Mice of Ailein
Typically seen in pairs, although singles aren't an unusual sight, the Mice of Great Ailein are figurines of stone or painted wood gifted amongst all classes in Tirglas. It's common to see them adorning the kitchen mantle of homes and are part of a typical dowry offered up by the groom's parent to their new daughter.
When it comes to the figurines, Great Ailein’s mice are always meant to be gifted. Keeping them for one's self with no intention of passing them on is said to bring bad luck to a family, even if originally bought. Having them to sell is acceptable, providing they do not return to the seller's home once they reach the marketplace.
History
These mice are said to be symbols of divine luck and patience in adversity. This belief stems from a fable with variations hailing from before the arrival of the elves to the continent, making whoever Great Ailein originally was having lived several millennia ago.
Great Ailein became injured and trapped in the cave of the Grey Bear. There, he prayed to the Goddess, pleading for aid to keep him from dying in the beast's den. In answer, the Goddess sent two mice, one of ivory, the other onyx. At night, the mice would sneak out and bring him food. During the day, they would disappear into a crack in the cave wall. This continued for a month, when Ailein was well enough to wriggle out of his hiding spot and slaughter the Grey Bear.- abreviated variation told by modern priests
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