First Thaw's Fest

As the weather begins to warm and the island begins to unfreeze, the inhabitants of the Isle of Xaaida celebrate the First Thaw’s Fest.

 

The islanders celebrate the unfreezing of the rivers, the return of warm weather and easier access to food, and farming season’s beginning. There are certainly many important events that happen during this time, but one of them is the return of the Heart Bettas to the Isle of Xaaida.

Every January, the betta migrate all the way across the ocean to the mainland of Kladeon to seek out a place to spawn, arriving by the time of Heartsgiving. They then make their journey back to Xaaida, returning to the rivers of the island just in time for spring. The islanders, particularly the ones who live in the East Isle village, assist these fish upon their return by breaking the ice in the rivers to help them. As they do, they catch sight of the fishes’ altered forms… The cute Heart Betta seem to hold a much more vicious side to them, brought out of the need to survive during their ocean migration.

 

Of course, this isn’t the only thing to do during the First Thaw's Fest! Both villages will do spring cleaning, clearing out any clutter they obtained over the winter for a fresh start in the warmer months. And of course, it’s time to prepare for fishing and farming. The islanders clean and prep boats for fishing and clear out and prepare fields for the first planting. At the end of the month, fields of Weeping Pods, Three-Pearled Blooms, and Boulder Squash will all be planted, so they need to make sure everything is ready.
Other villagers will forage for the last of the herbs, fruits, and nuts found only during the cold season, and particularly those of the West Isle village will scout out herds and flocks of animals for hunting.

 

At the end of the month, all the islanders get together for a festival, celebrating the year ahead and the return of the warm weather. There is a small feast and plenty of dancing as the Isle of Xaaida welcomes the new start to the year.