Festival of Bitter Regret

While once observed by the entirety of the Hydell Order, the Festival of Bitter Regret is now largely a Militant Holy Day, acknowledging past losses and renewing vows to protect the Conclave's interests and the civilians looking to them for protection.   It is a day of quiet reflection, military drills, and bitter foods, with little opportunity to rest lest they forget to remain motivated by their failures.

History

The Festival of Bitter Regrets serves as a reminder of failure.   In 2088 EVT, Sparnell Armed Forces attacked the thriving Order planet of Seliv, with intent to claim it as their own. Despite the efforts of the Militant Order of Descendants the Confederation was successful, adding Seliv to their own territory.   On the first anniversary of the defeat, the Ascended Conclave declared a Holy Day of Observation, with the directive that all True Descendants remember the failure at Seliv and strive to do better. Centuries later, the day is still observed annually within the Militant Order of Descendants.

Execution

The few civilians who still observe the Festival spend much of the day in quiet contemplation, eating simple, bland foods while reflecting on their gratitude to live on a planet still under the protection of the Conclave. Among the fleet, however, the Festival has taken on a much greater meaning.   All active duty Militants are required to participate, wholly committing themselves to their tasks during their usual hours of duty. When officially relieved of their required duties, Militants are instead expected to join in the many drills held throughout the day, symbolizing their readiness to jump to action at a moment's notice to defend the planets under their charge. There is no sleep during the Festival, which lasts for a full twenty five hours.   Meals are a regrettable affair, consisting of recreations of dishes from former Order planets, generously re-flavored with bitter herbs and spices and packaged planetside for reheating on the day of the Festival. In the beginning, this had involved only a single course for a single meal, but as years passed and more planets fell to the Order's enemies - some conquered with help from opposing ground forces, other ravaged from orbit or reduced to rubble through other means - the menu grew to include dishes from each additional loss.   The Festival has had the desired effect. More than one commander has rallied their flagging subordinates with a rousing speech including not only the importance of defending civilians, but also ensuring the Conclave doesn't add yet another course to the Bitter menu.   The reminder has proven quite motivating.
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Cover image: Planet Moon Solar by LoganArt

Comments

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Jul 15, 2023 00:39 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

That would motivate me, for sure.

Emy x
Explore Etrea
Jul 15, 2023 02:03 by Morgan Biscup

The Conclave thanks you for your devotion.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Jul 15, 2023 09:00 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

Nooooooooo

Emy x
Explore Etrea
Jul 15, 2023 14:33 by E. Christopher Clark

I love this. What a brilliant idea for a festival. I mean, I'm not big on negative reinforcement myself, but it seems like it's working for them.

Enroll in Yesterland Academy today!
Jul 15, 2023 21:01 by Morgan Biscup

The Ascended Conclave is big on using all the tools at their disposal to keep their populace in line. Including guilt.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Jul 16, 2023 15:25 by Rin Garnett

This reminds me of the Campaign podcast, during debriefs they all discuss a way they'd failed during the mission and have a mantra of "accept the failure, become one with the failure, let the failure make me better". Though uhhh that's a bit more lighthearted than 25 hours of no sleep, bitter food, and military drills...

Jul 16, 2023 22:48 by Morgan Biscup

That seems like a really healthy way to accept and learn from failure and mistakes.   This is... Very much not.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
Aug 8, 2023 14:06 by Chris L

This is literally the opposite of my 24-hour "get drinks around the Pit" ritual that I did for another prompt! I like my version better, but this one is horrifically realistic!


Take a look at my Institutions of Learning challenge article.

Learn about the World of Wizard's Peak and check out my award winning article about the Ghost Boy of Kirinal!

Aug 8, 2023 15:43 by Morgan Biscup

Thanks! Yours sounds much more fun.

Lead Author of Vazdimet.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.
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