In a land whose name was forgotten long, long ago
Sits a tiny village, a fair picture once dusted with sparkling, white snow.
Beside each hearth sits a picture, commemorating a girl
Who, once upon a time, was thought a joy and believed to be the town’s pearl.
Legend has it she lost her life to a cruel kind of fairy
You might find this strange, but it’s quite the contrary.

And so the next generation, and the next, and the next
Followed suit with tradition, hoping to free the young girl
Free her and her soul both from its perpetual hex.
Starting the first of December and ending January third
The so-called holiday again begins to occur
Meaning it’s yet forbidden to speak an insulting word
For fear that she, Aerka, should have heard.

Each year, brought forward from each family is the youngest child
Sent to forge weaponry, and haste go to the wild
To bring forth a tree, a wily pine from the depths of the forest
In which, deep in slumber, does Aerka lie – longing for rescue, from even the poorest.
This is what is expected, at least, for the goal is to slay the elf
The elf of temperament not mild, and bring back victory for not just your clan but for yourself.

Annually, mothers place under each child’s pillow
– Their faces streaming with tears, befitting the sorrow of a weeping willow –
A silver coin, its head facing up
And leave salt at the window of a baby, a pup.
Curtains are drawn through day and through night
For thirteen days straight, in the mantle a fire burns bright
Until the New Year looms near,
Releasing the Cyre into an obvious cheer.

A painful fasting over with and done
The people celebrate what they consider another battle won.
Warm pasta, served with dried peppers colored black and red, is given to all
Though the delicacy, an almond macaroon, is hidden away until darkness does wall.
Until darkness falls, and torches are hoisted alight
Peaceful now, momentarily forgetting their everlasting blight
Welcoming family and friends with a polite kiss
Holding close those they’d never know, and hence couldn’t possibly miss
A fine Faerkelva, it is.