dev notes: The Origin of Wintertide

“On this day of Winter, we shall turn the Tide of our fortunes!”

Many now know Wintertide as a wintertime celebration, but few remember that it was also the King’s coronation. And with the falling of Crystal Snowflakes atop the head of the King, his commemorating words of that day were an inspiration to the Wintertide name. His rise to power was a moment to remember for all Kurestians.

The events that happened after that is a tale for another day. For now, I will tell you of how Wintertide came to be what it is today.

And it starts with the falling of Crystal Snowflakes and the tradition of giving gifts to the King during every Wintertide after the war with the Aegles. At first, only his villagers would show their gratitude in that way. But it spread when other Kurestians caught on to the habit.

Soon, Caldemount would come alive as people flocked to the city gates bearing gifts. And crafty little merchants had taken that opportunity to fill the air with melodious carols and the mouth-watering aroma of Wintertide pudding.

As the years ticked by, the crowds dwindled as people felt it troubling to travel far distances to Caldemount to see a king that was frail and bedridden. Of course, traditions don’t die that easily, and people had laid their gifts by the king’s statue instead. They’d felt it was not as spectacular as it once was.

Though an influential nobleman had unknowingly solved that problem. He’d one day thought that the stars amongst the Aldor evergreens were so beautiful, that he had to gift a decorated Aldor pine tree to the king. The nobleman placed a star atop the tree, the colour golden like the Crystal of Life; to have the goddess Eolin bless it for the king’s health. The king was so touched by it that he decreed a Tree of Gifts be placed in the palace courtyard every Wintertide for his people to lay their gifts to him under its glittering boughs.

On the day of King Charles’ passing, the kingdom would become a silent procession. Wintertide’s became dull, and no longer was there a Tree of Gifts and nor would the streets sing with carols and fragrant with Wintertide pudding.

As another soulless Wintertide came to Kurestal, Aldor’s people decided enough was enough and planted a Tree of Gifts of their own. Right in the middle of Aldor Winter Park. As the tree grew tall and strong, they’d begun to decorate it just as they would in Caldemount. A golden star was placed on top to guide Eolin. But guide her to what, a curiosity unknown, and Aldor decided none mattered but the celebration of a great King Charles.

Then one Wintertide day, a brave young boy gave his gift to his parents instead of placing it under the Wintertide Tree. His kind gesture spread throughout the kids in Aldor. Slowly, the adults started giving back to their children as well.

Soon, the boy’s gratifying story had people realising that Wintertide was all about gratitude for the ones that helped us on our journey. Finally, Eolin had something to bless under her boughs. And Kurestians once again were giving gifts. But this time, to each other.

With newer traditions, Wintertide continues to evolve. Reverence towards Eolin remains and statues of King Charles stand erected. But the people of Kurestal would be forever grateful for one another, keeping the spirit of Wintertide alive.

Once Wintertide ends, the immortal Crystal Snowflakes will melt into the ground with the coming of Spring. The spirit of gratitude, a whisper in the wind throughout Kurestal, passing through Eolin, tree by tree for many years to come.