Harvest Song

In the Azure Shores region of the Axial Empire there is a beloved festival called the voixant de récolta or Harvest Song. Marking the end of the harvest season, the festival was once a sacred offering of food and song to appease the Children in hopes of a mild winter and the avoidance of other hardships such as hunger or sickness. While this context is not entirely forgotten, the Harvest Song has become something altogether beyond simple ritual. While offerings of produce and the Shores' iconic lavender wine are still made, the region takes on more of a party atmosphere than a spiritual one.

In modern days people will travel to the Azure Shores to partake in the week-long merriment, resulting in what is now considered the region's largest season of trade. Merchants will not only come to acquire the goods of the Shores, but also to trade wares from across the Empire and beyond. Fresh produce and preserved goods alike are abundant, including citrus, tomatoes, beans, onions, aubegines, peppers, leeks, and zucchini alongisde olives and their oil as well as lavender, seaweed, and the region's numerous wines. Preserved fruits and fermented salsas are popular and chefs of renown are known to make the trip from Axia city annually to obtain ingredients before their competition in the city.

Performing troupes will come from all over to partake in the event and in turn folk will come to see performances from distant places. New songs and music join with the old traditions to create a beautiful cacophony. While the Azure Shores are known to be a sunny and lively place with good food and music year round, even this relative quiet fades as the Shores come alive for a week with the endless lights and sounds of celebration. Indeed, the population of the Azure Shores has grown significantly in recent years and locals attribute that growth to outsiders who come for Harvest Song and decide to stay thinking the party will last forever.

Tragically, this has also given rise to economic tensions as wealthy outsiders move into the region seeking comfort and entertainment while the people of the region see less and less of the fruits of their labor. What's more, crimes which in the past may have only temporarily increased during the excitement of the Harvest Song itself have begun to remain elevated. This has led to a good deal of resentment among some of the locals toward outsiders, particularly toward the wealthy coming from Axia city.

Nevertheless, the Harvest Song remains a beloved tradition that will continue to thrive.