Demon's Day
Silk rustled and glasses of wine clinked somewhere behind her. Masked revelers laughed and danced amid the candle lit garden. She watched them twirl behind a white mask of her own, stroking the edge of a now empty glass.
According to both Jirian and Othkaen folklore, Demon's Day is when the forces of evil are at their strongest. The night is pervaded with a sense of darkness and danger, but also alluring mystery and temptations.
History
The moon has long been associated with darkness and magic. It is the symbol of Jji, the oldest most powerful Archdemon in existence, and the celestial body's cycles are said to influence the flow of magic from the Abyss. In Jirian and Othkaen folktales, the darkest deeds are always done in the shadows under the watching gaze of the moon.
When the moon is full its power is at its peak, and so too are those of the demons and evil aberrations that stalk the night.
Execution
Before the night falls and the full moon rises, people will light a candle in each of their windows to ward off evil spirits. Some will offer prayers to their deities of preference or take special care to touch the edge of their doorway to bring good fortune for the night. For most, this is how the tradition ends.
But for a few, the night has only just begun.
Over time, Demon's Day has developed a darkly alluring, almost romantic appeal to it. The wealthy and nobility hold lavish masquerade balls where the guests dress in costumes and masks. For a single night, people abandon their responsibilities and societal expectations and instead indulge in excess, pleasure, and forbidden romance.
Tonight, she had no name, no responsibilities, and no staring eyes watching her every move. Whatever she did tonight, it would be forgotten in the morning.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
