Hearts Warming Eve

Overview

Hearts Warming is a cherished winter holiday celebrated across Iquira, symbolizing unity, hope, and the power of friendship. On the longest, coldest night of the year, communities come together to light hearths, share stories, and exchange gifts as a reminder that even in the darkest times, warmth can be found in the bonds we share. The traditions include gathering around a central fire, preparing communal feasts, and retelling tales of the first Hearts Warming, where leaders of old set aside their differences to forge lasting unity. It is a time of reconciliation, generosity, and celebration of the strength that comes from standing together.

Histoy

Long ago, before Iquira was shaped by kingdoms and empires, the land was divided not by walls but by fear. The Elves, Dwarves, and Eranorians, each held to their own territories, believing isolation would keep them safe. They feared one another’s differences and saw them as threats rather than strengths. One winter, harsher than any before, a harsh storm struck the land. Crops withered beneath the frost, animals disappeared, and rivers froze solid. Each race suffered, yet none dared ask for help, their pride keeping them apart. When starvation loomed, whispers of despair filled the air, carried by the biting wind. Desperate for a solution, the leaders of the three races—King Tharn Stonehammer of the dwarves, Priestess Elvira of the elves, and Warchief Kallar of the Eranorians—independently set out to seek aid from the gods, even though the gods had long since departed Pearsha. They each followed faint whispers of an ancient fire, a divine flame said to grant warmth and wisdom to those in need.

The three leaders unknowingly converged upon the same mountain peak, where in a cave a lone flame flickered against the icy winds. They were wary of one another, and accusations flew. Each claimed the flame belonged to their people and none other. Their voices rose in anger, and soon their quarrel threatened to snuff out the fragile flame. But before the flame could die, a mysterious figure emerged from it—neither elf, dwarf, nor Eranorian, its beard as white as the snow and his cloak a deep crimson. Its voice was gentle but firm. "This flame is no one's possession. It is a reflection of your hearts. As long as you fight, it will fade, and so will all hope in the world. Only together can you keep it alive." Humbled, the leaders set aside their weapons and sat together by the flame. They spoke of their people’s suffering, their fears, and their hopes. Slowly, they began to see their struggles mirrored in one another. The warmth of the flame grew stronger as they shared stories, and by dawn, it burned brightly against the winter’s chill.

The mysterious figure vanished with the sunrise, leaving behind embers for each leader to carry home. Inspired, they returned to their people, uniting their strengths to survive the harsh winter together. The elves shared their knowledge of magic, the dwarves their mastery of crafting, and the Eranorians their resilience and hunting skills. The winter passed, and the three races stood stronger than before, bound not by fear but by friendship. To honor this union, they lit a great hearth at the mountain’s base every year on the longest night, sharing food, stories, and warmth with all who would join. This tradition became Hearts Warming Eve, a reminder that even in the coldest of times, the flame of friendship can guide the way.