The Origin of Lantern Hollows
In a quiet fold of Smaller Earth, where the land dips gently and the evenings linger, there is a region known as Lantern Hollows.
It is not loud.
It does not call attention to itself.
But it is always ready.
Long ago, when the Folk first began marking moments — birthdays, homecomings, reconciliations, small victories and long-awaited news — they realised something important:
Joy arrives best when there is a place prepared to hold it.
So in the soft valleys where the wind hums low and steady, lanterns were hung.
Not lit all at once.
Not blazing.
Just waiting.
In Lantern Hollows, celebrations are not performed.
They are kept.
Garlands are folded neatly until needed.
Tables stand ready for extra chairs.
Candles rest in quiet cupboards, certain their moment will come.
The Folk of Lantern Hollows are gentle stewards of occasion. They do not rush delight. They do not demand festivity. Instead, they tend to the in-between — the calm before, the hush after — ensuring that when joy does knock, it finds warmth already prepared.
Within Smaller Earth, Lantern Hollows is where birthdays feel softer, reunions feel fuller, and even the smallest milestones are given room to glow.
For here, celebration does not chase attention.
It waits patiently — lantern in hand.
