Gift of the Sea/Gift of the Land

Most of the Kithine from the Highlands and the Plateau in the Hworen Plains observe a tradition before making any extended voyage over land or sea. As an offering to the path they walk and whatever spirits may dwell in their way. Each will prepare a meal containing ingredients from the stage in which they will travel and partake prior to their disembark.

History

It has been for quite some time, longer than most know, that the Kithine of the northern region of the Hworen Plains observe a ritualistic meal prior to a long journey. Some speculate that it has been in practice since as early as the Second Era. The Kithine of that region do not have a written record of how long it has been in practice, but the ritual does seem to be observed specifically by Kithine of that region. Similar rituals have been seen elsewhere in the Plains, but nothing observed with such dedication.

Execution

No matter where the journey is taking place, the manner at which the Kithine go about it's practice is the same. The Kithine will gather ingredients from the path upon which they will tread, land or sea, then fashion a meal for themselves using only those ingredients. When the meal is prepared, a thanks is given to the ingredients that went into it's preparation, then it is eaten. When the meal is consumed, the Kithine will give a brief benediction to the meal, and resolve to set out on the journey.

Components and tools

If the journey is to be taken on land, the Kithine will hunt with bow, sling, and spear, to secure their ingredients for the meal. They may purchase certain ingredients, but the main aspect of the dish is meant to have been procured by tooth and claw. If the journey involves sea travel, the Kithine will generally fish and dive for their ingredients. The seas are generally more bountiful, but also more frequently reaped for resources, so the Kithine are not above securing the freshest catch by net or by coin. Seasoning is not imperative, but very few Kithine will prepare a meal without it. Seasoning can come from either land or sea in the preparation of the meal. Seasoning some fresh catch with a root herb is not seen as abnormal.

Participants

Each Kithine prepares their own meal, unless it is a group of Kithine whom have acknowledged a singular member of thr group as the "head" of the expedition, or journey. It is tradition that, should the traveling Kithine be traveling with a group, they prepare the meal for all members of thr group whether they appreciate or observe the ritual themselves.

Observance

This ritual will only ever be observed before a Kithine or a group of Kithine intend to set off on an extended journey, usually in excess of a week, or at a distance that would take them to, say, another country or region.