What makes the Grateful Dead Dancing Skeletons Half Helmet a must-have for motorcycle enthusiasts. How does this helmet combine safety features with iconic Grateful Dead imagery. Why is this helmet receiving rave reviews from customers.
The Iconic Grateful Dead Half Helmet: A Closer Look
The Grateful Dead Dancing Skeletons Half Helmet has quickly become a coveted item among motorcycle enthusiasts and fans of the legendary band. This unique helmet combines essential safety features with eye-catching design, making it a standout choice for riders looking to express their personality on the road.
Key Features of the Grateful Dead Half Helmet
- Iconic Dancing Skeletons design
- DOT-approved for safety
- Available in multiple sizes
- Includes a built-in visor
- Lightweight and comfortable fit
The helmet’s most striking feature is undoubtedly the Dancing Skeletons artwork, instantly recognizable to Grateful Dead fans. This design pays homage to the band’s rich visual history while adding a touch of rebellious flair to any rider’s ensemble.
Safety First: DOT Approval and Construction
While style is important, safety remains the primary concern for any motorcycle helmet. The Grateful Dead Half Helmet doesn’t disappoint in this regard. It meets or exceeds DOT (Department of Transportation) standards, ensuring that riders are well-protected on the road.
Construction and Materials
The helmet features a durable outer shell constructed from advanced materials, likely a combination of ABS plastic and polycarbonate. This construction provides excellent impact resistance while keeping the helmet lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
Inside, riders will find a dual-density EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) liner. This foam material is designed to absorb and dissipate energy in the event of an impact, further enhancing the helmet’s protective capabilities.
Comfort and Fit: Designed for the Long Haul
Comfort is crucial for any helmet, especially during long rides. The Grateful Dead Half Helmet addresses this need with several thoughtful features:
- Removable and washable comfort liner
- Multiple size options for a precise fit
- Lightweight design to reduce neck fatigue
- Adjustable chin strap with D-ring closure
The removable liner is particularly noteworthy, as it allows riders to keep their helmet fresh and clean, even after many miles on the road. The availability of multiple sizes ensures that riders can find the perfect fit for their head shape and size.
The Visor: Function Meets Form
One standout feature of this helmet is the included visor. How does this addition enhance the rider’s experience? The built-in visor serves multiple purposes:
- Shields eyes from sun glare and wind
- Adds an extra layer of facial protection
- Complements the overall aesthetic of the helmet
The visor integration is seamless, maintaining the helmet’s sleek profile while providing practical benefits for the rider. Its presence doesn’t compromise the helmet’s iconic look but rather enhances its overall appeal and functionality.
Customer Reviews: What Riders Are Saying
The Grateful Dead Half Helmet has garnered impressive feedback from customers, boasting a perfect 5-star rating across reviews. Riders praise various aspects of the helmet:
- Excellent quality and construction
- Accurate sizing and comfortable fit
- Eye-catching design that draws compliments
- Good value for the price point
One satisfied customer remarked, “Super quality, exactly what I was looking for.” This sentiment seems to be echoed across the board, with riders appreciating both the helmet’s functional aspects and its unique aesthetic appeal.
Sizing and Fit Guide: Finding Your Perfect Match
Proper sizing is crucial for both comfort and safety when it comes to motorcycle helmets. The Grateful Dead Half Helmet is available in a range of sizes to accommodate different head shapes and sizes:
- XS/X-Small
- S/Small
- M/Medium
- L/Large
- XL/X-Large
- XXL/2X-Large
To find the right size, riders should measure the circumference of their head about an inch above the eyebrows. This measurement can then be compared to the manufacturer’s size chart to determine the appropriate helmet size.
Tips for Ensuring a Proper Fit
- The helmet should sit snugly on the head without any pressure points
- There should be no gaps between the helmet’s padding and the rider’s head
- The chin strap should be adjusted so that only two fingers can fit between the strap and the chin
- When properly fitted, the helmet should not move significantly when the head is shaken
Remember, a well-fitting helmet is essential for maximum protection and comfort during rides.
Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Helmet in Top Condition
Proper care and maintenance can significantly extend the life of your Grateful Dead Half Helmet and ensure it continues to provide optimal protection. Here are some tips for keeping your helmet in excellent condition:
Cleaning the Exterior
- Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the outer shell
- Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the finish
- Dry the helmet with a soft, lint-free cloth
Maintaining the Interior
- Remove the comfort liner and hand wash it with mild detergent
- Allow the liner to air dry completely before reinstalling
- Use a fabric freshener between washes to keep the interior smelling fresh
General Care Tips
- Store the helmet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Avoid hanging the helmet by its chin strap, which can stretch the strap over time
- Regularly inspect the helmet for any signs of wear or damage
By following these care instructions, riders can ensure their Grateful Dead Half Helmet remains in top condition, providing both style and protection for many rides to come.
The Grateful Dead Legacy: More Than Just a Helmet
The Dancing Skeletons design featured on this helmet is more than just a cool graphic – it’s a piece of rock and roll history. The Grateful Dead, formed in 1965 in Palo Alto, California, became one of the most influential and enduring bands of their era. Their impact extended far beyond music, creating a unique culture and visual aesthetic that continues to resonate with fans today.
Significance of the Dancing Skeletons
The Dancing Skeletons imagery has become one of the most recognizable symbols associated with the Grateful Dead. It embodies the band’s playful approach to serious themes like mortality and the passage of time. By wearing this helmet, riders aren’t just protecting themselves – they’re carrying forward a piece of counterculture history.
Collectibility and Value
Given the enduring popularity of the Grateful Dead and the limited nature of officially licensed merchandise, this helmet may well become a collector’s item in the future. For fans of the band, it represents a unique intersection of their musical passion and their love for motorcycling.
While the primary purpose of any helmet should always be safety, the added value of owning a piece of Grateful Dead memorabilia makes this helmet a particularly appealing choice for fans of the band who also happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts.
Comparing the Grateful Dead Helmet to Other Options
While the Grateful Dead Half Helmet stands out for its unique design, it’s worth considering how it compares to other options in the market. Here’s a brief comparison with some popular alternatives:
Z1R Nomad Hellfire Half Helmet
- Similar half-helmet design
- Offers a removable neck curtain for extra coverage
- Priced slightly higher at $84.95
Skid Lid Original Solid Helmet
- More budget-friendly option, priced from $49.95 to $54.95
- Minimalistic styling without graphic designs
- Also DOT-approved
Fly Racing 9mm Half Helmet
- Priced competitively at $59.95
- Features a dual-density EPS liner
- Includes a removable, washable Coolmax comfort liner
While these alternatives offer their own unique features, the Grateful Dead Half Helmet stands out for its combination of safety features, comfort, and iconic design. For fans of the band or riders looking for a helmet with personality, it remains a compelling choice.
Final Thoughts: Is the Grateful Dead Half Helmet Right for You?
The Grateful Dead Dancing Skeletons Half Helmet offers a unique blend of style, safety, and cultural significance. Its perfect customer rating suggests that it delivers on its promises, providing riders with a comfortable, protective, and eye-catching helmet option.
For Grateful Dead fans who ride motorcycles, this helmet is almost a no-brainer. It allows them to showcase their love for the band while ensuring their safety on the road. Even for those less familiar with the Grateful Dead, the helmet’s striking design and solid construction make it a worthy consideration.
However, as with any motorcycle gear, personal preference and fit are paramount. Riders should always prioritize safety and comfort when choosing a helmet. While the Grateful Dead Half Helmet seems to excel in these areas, it’s always best to try on a helmet before making a final decision.
In conclusion, the Grateful Dead Dancing Skeletons Half Helmet appears to be a high-quality product that successfully marries form and function. Its blend of safety features, comfort-enhancing design, and iconic imagery make it a standout choice in the world of motorcycle helmets. Whether you’re a die-hard Deadhead or simply someone who appreciates unique and well-crafted gear, this helmet deserves a close look.
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3KB“Dead Names” (end) – Loco Como Un Gato & Born To Run – LiveJournal
The first part of the story is here: http://ro-nin.livejournal.com/876623.html
The ending is under the cut.
7
A quarter before the duke’s palace, Tverd dismounted near one of the taverns, tied the reins to the hitching post, threw a coin to the boy at the establishment and set off on foot.
The vast park surrounding the palace was open for walks to everyone during the day. A trained eye easily recognized among the walkers a fair amount of disguised guards, several patrols slowly paced around the massive building.
As Hard had expected, Duke Garhat was busy and the secretary asked the royal messenger to wait.
Left alone in the spacious hall, he went to the open window due to the summer heat and looked out. From the height of the third floor, the helmets of the guards who circled the building looked like the hats of giant wallpaper nails driven into the shoulders.
Tverd took off his boots, put the tops under the belt, and secured them with a rawhide cord specially reserved for such cases. Then he slung his sword from his hip behind his back and climbed onto the ledge. Overgrown park poplars partly covered it from the views of those walking around, but it was foolish to hope for blind luck, and one had to hurry.
For a fighter of average training, the side wall of the duke’s palace did not provide a chance for steeplejack work. And about how to do such exercises at a height in half-armor, and even with a bastard sword over his shoulders, an ordinary person could only dream of. But Tverd was only partly human.
And his other, bestial half, not for the first time, allowed him to make the difficult – ordinary, and the impossible – achievable.
Fingers found the slightest protrusions between blocks of gray hewn stone, and a heightened sense of balance allowed the dense body to accurately calculate each movement and not let the steel clang against the stone.
He heard Luo Busser’s hysterical remarks coming from the duke’s private quarters from below.
– It’s already dangerous! Damn dangerous! And you’re aggravating this danger!..
The count’s voice broke into a scream.
The door to the balcony was open, and crouching between the outside of the balustrade and the wall, the royal trapper could hear every word.
Duke Garhat’s deliberately calm voice rang out.
– We must not refuse the opportunities bestowed upon us by fate itself. Don’t you…
– But why, in the name of the Brothers, tell me why you need this damn werewolf, if we already have one fully qualified specialist?! .
. – Luo Busser asked.
There was a laugh.
– Considering what we’re facing, my dear friend… and how effective it is… I don’t think there can be too many hunters in this business. And don’t forget that this demihuman is the king’s catcher.
– So what?
– He is obliged to protect the subjects of his majesty. This is not a mercenary doing work for money. Honesty is a rare commodity these days.
– Aren’t you afraid, – and the count’s voice became insinuating, – that your vaunted werewolf, after doing the job, will hand us both over to the royal court? ..
– I’m not afraid! said the duke. – I thought about this beforehand.
– Gold? Or steel?
New chuckle.
– My people know what to do. And the girl won’t tell him anything, she just won’t be able to. Depending on how the situation develops…
– Situation! – in the voice of Luo Busser again sounded fear. – You make plans! All games are played! You know I’ll be next!
– Vassal!! Garhat’s voice boomed with the tread of an armored knight.
Don’t forget who you’re talking to! I will be able to protect you, because if I cannot do this, then nothing will save me! By the way, our defender is waiting for an audience.
– Yes?! And what does he need?
– Now let’s call and find out.
Tverd frowned. However, after a few moments, an unfamiliar old voice with an accent rasped:
– Greetings, gentlemen. Business conversations require locked windows—even sparrows have ears.
Confused curses rang out and the balcony door slammed shut.
Tverd went down the same way to the window of the hall, where it was still empty, climbed in, put on his shoes, pushed open the front door and went out. Descending the stairs, he took on a puzzled look and said to the head of the guard in a patronizing tone:
– My dear, I did not wait for his lordship’s reception, and business does not wait. Be so kind as to tell the duke’s secretary that I will visit his lordship another time.
The chief of the guard drew himself up and answered:
– Will be done, Mr.
Royal Seeker.
8
The hunting lodge in the middle of a dark pine forest turned out to be much easier to find than Tverd expected. There were no guards, except for a retired forester and his wife, at the house. Showing them the count’s letter and talking with the married couple who welcomed the guest cordially, Tverd thought tensely about Luo Busser’s reaction to questions about his sister.
“If the story of the sister’s insanity still worries the brother so much… And if for some reason he wants to hide his sister from prying eyes, then why is she so weakly guarded?..”
– How often does the Busser family doctor visit the lady left in your care?
The question took the couple by surprise. They exchanged glances.
– It was a long time ago… As the unfortunate mistress was settled with us, so…
“So-so… What do they show keen interest in, but do not cherish?..”
The patient’s spacious and bright room was furnished with solid squat furniture. “And here, without any frills: by no means silk curtains .
.. simple chairs … Is Luo Busser stingy? .. Even for his own sister? ..”.
A girl with regular, but as if frozen, features was sitting in a deep armchair. Blond, almost white, hair shone in the stream of light falling from the window. She didn’t seem to notice who came in.
Tverd bowed.
– Mrs. Busser…
– She barely responds to human speech. – Said the forester’s wife. And he doesn’t talk at all.
– I see. Didn’t they tell you that the lady can’t bear the light?
– It was a long time ago…
– You want to say that since this young lady was entrusted to your care, no one came to see her…
– We are visited only by the count’s servant, who brings a salary for our work. You are the first inspector in all these years, Mr. Royal Seeker. – After a pause, the forester added resolutely: – The patient is not at all against the sunlight, even … well, as if reaching for it. See for yourself.
“What is this?.. A brother’s careless attitude towards an unloved sister?.
. Or?.. What are we casually hiding, depicting thoroughness and importance?..”
Tverd walked slowly around the room, pretending to be extremely interested in the flowers on the windowsill and the jug of water on the table, and stopped behind the back of the girl’s chair.
– Well, I’m happy with what I saw here. – Tverd said with a deliberately noble intonation.
The forester and his wife beamed.
– And as a representative of his majesty’s personal department, I would like to give you an additional amount for your selfless labors.
– Oh! We are so grateful to you and His Majesty! The spouses shone even brighter.
Handing over a purse with silver to the forester, Tverd with diligent chance dropped it, and, blinding with sun glare, the coins jumped on the floorboards with a clang.
– Oh, how embarrassing! .. exclaimed the royal catcher.
– It’s okay, we ourselves, don’t bother, my lord… – grunted the forester, dropping to his knees.
While the couple were collecting the coins that had rolled across the floor, Tverd with a quick movement of his fingers parted the flaming gold of the hair on the girl’s neck, exposing the skin just below the back of the head.
The patient trembled slightly.
Tverd also shuddered, although he saw exactly what he expected.
Leaving the room, he turned around, taking one last look at the living statue bathed in light in the chair. “Like this! We hide casually what doesn’t matter, Luo Busser. Even if it takes another broken life to leave a false trail…”
There was a disgusting taste of bitterness in my mouth. The hand demanded a sword.
9
He was already approaching Luo Busser’s country house when he heard a scream from afar. Then another.
But when the royal catcher jumped off his horse, dead silence reigned in the courtyard of the estate. Even the crickets fell silent.
Tverd was the first to see the archer lying supine across the garden path. Flesh crimsoned in the cracks in the still-smoking burnt skin of his face. With a sword in hand, Tverd rushed through the garden to the house, mechanically noting the smoking bodies lying here and there.
The doors to the house were thrown open.
And the smell. The smell of burnt meat was everywhere.
He sensed movement in Luo Busser’s private quarters from the corridor: first a sound, then either a bright spot, or a reflection at the end of the enfilade of rooms. Tverd froze for a moment in front of the open doors to the count’s bedroom and, not hearing any movement inside, entered.
Count Luo Busser lay in the center of the room. The legs, still trembling in the last fit of agony, got tangled in the torn curtain. The face was burned in some places to the bone, as if a red-hot metal palm with spread fingers pressed the nose and eyes into the skull. Blood oozed from empty eye sockets, a hole in the place of the mouth blew out bloody bubbles.
An even row of black smoky letters of an alphabet unknown to Tverd walked along the white plaster of one of the walls.
Hardly honoring the inscription with a glance, Tverd stepped over the dying body and went out onto the balcony. In the courtyard of the estate, as far as the eye could see, there was not a soul.
10
Tverd stayed with Father Zhat longer than he thought and arrived at the ducal palace at dusk. The Duke immediately accepted him.
The spacious high-ceilinged hall, suitable for both balls and feasts, and now a huge noisy waiting room, was empty, only Duke Garhat was waiting for Tverd, sitting on a low throne.
– And here is our master royal catcher! he exclaimed so loudly, as if these words were intended not only for Tverd, but were supposed to reach the ears of invisible listeners in an open gallery that stretched along one of the walls at the level of two human heights. – What did you complain about? I thought you were now busy guarding Count Busser.
The Duke smiled broadly, but his eyes remained attentive like a player at a card table.
Tverd replied with an even more toothy smile.
– I came to say goodbye. I’m leaving for the capital.
The duke’s face showed mock bewilderment.
– So you’ve already dealt with the mysterious killer?
– There is no need for this.
Tverd smiled again, a much more unkind smile. “Busser is dead, and you will be next. The investigation I conducted gives me every reason to assert that all the dead fell victims of quite just revenge. It will end on you. Judging by what the “mysterious assassin,” as you pompously call him, did to the late earl, your death will also not be easy. But believe me, this will be the best option for you.
Tverd’s words did not produce the expected effect. The Duke continued to smile.
– And can I find out why?
Tverd clapped his hands.
– We are not in court and I see no reason to retell the events known to you, but do you want a small talk at parting? Please.
Tverd, without asking permission, freely settled down in a hard half-chair against the wall, without letting go of the sword in the scabbard, and continued: practically your glory as a tournament winner. And how then the knight took off his helmet and turned out to be the sister of Luo Busser, your friend from the metropolitan university .
.. What angered you more, Duke – losing as such or losing to a girl? Perhaps you expected to defeat some beautiful lady, becoming the winner of the tournament … I guessed it? ..
Garhat slowly bled, but continued to smile.
– A man of honor does not take revenge on a lady, but this does not apply to you. With the brothers Res and Henin Kranchet, you grabbed the girl after the tournament and simply sold her into slavery … Far, far away. I doubt that Luo Busser took a direct part in your unworthy revenge man. He envied his sister, endowed with all the masculine virtues he himself lacked, but he was too cowardly to look her in the eye. I think his participation was limited to the organization of a small special caravan that brought his sister to Zante, where the Busser family has long-standing trade relations. But selling a girl from a noble family in one of the imperial slave markets would be too dangerous – Zant is far from Rianza, but not far enough. You needed a guarantee that no one would know her, that no rumors would leak out.
You needed to have her buried alive.
The smile on the duke’s face inevitably faded.
– And you – I’m sure in your mind and therefore I have no doubt that this idea belongs to you – came up with a wonderful solution. The Thammit principalities are so far from our borders that knowledge about them coexists with fairy tales. And these are terrible tales, from which it follows that selling a virgin to a Thammit sorcerer is the same as digging up a chest of gold. The towers of the sorcerers of Thamma are like tombs growing from earth to heaven: one can enter there, but few go out. The rituals of Thammit magic require both human sacrifices and many ingredients of the human body … there is also talk of the harems of Thammit sorcerers.
Tverd winked at Garhat.
– I’m really wondering how you divided the money received – by seniority? However, let’s continue. According to the official version, Luo Busser’s sister “played out the men’s games” and, falling from a horse, hurt her head so badly that she lost her mind.
To your regret, duke, the brother guarded his imaginary sister weakly and admitted me to her as soon as I lightly pressed him. I saw this girl. On the unfortunate neck is the brand of Yanchang slave traders. As usual, under the hair, so as not to spoil the beauty of the presentation. Most likely it was stolen during a raid on one of the border villages. And you bought it.
The Royal Seeker spread his arms.
– It’s not for me to remind you of the laws of our glorious kingdom. The mere fact of buying a slave would be enough to deprive all titles and the title of nobility. Considering everything else – the abduction of a subject of His Majesty, even more so a noble rank, and selling her into slavery, a pillory awaits you, and then hard labor in the royal quarries. And this is not so bad: under the father of our sovereign, you would have been wheeled.
“That’s unprovable…” the duke rasped. – You have no witnesses!
– I won’t need them, duke. This time Tverd smiled quite sincerely.
Death will come for you first. Luo Busser’s sister is a tough nut to crack. I don’t know how she managed to survive and keep her sanity. But apparently, she understood at least one spell of the Thammit sorcerers. And now she is death itself, a clot of the fiery element. I’m sure you’re going to ask if I could stop her…?
– No. Not going to. Garhat replied, suddenly regaining his former calmness.
Tverd suddenly felt that a jet of stench arose in the air of the hall, born from a combination of incongruous smells, as if a well-aimed stone had flown into the alchemist’s shop from the street. And unpleasant, like the creaking of an unoiled door, the voice clarified the duke’s words:0003 – He does not need the pathetic help of a werewolf for a salary. I will stop the demon.
A man in a dark robe appeared as if from nowhere. Behind him was a door half-concealed in upholstery. The hood did not cover the face, but the figure did not have a head as such, but there was something dark, swirling, and when you tried to look more closely, there was a feeling that the wind knocked tears out of your eyes and you unbearably want to blink.
– Incredible. You did drag the Thammit sorcerer here, – said Tverd, getting up and taking a step to the side.
– The girl climbed into my books … – the sorcerer rasped. “You think this spell is called “Dead Names.” The slave arbitrarily sacrificed her life to the elements of fire, and now it is almost impossible to stop her until she destroys all those whose names the spell was composed of.
– Are the inscriptions on the walls the names of the victims? Hard guessed, drawing his sword and discarding the scabbard.
– Yes. With the last death and the last inscription, the demon will disappear.
– But that’s not what you’re here for? And Tverd turned his gaze to the duke. “…Contact the Thammit sorcerer… You are an even bigger fool than I thought, Garhat.
– Why? the duke said smugly and got up from the throne. “Business people will always find a way to agree, and where the issue cannot be resolved with money, there it will be resolved with big money.” Another smug look and nod to the dark figure.
I’m guaranteed protection. As for you…
Garhat raised his hand. Tverd heard the click of hidden bolts, locking the doors to the hall, and upstairs, on the gallery, there was a clatter of feet and the sound of steel. Heads in identical round helmets appeared above the wooden railing, and a dozen cocked crossbows aimed at Tverd. At the same time, the man in dark raised his black twisted fingers towards Tverd. He darted to the side. If the sorcerer had thrown a blade, he would have missed. But the spell he fired swept over the right leg and right arm of Solid, as if cutting the veins. The sword twisted out of his hand and clanged against the marble slabs. The Royal Seeker struggled to stay on his feet, trying not to collapse to the floor.
A faceless figure in a hoodie froze with an outstretched hand, as if holding Hard on invisible chains.
– Especially for you, I ordered silver tips for crossbow bolts. – Proudly declared the Duke. “And thanks to my friend’s help, you won’t be able to do your werewolf tricks, which will allow us to quickly end this business.
And I think, Mr. Hard Honey Badger, you are too confident to send a report to your department before investigating the case to the end. So I don’t risk anything.
– You’re a fool, Garhat… – The right side of his face was convulsing and Tverd was spitting out every word with difficulty, groping for the inter-seam secret pocket with the fingers of his left hand behind his back. “Did you really think that the sorcerer… from Thamma itself… would drag himself here… for the money?…”
A shadow of uncertainty crossed the duke’s face.
– He doesn’t need gold… He needs this demon… The fiery demon… Which he wants to command himself… And you… – Tverd grinned with naughty lips. – You are just a bait to catch him …
The Duke glanced at the hooded figure, pursed his lips, and his hand darted behind the back of the throne, returning from there with a drawn sword, the blade of which emitted a dull magical glow.
The sorcerer raised his other hand, the duke was thrown against the wall, the sword flew to the side.
Upstairs, in the gallery, they yelled in horror and pain: a thin figure woven out of flame, coming from nowhere, walked through the line of crossbowmen and the skin on their faces burst from the heat, hair was baked, clothes flared, wooden patterned railings burned.
A broken arrow whistled over Tverd’s head.
The grip of the invisible chains of the sorcerer, distracted by Garhat, weakened, and the royal catcher pulled out a thin throwing blade from a sheath sewn into a secret pocket.
Next to a heavy meat crackle, a smoking crossbowman, who had lost his helmet, crashed his head against the marble of the floor.
The duke, dripping drops of blood from his bitten lip, crawled along the wall, trying to reach the hilt of his sword.
The sorcerer did not lower his hand directed at Tverda, and the black fingers of the second seemed to live their own lives, drawing luminous signs in the air, as if fencing them off like a shield from the fiery creature dancing in front of him in a frantic dance.
Tverd, using the last of his strength to keep his balance, took his hand back.
The demon’s limbs lengthened and shortened, trying to break through the sorcerer’s defenses, but it seemed to be in vain.
Putting all the strength of his half-paralyzed body into the throw, Tverd threw the sharpened steel, and, losing his balance, fell to the floor.
The sorcerer yelled in a thin, whistling cry. A throwing blade protruded from his neck, just below the misty cloud around his head. The illusion rapidly melted away, revealing an upturned scary face.
Tverd could no longer rise and he could only watch.
The protective signs faded, the fiery demon parted them like a curtain, stepped towards the sorcerer and the scream turned into an unbearable scream. A hooded figure engulfed in flames thrashed on the floor in convulsions, screams punctuated by words in an unfamiliar language.
– Behind! shouted Hard.
Garhat, sword in hand, tried to stab the demon in the back, but a fiery tentacle lashed his arm, and the duke dropped the sword with a cry.
Garhat rolled across the floor, trying to put out the flames, but his hand continued to burn: like a dry spruce branch, the fire crawled to his shoulder.
The fiery figure stepped towards the Stronghold and stopped in front of it.
The flames parted, and a young female face looked at the royal catcher with a mask fashioned from the fire element.
Tverd leaned on his arm and leaned against the marble column.
– Greetings, Countess Busser. – He said softly.
“I haven’t been her for a long time…” the fiery mask whispered in response. – Thank you. For helping.
– I’m so sorry about you…
The fiery finger pressed against the fiery lips.
– I will finish my business and leave forever. Do not disturb me.
Thin, flaming fingers quickly ran down Tverd’s right cheek. He felt neither pain nor heat, but warmth spread over the right side of his body.
Fiery lips smiled.
– Farewell, catcher.
The flame closed, hiding the face woven from fire.
The figure blazing with heat slowly moved towards the howling duke, who was trying in vain to put out his burning hand.
– Do you remember me?.. – the demon whispered and threw up a furiously blazing palm.
Duke Garhat screamed. His scream grew louder and more hopeless, and on the highest note it broke off.
The slender, fiery figure turned to Tverd. He did not see her face, but he knew that Countess Busser was looking at him and Hard smiled back.
Then the flames began to fade until they became almost transparent, and finally melted away in the smoky air of the hall.
On the wall were black letters in Thammit, which Tverd did not understand. The smell of burning was unbearable. Something heavy was pounding on the door.
Tverd tiredly closed his eyes.
11
Two people walked slowly down the alley of the elven sacred grove. The royal catcher was leading a red horse.
– … And although the city people do not know all the details of the events, but for the story of the fiery demon that killed the noblest people of Rianza, they will surely come up with them.
And they will not be in favor of the late duke and his friends.
Tverd stopped and looked at the servant of the Dark Brother.
– I correctly guess who will contribute to just such an examination of this story?
Zhat’s father grinned.
– The late duke was not enthusiastic about city government on the one hand. And – dreamed of the old days when Rianza was not part of the kingdom and minted its own coin.
– And your opinion…
– Are you interested in the opinion of a humble servant of the Brotherly Faith? It is not new. Yanchang bites the borders, and Zant dreams of an empire from sea to sea and from mountains to mountains. Now is not the time to split the kingdom, Mr. Royal Seeker. If we want to stand. With all due respect to the ambitions of the local nobility. So…
– … Everything happened in the interests of the crown?
– … And to the greater glory of his majesty. – With a serene look finished the priest. “It can be said that our arrogant duke was stopped by Providence itself.
Although the dead soldiers … and even more so both girls … They see the Brothers, I feel sorry for them.
They were silent.
– Father Zhat, I would like to ask you to continue to take care of that… About the former Yanchang slave.
The priest smiled.
– When you called on me and entrusted her safety to my care, I took her along with the forester and his wife to one of the secluded monasteries near Rianza. When she returns, I will see to it that she… She is, after all, according to all the papers, the sister of the late Busser… So, I will make sure that she receives her share of the inheritance and a sane guardian. It will be enough for me to hint that Her Majesty’s personal department is involved in her fate in order to keep other heirs from any unkind thoughts.
Tverd chuckled thoughtfully.
– I believe that there is hope for her recovery.
Father Zhat chuckled.
In the branches of the elven sacred grove, the wind sang and called to different voices.
12
– That’s it, Your Majesty.
The narrator is silent. The retinue respectfully lagged behind the sovereign and his interlocutor. The horses walked at a pace, the clatter of hooves along the trampled forest road carried far in the clear air of early October.
The young king nodded thoughtfully as he looked at the line of maple trees that were burning crimson yellow. Then he glanced at the girl.
– Yes, I heard this story from the head of the department. It looks like Solid Honey Badger downplayed his merits… and also kept silent about the fact that the idea for such, um, specific treatment belonged to him. Despite the fact that the decision, as far as I know, was made by the leadership of my personal department … Without even informing their king! he grumbled not without good nature.
The girl turned her head and her platinum-colored hair that fell below her shoulders flared in the cool autumn sun.
– What’s more, Your Majesty, Hard Honey Badger didn’t even ask for permission from the department.
He persuaded Zhat’s father, and at his own risk helped me, and …
– Made you half a beast?
– Made me alive. Please, Your Majesty, do not punish him. After all, if it were not for the royal catcher, I would be deprived of the pleasure of meeting you.
The Monarch couldn’t help but smile as the girl continued:
– As far as I was told, it was too convenient a moment to miss. The reputation of the Garhats was shaken after that incident, and to make the heiress of the ancient Busser family, the legendary winner of the tournament, and even miraculously healed, become the royal governor of Rianza … If my king allows, the main result of this story is this: now your majesty can not worry about Rianz. Our province is a reliable part of the kingdom, even though it is located on the lands of the Garhats.
The king nodded thoughtfully.
– I agree, Countess… after all, my personal department is allowed a lot to protect the crown. Well, what about you? Are you satisfied with your new life? I’ve heard that some people face.
.. er… difficulties after going through… um…
– Werewolf, Your Majesty, the Countess prompted.
– Exactly. And yet?..
It was as if a cloud ran over her face, and her hand, as if by itself, buried itself in a mane of hair below the back of her head.
– I don’t remember anything about my past life, your majesty. I was told about that unknown sick girl, but I don’t know her. I was born the way you see me now. For me, this is not new, but the first and only life. What can I experience besides joy? Just gratitude!
And Countess Busser smiled dazzlingly at the king, revealing strong snow-white teeth.
First half of January: New Year (Sho:gatsu or O-sho:gatsu)
January 1 marks the start of Japan’s most important holiday season. The Japanese call this period sho:gatsu or o-sho:gatsu. It can last January 1-3, 1-7, or January 1-20. Historically, sho:gatsu was the name of January. January 1 is a national holiday, ganjitsu. On this day, and now and throughout the holiday, visitors flock to Buddhist or Shinto temples to participate in the purification ceremony, pray and ask for well-being for themselves and their loved ones in the coming year.
Women and girls wear the best yukata for such an event. A lot of people go to temples or any scenic spots to watch the first sunrise of the new year. Japan Post at this time delivers greeting cards, which are sent in huge quantities, usually about a few dozen, by Japanese families to relatives and friends. This tradition dates back to 1874, the beginning of the post office. Now the sale of nengajo accounts for 20% of its annual income.
Traditional decorations include kadomatsu. Three branches should be present inside the dwelling: bamboo (so that children grow up as quickly), plum trees (so that the owners have strong helpers), pine trees (so that all family members live as long), an altar, or tokonoma decorates kagami mochi. Kagami mochi – usually two or three round mochi, on which an Asian type of orange, daidai, is placed on top. Mochi also plays a significant role in zoni, the holiday soup. Families eat a special New Year’s food – osechi ryori – which is prepared during the final days of December to free up time from cooking during the holiday.
Preparations for the holiday also include cleaning the house. Karuta, a waka-related card game, is another traditional pastime during the New Year.
On January 2, the first calligraphy exercise of the New Year, called kakizome, is held in Japan.
January 7 – On the unofficial jinjitsu holiday, a traditional dish of nanakusa-gayu (rice with the addition of seven herbs and vegetables) is served at the family table.
On the streets, the Japanese greet each other with the words “Akemashite ometo gozaimasu”, which means “Happy New Year.”
Second Monday of January: Coming of Age Day (Seijin no hi)
Although this holiday was recognized as a national holiday only in 1948, Coming of Age Day has been celebrated for a long time. This holiday is celebrated by everyone who has reached the age of 20, that is, the age of majority, last year. The city authorities arrange ceremonies or parties, which are necessarily provided with alcoholic beverages – the privilege of adults.
But the unrest at the festival has led to the reduction of ceremonies by some cities. Until 2000, Coming of Age Day was always celebrated on January 15th.
February
February 3: Setsubun
Unofficial Japanese holiday. In setsubun, the Japanese celebrate the beginning of spring. One of the traditions is mamemaki, people throwing roasted beans from their houses, shouting “Oni-wa soto, fuku-wa uchi” (“demons outside, well-being in the house”). Each region has its own variation of this phrase, in one temple in Nara Prefecture, demons are even invited inside. Also, everyone eats the amount of beans corresponding to his age. In recent years, stores have begun selling peanuts for setsubun.
February 11: National Foundation Day (Kenkoku kinen no hi)
The law defines this national holiday as a day designed to remind of the history of the country and appeal to the feeling of love for the Motherland. According to the Nihon Shoki, this date reflected the day of the accession to the throne of the first emperor of Japan, in 660 BC, and was called the Day of the Foundation of the Empire.
After World War II, this day was no longer celebrated as a national holiday. In 1966, the celebration of the Foundation Day was restored by the Parliament, and from the following year the holiday was again officially celebrated in the country.
February 22: Cat Day
Unofficial holiday. The meow of a cat in Japanese is translated as “nyan-nyan-nyan”, and “nyan” means “two”. “Two-two-two” can be interpreted as February 22, from which follows the binding to the date. Cat Day has been celebrated since 1987 at the initiative of feed manufacturers.
February 14: Valentine’s Day
An unofficial holiday, on this day women traditionally give chocolate to their men and work buddies.
March
March 3: Hinamatsuri
The traditional “Girls’ Day”, which is not a national holiday. On this day, girls put on public display special dolls passed down from generation to generation by many families. Other customs include displaying peach blossoms, red, white, and green diamond-shaped mochi, and shirozake, sake made from fermented rice.
March 14: White Day
The day on which a man buys a treat for his beloved. Formally, this day began to be celebrated at 1980, although its roots are several years earlier. It got its name from the color of sugar. White Day is not a public holiday.
March 15: Honen Matsuri
The Rich Year Festival is held in Komaki City, Aichi Prefecture.
March 21 (in leap years March 20): Spring Equinox (Shunbun no hi or Higan no chunichi)
The spring equinox is a public holiday, “the day of love for nature and admiration for all living things.” It owes its origin to the Shinto traditions of celebrating seasonal changes and the Buddhist traditions of honoring the cult of ancestors. On this day, many Japanese go to the graves of their ancestors, put them in order, bring flowers. The first shumbun no hi was celebrated in 806.
April
April 8: Flower Festival (Hana Matsuri or Kambutsue (Buddha’s Birthday))
The non-state Flower Festival is nothing more than a celebration of the birthday of the Buddha.
On this day, temples are decorated with flowers, and visitors are served sweet amacha tea, made from a variety of hydrangea. The drink is considered magical, and Buddha statues are also washed with it. According to legend, immediately after the birth, nine celestial dragons sprinkled water on the child’s head. Flowers also symbolize the Lumbini garden, in which the Enlightened One was born.
April 29: Showa Day (Showa no hi)
Public holiday in honor of the Showa period; birthday of the late Hirohito (Showa Emperor). Celebrated since 2007. In 1989-2006, Greenery Day (now May 4) was celebrated on this day. This day is also the starting point of the “Golden Week”. The Japanese use a rare series of holidays and weekends for recreation and travel.
May
May 3: Constitution Day (Kempo kinenbi)
One of the Golden Week holidays. This public holiday marks the entry into force of the post-war constitution of 1947. Its main difference from the previous one and the constitutions of most other countries is the rejection of war in resolving international disputes.
Thus, Article 9 prohibits the use of armed forces to resolve political conflicts. At the same time, there are Self-Defense Forces in Japan.
May 4th: Green Day (Midori no hi)
Holiday of greenery and nature. Until 2007, Greenery Day was celebrated on 29April, and May 4 was a “civil holiday” (kokumin no kyujitsu).
May 5: Children’s Day (Kodomo no hi)
This public holiday closes the “Golden Week”. Until 1948, this holiday was the Boys’ Festival (Tango no sekku or Shobu no sekku), as opposed to Hinamatsuri, but with an amendment in the law, it was decided to combine the two holidays into one. However, on today’s Children’s Day, the traditions of celebrating Tango no sekku are visible – bright cloth banners, even toy samurai helmets decorating houses.
May 15: Mallow Festival (Aoi Matsuri)
Shinto festival in Kyoto.
July
July 7: Tanabata
This romantic celebration owes its origin to the Chinese legend of the lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi.
The shepherd and the princess of weaving entered into marriage with the blessing of their father, but having come to marital prosperity, they forgot about the fabric and the herd, for which they were separated by the father of the princess – he spread them on different sides of the river. And since then, Orihime and Hikoboshi can only meet on one night of the year – the seventh in the seventh month. In the astronomical variation of the legend, Orihime is called Vega, and Hikoboshi is Altair, and the Milky Way is the river that separates them.
On this holiday, the streets are decorated with colorful lanterns and bamboo stalks, to which anyone can attach a piece of paper with their desire. And at night, all over Japan, people watch fireworks and make wishes. But if the weather is rainy, the wishes will be fulfilled only in a year – because of the bad weather, the lovers will not be able to meet.
Tanabata is not a public holiday, in addition, in some parts of Japan, the holiday does not take place on July 7, but on August 7, which is closer to the legendary date (according to the lunar calendar).
Third Monday in July: Sea Day (Umi no chi)
The law defines this public holiday as a day of gratitude to the ocean and hope for the prosperity of the maritime country, that is, Japan. Until 1996, the holiday was known as Memorial Day of the Sea, and only after that it became a public holiday with a fixed date of July 20, but in 2003 an amendment was made and Sea Day is now the third Monday in July.
With Umi no hi, summer holidays and the swimming season begin – before the holiday, the water is considered too cold (it closes on August 15, since it is believed that after this moment poisonous jellyfish appear in the sea). The traditional roots of the holiday are relatively shallow, so for most Japanese, it’s just an extra day off.
August
First decade of August: Nebuta
Summer holiday in the Tohoku region. The holiday takes the form of a night procession, during which participants roll through the streets of the city platforms on wheels topped with giant lanterns.
August 13-15: Obon
Japanese Festival of the Dead. According to tradition, it is believed that at this time of the year the souls of the dead return to the living and visit their relatives. It is often called the festival of lanterns, because after dark they are hung out by relatives so that the souls of the dead can find their way home. In modern Obon, primordial traditions and Buddhist customs are intertwined, forming its origins. Even though Obon is not a public holiday, many companies close their offices for the three days and workers return to their homes, resulting in traffic jams on the streets and congestion on the rail lines. Obon is one of the most important Buddhist holidays. In temples at this time, the reading of sacred books takes place, relatives put their offerings at the altars. By evening, in the parks, you can see a special dance, bon odori, performed to the sounds of folk music and singing, designed to calm the souls of ancestors. Many wear yukata (summer kimono) for this dance.
The holiday closes with a solemn toro nagashi – colorful paper lanterns with candles are launched along the river or sea, showing the souls a safe path to the realm of the dead.
Obon’s traditional date is the fifteenth day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, and after Japan switched to the Gregorian calendar, some people started celebrating it according to the new calendar (July 13-15), some on August 13-15 (closer to the traditional date), and some according to the old lunar calendar. Recently, the August date has become predominant. In addition, at this time there is a meteor shower, which is perfectly associated with the souls of the dead.
September
Third Monday in September: Honoring the Elders Day (Keiro no hi)
This holiday, which has existed since 1947 and became a state holiday since 1965, reflects an integral part of Japanese culture – respect for elders. The origins of this can be found in traditional Japanese religion: Confucian, Shinto and Buddhist traditions influenced the ethics and education of youth.
On this day, it is customary to congratulate all the elderly.
September 23: Autumn Equinox (Shubun no hi)
This public holiday, along with the Spring Equinox, has been celebrated since 1878 and also reflects a culture of honoring seasonal changes. It is similar to the vernal equinox and that which is dedicated to the past, the care of graves and home altars, and the present, nature. Also, this holiday is closely connected with the concept of aki no nanakusa (several days before and after the equinox) and seven autumn plants – agi (clover), obana (silver grass, miscanthus), kudzu (lobed pueraria), nadeshiko (lush carnation), ominaeshi ( Japanese valerian), fujibakama (perforated vine), kikyo (Chinese bell). The number seven in Buddhism symbolizes “happiness”. Unlike the seven spring plants, the autumn plants are not eaten. Their main purpose is the aesthetic pleasure of contemplation. The Japanese admire the graceful simplicity and beauty of these plants and are inspired to create works of art. During aki no nanakusa, houses are decorated with seven autumn flowers and herbs. There is also a special fall kimono with aki no nanakusa motifs that is not worn at other times of the year. The moon during this holiday is traditionally recognized as the most beautiful, and the Japanese try to devote time to tsukimi – admiring it. A must-have dish these days is dango rice cakes. Regardless of the weather, the Autumnal Equinox reminds the people of Japan that autumn has arrived.
October
Second Monday in October: Physical Education Day (Taiku no chi)
The law establishes this public holiday as a day aimed at strengthening the sports spirit of the nation, as well as the development of health and body. It was created in 1964 on the second anniversary of the opening of the Olympic Games in Tokyo. The previously fixed date of 10 October was moved to the first Monday in 2000. On this day, various events are held aimed at increasing the interest of the population in physical education and sports in general.
On this holiday, special sports days are organized in schools, which last from morning until late in the evening and involve not only all the students of this school, but also their parents and teachers. Participants are divided into five teams – according to the number of Olympic rings. Competitions are not limited to any sports, serious or playful, but always and to this day the relay race and tug of war remain the most popular.
November
November 3: Culture Day (Bunka no hi)
Culture Day, in accordance with the law, began to operate as a public holiday since 1948, and before that it existed as the birthday of the Meiji emperor. After the Second World War, the holiday remained, but was renamed. The holiday was proclaimed the “Day of Culture” in honor of the country’s new Constitution, which was approved by Parliament in November 1946. The change of name reflected the new political views of the state, aimed at developing the culture of the nation “in the spirit of the ideals of freedom and peace.
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On this day, about 4-5 thousand people receive government awards for their contribution to the development of culture, and these people include themselves and foreign citizens who have had a positive effect on strengthening their country’s relations with Japan or have made certain achievements in Japanese studies. The highest awards are presented by the emperor himself at a special ceremony, lower rank awards are given by members of the government. Various recreational activities for nursing homes, school cultural festivals or bunkasai matinees have already become traditional. School holidays may or may not take place directly on November 3rd, but they are usually no more than two weeks after that date.
November 15: City-go-san
This non-state holiday is completely dedicated to children, its name can be literally translated as “seven-five-three”, children of these ages, sometimes wearing kimonos, haori and hakama specially made for this holiday, visit temples with their parents.
Historically, it is believed that a baby after three years becomes a child, he receives permission to grow his hair. The next milestone is five years for boys, when they can appear in public places in haori, and seven years for girls, which is marked by the fact that for the first time they tie a kimono with a special belt – obi.
The traditional date for Shichi-go-san was the fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, the full moon. November is the month in which people visit shrines to give thanks for the harvest and pray for children. They also receive chitose-ame, “thousand-year-old candy.” It combines auspicious red and white stripes and is kept in pouches depicting cranes and tortoises, the same symbols of long life as pine, bamboo and ume.
November 23: Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro: kansha no hi)
The National Labor Thanksgiving Day was established in 1948 in honor of the ancient Niinamesai festival. The law establishes it as a day calling to celebrate a good harvest and the development of production, to thank each other for all possible help in this matter.
In the past, it was just a Shinto holiday, on which people thanked the gods, presenting them with the most fruitful products of the year and the first spikelets of rice, as if sharing a meal with the gods – before Niinamesai, no one could eat young rice, and the next day after On the occasion of the holiday, the Emperor arranged a real feast for the courtiers, toyonoa kari.
December
December 23: Emperor’s Birthday (Tanjōbi Tenno)
The main national holiday in December is the birthday of the living Emperor Akihito. The emperor was born on December 23, 1933, and since his accession to the throne in 1989, this day has become a public holiday.
In the early morning, at the shukuga no gi ceremony, the emperor receives congratulations from members of the imperial family, the prime minister, the chairman of the parliament, and advisers. In the afternoon, the Emperor will have a tea ceremony with ambassadors from more than a hundred countries.
Many Japanese come to the Imperial Palace on this day to greet the occasional birthday boy who appears on the balcony surrounded by family members.
Since emperors succeed each other, the date of the holiday is not fixed. Birthdays of previous emperors are also celebrated. For example, Emperor Meiji’s birthday was renamed Culture Day after the war, and Emperor Showa’s was renamed Greenery Day in 1989.
December 24-25: Christmas
Christmas in Japan is very popular, although it is not a public holiday. Traditionally Western symbols such as Christmas carols, Santa Claus, garlands, and eating Christmas cake (often characterized by strawberries and whipped cream) are already part of the holiday. In addition, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is popular throughout the holiday and throughout the following week. Although the birth of Jesus is not considered part of the holiday in Japan, it is always recognized as a significant part of the holiday.
December 31: Omisoka
New Year’s Eve is not a public holiday in Japan.
