Legends of Belariath
The Quest of Festivals Common
Xaviene - Festivals of the Clan River Moon
Some 64 Moons had passed, since she left the marshy borders of her homeland. The first days of her journey, the Sun still set high in the sky and the days were long and steamy. Yet, now with half of her journey complete, the first waves of autumn was quickly approaching. Already, she could tell that the trees would soon loose their leaves, baring their spindly arms for the Winter's embrace.
She had followed the Great River, for a period of 27 days, just west of her Eastern Low Land home. Her Clan, was that of the River Moon, a namesake that was also bestowed upon the Great River itself. Her Father had told her, that twenty-seven Moons out, she would come to a small town of the High Humans, by the name of Glendshade. From there, she would travel South West, towards her final destination Of Nanthalion.
As the days, grew shorter and colder, she soon realized that her journey was almost over. She had already counted 103 Moons, and within the next few more, she would see the place she had often heard tales of. Yet, the days after her arrival in Nanthalion, would prove to be another story in itself.
Through it all she had abided by her Clan's laws and lore.. Also partaking, of their festivals along the way. Though, this cycle of the Moon Phases, would be the most challenging.. For she would be alone to celebrate. The whole reason for her journey, was a festival within itself.. This would be the first of which, she would experience alone.
7 Moon Days, prior to her Journey-
~The Festival of the Second Rites~ Ja`Sedor
During this time, the Females of the Clan who have not yet entered into the second stage of womanhood, will do so. This festival is experienced, every year at the beginning of the Summer Season. Members of the clan, who range between the ages of 18-20, are given two choices.
Either, they will enter into a bond, with a mate.. Or they will become Warriors, and the Clan disowns them, for a period of 10 Moon Phases. (One moon phase, equals 1 year...This applies to Females only) Though, the female clan member, has up till the age of 20, before they are actually ousted from the Clan itself. From the beginning of the Festival to the very end, it will last a total of 7 Moons. During this time, the Clan will hold nightly Grand Feasts, of which the Women are honored for their choices. Even, though some will be considered Rogues, they are still highly regarded, until the very end. Dancing, singing and a show of strength among the Men, who of course could be potential mates, are done. This happens, up to 3 times during the day. The end nights, are then held in mass orgies of mating.. If a female, decides she wishes to take a mate, it is then, she gives those potential a 'test run'.
At the end of the Festival, the women are then brought before the Chief of the Clan and their intentions of the future are then known. This is done from the Oldest to the Youngest, in line.
30 Moon Days, into her Journey-
~The Festival of the Sun~ Lumiere`Vesada
This festival takes place, in the middle of the Summer Season, when the Sun rules over the Moon. With long days and very short nights, this festival hits its peak. It last a total of 14 Moon Days. During this time, the Sun itself is worshiped. Both Males and Females of the Clan, would be known for their trueness to the Sun God.. if in fact, during this Festival, their skin burns. Many will boast with great pride, the watery blisters that would appear upon their shoulders, upper backs and face. As their skin would die and slowly begin to peel, they would shed their past 'sins' of the year, in hopes of producing a good harvest. Those of the Clan, that did not burn, would be daunted by a bad harvest season. The food of choice, during this festival would be pit fired wild boar.
Xaviene, did in fact slightly burn during this festival, but never peeled, the flesh turning bronze. This would be the sign of a Great Omen, indicating change.
60 Moon Days, into her Journey-
~The Festival of the Harvest~ Ga`Gor
This Festival, was one of the more important. It would last as long as it was needed too. Sometimes, the festival would go on and on, until at last the "The Festival of the Moon", began. Yet, with the Harvest Festival, came the renewed strength of the Clan. With the bounty of food, came the knowledge that all could survive. However, those that did not receive a good bounty, were often shunned and thought to be possessed.. Especially during the dance of the "Kasierl", the bad demons, who had undoubtedly made the bounty bad, were then exorcised and cast from the soil. If the casting was fruitful, then the person would be given a good bounty at the next harvest. Yet, ultimately it was up to the one who preformed the ceremony, to judge whether the Dance was worked or not.
90 Moon Days, into her Journey-
~The Festival of the Moon~ Luna`Vstat
As the Sun, began to give up its hold over the day.. The night, begins to take over.. The Time of the Moon Festival begins. To the River Moon Clan, this would be considered the most important of all Festivals. The harvest, would have already been over by this time and the time for the Cold Season would soon come. Those that had been blessed in the prior Festival, would be assured a good winter, with food. This would also begin the New Moon Phase, for the Clan. It would last but a few short moon days, not over a period of 4. With the good reap of the harvest, giving plentiful food, the Clan would eat well during these few days.. then after, it would be severely rationed, in assurance that all would see the first moon days of spring. During this time, a dance called the "E'racaka", would be performed by the children of the Clan in honor of their Elders.
Moon Day 1 of "The Festival of the Moon"
On the first day, all the Elders of the Clan would gather, talking of the events of the Old Moon Phase and what their hopes for the New One would bring. All Clan disputes would be finally settled by the sun's setting on that Moon Day. The First Feast of the Festival, would be a Main Course of Duck and Roasted Vegetables.
Moon Days 2 and 3 of "The Festival of the Moon"
The next two, would be a time of gathering and socializing. Mostly, two Moon days to consume as much barley ale as one could handle. Usually, new blood disputes would break out and even some of those would not be settled until the next Festival of the Moon.. It can be said, that most Clan Members of the River Moon, were great at holding grudges. The feasts for these two days, would be considered by the Elder Females.. It is never pre selected.
Last Day of "The Festival of the Moon'
The last day, would be a time to 'recoup' from the past 3 days. And finally, to give reflection upon the wintry moon days to come.
120 Moon Days into her Journey-
"The Festival of the Vezenbe~ Vezenbe
This Festival, is the shortest of all the Festivals, lasting only but a day. It is more for those of the Clan, that are mated and wishing off-spring. On this day, the entire clan goes and watches as the selected couple 'performs'. One of the more stranger of the festivals. Celebrating, pro-creation. This was the only festival, that Xaviene was unable to participate in.
It was not long after this, that Xaviene found herself at the end of her journey.. It had been 142 Moon days, and she had experienced only half of the Festivals that her people celebrated.. But as she was to start anew in this place, she would bring the memories of her people and the experiences she was to learn, to make her own.. festivals.. a Mix of the past and of the future.