An Najaf/Fall Festival 2023-04-09
In the middle of An Najaf, people have gathered around a monument, reminding them of an ancient war. It is a new season and the people of An Najaf are ready to celebrate it, but they await a special guest. Not the earl: he is standing next to the monument.
A carriage approaches and stops near the monument. The earl personally offers his hand to aid the passenger in getting out: it is Emdrei - invited by the earl himself to attend the event. Wilbrand hands her a horn. He would not normally give it to a woman, but he knows of her iron stamina and is fully confident she can make it sound - and so she does. The solemnity of anxiety is broken and chattering erupts as people start walking towards the ocean.
After two hours they reach the ocean. Wilbrand steps on a wine barrel and addresses the crowd: "People of An Najaf, today is a great day as we prepare for the Autumn harvest and wil receive the rewards for our diligent labor. But today is extra special due to our special guest. Only the eldest of you remember the last time when ducal blood graced this festival, so let us make it a day worth remembering. Now, Fire Handlers, light the Praise of Fire."
People use their own torches at the Praise of Fire and then split in four groups, each going their separate direction. Even Wilbrand lights a torch and offers his other arm to Emdrei, so they can walk to the Armstrong Estate together. They light a fire in the estate and then join the crowd at the square. The men are dressed as monkeys and the women in traditional blue and purple of An Najaf. They dance to music in line around everyone’s homes while throwing purple and blue confetti. The earl and lady did not join the dress up, but do join the dance. Although the dance is not complicated, Wilbrand made sure to practice it beforehand to ensure a good impression towards his people - and especially towards his guest.
During the Collection of Material, the commoners are also welcome to visit the estate. Emdrei herself hands out wine and disposable materials to the visitors, appearing confident and at ease with small talk. She seems at home in this informal setting. Only when Wilbrand and Emdrei look at each other, they blush.
As the sun sets, the music competition begins.
Contrary to other years, the songs had to be performed beforehand to the Master of the Ceremony, who combined the songs into a story. This novelty was requested by the earl a few weeks ago when he returned from Fontan.
The story is about a heroic cavalry charge and the people enjoy the songs of the different artist. The favorite song follows the rythm of hoofbeats.
onto death, onto war
riding long, riding far
confident, without fear
hundred men, hundred spear
on we go, all the way
some wil fall, some will stay
without doubt we will act
victory turns to fact
onto home, onto life
a reward to survive
we enjoy happiness
that our house may be blessed
we will work every day
that our name we convey
to our kids after us
with our kin numerous
onto fame, onto law
defend good, dusk and dawn
against odds far to great
if the will of our fate
we may live, we may die
but our deeds will not lie
during love, in a fight
we will do what is right
When music competition ends. Wilbrand again takes the word: "Thank you, artists, for your wonderfull performance. And thanks to everyone who helped make this possible. Now we will finish off with lighting the pyres and the Wine Parade."
As the crowd cheers, Wilbrand asks them once more for their attention. "But first ... but first ... I want to make an important anouncement ... in reward for your faithfull service, I will award you with a temple to the Shadow!"
