Star Light, Star Bright
Every summer in Arrhynsia for a period of two weeks, the night skies light up in a stunning display as the stars fall from the sky coming to rest in the depths of the ocean or on land, most typically in the
Northern Wastes. This time is known as the Ahizpen Erorketa or "The Fall of the Sisters" and has been a time of celebration throughout the history of Arrhynsia, as it was seen as a time when the
Voices, traditionally
Jiisho and the
All Father, sent their helping spirits from the skies down to the land to refresh it for the benefit of all the sapient species.
The "sisters" of legend are beautiful younger female siblings of the Ascended gods. They dwell in the heavens and for the two weeks of the Ahizpen Erorketa they descend to the land, riding stars that fall from the sky, blessing the land and waters with rain, sunshine, fertility, and plenty. They finish their tasks in the fall when harvest is complete, and then return to the skies to hide from the cold and await the new awakening of the land. The legend makes much of their preparations which involve repeated packing and unpacking as they attempt to decide which gifts will best bless the people.
Celebrations
Different cultures in Arrhynsia celebrate the Ahizpen Erorketa differently, but it is typically a time of gladness and hope.
Elves
Among the
Elves of the
Echovad Forrest, preparations start early. As part of the preparation, the trees are stripped of watersprouts and small internal crossing branches (but never major surgery) in order to open up the structure of the forrest to allow light to reach the forrest floor and ensure that the branches are safe for the loads they will bear during Ahizpen Erorketa when the people climb to the top of the canopy to watch the sisters come to bless the land. These trimmings are saved and fuel a bonfire that it lit at the sight of the first fallen star.
Each night, a different food is served as part of a celebratory dinner, with bounty from the pastures, fields, forrests, caves, streams, and ocean served. The Ahizpen Erorketa is seen as a time of great blessing, and many elves will marry or become engaged to marry during this time. The elves have long and involved musical celebrations, and those who are within a day's travel of the great Amphitheater of Song at
Fellalond will gather to sing memories of the time of
Lameravis and of the
The Dawn of the Gods.
Dwarves
Among dwarves, Ahizpen Erorketa is a time during which even the most hardcore will leave their mines and caves and come to the surface to watch the spectacular sight. Dwarves will dress in their finest raiment, and will bring offerings of precious metals, gemstones, and forged goods to the
Temple of the Great Dwarf or their local community synagogue prior to ascending to the surface. Once there, they will celebrate the Ahizpen Erorketa seated at long tables set up between the timber line and the snow line. Once the darkness falls, they will feast on hearty meals of goat and lamb, fresh greens and new beer. During the day, contests of stregnth and skill, and rounds of music and revelry add to the festivities.
The Short
Among the short, celebrations also include feasts conducted after first starfall, but a layer of sadness touches their first night celebration, as they remember their Voice
Crwydryn who wanders the world. Haflings and gnomes alike both celebrate the first and last days of Ahizpen Erorketa with their larger community, while the remaining nights are reserved for private reflection and viewing of the falling stars. These pragmatic people view the best celebration of the Ahizpen Erorketa to be industrious tending to the fields and flocks and herds showing in their industry their worthiness to be blessed by the Voices, the Ascended, and the sister spirits.
Orcs
Orcs celebrate the Ahizpen Erorketa in their typical direct fashion, using the celebration as an opportunity to gather at Aryinn - the massive tent city located at the site of
Elysium. This gathering is a designated time of truce between the tribes, and an opportunity for the tribes to intermingle, share news, trade, marry, and conduct contests of arms to establish dominance in the tribal hierarchy of the race. The "council of elders" meet and policy for the orcish people is discussed vociferously without any resolution whatsoever. At night, the shamans tell stories of the
War of Blood and legends such as the rise of
Yulasta and
Pyrrhos Gol.
Humans
Humans, of course, came late to Ahizpen Erorketa, having seen the falling of the stars in their native
Eryia as an omen of the wrath of their gods, and a time of great fear. However, after settling in Arrhynsia, some have adopted the practice of celebrating and watching the arrival of the "spirit helpers". Others blame the
The Cataclysm on the arrival of the falling stars of the Ahizpen Erorketa, and shun the celebration, hiding in their homes from the starlight. All humans, regardless of their normally worshiped dieties, give offerings to
Gemar, the human god of death during the star fall.
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