Faegifts
from Verna’s Customs of Calatini
Faegifts, the custom of gifting magical items to loved ones, is a tradition begun in the early tenth century. The term was originally coined by Lantos, an obscure bard, in her best-known ballad, Sylviana and the Fae Queen. When this ballad became popular, leaders of fashion imitated the ballad’s fae queen and gifted gold thread enchanted by faes. Over the next century, faegifts expanded to include any item enchanted by faes and then to include any magical item. Although this tradition began among the affluent, it has become popular throughout society.
Faegifts are only given between close family and friends, usually to court favor or express gratitude. Receiving a faegift does not obligate the recipient to gift a return faegift, but many do so out of courtesy. Between men and women, faegifts are only appropriate between relatives, courting couples, and spouses, although some young people now gift them to close friends of the opposite sex. Most faegifts are novelties or small charms; however, some have gifted extravagant items.
The most extravagant faegift known is the Mirror of Wisdom given by Queen Mynee to King Sarastor during their courtship. This enchanted mirror shows the watcher what they most need to see, but it shortens the watcher’s life. The Mirror of Wisdom currently hangs in the throne room behind a curtain and is only used in dire situations. Their son, our current monarch King Devon IV, has never used this perilous faegift.