12/01/2023
In Arden's Lanceam, the winter celebrations have ended, for the light of this dark time of year. The celebrations started a week before the darkest day of the year, and continued 3 weeks after. With tournaments in multiple disciplines, often about matches of arms. Like the fighting dance of couples called “Sword and shield”, “The Table” in the main hall of shields and many more, not to forget ongoing battles of telling about your feats and adventures in a more abstract way.
On the darkest day, those who have left us are celebrated and their bodies burned on top to the highest peak of Caelum Lancea, and their name is carved in the mountain to be forever remembered. Caelum Lancea is a constantly burning pyre that burns with the sacred flame of Ignis, shedding light on the other mountains. On that day, there is no singing, tournaments, dancing or training. It is a day that is often in silence.
When the sun was setting on this day and all were gathered at the peak, Sir Artemis stepped up to the pyre and faced all present, the flames were dancing around him but more like a embrace, his eyes burned bright with the presence of Ignis and spoke.
“Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my mother, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
When the last words were said, the last of the sun rays disappeared behind the mountains and the darkness descended on all. Then the silence was broken by the roar of war by all pressent and the pyre raised its flames and with a shockwave cast light like it was the sun out over the mountains. Showing that even in the darkest places there can be light.
The day after the celebrations continued.
