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As has been the custom for over three centuries, the harvest festival serves a threefold purpose in the hearts and minds of all who call the realm of Trevast home.
First and foremost, as the oldest of customs, it marks the beginning of the harvest season, which is alone a cause for celebration as the time to enjoy the fruits of a nation's labors. Since time immemorial, transcending houses or cultures or creeds, nearly all the people of the region have celebrated this time for that singular reason.
Second, but near equally as important to the majority of folk, is this festival also marks the anniversary of the formation of the kingdom of Trevast as a unified realm, rather than a landmass of squabbling fiefdoms, which was hallmarked by the crowning of the High King of Trevast, Desirak Bayne, the first of his name.
And third, the first day of the Harvest Season Festival marks the defeat of the Boteri Dominion in the first great war of Trevast, with the last day marking the aforementioned crowning, completing the seven day festival.
The air seemed rife with promise and good fortune, with the High King himself, King Adric Bayne, the second of his name observing his people from the balcony of his citadel, which dominated the center of the city. He was a fairly young king, though aging at the approach of the age of thirty and one. His wife, a Barran by descent, stood by his side with her deep brown hair glinting in rising sunlight.
It was indeed early in the day, so early in fact that they both stood in their morning robes whilst breaking their fast upon fruits plucked from the royal garden. Adric broke the silence first, saying to his beautiful wife: "They always are ready to party early, aren't they?"
His wife, with her slightly accented voice, replied with a soft touch: "Can we blame them, my dear? It is better then them screaming in revolt, is it not?"
"Obviously." Andric mentally intoned, kidding his wife tenderly on the cheek as he popped a grape in his mouth. Their guests would arrive by midday, and there was much preparation to engage in. No doubt his servants went about preparing the dining hall, cleaning and dusting the already well cleaned and dusted stones and bannisters. As High King, it was his duty to meet with the lords of Trevast and entertain them. He could only hope they would not grow too restless. The latest war with the Boteri had ended near forty years ago under the reign of his grandfather, and the provinces dominated by the hold of Kaith still remained under the crown's control. And for forty harvest feasts, squabbling lords debated over the hold being consigned to them, or hinted at it being granted as some form of reward for past or future deeds. And for forty harvest feasts, the High King of Trevast did nothing. And "Why should he?" Andric mused.
The time they all lived in was a time of plenty and peace. The people of Kaith, halfbreeds as they were, seemed content to keep the king's peace for the past decade or so. Adric hardly saw a reason to change the status quo, save for some reward perceived due on his part. And that was the struggle the King felt the most, out of all as of late. Many lords perceived some reward due to them, even for duties rendered on their part to the king. Not to mention the petty squabbles between lords, such as the Rivermarks and Eules. Adric, although not necessarily a young man, was considered a young king as the crown had only sat upon his head for a handful of years. He needed to earn the Lord's respect, and he had to do it fast.
His wife, although in jest, made a very astute point. Now was the best time to do so, for now was a time of merriment and diversion. Better to keep things that way, rather than dissent and rebellion. He hoped he could keep the peace, the peace that had held over Trevast as a united realm for over three centuries. He hardly wanted to be the king responsible for breaking that peace.
And so, in these few solitary moments he would enjoy with his wife at his side, he set his mind to focus on the eventuality that lay before him. He must be the king they all needed him to be. And not just for himself. But for all of them.
@Elijah Brockway @The Star of Chaos @Cainhurst Crow @Necris @Tristar @Outlander
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