Day of Solitude
The Day of Solitude is a tradition observed by the race known as Briarhearts.
Execution
On the Day of Solitude, each briarheart secludes itself in a wooded area, and spends the entire day alone, in a state similar to both a trance and a hibernation. This functions as a way for the briarheart to gather up important nutrients from the woods that it needs to survive the rest of winter. The deep isolation that the briarheart goes through also attunes it closely with the natural world, reopening primal connections that may have been dulled over time through contact with other creatures. A briarheart that misses the opportunity to reconnect with its roots often becomes extremely irritable and irrational, and may become malnourished or even perish in the cold winter months if it doesn't find an opportunity to regain these important elements.
Components and tools
A briarheart leaves all equipment and clothing when it embarks on The Day of Solitude, only requiring an area of heavy woods or a similar area with a strong connection to nature. Items left behind are usually left buried in a patch of deep soil, hidden away in tree nooks, or temporarly gifted to a trusted friend for safekeeping during this time. A briarheart typically finds a large tree to partake its meditation under, ones with large roots that can help conceal the briarheart so it isn't disturbed are preferred.
Participants
Only briarhearts partake in a Day of Solitude, although it is said that the treants have similar traditions. Druids who worship forests may have similar traditions learned from briarhearts, but to truly complete its ritual, the briarheart must be truly alone. Briarhearts with young take their Day of Solitude in shifts with one parent isolating themselves while the other prepares the young for its own day. A young briarheart completing a Day of Solitude alone successfully is marked as a important rite of passage.
Observance
The day of Solitude can take place during any time during the early days of Onkmet / Hoto, but the most optimum day for gaining the required nutrients is the 22nd. Nearly all briarhearts will attempt the Day of Solitude on or around this day.
Primary Related Location
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