Promise of Night
Letters to the Dead
Echoing with deafening silence, the tunnels and caverns of Káto are rarely this quiet, the movement of people within cities often drifting. But today, the normally bustling Silver Elf cities are deathly silent, not a creature or sound moving in the streets. Even to the most stalwart of travelers, this quiet is unsettling, marking the day for what it is, a date on the calendar that few partake in, but is a deep spiritual observance that cannot be ignored.
As the silence permeates the air, people sit quietly in their private chambers, putting quill to parchment and scribbling letters to those that have since left this world. The Day of the Dead brings with it an interesting introspection, far from the mourning that some people would expect. Those that participate in this day are rarely swallowed by sorrow but are compelled to put to paper feelings that have captured them in cycles of stunted growth. This day and this practice will hopefully allow them to move forward with a renewed vision of the world before them.
The silence lingers as all within the cities continue drafting what is known as a Promise of Night. These letters are written to loved ones that have passed in an effort to find closure and move forward from a death. Goals are noted, feelings of love, anger, sorrow, and hope are inscribed on paper in secret to later be read in silence at a burial grounds for those that have left the world. Only then will the letter be burned, forever left to secret, a promise between those still living and the dead they have lost.
Promise of Night
All letters that are written are different, but the letters written to past Matron Mothers often speak of love, sorrow, and vengeance. Here is just one example of a letter written from the youngest daughter to her long-since passed mother.
Original
Translation
My dearest mother,
The nights have grown longer in these caverns, but I seem no closer to finding those that harmed you, that left us here with my sister in your place when your time as Matron had just begun. We still cry for you, but must continue forward if our house wishes to retain the respect that we have been given.
While my sisters may have moved on to become priestesses and lead our family, I hold no such feelings. Someone will pay for your death, no matter how long it takes to find them. With all my being, I will find vengeance for you. This is what the Goddess tasks me with and I will see it through.
Your Beloved Youngest Daughter
This touched my heart. What a nice tradition. The letter example, maybe less so.