Eilhovar Lárállár (Eil-Ho-War Laral-Lar)
Overview
"Lárállár" means "to step over something". That is not necessarily something ceremonial, but for the elves - all of them, even when their names for it are different these days - it is always some kind of a transition.
In this case the Eilhovar Lárállár is the festivity for an elven matriarch where they transition over into their last stage of their live, being an Eilhovar, which basically means patronage. Usually the festivity is set on the next full moon after their 1500th birthday, so they they can acclimate to the idea and the change their body is going through.
Preparation
The elf has nothing to do except being there and alive. Friends, family and other Eilhovar prepare the festivity. Sometimes they ask what the elf in question wants to eat, if they prefer linen or silk for the pillows, shall there be more or less lights...
Oh and what is there to eat and to drink? Yeah, sure, we can do a meatless Eilhovar Lárállár. No problem, love. And so the days are bleeding into each other while the elf starts to feel the age, the calm of being an Eilhovar.
Someone comes in and takes their measurements for two dresses. One is for the actual ceremony, the other one for... uh, later. Both are in their favourite fabrics and favourite colours so the elf is feeling comfortable in both. Shoewear is not required, but can be attended to if the elf wants it.
Invitations are sent out to people the elf wants to have with them at this point of their life. It can be heartbreaking or refreshing, depends if the elf is thinking about a long lost lover or a more recent companion.
Execution in two parts
At the first bell of midnight
When the sun sets, the elf is getting clothed into the ceremonial dress and shoes if needed. They are brought in some kind of festivity place which is not always the same place, so it can be a valley, a temple, a large tree or a lovely clearing inside the woods.
Both Dovare and the nine Divora are gathered as well as most of the elven clan, family, friends, lovers... whoever was invited. There is food and drinks for everyone. The elf awaits the start of the ceremony a bit aside, in a tent or a room, depending on which place is chosen for the Eilhovar Lárállár.
At the first bell of midnight - an assistant is ringing a bell when there is no other bell around - the elf is mostly picked up by their parents or closest friends or partners by the hands and slowly brought in front of the Dovare and Divora. At the last chime of the bell the Dovare speak and brings the former Junjuria (Matriach) in the next, last and most endeared stage of their life: the stage of an Eilhovar, of a Patron, a Teacher, a Guide.
Below you find an example of Elelnar, who was going into their stage of an Eilhovar. During this celebration the Lárállár experiencing elf is recieving a small medaillon in form of a leaf with engravings and the names of the Dovare and their own name.
Greetings, esteemed guests, friends, lovers, partners, family.
From this day on, under the glistening sky, under the watchful eyes of the ancient trees, with the sun and moon as our witnesses, we gather to bear witness to a sacred and wondrous moment in the tapestry of life. It is with great honor and profound reverence that we stand here to celebrate the Eilhovar Lárállár of our beloved Elelnar.
From the moment of your birth, you were embraced by the sund and moon, cradled in the wisdom of the elders and nurtured by the flow of the everlasting streams. As time unfolded its endless threads, you ventured forth, discovering the world's wonders and facing its myriad challenges, horrors and joy. You have grown in strength, both in body and spirit, weaving the essence of your being into the fabric of our community.
Today marks a crucial juncture, where the cycle of your lives harmonizes with the eternal rhythm of nature. As you stand on the cusp of this momentous threshold, let us pause to reflect on the wisdom and insights you have gathered through your experiences, your journey. Each step you have taken, every choice you have made, has guided you to this very point.
In the presence of the burning sun, the radiant moon and the shimmering stars, we recognize that life is an endless journey, ever-changing like the dance of leaves in the gentle breeze. As you cross this Lárállár, fear not the unknown and the calm that lies ahead, for you are now equipped to be our teacher. Our guide in trying times, a patron to our crafts.
Embrace the legacy of our ancestors, the wisdom they have passed down through the ages. Let their guidance steer you as you embark on this new phase of life and may you add to their wisdom, their teachings, their knowledge.
As Dovare we stand before you, we implore you to stay true to the values that define our elven kind: compassion, empathy, and a deep reverence for all living creatures. Let your heart be open to all of those who need your guidance, your presence, your help or just a friendly word from your lips.
Dear Elelnar, know that you are not alone in this journey. With hearts brimming with pride and love, we welcome you to the ranks of the venerable, the wise, and the enlightened, an Eilhovar.
May your radiance shine like the gentle glow of the moon that blesses us tonight and the warmth of the sun at day. As you venture forth into the night, remember that you carry the essence of this ceremony with you, forever etched into the very core of your being. We, as Elves, hope that you etch another string into our eternal song, to our story and in our hearts.
May your future be as luminous and enchanting as the moon's embrace and the kiss of the sun and stars. Walk with grace, wisdom, and love as you continue to shape the tale of our elven world.
And now, let the celebration begin!
Back in the pillows
When the celebration starts, food and drinks should be replenished by now. The elf changes the comfortable dress to the second, more revealing clothes and then the celebration starts. Music starts, singers sing, the dancing grounds are pretty occupied.
The celebrated elf can do all that or nothing at all. Even the pillows and blankets provided for a good night can be ignored. There is always a good amount of elves, snuggled into the blankets, speaking, laughing, sleeping alone or with each other, cuddling or just watching the stars. It is all a way of teaching; it is up to the elf how and what they want to teach.
Aftermath
In the aftermath the elf is not to be expected to know what they want. Family, lovers, friends, all of them are bringing presents, be it useful things, a dress, shoes, cooking gear or just a huge, expensive Chocolate bar.
At this point in their life they already have children, a house or at least a small community. In this community or any other they now start to decided what they want to teach, how they want to do it and what they are doing when they are out of business. Like farming, having their own garden or just participate in their community. It can happen that an Eilhovar works in an alchemy lab or in a garden because they want to.
Tales and Stories
"I love you." they whispered to Elelnar while they lay in the pillows, refreshed from the juice in their glasses.
"I love you too. As the sun loves the moon and back." answered Elelnar, giving their younger partner a kiss on the head.
"Shouldn't you do things with others? I saw Jalenar is eyeing you the whole time..."
"Well, if they want to do things they shall come." Elelnar smiles in the direction of said elf. "I won't bite. Much. But I would rather spend more time with you."
"We have all the time in the world, love. I do not run away."
The thing with the Eilhovar Lárállár is, that it is a highly personal festivity. You, as an outsider and not invited, will never get to the location. There were incidents where they shot trespassers. Well, it is our right, you see?
And before you ask: Yes, even when we as elves are open-minded creatures with next-to-zero objection to watchers, nudity, kisses or direct contact: that is our own personal matter and no unwanted guests are welcome. Or even allowed. It can happen that also friends or business relationship can be cut off when attending the Eilhovar Lárállár without invitation. Or get killed.
The example speech is so beautiful. I teared up a little reading it. What a lovely transitional ceremony. <3
Oh no, I'm being torn between "Yes, mission accomplished!" and "Oh no, no tearing up on my watch!" Being things how they are right now I just say thanks for reading and good that you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. :)