The Night of the Flight

Created for the Love Seasons Flash Challenge

"Our world was born from the love of Primal Dragons Astra and Gaia, so let us remember and celebrate it tonight as the wyvernlings dance."
The Night of the Flight is a local festival the Silvanian elves of the great grove of Titania celebrate annually. It takes place in the final days of summer, just when the first leaves have found their autumn colors. The exact day the of the festival varies and is tied to the timing the wyvernlings start their mating seasons with a ritual called the Dance.

History

Origins of the Festival

The origins of The Night of the Flight can be traced down to the first elves settling in the grounds that would later become the great grove of Titania. In the middle of the wilderness surrounding them, they found a body of clear water which became the center of their new home and new lives. It is believed that it was the same day they arrived that the dance of the wyvernlings was first witnessed, but that is up to debate. Later, a Temple for the Primal Dragons was constructed on the site.

The Wyvernling and the Love

The association between wyvernlings and love is understandable when their believed bond to the Primal Dragons is taken into an account. As the Primal Dragons Astra and Gaia created the world, so do these lesser creatures create life after their Dance.
While the origins of The Night of the Flight lies within the mating season of the wyvernlings and thus have bonds to fertility, the love celebrated during this night is not limited to romantic love or love between lovers. Instead, The Night of the Flight is all about the love of the Primal Dragons that the Silvanian elves believe to run through every creature, so during the night all kinds of love is rejoiced.

Execution

Before the Flight

As the exact time of the Night varies, it is the temple's priestesses' duty to keep an eye on the wyvernlings. As the first lights of these self-illuminating little creatures are spotted, an announcement of the festival is made and the preparations can start. It is exactly three nights after the first lights are spotted that the Dance and thus the festival takes place.

The Day of the Flight

During the Day of the Flight, preparations are made. The priestesses decorate the temple area with wind chimes and the last flowers of summer, so that the sweet fragrance of these flowers can be smelled even before stepping inside the temple area.
At the same time, festive foods are prepared at every household as it is a tradition to enjoy a special meal while watching the dance of the wyvernlings. This meal, shared with families, friends and loved ones, is believed to symbolize the love the Primal Dragons felt whilst creating the world of twin planets. Dishes at this meal are usually enjoyed cold, not including the fragrant flower tea the priestesses serve during the night.

The Night of the Flight

At the dusk of the Night, everyone gathers to the temple area. This is when the priestesses present their own dance, meant to honor the Primal Dragons. This dance takes place just before the sun sets and as the darkness falls, the priestesses step aside and participate the meal while the wyvernlings start their own dance.
The celebrations lasts throughout the night, and as the sun starts to set, the final lights of the wyvernlings vanish. This marks the end of the festival, and the last elves still awake head back to home.

Components and tools

• Flowers: Not only do the priestesses decorate the temple are with flowers, but it has become a traditions for all the participants bring flowers with them. These flowers are then gifted to loved ones, as well as left as a gift to the Primal Dragons on their altar.
• Special meal: A special meal is enjoyed during the festival night. The preparation of these meal is part of the festive and is usually a shared effort between loved ones.
• Wind chimes: Wind chimes are used as a decoration during the festival at the temple area. Their chime is believed to be heard by the Primal Dragons, and thus it is believed to bring good luck.

Participants

• The priestesses: It is the duty of the priestesses of the central temple to decorate the temple area and to perform the annual dance to honor the Primal Dragons and celebrate their love. After the wyvernlings start the dance, the priestesses step aside.

Observance

The exact date of The Night of the Flight varies. It is the priestesses' duty to observe the wyvernlings to announce the night the festival will take place.

Related to the Festival:

Primary Related Location

The Grove City of Titania

Related Ethnicities

• Silvanian Elves

Wyvernlings

Wyvernlings, sometimes called faerie wyverns, are small, wyvernlike creatures. During the mating season, they use their self-illuminating scales to woo possible mates. Their light resemble those of the fireflies, but vary in color depending on the color of the wyvernling.