Snow in Aruël

Snowfall

by John Frederick Kensett

Unlike the northern lands into which Aruël is currently expanding, the hills and plains around the Morin generally see hot days and warm nights. In the summer the heat gets oppressive around noon and everything grinds to a halt. In winter, the days are still usually mild and frost is reserved to the middle of the night. If something freezes over, it will have melted shortly after sunrise. Because of this status quo, whenever snow falls it will inevitable cause quite a scene.

Because of the rarity of snowfall, it is the decree of the clergy, that anytime snow does fall, it must be a sign from the The Trinity of Noria, the true three goddesses, which govern all things in life. As a result, snow makes society grind to a halt. By custom, a day of snowfall is to be met with halting all things you have planned, so that you don't proceed down a path the goddesses disapprove of. For children this means great fun, for work is suspended, teaching (for those that can enjoy to not work) similarily takes a breather and people wait for the decree of the clergy.

Depending on the area which sees snowfall, the higher ranks of the clergy convene do discern the will of the gods. Once they have determined the issue at hand, they will decree a course of action, which usually includes slight adjustments ot larger plans in the area, a reminder to all to be thorough in your worship of the Trinity. Usually the snow melts within a few days, if not quicker and life can continue as usual.

Despite how superstitious the practice seems, there is a historical precedent. In the royal crisis following the death of King Felipe I, when people differed in opinion of who should follow him on the throne, snow fell in early autumn, and did not melt until two successors had been placed on the throne and then ousted when snow did not melt in time. At last when the former Kings young nephew León was crowned, the snow melted and people could have some relief. The winter that followed was surprisingly mild.