The Frostmaidens

All across the kingdom it is known that Tarvina, the Queen of Winter, rides between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and sets her Frostmaidens loose on the people of Helvara and their daily lives. They are the Heralds of Winter and rule over the lands with darkness and frost. To bridge the weeks until the mellow days of spring, the common folk eagerly mark and commemorate the departure of one Frostmaiden after the other, starting in early Horin with the Passing of Lushara.

Lushara: The Darkmaiden

The Passing of Lushara, the First Frostmaiden, is celebrated on the 10th of Horin, an important day in the year for all communities in Helvara. Early Horin brings earlier sunrises in the mornings and slightly, but noticeable, longer days, which means less reliance on artifical light sources as well as being able to break fast and sup during daylight time. Depending on the region, the departure of Lushara might be celebrated with bonfires or lantern processions. In larger towns and cities Lushara is often celebrated with light-theaters, sports such as torch relays and other similar activities themed around fire and light. Lushara is said to ride on a black horse, snuffing out lights everywhere she passes.

Rinora: The Soilmaiden

Not much is known about Rinora, the Soilmaiden, other than that she is associated with spring thaws and prepares the ground for her sister Zirlena. If any thought of commemorating her is spared, it takes place on the Nox of Horin. For most folks Rinora passes unseen, however certain Witch Circles are known to be deeply connected to Rinora and worship her as the Mistress of Earth. It is likely they view the freezing and rethawing of the earth as a necessary process to prep the soil for the planting and growing of herbs and other potion ingredients. And a sucessful feast on the Nox of Horin will mean being able to brew better concoctions during the year. The Omina Maned similarily states that a clear sky on Nox Horin brings verdant soils. The appropriate colour to depict Rinora's horse is a deep and dark mud-brown.

Zirlena: The Princess Of Snowdrops

Zirlena might very well be the most - if not only - beloved of the Frostmaidens. With her departure, the Princess of Snowdrops leaves a gift behind: her most loyal subjects that are the early sprouting flowers of spring. She is often honored with depictions of Crocus flowers and believed to be riding a strong and healthy mare. The Passing of Zirlena takes place on the Thawmoon. Even though her passing is not celebrated with a festival, it is common practice to wear bright colours on the Thawmoon and decorate the house with garlands and flowers if available.

Trasena: The Pestmaiden

Trasena's domain is more agreeable than her name would suggest. When she passes in early Estra and leaves the plane of the mortals, insects and all sorts of other little critters will appear in her wake. Remembramce of Trasena does not consist of a particular celebration, but instead of countless little superstitions, such as to open the last storages of honeyed wine as soon as a bee is first spotted in the month of Estra.

Tarvina, the Queen of Winter

Tarvina is neither a sister of the Frostmaidens nor her mother. She is regarded as their queen and them as being her handmaidens. After all four of them have passed the lands of the mortals they reconvene at the Winter Palace, where they reside. The legend claims that Tarvina was once a mortal girl who had befriened a stableboy. After one winter's night, when the poor boy had frozen to death, Tarvina only found a sword made from ice at the site of his demise in the morning. Enraged and grieving Tarvina was sure that the sword had come to her aid, and she set forth on a quest to avenge her friend with the aim to kill none other than Winter himself. Blinded by wrath and vengeance she found a way to cross the planes and travel to the doors of the Winter Palace, but found that overthrowing Winter would only make her responsible for every live taken in similar circumstances as her dear friend's was. Yet, Winter refused to let her leave before he could show her why his existence was still necessary and vital for the mortal's lives. In helping her overcome her wrath he warmed her heart to be capable of love again and in the end she remained at his side as his queen, only parting with him for the 93 days a year when she returns to the earth to oversee the proceedings of her husband's season. Tarvina never dons the Winter's Crown without equally carrying her icy sword. Imbued with the remembrance of her best friend, it serves as a reminder to her on why she took up the mantle as the Queen of Winter, and that ultimately her husband and her serve the species of the mortal realm. She rides a horse as white as fresh snow, and it shimmers with the frost that covers its coat, and of the four Frostmaidens seems to be the one claimes to be encountered most frequently. It is said that one kiss from Tarvina can render anyone immune to the effects of the cold, although none other than Winter himself would survive a second kiss. However, the moniker of being kissed by Tarvina is not one to strive for, as it means one has survived the dire plights of winter.