The Last Feast

The Last Feast is a poignant and symbolic meal that marks the end of a day-long celebration and the beginning of the Battle for the throne within the Freehold. As the day draws to a close, the members of the Freehold gather at a long table to eat, drink, and revel in the festivities. However, beneath the merriment, there is a palpable undercurrent of sorrow, as the season comes to an end, and the fate of the Knights and the Monarch hangs in the balance.
During this feast, the Freehold takes the opportunity to offer their blessings and well wishes to the Knights and the current Monarch. Dressed in their Court's colors, the Knights and the Monarch bid farewell to their family and friends, preparing themselves for the imminent Battle for the Crown. As the sun sets, the procession makes its way to the Arena, carrying lit candles that symbolize the last light of the season.
The candles are carefully placed around the door of the Arena, on ledges carved into rocks, on the ground, and even in trees, illuminating the path and symbolizing the hope and support of the Freehold for the contenders. Some members remain vigilantly throughout the night, keeping watch on the lit candles and the closed doors of the Arena.
At sunrise the following morning, the doors of the Arena are opened, and the Battle for the Crown commences. Whichever contender remains standing after the fierce and grueling battle is crowned as the new Monarch, taking on the mantle of leadership for the next ruling season.
The Last Feast is a bittersweet and significant event, filled with both celebration and solemnity. It honors the passing of the season, while also recognizing the sacrifices and challenges that lie ahead for the Knights and the Monarch. It serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and unity of the Freehold, as they come together to witness the transition of power and to support their chosen leaders.

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Execution

This meal marks the end of the day long celebration, as well as the beginning of the Battle for the throne. As the end of the day approaches, the freehold gathers at long table to eat and be merry, and while they are merry, there is an an undercurrent of sorrow. Not only does the season draw to an end, but a crown will pass (most likely) and some of the Knights may not return. The Freehold uses this opportunity give their blessings and well wishes to the Knights and Monarch. As the sun begins to set, the knights and current monarch, dressed in their Court's colors, leave the tables, say their farewells to family and friends, arm themselves, and lead the procession to the Arena. Those that join this procession carry with them small lit candles. As the last light of the season fades, the Knights enter the Arena, the doors being shut behind them, and so begins the battle for the Crown. The candles are placed around the door, on little ledges carved into rock around the door, on the ground, some even in trees. Many return back to the feasting, but several remain till morning, keeping watch on the door (as well as all those lit candle). The doors are not opened again until the sun rises the following morning, at which point, whomever remains standing is crowned the new Monarch.

Participants

The ceremonies of the Last Feast are attended by the entire Freehold community, Human and Changeling alike, as it is a momentous and significant event in their yearly calendar. All members of the various Courts and common folk come together to partake in the day-long celebration and the subsequent feast.

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Observance

Juyn 19th
Aguste 21st
Decembre 20th
Marche 18th

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Important Locations

• The Freehold of the Iron Gate

Related Organizations

• The Autumn Court
• The Spring Court
• The Summer Court
• The Winter Court