Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice is a time we celebrate the celestial occurrence when the sun is said to "stand still". This actually does not take place. From our perspective the daylight hours begin to increase. Elanthians from all corners of the globe begin their festive celebrations. The Feast of the Immortals, Eorgaen 20 through Eorgaen 25, is one of these renowned festivities.

It is during this season the citizens across Elanthia begin to reverently congregate with great jubilation, a time which they call Thrakmas. Evergreens are adorned with garlands and ornaments. Holly and mistletoe decorate our homes and shops. The streets are lined with polished steel lanterns of red and green augmenting the festive atmosphere.

As we observe our solar events, we begin to set aside the past and ascend into a fresh beginning for our spirit, heart and mind. A time of exchanging gifts has become a tradition among our fellow Elanthians. Much like the Winter Solstice, the passing of a gift to another symbolizes our spiritual transition that we receive and give witness to.

The spirit of Thrakmas is a time of joyous celebration enjoyed by mortals. The immortals also have their festive events that include adventures and shops open to citizens. In some unique way, we are all touched by the everlasting occurrence of Winter Solstice.

More about Thrakmas: https://gswiki.play.net/Thrakmas

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The Thrakmas Tree

The lighting and decorating of the Solstice Tree remains, to this day, one of the most cherished Winter Solstice traditions. Some of the earliest documented celebrations are dated back to 5099 (1999).

A hooting owl flies in through an open window and perches on a branch high up in a magnificent conifer tree covered in ornaments.

In the year 5121, located within Ebonstone Manor - Atrium, a magnificent conifer tree gloriously towers in all it's magestic splendor.

A conifer tree of this immense size could only have come from the heart of the Great Forest. A fresh, invigorating coniferous scent surrounds the tree, suffusing the area with an ambience of brisk good cheer. The long, blue-green needles still retain the supple freshness of a living tree. Long garlands of chokeberries are draped over the boughs with careless, fluid grace. A wren's nest is cradled among the upper limbs. The tree is delightfully decorated for the Winter Solstice holidays with a variety of ornaments.

Further inspection of the conifer reveals a glazed swing ornament, a gilded and azure enamel-banded armillary ornament, an iridescent crescent moon ornament accented with a star-shaped diamond, a luminescent multihued orb etched with a mithril owl, a shimmering willow tree covered in diamond dust-speckled with amethyst beads, a velvet-horned reindeer, a crystal snowglobe ornament, a festive wolfhound ornament, a whimsical polar bear cub bauble, an etched golden lectern inlaid with six faceted starstones, a flaming violet encased in amber, an iridescent crescent moon ornament accented with a star-shaped diamond, and a velvet-horned reindeer.
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Our Thrakmas Tree Ornaments

Willow Hall Thrakmas ornaments, for observation, are placed in the library display case.]
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5117 (?) - Delicate Willow Tree Ornament

Forged in exquisite detail, the delicate filigreed silver willow tree ornament sparkles in the ambient lighting. A snowy white owl perches upon one of the branches, head cocked to one side, eyes fixed upon something of great interest. Nestled at the base of the tree lies a lone badger, one paw resting over its eyes.
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5118 - Silvery Gray Twig Strung on a Loop of Spun Flax

The small oval leaves are pale green on the upper surface and white on the lower surface. Tiny capsules along the twig are slightly opened with the fuzzy catkins just pushing through them. Elegant script graces one of the larger leaves.
There appears to be something written on it.
In the Common language, it reads:
As willow roots hold the soil tightly, so may we hold to our values of honesty and charity. As willow branches remain flexible giving them great usefulness in our crafts, so may we remain flexible in our dealings with each other. As the willow bark is useful in the relief of pain, so may we relieve the pain and suffering of others through our acts of kindness and generosity. ~ Willow Hall Winter Solstice 5118 ~

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5120 - Delicately Carved Willow Tree

The silvery willow tree is delicately carved with a snowy forest scene. Rabbits in their winter coats gambol at its base while snow white owls rest in its branches. A light dusting of crystalline snowflakes appears to float throughout the scene, falling softly to the ground. Written in the fallen snow you read, "Willow Hall 5120."

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5121 - Shimmering Willow Tree

Suspended from a silver wire, the delicate willow tree is covered with diamond dust and adorned with brightly colored amethyst beads. In the hollow beneath the tree stands a ruggedly handsome dwarf garbed in red robes. Wire-rimmed spectacles are balanced on his long nose as he reads from a rainbow dreamstone-set tome. At his feet are the many children of Elanthia paying rapt attention to his every word. Around the base of the scene read the words, "Alban Arthuan 5121 Willow Hall."