The Sea's Bestowal
During the middle of spring, for about a fortnight, there will not be a ship at sea to or from the island of Equis. During those days, the ocean tyrants battle for supremacy. Through a looking glass, the giant serpents can be seen from the island causing tidal waves as they thrash around, fighting presumably for the right to mate. Although a blow to shipping efforts, this yearly occurrence can also spell good fortune for all on the island.
When the battle ceases and the victorious ocean tyrant returns to the depths, the bodies of the slain may float to the surface. Cries of jubilation can be heard from the inhabitants as fleet of ships is instantly dispatched and whole crews are given the momentous and extensive task of cutting as much meat as possible from the body. Once the ships are weighted down with ocean tyrant meat, they transport their bounty onto wagons. The wagons take the meat to the closest city square, where large fires are erected. Giant hunks of meat are then roasted over an enormous spit which is rotated by way of gears and cogs and much manpower. Once cooked, the meat is distributed throughout the island, starting with the emperor and royal family, working its way down to the common folk if enough has been salvaged.
Similar traditions are celebrated at Sapphire Cove in Linearia on the rare occurrence that an ocean tyrant floats to its shores. Having the "Ocean's Bestowal" as it's called, will allow the town to thrive by selling the coveted meat throughout the kingdom. When an ocean tyrant floats up on the northern shores of Sadhesiah however, not a pound of meat is taken. Serpents of any kind are considered unholy creatures, and the arrival of the sea monster is interpreted as an omen of great misfortune.
Even though the Ocean's Bestowal is not celebrated by all, it is still considered by most of Calderon to be one of the greatest and unexpected holidays there is.
When the battle ceases and the victorious ocean tyrant returns to the depths, the bodies of the slain may float to the surface. Cries of jubilation can be heard from the inhabitants as fleet of ships is instantly dispatched and whole crews are given the momentous and extensive task of cutting as much meat as possible from the body. Once the ships are weighted down with ocean tyrant meat, they transport their bounty onto wagons. The wagons take the meat to the closest city square, where large fires are erected. Giant hunks of meat are then roasted over an enormous spit which is rotated by way of gears and cogs and much manpower. Once cooked, the meat is distributed throughout the island, starting with the emperor and royal family, working its way down to the common folk if enough has been salvaged.
Similar traditions are celebrated at Sapphire Cove in Linearia on the rare occurrence that an ocean tyrant floats to its shores. Having the "Ocean's Bestowal" as it's called, will allow the town to thrive by selling the coveted meat throughout the kingdom. When an ocean tyrant floats up on the northern shores of Sadhesiah however, not a pound of meat is taken. Serpents of any kind are considered unholy creatures, and the arrival of the sea monster is interpreted as an omen of great misfortune.
Even though the Ocean's Bestowal is not celebrated by all, it is still considered by most of Calderon to be one of the greatest and unexpected holidays there is.
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