Holloheim tradition: Matrimony Daggers
The Hyatha Sheir (translating to “Dagger of Marriage”), often referred to as the “Betrothal dagger” is in more modern times, is believed to be one of Holloheim’s older traditions. Its origins date back to before the Partition that separated the realms into what we know them as now, when Shadow and Light Elves lived as one alongside their Twilight Elf ancestors. The first documented existence of a Matrimony Dagger being used was in 10,681 BP during the joining of Brash Verin and Hollis Kryll.
Brash Verin was believed to be a Twilight noble whose family had great influence in the temples of the Ases, while recordings suggest Hollis Kryll was a Light Elf from a poorer family in the outskirts of the territory of the realm. Findings suggest the union was not approved of by the House of Verin and the couple was slain shortly after their marriage, and evidence suggests their Matrimony Dagger was the weapon used.
Records show the original use of the dagger was for a joining of families through the belief of blood ties and a mixing of the blood. These weddings using the dagger were held under the moon, sun, or in the absence of the moon--- the stars, with the belief that the gods of those corresponding domains would bless the union. During the ceremony the couple would use the dagger forged for their union to prink their fingers and fill a locket (See: Blood Locket) with drops of their blood before it was sealed, signifying the joining of their families. The dagger was traditionally kept above the bed in the home and placed into a shared headstone of the couple once they both passed.
After the destruction of their native realm and the banishment of the Shadow Elves from Elphanheim, the tradition has seen evolved. The Light Elves have since done away with the tradition altogether, siting it as barbaric, save for a few deeply religious communities continuing the practice. Meanwhile, the Shadow Elves changed the tradition to adapt to their environment, Due to a risk of infection and the scent of blood attracting predators during their trek to Holloheim, the pricking of a finger was done away with. It was replaced with a forging of the dagger by the couple themselves, a sign of their betrothal.
The most famous example of the dagger was forged by Prince Judiel Sarlee and Cara Dyr, a Light Elf woman whose love sparked the 30 year conflict called the War of Lovers. As it was a functional weapon during a time of war, Princess Cara kept it on her at all times, and she later used it to kill her brother when he attempted to assassinate her and her newlywed husband the night of their wedding.
Holloheim being a melting pot of cultures influenced a change in their traditions in recent years, with human culture being of the most influential. The joint forging of the dagger slowly faded out and was replaced by a secret forging of one as a proposal to a partner. During war times the dagger was made to be functional and was meant to be kept on oneself for protection. However, in more modern times the dagger was not made for use and instead dulled to be more decorative and ceremonial, a symbol of the union kept in the home.
Traditionally the dagger was made Star-vein metal found in the Unclaimed, what was once home to the Twilight Elves. But upon the migration to Holloheim, the daggers are more commonly made with black iron or lunar gold, though they have been forged from ores and metals throughout the realm, often reflecting the heritages of the mixed-race couple. These daggers are decorated accordingly by the couple if a joint decision, or by the individual who is planning the proposal. The handles can be made with leather or beguiled with jewels and other precious metals. The engraving of names or family symbols is a popular choice among the more old-fashioned individuals.