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A gather was a festival that was usually held by a Lord Holder. During a Pass, gathers were held on restdays when no Thread was due to fall.
Gathers differed from Lord Holder to Lord Holder. In Igen Hold, the hot weather made for less activity during the day, but things picked up in the evening when the temperature was cooler. In Ruatha Hold, runnerbeast races were held at gathers. At Bitra Hold, gambling was prevalent instead.
All gathers had some common events, regardless of location. Food was provided by the Lord Holder for all attendees, and harpers provided music for singing and dancing. Crafters maintained booths with goods to sell or trade. Some apprentices were known to sell unapproved items in secret to obtain pocket money.
History[]
First Pass[]
The first gather was held on a day free from Thread when the Landing leadership realized that people needed a celebration. Zi Ongola was the first one to use the term "gather".
Sixth Pass[]
Near the end of the Sixth Pass, both Ruatha Hold and Ista Hold held gathers on the same day. Unfortunately, this meant that the disease from the feline that was brought to Ista spread to Ruatha due to several people visiting both gathers.
Ninth Pass[]
In the Ninth Pass, bubbly pies, a favorite of Piemur, were often served at gathers. When Piemur attended a gather at Meron's Nabol Hold, he noticed that Meron didn't allow his drudges to attend the gather, unlike Groghe of Fort.
During a later portion of the Ninth Pass, Robinton, the retired Masterharper, was abducted at a gather in Ruatha by Abominators. They intended to hold him hostage in a remote location in exchange for the destruction of AIVAS. However, Robinton was located and rescued before the Abominators could complete their scheme.