Raising Bramble-Guardians and Keyne's Closing Poem

(( At Mother ))
(Serenwilde): A carefree elfen lady says, "I, too, find myself looking forward to the final rites of the Festival. Mother Moon has just begun to wax in the sky - these next few days will be auspicious, I think."
Bare feet making nary a sound, a carefree elfen lady enters from the south.
You curtsey gracefully before a carefree elfen lady.
A carefree elfen lady smiles at you as she tilts her head, inquisitive.
Saran smiles softly at a carefree elfen lady.
A carefree elfen lady dips her head in greetings to the gathering, her eyes alight with recognition. "Serenwilde," she says, "I eagerly await our festival's final rite."
Your mouth turns up as your face breaks into a smile.
Saran's trunk swells in size as a gust of air rushes into his mouth. Slowly, the air around him begins to shudder with a rumbling vibration that crescendos into a low, deep 'hoom.'
A carefree elfen lady's pale eyes wander to the trees laden with the beauty and vigor of Seralem. To the canopies where the distant twinkling of fae laughter can be heard even now. To the daytime sky above, bright and casting wintry rays of sunlight through the branches.
Softly, a carefree elfen lady says, "We have built so much together during thisFestival, have we not?"
Smiling, you say, "It would have been an altogether different affair, if Llani hadn't found young Eeryn and Acalia, and you hadn't found us at the stage."
A carefree elfen lady smiles softly at you.
Keyne tells you, "Oh? What happened?"
Your soft voice reaches out to Spirit-Touched Keyne, tickling their ear, "Ah. Miss Nehvi led a most lovely discussion, on community, on what we sought in being part of this Commune."
A carefree elfen lady inclines her head slightly toward you. "An entirely different affair if you had not spurred the Serenwilde toward its purpose in this Festival. If Rig-Wilde Huskii hadn't led the rites of the Wild Hunt."
A carefree elfen lady's smile alights upon Saran. "If the Waykeeper hadn't gently but purposefully guided us closer to the spirits."
Saran smiles softly.
Xiran beams at Saran.
A carefree elfen lady's pale eyes settle upon Keyne, the weight of her gaze piercing in its silvery attention. "If Keyne hadn't spoken to us with such poetry."
Keyne blushes slightly as he shuffles his feet and looks down at the ground for a moment.
Your soft voice reaches out to Spirit-Touched Keyne, tickling their ear, "You speak wonderfully, dear Keyne. And I'm grateful you're willing to share such words from the heart. While this festival highlights each of our guilds, it is ultimately a celebration of what we all do together."
Saran ponders the situation.
A carefree elfen lady's eyes dance, another smile dancing in their bright depths before she lowers her own eyes briefly, respectfully, before Keyne. And then she looks about herself and breathes in the chill wintry air slowly and deeply.
Xiran flits about the gathered, circling them with motes of green and silver while snowy white pollen drifts down from the Moonhart Mother Tree.
A carefree elfen lady exhales, lifting a hand to catch some of the snowy pollen. And she smiles. "I will be lingering about the forest a while, my dear ones." She blows the pollen from her palm and sends it scattering. "Please let us know when the time is upon us, and I will join you."
You thank a carefree elfen lady profusely.
With an enigmatic smile, a carefree elfen lady leaves to the north.
Your soft voice reaches out to Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome, tickling their ear, "Tidings, Regent. I've pushed the closing ceremony back a day, so you're right on time."
Tyrus tells you, "Ah, good to know!"
(( Fair Galaphyrae moves to assist. ))
(Serenwilde): A carefree elfen lady says, "If the Serenwilde is still gathered and ready in a day's time, and we are not blessed to watch the raising of the brambles just yet, there is something the Regent had offered to me many moons ago."
(Serenwilde): A carefree elfen lady says, "If all agree the time feels right, I feel it will be time for me to accept his offer anon."
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says, "I don't think she meansme."
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says, "Oh, maybe it is."
Your eyes sparkle with amusement at Tyrus.
Huskii blinks.
You say, "Trying to evade responsibility? Our Regent?"
Huskii ponders the situation.
The corners of Tyrus's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.
Giggling, you say, "What say you all to Miss Nehvi's offer, dears?"
Huskii ponders the situation.
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "Oh, now I'm curious about this also. I say we let her. I mean, whatever it is, the Regent knew about it so..."
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "I don't know the offer, but the seems nice, and helpful."
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "It can't be worse than the time you exploded a tree in my face."
Tyrus's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.
Saran's trunk swells in size as a gust of air rushes into his mouth. Slowly, the air around him begins to shudder with a rumbling vibration that crescendos into a low, deep 'hoom.'
Guessing, you say to Tyrus, "Was it a firegem?"
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to you, "No, but it wouldbe something far more valuable to her."
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "I wonder... If the Brambles were grown for to protect us from the scar as well.. And if it was from the same growth."
Saran ponders the situation.
The Grey Waykeeper, Saran Strongleaf, Ays Civalior Lyreth says, "Perhaps, though there is also a quite useful practical application. They protect us against outsiders wandering in."
(Serenwilde): Galaphyrae says, "I do understand the rite of planting the seeds for the brambles, though they grow only on the first Full Moon of the year."
(Serenwilde): Huskii says, "Oh... That's a lot of days away..."
(Serenwilde): You say, "Oops, ehe. Even the Culture Minister has much to learn. Would it be possible to see the rite, Fair Galaphyrae? I am sure we can appreciate the brambles on the Full Moon afters."
(Serenwilde): A carefree elfen lady says, "While I am certainly happy to wait, I would be most pleased to attend to the Sowers' rites now, if you are likewise available now, Galaphyrae?"
(Serenwilde): Galaphyrae says, "If everyone would gather at the grasses beside Moon River, I will prepare and join there."
(Serenwilde): A carefree elfen lady says, "I am most grateful - I've not had the opportunity to feel the Sowers of the Last Seed work their rituals in concert with the Forest in some time."
Tyrus makes a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.
You begin to follow Tyrus.
You follow Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome southeast to grasses beside Moon River.
Your soft voice reaches out to Fair Galaphyrae, tickling their ear, "I'm really grateful for your help where this silly faeling lapsed."
Grasses beside Moon River.
It is uncomfortably cold. This small area of grass leads from the Alabaster Road down to the banks of the Moon River. The road to the south is a line of white stone, threading beneath the tall trees that crowd around it. Moon River to the northwest, however, is a wide expanse of water, a massive river that cuts a path through the trees and forces them apart. Gravel lines the banks as they slope down to meet the river's edge. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Lovely coltsfoot carpets the forest floor. Two concentric circles of stones are set out in the grasses here. Many species of plants entwine, forming an impassable tangle of brambles to the south. An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. Crouched and ready to pounce, a hideous, aggressive lioness with a swishing fiery tipped tail waits here. Spirit-Touched Keyne is here. He wields an athame dagger in his left hand. A radiant stag stands here with pride and poise, silver antlers rising in branching fractals. Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale is here. The Grey Waykeeper, Saran Strongleaf, Ays Civalior Lyreth sojourns here, veiled by incensed mists winding into a wispy fog. He wields tragwyddol curiad in his left hand. Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake is here. You see a single exit leading northwest.
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "Oh, is this a special place too?"
You say, "Our warriors of old used to take to ritual about a campfire here. I
did not know it was a place of ritual for Sowers too."
Bare feet making nary a sound, a carefree elfen lady enters from the northwest.
Swiftly crossing their arms over their chest, Huskii gives a quick bow in atribal gesture of greeting.
Gliding from the banks of the river onto solid land, a carefree elfen lady pauses and dips her head slightly in greetings. She smiles at the gathering, her silvery eyes bright.
Gesturing to the moss-covered stones, Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to Norra, "It may be. And I would guess those stones have something to do with the rituals."
Saran tilts his head curiously.
The Grey Waykeeper, Saran Strongleaf, Ays Civalior Lyreth says, "Which tribe claims this land again?"
"I am relieved you do not sound put out by me putting you on the spot, Regent," a carefree elfen lady says with a small laugh to Tyrus by way of greetings.
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "This is on the edge, between that of the Alabaster Tribe, and the River Tribe."
Saran ponders the situation.
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "We are also close to Steel Cave territory."
Huskii nods their head at Norra.
Huskii's mouth turns up as their face breaks into a smile.
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to a carefree elfen lady, "I was confused at first, but then I realized what you meant, and yes, one should always take up such an offer."
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "Quite possible the tribekin here have yet to join the Alliance."
You whisper, "I suppose all are under the dae'Meah, in a sense."
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says to you, "Everywhere and nowhere?"
Mulling, The Grey Waykeeper, Saran Strongleaf, Ays Civalior Lyreth says, "I wonder what history the tribes might have with a place such as this if it is a place between."
You grin mischievously at Norra.
A carefree elfen lady smiles deeply at Tyrus, then turns to let her attention wander the surrounding land, drinking in its sights.
Huskii wrinkles their nose in distaste.
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "The reincarnation was not kind. A lot of that history was lost."
With a gentle nod to Huskii, Saran says "Perhaps one day we will remember, if we need to when the time is right."
You hear a rustling and turn to see Galaphyrae emerging from the undergrowth.
You curtsey gracefully before Galaphyrae.
Galaphyrae begins to wield a tarnished silver goblet in her left hand.
A carefree elfen lady smiles fondly at Galaphyrae and dips her head slightly in greetings.
You bless this location to Spirit Moon. Soft silvery light suddenly sparkles through the air.
Huskii flashes Galaphyrae a joyous smile.
A carefree elfen lady's attention is now largely for Galaphyrae, her stance gracefully poised, light snowflakes gathering in her dark tresses.
Falling quiet, Saran looks towards Galaphyrae.
look at Galaphyrae
She is a graceful high elfen lunar vernal ascendant and there is a pale, silver sheen to her skin. Obsidian tresses cascade down her back, held back from her porcelain face with a braid at each temple that merges with the other at the nape of her neck, a maneuver that leaves her sharply pointed ears in plain sight. Flickering with amethyst jewel-tones, almond-shaped eyes rest above chiseled cheekbones that are set high and a narrow, sharply-angled nose that is turned slightly up at its end. A small mouth with lips neither thin nor full but decidedly pink over a distinctive chin completes a dignified if not traditionally beautiful face. Her figure is lean and lithe with defined but round shoulders and long, slender fingers. Tattooed on her wrists is an illustration of the rising moon. A lush fragrance dances about her as she stands awash in the wild, prismatic colours of a truefavour from Maylea, Bloom of Serenity.
She is wearing:
an Amulet of Resurrection
a symbol of Lisaera, the Silver Goddess
the Incandescent Bracers of Vernal Might
a pair of black leather knee-high boots with silver stitching
a silver moonflower circlet
greatrobes of shimmering sapphire
the Medallion of Life
the Medallion of Harmony
a vine-woven bone necklace
the Crown of Inexorable Justice
Galaphyrae lightly surveys the area and looks carefully over the brambles.
Curious, Xiran's gaze turns to a tangle of brambles.
look at brambles
Tangled brambles stretch along the border of the Serenwilde, forming a thickly woven natural barrier. The tangle appears to be composed of a profusion of plants of many varieties, not all of which are typically thorned, yet they have twined together into a deadly, defensive whole. Only the wind stirs the leaves of the brambles, their height and density too daunting for even the smallest creatures, staunchly preventing passage to the south.
It has the following aliases: brambles, tangle.
Utterly entranced, Keyne emits a long "Ooooh."
Fair Galaphyrae says, "I would that I could offer more insight and history into the bramble-guardians, but in addition to the the Vault and the Sower's charge to protect the seeds of the Basin..."
Fair Galaphyrae says, "The Sowers also have the task of keeping two of the forest's road-side entrances covered in brambles."
A carefree elfen lady solemnly nods as she listens, her pale eyes bright.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "Thanks to the workings of Lord Charune, and I believe some assistance from the Eye of Dynara, our own passage between the north of the forest and the south no longer requires we tread the road to move from one to another."
Fair Galaphyrae says, "In time, perhaps, we could discover a method to further spread the brambles to more of the road-side entrances."
A carefree elfen lady's eyes fall closed as she listens, her bare feet sinking into the cold winter earth.
Occasional snowflakes continue to float down upon the gathered. The river wends on, gleaming under the winter sun. As Xiran listens to Galaphyrae, she tucks her hands into her sleeves.
Fair Galaphyrae smiles and says, "Until then, we can enact the rites that we do have for the now."
Galaphyrae closes her eyes and raises a tarnished silver goblet, taking a moment to inhale deeply of its aroma before drinking deeply.
As Galaphyrae drinks the Strongleaf cognac from a tarnished silver goblet, she suddenly swoons and the light of prophetic knowledge enters her eyes.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "Nature growing guardians kept."
A sudden stirring of wind blows through the nearby trees, and a profound sense of waiting fills the surrounding area, as the ground shimmers faintly with a silver light.
A carefree elfen lady's lashes flutter open once more, and her pale eyes rest solely upon Galaphyrae, her balance leaned forward slightly toward her toes.
Galaphyrae drops 10 Sowers seeds.
Gleaming faintly silver, the seeds burrow into the prepared soil, sending up small seedlings within moments.
Gleaming faintly silver, the last seed burrows into the prepared soil, sending up a small seedling within moments. The seedling interweaves its branches with its young relatives, forming a tangle of brambles that in time will become an impassable hedge.
Huskii's eyes sparkle with amusement.
Norra watches wide-eyed.
Galaphyrae tosses the seeds with a deliberate carelessness near the borders of the current brambles.
Keyne murmurs a soft, "Oh... wow."
The silvery light fades from the ground, as the surrounding forest returns to its normal sounds of scurrying creatures.
Saran smiles softly.
A carefree elfen lady stoops to the earth as the silvery light fades, fingertips brushing against the cold, cold soil. She whispers words, and though they tease at the edge of understanding, their tone is that of blessing, or of prayer.
Xiran unconsciously tilts her head towards the ground, seeking to understand.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "And this can be done once more, at a second site. Though the effort culminates when Moon waxes to her fullest face, if any should be around at such time to witness."
A carefree elfen lady rises gracefully, her eyes bright with energy as she moves to follow in Galaphyrae's company.
Saran smiles softly.
A carefree elfen lady begins to follow Galaphyrae.
((Moving))
Galaphyrae murmurs, "The other, other side of the river."
Xiran flits about Galaphyrae, tracing the paths of the orbiting phases that share her silvery effulgence. Eventually she spirals back to join the others.
Top of a slope.
A fresh breeze is blowing through the area. A few scattered white-stone rocks mark the edge of the Alabaster Road as it grazes the
forest. Tall elm trees spread their branches over this dirt pathway as it heads southwards into the forest. The path slopes gently downwards, splitting around the base of a venerable elm into two smaller, steeper pathways. A marjoram bush flourishes here, spreading its delicate scent. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the forest floor. Sprays of chervil cover the forest floor. Many species of plants entwine, forming an impassable tangle of brambles to the north. You see exits leading south and southwest.
Galaphyrae glances around those gathered. "We are all still present?"
A carefree elfen lady nods as she follows along, her bare feet light upon the earth on which she treads.
Tyrus nods his head at Galaphyrae.
Galaphyrae begins to wield a tarnished silver goblet in her left hand.
Huskii's mouth turns up as their face breaks into a smile.
You bless this location to Spirit Moon. Soft silvery light suddenly sparkles through the air.
The chirping of crickets surrounds you in a medley of night-time music.
Galaphyrae raises a tarnished silver goblet high and turns in a slow circle, moonlight gathering about.
A carefree elfen lady's eyes lift to follow the path of Galaphyrae's goblet with anticipation.
As Galaphyrae drinks the summer stag tequila from a tarnished silver goblet, she suddenly swoons and the light of prophetic knowledge enters her eyes.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "Nature growing guardians kept."
A sudden stirring of wind blows through the nearby trees, and a profound sense of waiting fills the surrounding area, as the ground shimmers faintly with a silver light.
Galaphyrae drops 10 Sowers seeds.
Gleaming faintly silver, the seeds burrow into the prepared soil, sending up small seedlings within moments.
Gleaming faintly silver, the last seed burrows into the prepared soil, sending up a small seedling within moments. The seedling interweaves its branches with its young relatives, forming a tangle of brambles that in time will become an impassable hedge.
Huskii's eyes widen as they beholds their surroundings with a look of awe and wonder.
The silvery light fades from the ground, as the surrounding forest returns to its normal sounds of scurrying creatures.
Saran smiles softly.
Once more, a carefree elfen lady stoops down to press her fingertips against the cold earth, eyes closing as she whispers to the land with reverence.
Swaying back and forth, Xiran admires a tangle of brambles.
Galaphyrae nods her head definitively after an appraising glance to the young tangle of brambles.
You thank Galaphyrae profusely.
Huskii brushes their hand against the frost-laden grasses.
With a hopeful smile, Huskii raises their hand high in the air.
Once more, a carefree elfen lady rises gracefully to her feet, smiling upon thenew growth before turning her gaze toward the nighttime skies and the snowflakes that spill forth from them.
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to Galaphyrae, "Well done! I should hope to visit as the Full Moon bestows her light upon the brambles. I'm sure it would be a wondrous sight."
Saran smiles softly.
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "If... I may ask... Those seeds were a gift from The Hunter Himself, right?"
Galaphyrae clasps her hands before her and dips her head to those gathered. "Thank you for allowing me to show you this small bit of the Sowers' part in the forest's protection."
A carefree elfen lady lowers her gaze, her eyes bright as they find Galaphyrae. She lowers her head toward her and says softly, "I am honoured to have witnessed this."
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says to Galaphyrae, "Thank you so much Galaphyrae, for sharing this with us!"
Fair Galaphyrae says to Huskii, "The Sowers collect these seeds throughout the years. We reap so that we may ... sow."
Huskii blushes furiously.
Your eyes sparkle with amusement at Galaphyrae.
With a slight resignation, Saran inclines his head in farewell as he says, "It was a wonder to see the workings. Unfortunately, I must return to rest for a time."
"As is my nature though... The gift mentioned earlier... that the Lord of the Hunt offered the forest as he wielded the Eye of Dynara." Saran notes lightly, "This was not the bridges, it was a ritual... One we performed and unified our home into one whole despite the scar where previously we were two separate places, the north and the south which, before then, were as distinct from each other as we are from Hifarae, Verasavir, and the Tar Pits despite our closeness." His eyes flicker upward as he thinks back. "The bridges were...
different, born of the workings of the Hartstone and Spiritsingers with the Dead among the many ways we have sought to work around the scar that should have never been."
Saran smiles softly.
Pale mists convolute with each step undertaken as Saran leaves to the south, the haunting fog dissipating in fluid curls.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "This is the final part of the festival, is that correct?"
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says to Keyne, "That's right! Although now I believe our friend here has something to show us."
Spirit-Touched Keyne says to Norra, "Then I shall wait, as I wish to say remarks once all is completed, before we depart."
You have an urge to show the wildeflames to the brambles.
With a lengthy, wintry sigh, the clouds above release a small flurry ofsnowflakes.
A carefree elfen lady's fingertips curl lightly as they stretch to collectsnowflakes upon them.
(Serenwilde): Norra says, "Miau! Come join us for the closing of the festival!"
(Serenwilde): Miau says, "Oh! Is that now?"
Norra jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Miau comes into view.
You say to Keyne, "Aye. Tis near the end, though we remain gathered in purpose still. Through this festival, we've had the chance to walk these woods, to be claimed by it as the Wodewoses are, to partake in the Wild Hunt and recognise the gifts of the land. We've heard the stories of some of our ancestors, and even walked through the mists as them. And by strange circumstance, we've tended
to the healing of the Eastern Serenwilde as well as partaken in the Fae wines as Sowers do."
Norra hugs Miau tightly. "So glad you made it, Miau!"
Miau beams broadly.
Miau wipes the back of their hand across their brow in relief.
The howl of a distant wolf momentarily silences the crickets.
Tyrus nods his head at you.
A carefree elfen lady's eyes are bright as she listens to your recounting, her frame still, her mien one filled with pride.
A carefree elfen lady says to you, "Would you say, Waldgeist, that we have achieved what we set out for?"
Galaphyrae tilts her head and listens intently to you.
Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 8th of Estar, 605 years after the Coming of Estarra.
Miau tilts their head and listens intently.
Xiran turns to a carefree elfen lady. "That I cannot answer alone. What would you all say, Serenwilde?"
A carefree elfen lady turns her attention to the gathered, her attention bright and intense as she listens and she waits.
Cheerfully and far too loudly, Scarbearer Miau says, "YES!"
Miau coughs softly.
Miau grins sheepishly, a faint blush in their cheeks.
Norra raises a hand in the air, her face a beaming smile. "Aye!"
Scarbearer Miau says, "... Yes?"
You beam broadly.
Laughing, you say, "Though we walk paths as Wodewose, Listener, Sower, and Free-Wilde, have we come together as one, as people of First Forest?"
Galaphyrae lifts her chin proudly. "For me, I say, basala'oren Seren."
You beam broadly at Galaphyrae.
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says, "Our Commune... our freedom... These rites remind of our need. And our festival brings us close! Big steps, but it takes many to to grow strong."
Huskii flashes you a joyous smile.
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to you, "It has been a wonderful festival. One that has strengthened our bonds through communion and shed light on the roles of each of us in protecting the forest and remembering  the past, keeping the wildeflame alive in us all - young and old alike."
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "I believe we have achieved much, yes. And, perhaps..."
Your soft voice reaches out to Spirit-Touched Keyne, tickling their ear, "Please go ahead if you wish to speak, dear Keyne!"
Keyne trails off, then smiles softly at the elfen lady. "Perhaps I would share another poem if it would not displease you."
Miau bounces up and down.
"Basala'oren Seren!" a carefree elfen lady agrees with Galaphyrae, her words firm before she turns her gaze to Keyne.
Keyne looks at the elfen lady as if seeking permission to proceed.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "Oh, speaking of those words ..."
Fair Galaphyrae says, "They have a particular interaction with the brambles."
Softly, a carefree elfen lady says to Keyne, "I am most eager to hear your words. Let us watch Galaphyrae's spell, first, and then listen well to them."
Galaphyrae turns and steps towards the brambles.
(( Nyoom! ))
Miau peers about themself unscrupulously.
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "If I were to guess, did you go to the other brambles?"
Your eyes sparkle with amusement.
A carefree elfen lady smiles mysteriously, knowingly, as she nods approval toward Galaphyrae.
Keyne's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.
Fair Galaphyrae smiles and says, "I but passed through these onto the road, and thus returned the same."
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "Ahh, I see."
Miau pokes at the brambles and immediately regrets it.
Keyne chuckles softly.
Miau winces in pain.
Fair Galaphyrae says, "Any Seren who speaks the words to the brambles may do the same."
Huskii's eyes sparkle with amusement at Galaphyrae.
You thank Galaphyrae profusely.
A carefree elfen lady's eyes smile upon Galaphyrae, twinkle at Miau, then turn to Keyne attentively.
To the brambles, haltingly, Scarbearer Miau says, "Basa...la...oren Seren!"
Miau puts their hands on their hips and goes "Hmmm!"
Norra shakes her head.
You whisper to Miau, "The brambles are truly guardians, for they part only to those who carry wildeflame within."
Scarbearer Miau says, "Basla... Basala'oren... hm."
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says to Miau, "You have to use the wildeflame!"
Miau mutters discontentedly.
Norra proclaims, "Basala'oren Seren!" Ethereal blue flames briefly flare to life along her outstretched fingertips and the brambles before her shiver before carefully untangling, allowing her to dart through before they close behind her.
Huskii extends a hand towards a vine-woven bone necklace, ethereal blue flames flaring to life on their fingertips and drifting in a vine-woven bone necklace's direction as they proclaim, "Basala'oren Seren!"
Flames rise up upon the necklace, outlining the sharp bone shards and intricate knotwork of vines with soft blue and moonlit silver. Within the tongues of fire that shine and yet not consume, a multitude of spirits dance and flicker, some fierce and warlike, others ancient and wise, yet others beauteous beyond compare. All of their forms blend and link together into rings, circles, unifying into one hart-like flame that rises and tosses its silvery, antlered head before fading, and all you see is bones shards, clinking upon a vine-woven necklace.
A brief blue light can be seen through the brambles before they shiver and begin untangling. After a moment, Norra darts through and the brambles quickly closed behind her once more to become an impassable wall.
Miau proclaims, "Basala'oren Seren!" Ethereal blue flames briefly flare to life along their outstretched fingertips and the brambles before them shiver before carefully untangling, allowing them to dart through before they close behind them.
A brief blue light can be seen through the brambles before they shiver and begin untangling. After a moment, Miau darts through and the brambles quickly closed behind them once more to become an impassable wall.
Miau squeals in excitement.
Norra congratulates Miau with some wild clapping.
Huskii's mouth turns up as their face breaks into a smile.
Miau bounces up and down.
A beam of moonlight comes down from the sky and bathes Miau in light.
Velcora dances down a moonbeam and alights gently on the ground.
Miau hugs Velcora compassionately.
You say to Velcora, "Just in time for Keyne's words, Minister!"
A carefree elfen lady smiles upon the wandering shelterfolk, then she looks to Keyne. "You had words you wished to speak, yes?"
Utterly entranced, Velcora emits a long "Ooooh."
Scarbearer Miau says, "You're in time for the poem!"
Keyne waits patiently for the gathering to settle.
Velcora tilts her head and listens intently to Keyne.
Velcora's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.
Keyne looks toward the sky, closing his eyes briefly and raising his arms, then glances at each person gathered around him in turn.
Miau hugs a small red squirrel compassionately. A small red squirrel scampers out to the southwest.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "I have learned much during this festival. Much about
the past, much about the workings of each of our guilds."
Miau listens, trying their best to stay still.
A carefree elfen lady's attention is for Keyne alone, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "But I've learned something even more important. I have learned that we're three, but one. I love how we work together, how we help one another, how we put each other's needs before our own in most things. We are family, and I wish to pay tribute to that as this festival comes to a close."
Velcora nods solemnly.
Miau smiles softly.
Huskii nods their head sagely, then tilts their head and listens intently to Keyne.
Miau covertly tries to catch a snowflake on their tongue.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "I designed a pendant for myself, one which I hope you all will take as a gift as well. Originally, I had three words ascribed to it. Courage, honor, and love. At the time, I didn't know why those spoke to my heart. Now, I do."
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "Courage, honor, and love make three,
Duty, friendship, and family.
Standing together in unity,
We live and grow, we learn to see.
Courage to listen when ancestors call,
To relive the memories, both of triumph and fall.
Wodewose bring honor, steadfast and true,
The tribes of the hunt, to help see us through.
Love can be found in the smallest of things,
In the whisper of wind, in the bubbling of springs.
Here we can find it in the tiniest seed,
In prophecy foretold, for a world in need.
This is our legacy. This is our home.
Together we stand, no one alone."
Miau sniffles softly.
A carefree elfen lady's eyes close as she listens to Keyne's rhythmic words, their intonations dancing through the chill morning air.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "On those nights when things seem hopeless and bleak,
Remember now these words that I speak.
Courage, honor, and love make three,
Serenwilde forever, blessed be, my family."
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says to Keyne, "With pride! No tree grows strong alone, but together!"
You smile softly at Keyne.
Keyne steps back, at the others, his recitation completed.
Norra Lunarose of Moon Lake says, "... Wow. Where did you learn to write poetry like that?"
Miau applauds enthusiastically.
"Blessed be my family," a carefree elfen lady echoes Keyne's last words, softly whispered, before she opens her eyes again.
Velcora applauds Keyne heartily.
look at Keyne
He is an ordinary human, but the gifts that nature has bestowed are obvious to anyone who sees him. Smooth, bronze skin evidences hours underneath the caress of the sun's fiery rays. Long, muscular arms flank a well-defined and corded torso, showing the strength of one who has spent much of his life working with the earth. Tendrils of rich brown hair seem to occasionally float around a sculpted face with a straight nose, a strong, chiseled jaw, and high cheekbones, as though being kissed by the softest of breezes. Deep, dark blue eyes that appear to have been infused with the very essence of the sea seem to hold a quiet intelligence and an innate gentleness as they gaze upon the land. A lush fragrance dances about him as he stands awash in the wild, prismatic colours of a truefavour from Maylea, Bloom of Serenity.
He is wearing:
a canvas backpack
a jade sherwani suit trimmed in gold and silver
a suit of lunar full plate armour
a vine-woven bone necklace
a silver torc
Still sniffling, Scarbearer Miau says, "That was beautiful."
Velcora gives Miau a friendly squeeze.
Velcora nods her head in agreement.
Tyrus beams broadly at Keyne.
Her words firm with her conviction, a carefree elfen lady says to Keyne, "Your poetry rings like solstice chimes - clarion and melodic and true."
Greywalker Velcora Lunarose, Prismatic Voice says, "I hope you'll publish a book of poetry or two. You're a true talent."
The argent teardrop berries sparkle in clusters upon the wreath Galaphyrae wears. You smell the heady scent of evergreens, and for a moment it feels as if life were a dream.
Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.
Miau nods their head at Velcora, showing their acceptance.
Your soft voice reaches out to Spirit-Touched Keyne, tickling their ear, "If you would grant permission, I would like to preserve your words in ink as a momento of this festival."
"And perhaps perform upon the stage so we may all hear your words as well as read them," a carefree elfen lady agrees with Velcora.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "Uh..."
Velcora nods her head emphatically.
You grin mischievously at Keyne.
Huskii flashes Keyne a joyous smile.
With a little laugh, a carefree elfen lady says, "Something for you to discuss with the ministers soon, I hope."
Keyne blushes and looks down.
Huskii Myeras of the Misty Vale says to Keyne, "When you find your time. It would be nice to see the fae dance to your songs."
A carefree elfen lady nods her agreement with Huskii.
You say to Keyne, "Sorry, The Culture Minister has witnessed your worthsmithing thrice now."
Keyne chuckles softly.
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "I can't always do this. Only when it comes upon my heart."
Spirit-Touched Keyne says, "This was a gift to my family. For that is what we are, and that is the greatest lesson, and joy. We are, no matter what, family."
A carefree elfen lady closes her eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of her surroundings.
When she exhales, a carefree elfen lady opens her eyes again and looks to Tyrus.
"This note leads us to the perfect moment, I think."
With one last impish smile, Xiran spares Keyne her attentions as she turns to a carefree elfen lady.
Regent Tyrus Myeras, dae'Meah of the Shelterhome says to a carefree elfen lady, "Aye, that it does."
A carefree elfen lady's light footsteps draw her nearer to Tyrus, and she nods. To the rest of the Serenwilde gathered, she smiles and says, "I would be honoured for all of you to join us."
A carefree elfen lady begins to follow Tyrus.