations Are Sent to the Following:

 

Haakon av Edvardsson Ruric, Jarl of Vjardengrad & the Lowmarch, Blood of the Herald & Lord of the Ashwood throne, High Chieftain of the House of Ruric & King of Norland, and Ellenore av Eiriksdóttir, Master of the Order of the First Flame, High Keeper of the Red Faith & the Flame Imperishable, and the People of Norland

 

SHUGO OJŌ-SAMA Ugokoyama Atsuko, the Iron Lady, Legendary Sanbushi, Yōbushi of Machiman, Mother of the Land of the Scattered Sun and DEFENDER OF THE FARFOLK, and the People of Koyo-Kuni

 

Galahad Ilumrin, High Prince of the Princedom of Cauróst, and the People of Cauróst

 

The Chiefs of Krugistan, and their People

 

Any of the Realm of Aevos Able to Attend this Festival without Shedding Blood

 

Aspects Guide,

Spoiler

Thank you @jqsmlne and @Toffee for helping plan this!

 

[_Elrith_ 4525]

The High Keeper takes note of the appropriately written titles within the Nevaehli invitation. She will make effort to attend.

[jqsmlne 460]

Liriana hums as she rolled the leaf with Vervain and Mandragora inside it. Gently, she moved her lips closer to the leaf, whispering out a prayer to the Green Lady.

 

The Mother’s touch is a kind and gentle one. Her spirit is found in the blooming gardens, the flowing rivers and the breath of every living thing.

No matter what, the steady rhythm of life that carries on, unshaken by the world beyond the Vale.

There is no peace without war, or war without peace. But one thing was for sure; the natural cycle of life is eternal.

 

She hummed gently as she made her way to the festival grounds, preparing for the much anticipated Spring Equinox.