The Vessel of Isis
History
When the children of Mother-May-I went off in search of answers to the Fae threat, the youngest, Bryndan, took to the seas. He saw many wonders in the world, but on his return, crown-less, he declared that he loved the sight of the river Thames most of all.
The crown formed upon his brow then, and Spring has celebrated the occasion with a grand wedding ceremony every year since.
Execution
The Vessel of Isis is one part carnival, one part wedding and one part excuse to get absolutely lit.
At noon, the Spring Monarch approaches the banks of the river and declares their undying love to the River Thames as an offer of marriage. Should all go well, the crown of Spring will then appear.
The Vessel of Isis also serves as a gift-giving ceremony for the rest of the Freehold, and a rather important one at that. During the ceremony it is considered a rather major faux pas to turn away an offered gift. As such, many of London's Lost use the occasion to give gifts to those they Desire; The only catch is that, due to some arcane bargain or pledge, only one gift may be given by each Changeling.
Though, any number may be received and this has led to something of a popularity contest among Spring Courtiers. Which, like all contests, Summer Courtiers have been quick to respond too.
Components and tools
Participants gather on the banks of the River Thames and are usually spared the scrutiny of the mortal world thanks to the magic of Contracts and some well placed bribes. Food, drink and entertainment are all provided by the Spring Court and anyone else in the Freehold willing to pitch in.
Participants
The most important role for the ceremony is, of course, the Spring Monarch. Spring's Knights are expected to assist in providing the supplies for the ceremony, and the entire Freehold is, as is usually the case, invited; This is one of the few occasions where the failure of another monarch to attend would be a truly grievous insult.
Observance
The grand carnival and "wedding" inexplicably referred to by the Lost of the Spring Court as The Vessel of Isis is held on the Spring Equinox, usually the 20th of March, every year. It begins at sundown and generally lasts the day.
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