Lore Scroll: Holiday Traditions

The wind howled sharply through the sparse tents. Pitched against the side of the mountain for some protection from the cold, the unexpected storm caught the Everfest by surprise. One of its last stops before the seasonal break, the Everfest this far north in Aria managed spectacular views of the mountain at the cost of harsh weather. Nevertheless, the sounds of a lyre could be heart, the bard pushing back the driving cold through quick wit, stout lyrics, and a strong voice.

One of the few times that anyone had seen Briar relax was during the "Northfest" as the locals had begun to call it. Stretched out on an uncomfortable chair in perfect comfort, Briar nursed her strong drink while she waited for the others. This was their tradition, and their time to relax. A few moments where warriors could lay down their weapons instead of their lives to celebrate their accomplishments, mourn friends, and maybe even exchange a token of their appreciation.

The wind howled again, and Briar shivered through the cold. She started a protest for someone to shut the door, but then saw the giant, hulking figure in the doorway. She recognized the white-bearded giant immediately. It was Oldhim, the Father of the Snow, the King of the North.

"Hey, you old geezer!" came another familiar voice behind him. For the first time, Briar laughed out loud and stood to great her friend, Lexi.

"Every time I see you," Briar started while embracing her friend, "you have more gray hair than our hulking friend over there!" Briar handed Oldhim the largest stein she could muster from the tent's inventory, full to overflowing with ale. He simply nodded, the white wisps from his bear shaking loose ice and snow. Lexi laughed with Briar as they continued their embrace. With a start, Lexi pulled back and pulled Briar in closely. She spoke in a hushed but excited whisper,

"I dragged Azalea through the snow to the Northfest. At one point, she told me that she wanted to see the Everfest for the first time, so I decided that now was a good a time as any. You know what that means?!"

"First to the gift." The voice of Oldhim flowed through the warriors like a cooling stream on a hot day. It was never a wonder why he spoke so little, Kings would fight wars to hear a man like him sing.

"Ugh, I think I have snow in my pants," Came the annoyed voice of Azalea. She nodded to Briar and made a face at Lexi, "Damn you and your "plans to take me somewhere fun." Lexi laughed and handed the ranger a colorful box with stripped paper laced across the outside.

"What's this?" A small smile formed across Azalea's face as she pulled the paper apart and lifted up the lid of the box.