Festival approval

Afollia tells you, "I would like a moment of your time to discuss your plans dear."
(Market): Raphie DiGagio says, "I've just arrived in the Cankermore Battlegrounds! Will I be able to find some haute couture here, I wonder?"
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex, "Oh, of course, yes! Where should I meet you?"
Afollia tells you, "You may meet me at the Mistress's promenade."

Promenade of roses.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Small paths of loose onyx stone wind throughout the area, forming symmetrical loops. Lining each pathway are well-trimmed rosebushes, an abundance of dark, red roses, bloom year-round upon each. In the centre, where each looping pathway both begins and ends, resides a large fountain. The pool at the base of the fountain is wide, a broad flat-topped boulder rising from its depths. Across its surface is an intricate forest of trees crafted from dark marble, each sculpted in exquisite detail. In the centre stands a statue of Lady Viravain, Her gaze turned down towards the forest and Her hand outstretched. A small stream of water pours from Her palm, this source of life raining down upon the trees. The shadowy form of a Daughter of the Night stands here, exuding wyrden power from within swirling black robes.
You see exits leading out and through a clear pool.

You greet Afollia with a nod, frills puffed respectfully.

Afollia's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

You smile brightly at Afollia, your frills puffing with joy.

The caw of a reclusive crow draws your attention towards Afollia as she approaches you. She whispers an inaudible prayer, laying a palm upon her heart, invoking an intoxicating scent of roses that bewilders your senses.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "Blessings of the Mistress of Thorns upon you, pebble."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Hello, Miss Afollia! Many thanks."

Afollia smiles pleasantly as she begins " You have quite the festivities planned, I would like to hear more about it from you."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

The horizon glows with burnished shades of orange and red, heralding the imminent arrival of Father Sun upon the rim of the world.

Afollia unbuckles her pack from her shoulders, being careful around the plates of her shadowed armor, and lays it respectfully besides the fountain. Crouching besides it, she extracts your letter from it and folds her hands upon her waist; eyes fixated upon you.

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums and shifts her weight back and forth as she gathers her words. "Well, Miss Eirlys actually talked to me first, about a solstice festival. So, I had actually been thinking of things in the back of my head, yes. I think that we can show the other communes how amazing our home is! With lots of food, dancing, and a sacrifice to show how much we are thankful for the Wyrd and Lady Viravain!" Her tail flicks back and forth with quiet excitement, and she continues, "I think that it would also be lovely, to have some creations out of the festival, yes. It is always goodly to make new designs! So, a designing contest. Then, a gift exchange because I have heard it was how the solstice works."

Afollia lifts an eyebrow " The other communes? Serenwilde ? ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and the suddenly looks hesitant. "I was very worried, at first, that I would not plan a goodly festival, because I have not really... been to any, no. But I asked Mister Xenthos and Miss Kreon and Sibling Esei for advice, and they were very helpful!"
You blink.
You cough softly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I just mean everyone else. I keep forgetting they are called cities."
You blush furiously.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Also, it should... probably just be peoples from the alliance. Since we cannot trust the others to not be rude."

Afollia eyes remain veil as she responds " Did something happen to make you come to that conclusion dear ? ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, slowly. "Well... no. Except for when Mister Zagreus killed Muginn, but I have been told it would be a badly idea to invite all to our home, by our commune members, yes. I would like everyone to see the beauty of home, but I understand that we have to be practical, yes."

Afollia inclines her head towards you for a moment before turning her gaze upon the bloom centennial roses. Staying silent she waits as their perfume permeates Her promenade and the crystaline fountain streams from the hand of Her statue...the gentle music of flowing water rippling agaisnt the silence.

Glorious rays of morning light burst forth from Father Sun's crown as it peeks over the world's edge, announcing a bright and shining new dawn.

Afollia gestures gently towards you, laying a finger upon her lips, and beckons you closer.

You have emoted: Cheliyi watches curiously, content to wait for Afollia's response. Her tail sweeps back and forth, and she complies, stepping forward towards her.

Afollia simply smiles as the beauty of Her centennial gardens surround us; remaining quiet by your side.

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.
You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

Afollia smiles pleasantly towards you and nods once. Breaking the silence she begins " Do you believe in the beauty of Her Glomdoring dear one ? ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles and looks around the room, seemingly listening to -something- in the silence. Her gaze trails over the path, the pool, and the intricate carving in its basin. "Of course, yes. The Wyrd is the bestest place in the Basin, I think. I would not want to live anywhere else."

Dark light flickers in Afollia's eyes as shadows dance at her feet, rising up as if to briefly shroud her from the world.

Time freezes abruptly around you with a sound like the shattering of glass, a heavy, oppressive psionic power hanging in the air. The clank of chains can be heard amid the snaps of whips as a Desolate Timequake invades existence.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills twitch to some errant sound.

Afollia lowers herself gently and sits upon the edge of the fountain, her eyes upon you as she continues " Could you see others appreciate Her beauty ? Gazing upon the many magnificent blooms and the majestic creations of Her spiders as they wander during your festival? ".

Afollia lowers herself gently and sits upon the edge of the fountain, her eyes upon you as she continues " Could you see others appreciate Her beauty ? Gazing upon the many magnificent blooms and the majestic creations of Her spiders as they wander during your festival? ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi quietly follows suit, placing her hands on her lap as she gently fidgets with Ebon Prayer Beads of the Silent Lord. "I would hope so, yes. Lady Viravain is lovely and beautiful, and Her creation is too! I think with a warm, " a slight pause, as if the word is hard to form, "bonfire would life everyone's spirits, yes. The shadows cast could teach everyone that the darkness is lovely and safe, and only spooky if you want to be burned. I would work hard to make it so everyone can see some fraction of Her beauty at our festival."
You cough softly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Lift, that is."
You ponder the situation.

Humming pensively to herself, you say, "I wonder if we should put up origami roses... or maybe some spiderwebs?"

Afollia smiles sweetly as she responds " and who is everyone ? What purpose will your efforts bring to Her Glomdoring ? ".
Afollia gazes in your eyes as her words fill the room, her finger lightly tapping ...once...upon the still pool.

You have emoted: Cheliyi tilts her head, the various wyrden leaves swishing with her locks of hair. "Mm... Everyone is everyone that is willing to come and be polite. I would not want anyone who would be rudely or dishonoring to Lady Viravain. My purpose is to bring movement and noise back home, yes. We have been quiet for a while, healing. Now it is our time to strike and show and we are as wonderful and beautiful as ever, yes. I want things to be loud again, even if just for a little bit."

Afollia smile grows a little bit wider as she responds " Indeed, people who are willing to come and be polite. Do you believe then that those outside the alliance may not be polite and respectful of Her beautiful creation? ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses and then suddenly looks pained.

Afollia gestures towards the distance " Could you imagine a few respectful and polite souls that might wish to be present to appreciate your efforts and festivities? ".

You think to yourself: **an angry voice, sneering and grief-fueled "SHASHI-"**.

Exhaling softly, you say, "Yes, most certainly. There have been very nicely people that I have met, and would listen, I think. There are... some who think my siblings are awful, are abominations. They have told me that to my face, yes. But! I have met many more who are goodly and understanding. Who can see the beauty."

Afollia idly stirs the blessed fountain's water as she responds " ....and if you were given the chance, would you devote effort to creating something that might allow them a taste of the devotion to beauty that Her Glomdoring cultivates ? To share with them the bonds that hold our commune together in this winter of our age ? ".

You nod your head emphatically.
Seriously, you say, "I think it is my duty, yes, as Culture Minister, and someone in Her forest. It is the least I can do."

Afollia rises gently and takes your hands in hers, a pleasant smile on her lips as she responds " Then my dear pebble, you have the permission of the Shadow Court to design such an event as part of your festival. ".

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, and then beams, gently squeezing Afollia's hand in return. "Thank you, yes! I will do my best."

Afollia releases your hands and crosses her own upon her waist as she continues " I have spoken with the other members of the shadowcourt, while we cannot trust everyone that visits; many seek our destruction and would abuse of the circumstances. We must still band together to demonstrate the greatness of serving Her blessed creation. Be it by community, by beauty or by strength."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Afollia gazes fondly towards Her blessed statue for a moment before returning to you " One cannot live in a world they refuse to be a part of dear."
Afollia gestures towards the doorway " ...and that world is greater then the alliance. ".

You smile brightly at Afollia, your frills puffing with joy.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Thank you for your wisdom, Miss Afollia. Have a nicely night, yes."

Afollia eyes sparkle gently as she finishes " Do you accept this task to create such an event ? ".

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "Oh we aren't done sweetheart."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "There are a few conditions I'm afraid."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "My mistake, yes. And yes, I do accept this task. What are the conditions, yes?"

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "First, as previously stated, I am afraid 3 months of festivities with all is outside of our ability to control at the moment."

You nod your head emphatically.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "3 months will be open to allies only. One of those months will have an event that you will design to promote the glory of Her Glomdoring towards all."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "For that event, you will be allowed to welcome anyone within Her Glomdoring that has not directly harmed it or been declared an enemy for breaking our laws."
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "Any questions so far dear?"

You have emoted: Cheliyi pulls out a notepad, and hums thoughtfully. "None so far, Miss Afollia. Although, is the third month solely for the task of showing the beauty of Her creation?"

Afollia shakes her head.
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "You may host the event whenever you like."
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "First, second or third month."

You nod your head emphatically.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "You get one event to open to all."
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "After that, the borders are closed once more."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I see, yes."
You have emoted: Cheliyi hums and begins scribbling down ideas, the penmanship... questionable.

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "The event itself will have to be submitted to the shadowcourt for approval."

You have emoted: Cheliyi nods.

Afollia ponders the situation.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "And that is roughly it dear, you have permission to make plans to welcome all that come in peace to rejoice in the beauty of Her perfection; the Glomdoring."
Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "You can reach out to me directly if you have questions or any of the shadowcourt, lady Kreon Zayah is asleep lately sadly so she is unware."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I will do that, yes. Many thanks again, Miss Afollia."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "A delight my dear, I am afraid I will retreat myself now. Thank you for taking time and best of luck in your endeavors."

You wave goodbye at Afollia.

As Afollia falls over into the pool, a mauve flash of light fills the room before disappearing to reveal the absence of Afollia as well.