Residents of Tartu have probably already noticed the abundance of flowers on the streets and an impressive number of candy shops and stalls. And while no imperial feasts are scheduled on this day and there is no chance of wiggling out of work, many of the citizens are in a very light hearted and festive mood today. The fact is that Valentine's Day is celebrated all around the Tartu!

Originally, this festival was celebrated among Dragons only, drawing it's roots from a tragic love story, which occurred during the First Great War with the Dark Gods of Shaab and their Allies, the Tangores. The Dragoness of Water, Alineya was ambushed and enslaved by the Tangores, becoming a servant of the Abyss. By a twist of Fate, she faced her beloved one, the Dragon of Air, Valenar, in the very first battle with the united army of Tartu. No matter how hard Valenar tried, he could not break trough the Tangorian charms, which entangled the mind of Alineya.

Realizing he was not able to kill his beloved, Valenar stopped fighting and was struck by a mighty blow of the Dragoness. He went careening into the crater of the Phalaria volcano to be englufed in red-hot lava. Gradually, Valenar's call managed to break through the veil that shrouded the mind of the dragoness. The words of her beloved echoed in Alineya's head, waking fragmented images and memories. The fog induced by Tangorian charms slowly retreated until the dragoness was at last freed from their evil will. But when Alineya learned that Valenar chose death over taking her life, she threw herself to the scorching maw of the same volcano. Rumor has it that since then, at the hour of the dawning sun, a strange fog can be seen settling over the slopes of Phalaria, which takes a shape of two embracing Dragons, thus eternally honoring their love for each other.

Once only dragons, but now humans also celebrate the holiday and the faithful Valenar and Alineya. On the day of their death, it is customary to remember the power of love, which can overcome death itself by showering loved ones with gifts and brilliant surprises. In honor of this special day, holiday gifts to express ardent love, blossoming romance, or a shy, hidden admiration.

By the way, if you have a certain feeling of affection towards any inhabitants of Tartu, certainly a gift will ensure your intentions are understood. Whatever you choose, it will take on an additional charm on the holiday of love, and it is always nice to make someone else happy!