Harvest festival

As the dry season comes to an end and the dark clouds heavy with rain begins to loom on the horizon, and with the harvest finished, the citizens all over the Empire of Dercia gather in open places that have been adorned with colourful banners and beautifully crafted decorations. The warm breeze carries the aromas of freshly baked bread, fruits and meat roasted over large fires. Like many of the celebrations all over the Empire, the Harvest festival is a perfect picture of the mixture of the different races that inhabit the land, the elves with their famous beauty and graceful demeanour intermingle perfectly with the humans whose loud laughter mingle with the melodies of elven song, in between the elves and humans are the half-elves that bridge the gap between the two people. Throughout the day, friendly competitions and games entertain the young ones. There are archery contests, normally won by the elves, and duels with swords, typically won by humans. One can also find races on foot and horse between these. As the sun begins to settle, the real festival begins with tables laden with all sorts of dishes, Savory pies, honey-glazed hams, roasted venison, and delicate elven pastries are shared and enjoyed by all, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and unity. Dishes that represent the culinary traditions of all the people in the Empire. While people fill their plates, the performers take to the stage and entertain the people with enchanting melodies and dances. Elves sing ancient songs about nature and love. Meanwhile, the human bards tell the crowd of valour and daring adventures.

History

The Harvest festival has occurred as long as the people have had agriculture. The biggest changes the festival has experienced are the people partaking in it. In some areas, it was humans that were the newcomers and were welcomed into the community and in other places, it was the elves.

Observance

When the last field has been harvested and the last fruit from trees and bushes has been collected the festival takes place, there is no set time, it comes down to each region.

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