⋆౨ Illustriously Annie

Vikas sighed in relief as thunder rumbled in the distance while Prahlad continued his anxious pacing around the room. The four (three actually, since Abhishek lives there) of them found themselves stuck in the office when the forecast predicted a severe thunderstorm hitting Phulera and the entire region head-on. It didn't help much that the power went out across the village too. Prahlad had probably dialed your number a hundred times now to the same response, the number you're calling is switched off-

Prahlad's chest tightened, nearly throwing his phone on the ground. "Bas, bahut ho gaya hai-" He ever-so-slightly stuttered, the intoxication of alcohol peppering his speech as it always did in the evenings, "-Ek ghanta hua hai aur vo abhi tak phone nahi uthaya hai. Hum Reader ko dhoodhne jaa rahe hai." He half marched, half stumbled out the doorway when Pradhanji pulled him back by the arm. "Kaise jaoge? Bike toh tum is haalat me chalaa nahi sakte. Agar kahi accident ho jaye?" He scolded, "Hum jate hai."

"Aap kyu jaa rahe hai jab hum hai? Hum jayenge!" Vikas stood up with what could be discerned as a heroic expression on his face as he made a bee-line for the exit, "Yahi rahiye aap, agar Reader waapas aaye." "Ruk, mai bhi aata hoon," Abhishek furrowed his brows, mind somewhere else as he pushed his chair back and frisked through his pockets for the keys to his motorcycle. He'd known you for quite some time now and he was sure that unless something was wrong you wouldn't let your phone be switched off for that long. Prahlad was always pressed when it came to you and your brother, Rahul. How could he not be? One child was always out and about working, and the other in the army. He just hoped you were fine and everyone, including him, were just overthinking.

Abhishek's head was lowered in thought till he was in the courtyard, revving up his bike when he realized Vikas hadn't followed him out. Instead, he stood perfectly still, staring at him. Was that suspicion lacing his eyes? No no... Must be a trick of the light. What would he be suspicious about anyway? "Aapko alag se bulana parega kya?" He squinted into the night to get a better look at Vikas. "Aate hai, aate hai.. Aap bhi na Sachiv Ji, hum hi chale jate. Kyun aap kasht utha rahe hai?"

Vikas blindly mounted his motorcycle. Even though he couldn't exactly see him, Abhishek could visualize his dorky grin. "Agar hum ek saath jaye toh Reader ko jaldi dhoondh sakte hai na," "Ha! Ha... Sahi hai, ji, ji. Hum bus aise poochh rahe the," "...Tum Fakauli Bazaar tak ka road check karo, mai main road par dekhta hoon. Phone haath me rakhna,"

Guided by their headlights, they rode on for some time. The only sound audible was the hum of their bikes and the low thunder as background noise. Abhishek finally turned into the main road, lit by a few flickering streetlights. He glanced back just once to see Vikas bound for the other road, shaking his head to himself. "Sambhalke jaana!" "Haa Sachiv Ji!" He raised his arm in the air till he was out of sight.

Abhishek shivered as the howling wind pricked at his skin, pulling his shawl closer to himself. He'd be fine, maybe end up wet, but fine. It was the idea of you being in this weather that made him speed up well above the limit. He tsked to himself and prayed you were somewhere safe, warm, and... well, really warm and really cozy. This was terrible weather. While he hated them, he was earnestly considering a good lecture for you.

Meanwhile, you were pacing beneath the flimsy shelter of a bus stand, the one Abhishek took to his exams. Just like your father, huh?

Boughs of nearby trees knocked into the poster-ridden structure, making you fret that it may just collapse. Actually, go back, pacing was too grand a word for what you were doing. You were scooting from one side of your seat to the other, avoiding getting near the moron peeling oranges across from you. The one and only, Banrakas. "Dekho kitna kamzor ye stand hai. Pradhanji banaya hai, aur kya ummeed rakh sakte hai aap?" He muttered under his breath. "Kam se kam vo din raat us Vidhayak ka chaatne me nahi rehte hai." Bhushan huffed at you, before returning to his oranges. He'd been at this for an hour now, peacefully eating while irritating you. Of course, you knew better than to entertain an idiot like him. He already said that he didn't have a phone you could use. You poked your head back out, the sky was even darker and the moon was completely veiled. You prayed the storm wouldn't be too severe. He looked you up and down. "Nalayak..."

"Yaar-" You sighed, hands on your hips, "-Aapka problem kya hai? Aise bole ja rahe ho mano hum Pradhan hai. Vaise bhi, agar ye toofan na hota hum aapke aas-paas bhi nahi aate. Pagal kahi ka," "Kyun aate? Aap sab toh darte hai humse." He chucked a peel on the floor. The sharp glare between the both of you never dulled as he stood up to be at eye level with you. For a moment your jaw hung, was he just annoying you or actually insane? "Aapse baat karna hi bekar hai," You muttered under your breath before turning around to check the weather again. "Haa haa, idhar-udhar dekhte raho. Darpok. Vo baap tera nashe me bhi humse bachkar rehta hai. Tu bhi seekh le,"

That made you close the distance immediately.

"Tameez se baat kijiye," You gritted your teeth. If you had it your way, your fists would be in his face rather than at your sides. Bhushan squared up at you, "Agar nahi kya toh? Maroge? Chup-chaap beth jao beta." He shoved you out of his way "Oye, Vidhayak ke chamche-" You didn't even stabilize yourself before pushing him back harder, "-Apne aap ko hero samajhne lage ho kya?" He stumbled into his seat, not expecting you to actually hit back. "Mujhe bharkaana mat, Reader! Yaha tum ekdam akele ho. Hum sirf samjhaane ke liye dhakka mar diya. Agar hum ek baar haath uthaye toh-"

"Toh?" Abhishek's firm voice cut through, grabbing Bhushan by the collar and pulling him away from you. In the scuffle, you didn't even notice his motorcycle approach. You turned your head to see his bike laying on the ground, quickly discarded after he saw the two of you. "Toh? Kya karloge Bhushan? Huh?" Eyes wide with rage, he tightened his grip. Bhushan struggled out of Abhishek's fierce grasp. Even you stepped back seeing his reaction.

"Akela Reader ko milkar bara sher ban rahe the na? Kya- Aur kya kiya isne?" "Humne kuchh nahi kiya! Ye-" "MAI READER SE PUCHH KAR RAHA HOON, Kya kiya is gadhe ne? Vaise hi mai karne vala hoon iske saath," "Arey, Sachiv Ji, chhor dijiye. Ye humara samay ka layak nhi hai. Isliye hum ab tak nahi maare ise, varna hum hi khud theek kar dete agar baat bar jaata." Abhishek pursed his lips, looking between the both of you. "Isko sikhana parega Reader. Iska confidence thoda zyada bar gaya hai." He tightened his grip when Bhushan nearly wiggled his way out.

"Sab kuchh ka hisaab ho jayega, tab tak chhor dijiye ise- Kab mar jayega aur hum phas jayenge." That made Bhushan's heart drop "Yaar hum haath jor rahe hai, maaf karo!" His voice cracked as he was (roughly) let go, and his phone clattered to the ground. "He Bhagwan.." You mumbled, pinching the bridge of your nose in irritation.

While Abhishek went to lift his bike up, you spared a moment to glare at him, "Aap sachme sirf bharkane ke liye ek ghante se yaha bethe the?" His face was red as he averted his gaze. "Chaliye, Readerji," Abhishek called as he leaned against his bike, hair slightly wet from the drizzle that started. "Yakeen hi nahi ho raha hai mujhe... Haa, aate hai Sachiv Ji."

Abhishek helped you up before mounting it himself. You gripped the back of your seat to balance yourself. "Aap theek hai na?" He asked softly, looking at you through the mirror. "Ji, aapko koi dikkat toh nahi huyi?" You asked, hiding a pleased grin behind his back, "Nahi nahi,"

The tension in your shoulders dissolved. A sigh of relief unconsciously left your mouth, "Chale?" "Chaliye,"

And just when you were comfortable, he rode into one of the potholes in the road. You yelped, nearly getting knocked off the bike and Abhishek hastily braked. Loose dirt clung to the wheels, and the scent of damp earth made its way to your nose. Your arms instinctively wrapped around his waist, chest pressed against his back as the motorcycle lolled left and right smack in the center of a ditch, "Yaar, ye road na..." He mumbled to himself, trying to steer it out. You could feel Bhushan's eyes digging into your back and pulled your arms back. Either way, the sudden closeness made your stomach do several flips.

"Aap-" Abhishek's hands reflexively stopped yours by the wrists, and immediately let go when he turned to meet your gaze. His eyes slightly widened, the heat radiating from his face. "Nahi vo- matlab- aap mujhe pakarke rahiye, nahi toh aap gir sakte hai," "Oh haa.. Haa, theek hai..." You scooted a little closer to him. Only a little though, barely noticeable. "Chaliye...." "Haaaa....."

For a while the two of you were silent. The sound of occasional raindrops pattering against Abhishek's bike and the low rhythm of his breath served as a backdrop for your thoughts. He drummed his fingers on the clutch, eyes lingering in the mirror and back perfectly still with you leaning on it. Even if it was kind of uncomfortable. A fluttery feeling settled in your abdomen. You used to like him once upon a time, emphasis on used to. It was just a small, silly crush on the new secretary right? Just something to laugh with your friends about, when he'd make an extra cup of tea for you in case you came to the office, or when you had a bad cold and Abhishek kept making rounds of your house but kept hesitating to knock. But those were friendly, albeit silly, gestures. Right?????

"Aapko sardi lag sakta hai, mera shawl pehen lo," Abhishek's voice snapped you out of your thoughts, "Arey, hum theek hai. Aapka kya hoga?" "Agar aapko bukhaar ho jaye toh Prahladji mera kuchh kar dega," That eased the two of you up. You laughed as his beige, slightly damp shawl draped your shoulders. While he was visibly pleased to see you wear it.

"Accha sabak Banrakas ko sikhaye hai aap, Sachiv Ji," He chuckled, "Aur acche se sikhate agar aap na rokte," "Dimag thanda rakhna chahiye, hero humara,"

He smiled, more to himself than you and shook his head. "Mai ek baat bolu?" You raised a brow, "Boliye,"

"Logo ke saamne agar aap mujhe Sachiv Ji bulate ho, toh sahi hi hai." He paused, averting his gaze, "Lekin jab hum akele hai, mujhe Abhishek nahi bula sakte?" He tried to make it sound like a passing comment, but the request was far too sincere for that, "Bulayenge phir," You smiled, "Abhishek,"

Vikas's bike sounded not too long after, accompanying the motors of Abhishek's. "Sachiv Ji! Aapko Reader ko mila kya?" "Haa use mila!" You called back. You could see the surprised grin on his face as he came side-by-side the two of you. Looks like your dad launched a whole search party for you. "Ye shawl mein toh aap thori bhoot-si lag rahe hai," Vikas steered close enough to rub your back. "Accha, phir mujhe kaise lagta hai?" Abhishek raised a brow, "Arey humara voh matlab nahi tha!" He raised his hands defensively.

The three of you almost endlessly chatted on the way home, AKA the panchayat office. "Par Reader, ek ghante se aap kaha phase the? Kya hua tha?" You and Abhishek exchanged a glance, "Baadme bateinge hum,"

Taglist!!!

Cover Page:

Image ID: on the left side of the page a sketch of Janai and Amaya embracing in a dance after Janai had proposed frames the text. Janai’s eyes are half lid and she is smiling. Amaya stares back at her with a pleased expression as flower petals rain down around them from Janai’s proposal outfit. On the right is a sketch of their 3-tiered wedding cake decorated with flowers and a figurine of them embracing. End ID.

“What message do you think it gives the people if you choose to marry a human?”

“There is no message. The only message is that I’ve chosen this amazing woman as my wife.”

Prince Karim to his sister, Queen Janai. Book 4: Earth, Chapter 2: Fallen Stars

Image ID: in the background Callum and Rayla lock hands. End ID.

A Simple Guide to Human Courtship.

The people of the Human Kingdoms are vast in size, to assume all Humans preform the same courtship rituals would be a bit of an insult. From the proud and plentiful Katolians of the East to the humbler and a wise Evenerans of the South each Kingdom host its own unique style of Courtship and Marriage.

Image ID: To the left of the paragraph there is a sketch of Terry and Claudia embracing in a dance both of them lovingly gazing at each other. On the right is a sketch of young Callum and Claudia. Callum blushes with a small bundle of flowers in his hand, Claudia next to him smiles with a gap tooth as she places the flower in her hair. End ID.

This guide aims to give a quick and simple breakdown of the human kingdoms for those lucky in love looking to court a human. Just remember, all humans are different and some are more traditional than others, some may even wish to abandoned tradition all together. What is important is your intentions and how clear you make them.

CHAPTER INDEX

Page 1: Katolis

Page 2: Del Bar

Page 3: Neolandia

Page 4: Duren

Page 5: Evenere

Page 6: The Festival of Milda

Image ID: To the left of the text is a sketch of Soren and Corvus over looking Katolis from the ramparts. To the right Sara and Harrow sit on the stairs of Katolis Harrow offering up a flower to Sarai as she leans forward a hand on her chest and a large smile. Below the text Allen leans forward his eyes closed and a soft smile as he holds out an extremely large flower to Lujanne in her human disguise much to her delight. End. ID.

All of the page are divided into two Columns.

Page 1

Column one:

Katolis Courtship:

Image ID: to the left of the text the red and gold Katolis Flag Displaying the Uneven Towers hangs off the margins. End ID

Birth and local raised Katolians have the longest courting rituals of all of the human kingdoms, it can take anywhere from a year to two years for a couple to begin ‘officially’ dating even during active courtship.

When a Katolian wishes to court a partner they begin with flora. Paying close attention to ‘flower language’ they select a single flower that best expresses how they feel towards their partner. Although they may need to be extra careful, if their intended partner is not originally from Katolis, their flower language may differ, causing some confusion, or at the worse, offense.

Image ID: A smaller text box is bordered by thin gold lines. Inside the box the text reads: “The flower Viren gifted to Lissa, a lily, was meant to symbolize her passionate knowledge of music and the arts as well as ever lasting love. However, being from Del Bar, a lily symbolized death and the severing of an innocent soul from its body. Luckily for Viren, Lissa had known what he meant.” After that the box a drawing of Viren’s hand holding a white lily in his hand End ID.

The offering of the flower can go several different ways: if placed on the right side of their body it is an invitation to continue courtship, if placed on the left the person declines, and if the flower is returned or otherwise discarded well, the message is rather clear.

If the flower offering is accepted the Katolian will then begin the first of many many dates. An old wives tale says that a couple must first have exactly a thousand dates before continuing courtship, however in modern times most Katolians will call it on the 100th date.

Mountain Regions:

The people who have made their homes along the mountain ridges and cold peaks of Katolis are among the loudest of Katolians when it comes to courtship. This is largely in part of Del Barians who find themselves feeling homesick drifting down West, where the weather is cooler and the culture more like home.

Here, courtship tends to be shorter and bolder with the offering of a flower being accompanied by lavish gifts of furs and displays of courage and strength.

There is even a specific Courtship Tradition native only to the people along the edge of the Cursed Caldera in which to show a partner they truly wish to be with them, will scale the mountain and pluck a blue rose to bring back down to their lover.

Image ID: Blue Roses hang along the margins of the page. End ID.

Colume 2:

Image ID: The shillotue of two dragons flying in the sky looms over the text. End ID.

Border Lands:

The people of the border lands to the East differ the most from their fellow Katolians. Being along the border their communities are not as large, their fields not as ripe, and dragons threaten at the edge of the border.

As a result Katolians of this area are far more reserved, their courting rituals being as subtle as they are. When a Border Land Katolian wishes to court they will bring offerings of food; oranges already peeled and cut, apples sliced and displayed neatly, cool drinks after a hard days work, and sometimes if one is feeling bold a full meal cooked and prepared.

A local ‘Whistle Song,’ can also be performed. It begins with one of pair whistling a song to the other, if the other joins and whistle together in harmony, the feeling is reciprocated. This is sometimes done with an ocarina or another wind instrument.

Image ID: A sketch of Claudia’s Ocarina. End ID.

Wedding Traditions:

It is believed to be bad luck for the soon to be newlyweds to see each other even up to a week leading to the wedding ceremony. However, some Katolian will participate in something of a teasing game, sending friends and family in their stead to tell give their partners playful messages.

On the wedding day the couple are both blindfolded and escorted to the front of the chapel by a specially selected somebody often called their ‘Honor Guard.’ At the alter the blindfolds are removed by the partners together after exchanging vows. Once the blindfold is removed they are handed two porcelain bells that are shattered on the alter scattered apple seeds that are tossed in the air.

After the ceremony the couple will preform what is called “The Uneven Dance,” in which the pair dance on one foot at all times, as the dance goes on, the music becomes faster and the couple must keep up till the end of the song.

Another common wedding game is “The Scale Game,” the partners sitting on kneeling pillows will attempt to balance both sides of a large scale using a variety of items provided by guest. If the couple is successful in using all items to balance the scales good fortune is said to come their way.

Page 2.

Column 1:

Del Bar Courtship:

Image ID: to the left of the text the brown and gold Del Barian Flag Displaying the Serpent of the Mountains hangs off the margins. End ID

Del Barians are among of the craftiest and loudest of the Human Kingdoms when it comes to courtship, there is nothing subtle about their attempts to woo each other and it often becomes subject to public affair.

When a Del Barian wishes to court someone they will invite them to a series of challenges called “Trails of The King,” named after The First King of Del Bar who famously courted his husband by challenging him to a series of competitions including Match Crossbow, a Gladiatorial Duel, Weapon Forging, and Throat Singing.

The trails are tests of strength, wit, creativity, endurance, and craftsmanship. These challenges can range to anything from metal-smithing to a good old fashioned race but either-way the outcomes of the test aren’t as important as how the pair feels after them. If both are satisfied and happy they will begin to officially date.

Image ID: A smaller text box is bordered by thin gold lines. Inside the box the text reads: “Soren squirmed. His pauldrons clanked as his shoulders slumped. “They aren’t games. They’re test. Ugh...I’m really messing this up.”

Reflections: “Changing of The Guard” Next to the box is a drawing of Soren in his pajamas, one foot on a wooden box, one hand on his hip and the other raising up his sword in triumph. End ID.

When a couple wishes to wed they will either craft or commission ‘Engagement Daggers.’ These blades are often engraved with family crest or meaningful symbols and are displayed at the front entrance to their home to ward off evil.

Serpentongue River Region:

Serpentongue Del Barians are mostly similar to their mountain dwelling kin; however, these Del Barian show more interested in poetry and song then test of power and strength. River Del Barians will write songs and/or poems to either preform themselves or gather a group to help them preform the piece for their potential partner.

If the person decides they would like to reciprocate they will later bring their own piece to preform in turn, however if they do not, they will leave in the middle of the performance. A more aggressive way to decline is by shooting an arrow from a crossbow at their feet.

Another smaller tradition in the rural regions involves a Shawl Exchange, in which the couple will exchange handmade shawls to each other, the designs include intricate stories woven into fabric.

Image ID: On the right to the paragraph is a sketch of Corvus’s Cello. End ID.

Column 2:

Wedding Traditions:

Del Barian weddings themselves are a huge affair. Once a couple is in engaged, both sides of the family unite to plan the event after which they will join each other on a hunt to bring back the pelt of their kill. The united family will decide on what to turn the pelt into; blankets, clothes, and rugs are most common. After it is made, the item is given to the couple as wedding gift.

Image ID: grey, slightly pink in hue Trysting Stones of Various sizes hover over the next paragraph. End ID.

Once the exchange of the Engagement Daggers is done through a Trysting Stone guests will erupt in a traditional throat song, and imminently afterwards lead into a dance/game called “The Silver-Tongued Serpent Dance,” in which wedding guests will gather in snake formation with the lead of the group wearing the head of a dragon. The ‘Serpent-Dragon’ will encircle the couple in a dance and the pair will attempt to escape the serpent’s dance by ‘slaying’ the beast.

However, in the Serpentongue Region, instead of slaying the serpent the couple will play tug-a-war with the serpent’s tongue till they can pull it loose from the head and escape.

The rest of the night is a celebration that many non-Del Barians joke is, ‘loud enough to wake the ancient ones’. Friends, Family, and even strangers are welcomed to join in the festivities. Sprawling tables of feast, echoing drums through the night as guest partake in games like Match Crossbow, Wrestling, Chess, and Storytelling. The celebration tends to lead well into the night with the couple welcoming dawn unified.

After the wedding many couples can choose participate in “Wind Elk’s Retreat” where the couple spends a few months traveling together searching for adventures to one day become tales for their family and children if they wish to have them.

Page 3

Column 1:

Neolandia Courtship: Image ID: To the left of the text the grey and black Neolandian Flag displaying a Neolandian Elephant hangs off the margins. End ID.

The people of Neolandia are straightforward with their courtship, if someone wishes to woo a partner they will outright express their intentions, being people from a harsher climate they would rather cut to the chase, though of course this isn’t without romance.

To being courtship Neolandians start with clay, with it they craft whatever item they wish; vases, bowls, figurines, etc. These items are extremely diverse, with some being simple and others extremely complex.

Image ID: three different styles vases in a need row. The first is a black and purple vase, it is short and has horn like handles near the bottom. The second is a taller more traditional brown case with cracks. The last is a wide light brown vase with cracks. End ID.

When the item is fished the Neolandian will approach their potential partner and offer the item. It is encouraged for the receiver of the clay creation to barter with the gift and bring something of equal or greater value in a show of resourcefulness. This practice is called “Barter For The Beloved.”

Image ID: A smaller text box is bordered by thin gold lines. Inside the box the text reads: “A Peanut for a place brings a home but a Barter for The Beloved will fill the rooms.” Prince Kasef’s Grandmother, Queen Yara. End ID.

When the pair decides to date they spend their time living with each other first. Their days spent in a shared space will show if they are truly a good match and still wish to start a home together.

Central Eboreus:

The world renowned Jousting Tournament held in Eboreus invites Neolandia’s strongest warriors, and these competitors may were a cloth from their lover tucked into their armlet as a show of devotion.

Otherwise, if not entered into the competition most pairs will simple invite each other out for the Tournament Festivities and treat themselves to Chocolate Cardamom Cupcakes.

Rural Region:

For those who reside in the barren lands of Neolandia, pairs who decide to wed will choose a spot where they work together to build a home from the ground up. These homes stay in the families for generations with children adding onto the home when they choose a partner in life.

Image ID: Stone formations. End ID.

Column 2:

Wedding Traditions: Image ID: a sketch of an ornate box with intricate carvings and jewelry. End ID.

When proposing Neolandians will get down on their knees and bow their head while lifting up a “Matrimony Box.” These ornate boxes are family heirlooms full of precious gemstones and inheritance passed down generation to generation. Most families regardless of status have these.

The wealth of the families will decide heavily on how extravagant the wedding is. Nobles from Eboreus will include a parade of Neolandian Elephants accompanied with music and showers of poppies through the street. The common Neolandian however, will have a smaller ceremony with friends and family.

On the night before the wedding both partners will have their faces and arms painted with dye made from flowers and spices. The designs are intricate and many will choose to paint Neolandian Elephant tusk on the sides of their face for good fortune.

At the ceremony a large garland of poppies is draped over the shoulders of the lovers, and in between them the ornate boxes lay open. After giving their vows and placing their own personal jewels into their partners box are officially wed.

The party afterwords consist of a night full of entertainment held at the “Lovers Stage.” Despite the name, the Lovers never once step onto the stage, instead it is reserved for guests. Entertainment is very important in Neolandian weddings, guests and family members will come with all sorts of trinkets, musical instruments, talents, and trades to show off to the newly joined family.

Two common forms of entertainment are: “Skinks Illusion” and “Wrath of The Bumblescorp.”

Hiring Dark Mages for weddings used to be a common practice, these mages often would preform The Skinks Illusion; a memorizing performance of lights and glitter that cast beautiful stained-glass figures in the air. Though after the passing of Prince Kaseef the practice has gone down drastically.

Wrath of The Bumblescorp however, is a highly customizable and fun experience. The performance is a non-verbal comedy play full of music, dancing, and exaggerated hjinks meant to show the couple they will always be safe from harm (Bumblescorps) when they have each

Image ID: A sketch of a singular bumblescorp threatens. End ID.

Page 4:

Column 1:

Duren Courtship: Image ID: To the left of the text the blue and gold Durenian Flag displaying a closed flower hangs off the margins. End ID.

The people of Duren have a laid back way of courting and in general dating. A playful way many Durenians will flirt is by taking a small bundle of wheat and dusting both of their intended partner’s shoulders, this often indicates interest and invites the other to join in if they wish to.

Most dates for Durenians involve the couple venturing on long picnics and walks into one of the many sprawling stone gardens. Berylgarten’s most famous garden has ‘The Wall of Lovers’, where hundreds of couples have visited to etch their names into the stone walls with the encouragement of the groundskeepers.

However, above all else Durenian’s value honesty and truth, through all stages of courting and dating Durenians will check in with each other to see if both are still happy and fulfilled in the relationship, hashing out any issues and quarrels where they can. To non-Durenians this may come off as them not wanting to be in the relationship anymore and cause some misunderstandings.

When Durenians are becoming more serious in their courtship however, they switch tones drastically going from walks in the park to long discussions of their future and assets. Since many Durenians are farmers and live a pastoral life it can become difficult when pairs with their own separate farms and livestock wish to come together. Whose land will they end up on? Will they live separately? What if their livestock do not get along? These are just a few of the many situations the average Durenian must consider before committing themselves to marriage.

Image ID: A smaller text box is bordered by thin gold lines. Inside the box the text reads: “Bluebell, Bluebell! Fly over my head, And you shall have a crust of bread; And when I brew and when I bake, you shall have a piece of my wedding cake!.” Local game song from Duren Children.” To the left of the text is a sketch of Terry and Claudia dancing in bee costumes. End ID.

Eastern Duren:

A local sweet called ‘Sweet-Hearts Seed Bomb’ is a simple but delicious treat comprised of a variety of edible seeds and nuts rolled into a pastry ball, coated in powered sugar, and baked! Durenians will make a batch and decorate a cornucopia-like basket to give to partners on the holiday, “Sweetness Day.”

Column 2:

Image ID: A sketch of Rayla’s bread being pinned to a tree by an arrow hovers over the text. End ID.

Wedding Traditions:

When a Durenian wishes to propose marriage they will spend anywhere from months to years growing out their hair to chop off and bundle in an offering to their partner. This practice is called the “Mane of Hair Exchange.” The longer the bundle of hair the more significance it carries. The hair is often worn as an accessory or displayed.

The weddings themselves tend to be modest in size and primarily hosted outdoors, many rural Durenians will even have their weddings in their backyard among their fields and flowers. Before the ceremony couples will first eat two spoonfuls of honey before having any wedding cake or food.

At the Ceremony a crown of thorns called “The Crowns of Abundance” is worn by the couple and as they exchanges vows they will place flowers and leaves into the crown softening the thorns and shielding the lovers. To prick one selves during the ceremony is not a sign of bad luck but rather a sign that through it all the couple will prevail. In the end guest will toss rise grains along the couples path.

A common wedding game is called “Pluck The Chick,” A Innena chicken with a blue ribbon is placed inside of a pen along with several other chickens. The game has the player wear a blindfold and enter the pen to try and find up the Blue Ribboned Chick based on instructions and shouts from onlookers. There is usually a prize at the end of this game.

Image ID: A sketch of a Innena Chicken with its wings puffed out and head raised up.

The family of the couple before the wedding both make a wedding gift called ‘Harvest’s Luck.’ It is a broom made of a variety of dried herds, flowers, fruit skins, and grass. The specific arrangement can mean several things: Fertility, Abundance Luck, Joy. These bundles are often put on display at the wedding and afterwards mounted in front of the house to grant protection.

Image ID: A colorful array of potatoes, fruits, flowers, and breads in baskets and buckets. End ID.

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Column 1:

Evenere Courtship: Image ID: To the left of the text the black and green Evenerean Flag displaying a Dragonfly hangs off the margins. End ID.

The people of the South are the humblest of the human kingdoms when it comes to courtship, marriage, and overall festivities. It isn’t uncommon for members of a family to be unaware that their relative is even dating anyone up until marriage is being discussed with how private they tend to be.

As such romance in the swamp-lands is full of hushed sweet-nothings, soft fox kisses behind the arches of trees, and subtle gazes from across the small communities along the waters. Wood carving plays a deep role in the beginning and end of any Evenereans courtship, when an Evenerean wishes to court someone they carve the person’s favorite animal into a figurine. The type of wood used in this carving have their own significant meanings and these carvings are often decorated with paint.

Image ID: On both sides of the text two bottles of perfume frame the paragraph. End ID.

If the feeling is reciprocated the pair will being dating, the time being spent crafting oils, candles, and perfumes for each other as well and teaching their partners their on survival skills for swamp-life the two gaining knowledge, skill, and companionship with one another.

Image ID: A smaller text box is bordered by thin gold lines. Inside the box the text reads: “Do Evenreans even have weddings?” “What kind of Question is that?” Many Non-Evenerans have no idea what a Evenere wedding looks like and some even assume they have no ceremony. End ID.

Willow’s Blessing:

Evenere has a creation myth. It is said Willow was once a renounced carpenter, who spent their time aiding the people in their community; reinforcing boats, fixing shoes, building homes, and patching walkways. But one day a great flood took their community, homes that once stood proud had been swept away within an afternoon, boats rocked so terribly not even they could salvage it, and precious supplies needed for survival lost.

With the weight of the loss upon their back Willow ventured into the woods to harvest what they could but they knew the damage was far too great. To rebuild would be a heavy cost to the woods that sheltered them. Willow began to cry, at the base of an ancient tree. The tree hearing their cries and their plight offered them a choice, to join them and become part of the woods.

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Willow wept, thick heavy tears of joy and the bog welcomed them, turning them into a vast groove of Weeping Willows so that their friends and family can rebuild. It is tradition to wed in the shade of A Weeping Willow, for Willow weeps happy tears for the couple and promises to shelter them and their families for years to come.

Wedding Traditions:

When a Eveneran wishes to propose they will take the wooden carving of the animal crafted in the beginning of their relationship and turn it into a set of wooden spoons called ‘Love Spoons’. This practice is not disrespectful in the slightest and is a grand gesture of love. Rather than the spoons being mounted or displayed Evenerans will use these spoons often if not everyday.

Image ID: A colored Lantern hangs off the margins, it is made out of wood, covered in vines and fireflies hover around the light. End ID.

Eveneran weddings tend to be small, private, events hosted at night as it is seen as a special time for the couple to be alone. Before the couple ventures to their chosen spot they will have dinner with the shared family called ‘Homecoming Night’. This dinner is small gathering of intimidate family and friends, unity candles are lit and they all partake in well wishes and blessings for the next time they met the pair will be married.

Once the dinner is over the couple will retreat to a spot they’ve set up earlier in the day. Typically underneath a willow tree where they’ve hung wind chimes and lanterns along the branches and cleared a spot for a fire. The pair wear a set of matching bell bracelets, light the fire and toss in oils, then dance together as they preform the Hum of The Dragonfly, a song comprised of only dragonfly-like humming their palms pressed against each other as they glide around the fire. It is seen as great fortune if the song draws Dragonflies to their ceremony.

After words the couples return home where family members out of respect have left small red boxes full of wedding gifts.

Image ID: A colorful sketch of a Lilac Willow Tree. End ID.

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The Festival of Milda: Image ID: The text is frame by a thin golden box and mirror each other on both sides of the page is an ornate red heart covered in spiraling gold and more heart motifs. End ID.

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The Silent Priestess.

Legend says long ago there was a wandering Priestess of Lady Justice named Milda, sworn to an oath of silence. As such Milda spent her days listening and observing the people around her. One day, on a several month long stay in Del Bar, Milda noticed a Leather-smith utterly enamored by a valiant warrior. For weeks she watched the Smith admire the Warrior, but never make a move.

One evening, when the Warrior road into Hinterpeak upon her horse, Milda hatched a plan. While the Warrior was busy resupplying in town Milda snuck to her horse, cutting a slit into the leather hobble strap of the saddle. When the Warrior attempted to mount her horse next the strap snapped.

The Warrior approached the Leather-smith in a huff, hoping for a simple fix. The Smith, although flustered, make quick skillful work. In awe of the Smith’s swift craftsmanship the Warrior begun to visit often and it wasn’t long till she begun to court the gentleman. By the eve of the following year the two had wed.

It is said Milda went on to successfully match make over 1000 couples in her lifetime with her mischief before peacefully passing away of old age the 2nd week of February.

Image ID: A sketch of a Priestess to Lady Justice stands with her arm slightly reached out, she wears a Litham and has a bored expression. End ID.

The priestess never married, uninterested in such affairs, but took pride in her work. Now she is honored as a symbol of Love and Mischief with a Festival held the 2nd week of February in her honor called ‘The Festival of Milda.’ Originally a Katolian Holiday, it has since spread throughout the Kingdoms.

Milda is most commonly represented with a Horse Skull, Ribbons, and Bells but festivities themselves vary region to region.

Katolis:

Katolis has the largest celebration, with a dedicated full week to the holiday where townsfolk and nobles-alike dress in white and take a silk golden ribbon that they will try to pin it to single friends and family without them noticing. The person then needs to keep the ribbon on that spot through out the week and find someone whose ribbon is in the same spot as them and share a dance at the Festival’s Square. It is common for pairs to conspire with each other to match-make friends.

But in recent times it has become more of a Festival celebrating all kinds of love with friends, family, and even couples partaking in event as a lighthearted game of sticking ribbons to loved ones. A carnival is held in the town where vendors, flowers, heart shaped pastries, games, and music fill the street.

Duren:

“Sweetness Day”- Being heavy suppliers for the Katolian Festival of Milda, they were the first to begin their own version of the Festival, theirs being a three-day event hosted in Eastern Duren.

This event however, focuses more on pastries and sweets! Braided-Bread shaped like a heart, chocolate rose bouquets, heart honeycombs, and Sweet-Hearts Seed Bombs. This atmosphere has caused many bakers throughout the land to visit in hopes of bringing home high quality ingredients and exchange trade secrets. Barius himself attends the festival.

Image ID: A gold box of sweets with a red ribbon lays slightly open. There are chocolate roses, a peanut butter cookie and a chocolate ball with white icing. End ID.

Del Bar:

“The Feast Of Lovers”- Young Del Barians will take a Pilgrimage up Hinterpeak to visit the Statue of The Goddess of Hunt. Superstition says if you leave offerings at the shrine she will bless you with luck. After the young Del Barians return, well after nightfall they attend the Feast.

The Feast of Lovers is a Musical Chairs-like event, when the music in the hall stops Del Barians scramble up from their seats and rush to a new spot to rotate the energy and meet more people.

Neolondia

“Gala of The Unwed”- Hosted in outskirts of Eboreus, Galas for of-age and unwed Neolandians are held all over.

The 2-day gala consist of elaborate costumes, bizarre fashion, and mask.

Here guest mingle in the comfort of their costumes, an added layer of mystery making the night all the more exciting. The Galas have even inspired many stories of a lovely masked woman who charmed a Duchess before fleeing, leaving behind her slipper as the only clue to find her again.

Evenere:

“Day of Love”- large boats carrying guest float out in the water on the boats songs play through the evening and the people dance in celebration of love. Couples arm in arm, children swinging with their parents, and friends tossing each other around. All are welcomed in this event so that love can warm their community.

Image ID: A sketch of Terry on a boat in a Gondala get up. He smiles widely as he rows. End ID.

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CREDITS

Image ID: A sketch of Esmeralda skall with her dragon parrot hangs to the left of the caption. To the right of the caption is a sketch of Soren elbowing Kasef with a playful smile. Kasef has his arms crossed. End ID.

Artist Credits: Hanna Hofer, Dorothy Yang, Hanna Hofer, Rebecca Blessing, Grace Kim, Josh Bangs, Alice Cho, Sara Landsdell, Koko Liem, Dafne Martinez, Rocky Chen, and Wonderstorm,