Difference between revisions of "Middlefest Fair"

The Middlefest Fair takes place at the same time each year, during the midpeace[[Midpeace]]. The midpeaceMidpeace is the period opposite the [[Weeping]] in the Rosharan year. There are no [[highstorm]]s during the midpeaceMidpeace, but it seemsdoes tonot lackhave the incessant rainsrain of the Weeping.{{book ref|sa2|45}} This gap in the storms allows for the longer festival. It also seems likely that the Middlefest fair gets its name from the midpeaceMidpeace.

The Middlefest Fair is celebrated in the kingdoms of [[Jah Keved]]{{book ref|sa2|45}} and [[Alethkar]],{{book ref|sa1|4}}{{book ref|ob|38}} but it is uncertain which others participate. In rural regions of the kingdoms, there are traditional fairgrounds on the highlords' lands where the festivities are set up each year. Local lords of at least the fourth [[dahn]] and their vassal houses attend the fairs, along with their households.{{book ref|sa2|45}} It is unknown how Middlefest is celebrated by city folk and [[lighteyes]] of higher dahns.

The events of Middlefest Fair is the highlight of the year for many darkeyes and lighteyes alike. One ofAmong the favoredmost amongpopular bothevents are the duels. Fought by lighteyes of low dahn, thesethe wereduels are one of the few ways forthat lesser landless lighteyes tocan gain notoriety in their area. The higher Higher-ranking lighteyes get boxes to view the fights, and even occasionally participate themselves.{{book ref|sa2|45}}

There are also simple games of guessing and chance. Occasionally a [[Worldsinger]] will attend to provide tales of far -off lands and peoples. The darkeyes bring drums and sing songs together. Eating, drinking and gambling are also common activities. TheyPeople play card games and bet on [[axehound]] fights.{{book ref|sa2|45}} Children are often given sweets.{{book ref|ob|38}}

The fair wasis also an opportunity for merchants, including highly ranked darkeyes, to sell their wares. Exotic goods and creatures wereare bought and sold, such as parrots"[[chicken]]s" from exotic [[Shinovar]]. Lighteyes also use the event to make various trade agreements and maneuver for influence among one another and with the local [[highprince]].{{book ref|sa2|45}}

== NoteableNotable Middlefests ==

In [[Shallan Davar]]'s youth, she attends a Middlefest Fair on her family's lands. Her father was forced to agree to a disadvantageous trade agreement with Brightlord [[Revilar]], who has the favor of Highprince [[Valam]]. Shallan attempted to bring happiness to her family by helping repair the damage their father did to [[Balat]], [[Jushu]], and [[Wikim]]. She also met [[Hoid]], who tested Shallan's [[Surgebinding#Illumination|Lightweaving]] abilities, delivered a message from [[Helaran]], and encouraged her to remain strong.{{book ref|sa2|45}}

* When [[Kaladin Stormblessed]] tears up [[Tvlakv]]'s map en route to the [[Shattered Plains]], he spitefully wishes the [[Thaylen]] a happy Middlefest.{{book ref|sa1|4}}

*The pavilions[[House setDavar]] upuses forcanvas thedraped Middlefest onbetween [[House Davar|Davarjella]] landstrees areto heldcreate upcanopies bythat theare skeletonsused ofas [[jella]] treespavilions.{{book ref|sa2|45}}