The Dragon Blinks Its Eyes

As in the Earth-Luna system, the apparent size of Derkomai's major moon, Derkakshi, from the surface of Derkomai is about the same as that of Derkomai's sun. This means that total eclipses of the sun by Derkakshi occur periodically as Derkakshi passes directly in front of it, as viewed from the surface of Derkomai.
In some cultures of Derkomai, total eclipses are called The Dragon Blinks Its Eyes and are considered a sign that the deities are still watching over the world. When The Dragon Blinks Its Eyes, people often hold impromptu parties in the streets, and in some places, all of the normal events of the day are put aside to prepare an evening feast or other celebrations.
Eclipses are especially important for followers of The Sanctuary of Baiyamuta. They believe that when the Dragon Blinks Its Eyes, it shows that Baiyamuta watches over the people and maintains order and justice in the world. On the day a Dragon Blinks Its Eyes, in some cities and towns a particularly heinous criminal is executed publicly, usually by beheading, in honor of Baiyamuta and to uphold justice and order.
The Elvirim also celebrate when The Dragon Blinks Its Eyes. In Elvrimkou, it is called Lócë Tihta Hen. Unlike the spontaneous Human celebrations, the Elvirim seem to know when Lócë Tihta Hen will occur and prepare their celebrations ahead of time. It is a popular day for weddings among the Elvirim. As the skies darken and the stars appear in the sky, the Elvirim offer prayers and praise to Eia’au, whom the Elvirim believe created all of the stars and the whole of the universe. When light returns to the sky, they celebrate the bringing of light to the world and spend the rest of the day feasting and singing.
Like their Elvirim relatives, the Drow Elvirim also know when eclipses will occur. Among the Drow, an eclipse is known as a Shadow of Apopshe. For the few minutes of darkness during a Shadow of Apopshe, the Drow venture onto the surface of Derkomai during the day without discomfort. There they make vows to their House and clan and sacrifice prisoners to worship Apopshe. The occurrence of a Shadow of Apopshe is a high holy day for House Alierma in Isolabirre and The Night of Apopshe. It is considered especially auspicious for a Shadow of The Night of Apopshe to assassinate a victim during a Shadow of Apopshe. A Shadow that accomplishes that rare feat gains a great deal of honor for herself.
When the Dragon Blinks Its Eyes, all must bow their head in deference. Looking at the Eye of the Dragon when it blinks is an afront, and those who do so may be struck blind, as the strictures of the Praxis Illicitus say.

Manifestation

When the Dragon Blinks Its Eyes, the red Eye of the Dragon, Derkakshi, passes in front of the sun. The light slowly fades, and day becomes as night. The stars appear in the sky, birds stop singing and animals quiet their sounds. For some minutes, the world becomes still as night. Then, the Dragon slowly opens its eyes. Darkness gives way to light. The birds and animals resume their calls, and the world is as it was.

Localization

Because of the geometry of the Derkomai-Derkakshi system, total eclipses occur somewhat more often than on Earth, and those eclipses tend to pass more often over the more populated countries of Derkomai, while almost never occurring in the far north and south.

Type

Natural