Winter and Eve

by Hodric Flameger

The Fire Lord has protected the Vengard people since back when we were called the Venish. He is everything to us, for it is through his benevolence that we can survive in this harsh land. Yet it is known that even our mighty Lord, the Father of Heavens, needs rest as us men do, for his mighty Sun is always in the sky, burning with tremendous might and power. We celebrate some of those as feast days.

Over time, the Lord's divine essence fades, as does the magicka from those who have learned to use the Art. After all, when a magician applies his willpower unto the world, it is through emulating the nature of the Three Gods that he is able to do so. When the flames of Holy Fire wane and the Sun grows ever heavier upon our patron's shoulders, the great Lord must spend a whole day in order to recuperate his holy self.

This is known as Midwinter's Eve - that dreadful night of the year, the longest night of the year, in which all good and wise Vengards gather in religious communion in order to drive away the malevolent spirits roaming the Dark God's Land, and in order to help fuel the Lord's efforts in revitalizing that which gives life.

It is for this reason that fires are often set alight throughout the kingdom. Some of them fueled with bones, as they are known to drive malevolent spirits away through their horrid smell. This is also called a bonfire. This is the day in which the Dark God's power reins supreme, and the Lord is without power to help save us from the horrors of the Land.

The Order of Fire, however, has always made sure that this is not the case, and where the Order of Fire or the Paladins of the realm have not managed to make matters right, the devout and loyal citizens of the kingdom often found themselves compelled to serve in our continued survival, and drew steel themselves in the name of what is right.

Midwinter's Eve, thus, is also reason for celebration, for it allows us to gather together and to remember what is most important when living in this part of the world: the importance of family and of community. Furthermore, the majority of cattle is usually slaughtered around this time of year as well, in order to save on the costs of feeding animals through deep winter, and most of the ale and wine that has been fermenting is ready to drink, which leads to spectacular feasts in some of the rural regions of the realm, as some landowners that respect the teachings of the Water Lady are known to pay homage to their laborers and tenants in this most pious of ways.

Misommer Eve, in comparison to Midwinter, is a day of celebration, for it is the one day of the year in which the kingdom and its people are safe from the Dark God's grasp. It is a long and beautiful day, with the Sun above beaming with intensity and cleansing the Land from corruption. Many Vengard poets have made heartening songs about its magnificence.

A proper way to celebrate Midsommer's Eve is to wake up early, and wash one's body, and brush one's teeth with a split twig or a stick, for the sap inside rejuvenates the health of your gums and bones. The proud or passionate Vengard will hang Marigold flowers from his door, or might weave them into his daily outfit. The devout Vengard will spend the day praying at the local church or chapel and forging bonds with his kin, for he understands that it is best to use this day of peace and relaxation in order to prepare for the rough days ahead.

The beasts of the realm are also known to be much calmer in this time. It was also on this day that legendary King Alaric befriended the White Shadowbeast which is now our national emblem. Nonetheless, care is recommended, as many have been lead to think this might mean they can rub shoulders with ferocious creatures, and have lost their lives in the process.