Edhelie' Marth (April Fools) - April 1st
Edhelie' Marth honors the youthfulness and laughter of Vána, Valier of
Birth. Erevan Ilesere, the trickster patron of Mischief and Change,
travels through Sosaria and causes strangeness and embarrassment to those
who cannot laugh at themselves. Edanea are often caught in Erevan's web of
mischief and report strange matters to all who listen. Thus, to both
appease and honor Vána and Erevan, Elves play jokes and tricks on each
other. Youth in particular is quick to joke with their friends and family,
though all Elves partake in mischief.
The tricks performed on Edhelie' Marth are harmless. They include leaving
smelly fish on the doorstep of Elves, or placing garlands on the heads of
unguarded sleeping males. Although the tricks may result in some blushing,
they never hurt the reputation or pride of the Elf. Laughter ensues after
each trick, with promises of future retaliation. The threats are never
malicious, and rarely carried out. Though a few Elves across the lands are
known to try to outdo each other in the complexity of their jokes, most
Elves are quite content to repeat simple tricks each year.
The inspiration for mischief comes from Erevan, whose intent is never
malicious and deceiving. He performs tricks on Sosaria's creatures in
hopes of making Vána laugh and thus spread joy across existence. Vána's
laughter is said to be the bringer of Sosaria's young, and when it dies,
there shall be no more children in Sosaria. The laughter of Elves after
mischievous tricks is a symbol of Vána's joy, and thus ensures laughter
in the year to come.
In the evening of Edhelie' Marth, Elves hold a grand picnic. Fresh fruits and
delicious pies abound for all the cheerful Elves. Often, parents dot
costumes or jesters' outfits to amuse the children. The festivities
continue with games (such as races, feats of magery or scavenger hunts).
Before the youth is sent to bed, a procession of costumed Elves walks
through the forests, ringing bells and laughing. The night is spent with
bottles of cider or fine ale and with stories that incite laughter in all.
Elven enemies have tried to take advantage of the holiday and planned tricks
that would abuse or harm Elves. Some have even gone as far as to suggest
tricks to innocent youth in hopes of seeing Elves suffer. Though the youth
received harsh words for their endeavors (something to ensure that they
will not make the same mistake in the future), they were not punished for
the trick. The enemies who incited them, however, were hunted down and
vanquished. As such, from early youth, Elves are instructed to be mindful
of the safety and reputation of the Elf they play tricks on. Elves who
repeatedly indulge in malicious or hurtful tricks are sometimes cast away
from the Order.