The Festival of Greeving Part 5

You have emoted: Cheliyi pauses, and glances up. "Well, I think we may have overplayed the food competitons, so there is not much time for a story competition. But! If anyone does not mind staying longer, I would still love to hear the stories, if you have them."

The ominous booming of the shadowbeat echoes faintly from a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe on Kistan's hand, and his eyes flicker with wyrden flames.

Iskander hugs you compassionately.

A deathly cold wind sweeps through, causing your very breath to begin to freeze as Kreon enters from the north.

You smile brightly at Kreon, your frills puffing with joy.
You hug Iskander as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

Kreon curtseys gracefully.

Alarin stands at attention and gives a crisp salute with their furry right paw.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White gives the world a smart salute.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I am led to believe that Xenthos always has an amazing story!"

A wry smile spreads across your face.

Alarin urges Xenthos onwards.

Spirit Warden Xenthos An'Ryshe, the Ebon Strategist says, "I think I shall listen this time."

You chuckle softly, your frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.

Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Evette makes a quiet clicking noise.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White exclaims to Alarin, "You're on your own, Sir!"
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White swings up into the trees and out of sight.
Alarin blinks.

You blink.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Alarin reaches through the aethers and pulls forcefully at nothing you can see.
Alarin drops Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.
Alarin Stormcrow says, "Nice try."

"Bah!" Thaldorn Thornfist, the White retorts disgustedly.

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow stares implacably at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.
Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow narrows his eyes at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White in an unnerving manner.

Rubbing his chin, Alarin Stormcrow says, "Who all will be taking part?"

You ponder the situation.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I think all of the peoples who were going to tell stories had to leave."
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "But! It is alright. One story is better than none, yes."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Except us."
Alarin glances askance at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

Wryly, you say, "Congrats, you got first place, yes."

You have emoted: Cheliyi hops up onto an overgrown table of wyrden glory, sitting on the edge to listen.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "All right. Which story would you like to hear?"

Parhelion's eyes sparkle with amusement.

You take a platter with five artfully arranged cookies from a wooden leaf-shaped platter.

You consume a platter with five artfully arranged cookies leisurely, enjoying every bite.
The first cookie you seize is the one shaped like a wasp. Biting into
it, it crumbles nicely in your mouth with a mild lemon flavour combined
with the cookie's sugary origins. Your next bite includes a patch of
black icing that was the predator's stripe, and it rewards you with a
creamy, floral sweetness that no doubt was sourced from a rose. Popping
the rest of the cookie into your mouth, you finish chewing and move on
to the bat shaped cookie. Biting off the head of the richly brown
cookie, the spicy bite of nutmeg and cloves is tempered slightly by just
enough sugar to make eating the cookie pleasant. Wings and body are
quickly devoured, and your attention is then captured by the spider
shaped cookie. Biting into it, the puffy texture of the cookie is
matched with a light dusting of cinnamon and sugar. The cinnamon keeps
the cookie from being too sweet, while the sugar and body of the cookie
keep the cinnamon from burning. Finishing the last small bit of the
spider, your hand wanders to the scorpion shaped treat on the platter.
Composed of puffed rice that's been stuck together, the golden kernels
are pleasantly sweet as you take a large bite that encompasses one of
the scorpion's pincers. Melted sugar and vanilla combine with the
crunchy sweetness of the rice puffs, and you soon find yourself licking
your fingers to clean them of the last bits of rice and stickiness. The
final cookie, shaped like a beetle, provides a nice ending to the feast
of cookies with a combination of blueberries, shortbread and grape jelly
that meld with each other into a gastronomical delight.

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, story do you want to tell? I will hear it no matter what, yes."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "All right then."

Pausing, you say, "I don't actually know that many stories, since I did not talk to people who would tell them."

Alarin blinks.
Comprehension flashes across Alarin's face.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I am sure i could rustle up a story if needed."

You smile brightly at Kistan, your frills puffing with joy.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to Kistan, "If you want to! There are still prizes, yes."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "I actually do have one from bygone days involving the Paladins."

You tilt your head curiously at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

Alarin glances askance at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.
Alarin urges Thaldorn Thornfist, the White onwards.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Paladins?"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain whispers to you, "Like heroic warriors but with weapons dripping poison."

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to Thaldorn Thornfist, the White, "You better not disappoint, you're looking at the last Quartermaster."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

The corners of Kreon's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says to Kreon, "Aye, I know."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Who here is familiar with the name Catarin Inalai?"

Parhelion nods his head emphatically.
Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "I am familiar with the name vaguely."
Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "Wait, no. I'm thinking of Kaimanahai."
Parhelion looks about himself, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "Never mind."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Well, there was a time where she was the Lady General of the Paladins. A lot of her fellow Paladins dared not cross her, for she was also a very skilled combatant."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Except one. Sir Kurama."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Does anyone recall what a guild rite is?"

Evette nods her head affirmatively.

Lord Librarian Ayisdra Ysav'rai, the Fractal Concord has entered the realm of Lusternia.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "It was, for lack of a better term, a rite where guildmembers gathered together and gained valuable life experiences, comraderie."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "And, in this particular instance, pranks."

You blink.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "I remember the call for the guild rite happening while I frequented New Celest in those days. They normally would be held within the Aegis Keep, however... this one was held at its gates. So I was able to witness it firsthand."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "When the guild rite concluded, Lady Catarin hadn't moved and people were beginning to notice."
The heady scent of roses and congealing blood resonates from Xenthos, carried on a light wind.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Namely Sir Kurama."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Before anyone knew what was happening, he'd managed to pull her behind him using the conjuctio ritual."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "...oh dear."

You think to yourself: Conjuctio?
You have emoted: Cheliyi tilts her head much like an owl, brow furrowing.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "The next thing anyone knew, she was on Celestia, left at the docks."

Alarin blinks.

Ilistala, an enormous leopard inches bashfully over to Evette and nuzzles her tenderly.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "We could hear her screaming for Sir Kurama once she'd realized where she was. I believe Sir Kurama was the first full knight to ever receive stable duty for that incident."

The cold voice of Evette sends chills down your spine, "I must go rest for a day or so, I'll return later if there are still activities being had."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says to Kreon, "You recall what that is, I'm sure?"

Evette leans close to Ilistala, an enormous leopard and gently lays a kiss upon her forehead.
A loud rumbling emanates from Ilistala as she rubs against Evette.

Evette, riding a tenebrous leopard, draws the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree across the inside of her wrist, causing a line of blood to well up. She then lifts the blade into the air, as shadows spill out of the wet crimson tip, swarming around Evette, riding a tenebrous leopard, and taking her with them as they sink into the ground.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Evette Stormcrow, The Primordial Scourge, "Of course, yes. Rest well!"

Kreon's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.
In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Aye I do."
In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Regent Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says, "Apologies, soul is a bit distracted."

Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow clambers up an overgrown table of wyrden glory and settles down in your lap like a giant, feathery cat.

You pet Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow ingratiatingly.
Muginn clicks his beak, his feathers ruffling as he blinks up at you with an uncharacteristically fond look in his eye.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White grins and nods.
Alarin Stormcrow says, "He left out an important detail."

You tilt your head curiously at Alarin.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Sir Kurama had icewalled the location she was in and had one of the Aquamancers freeze the ground from there to the Pool of Stars, then monolithed it all."

You stare blankly into space.

Parhelion hides a grin behind his hand.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Oh right."

Eyes wide, you say, "That's horrible. And cold."

Iskander says, "That sounds like quite the ordeal..."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Aye. Needless to say she was... quite angry."

Kistan giggles happily.
You have emoted: Cheliyi shivers in sympathy.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "And that's my story for this contest."
Alarin grins mischievously at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

You chuckle softly, your frilled tail flicking idly with amusement.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "It was a good story! Thank you for telling it."
Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Kistan cheers wildly!

Alarin urges Kistan onwards.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Does anyone else have a story they wish to tell?"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I do."
You nod your head at Kistan.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "The floor is yours, yes."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Though alas my mentor never lets me tell stories about real people."
A wry smile spreads across your face.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "So mostly I tell stories about animals who may or may not resemble real people."

You nod your head sagely.

Licking his lips , Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "This is a tale of a fox."

Closing your eyes, you listen intently. Your frills twitch with idle curiousity.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Not a tale for that would be particularly fluffy upon this fox but rather a tale for foxes are prone to getting themselves into and out of all sorts of scrapes. Foxes are renowned for their cunning for it is only by getting into such scrapes and living to tell the tale, or indeed the tail, that they gain such cunning."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Many a fox is said to be upset with owls for owls have that reputation for wisdom. Foxes are usually labelled sly which, while being the same, seems to have a darker undertone as if not quite trustworthy. Yet both are creatures of the night. I imagine it is because an owl has never broken into a barn full of chickens and then eaten the lot. Or maybe chickens, the natural food of foxes talk about foxes a lot more more than mice, the natural food of owls, talk about owls."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "To my knowledge nobody has ever said as quiet as a chicken."

Blushing, Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Still I digress! Back to the fox."

You have emoted: Cheliyi snorts, clapping a hand over her mouth.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "The fox was a good fox, a family fox who was respected by his peers and unparalleled in wisdom, both cunning and the more traditional owl based sort. A good two foot long was this fox and as fast as a wolf when jumping over lazy, brown cows. And this fox, like all other foxes, was obsessed with chickens. He could not stop thinking about them, they occupied his every thought. Fat ones, skinny ones, tall ones, short ones. Oh, especially fat ones. And who could blame him for a fox was a fox."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Who could blame him indeed?"
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Chickens! Thats who. The last thing that a chicken wanted to be was thought of by a fox. Chickens lived a simple life, only marginally aware of the obsession that they provided to foxes. They had of course seen them prowling around the fences in the early evening. They had heard the clatters late at night as the foxes got into the yard. And every chicken of an age had a tale of how a friend had been carried off by a fox. Never to be seen again! What could have happened to them?"

Conspiratorially, Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain whispers, "But it is not just a tale about a fox, though that would be good enough in itself. It is also a tale about a chicken!"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Not a chicken who thought the sky was falling in, told so keenly to children, and also involving a fox. No this was instead a chicken who lived in a coop and ate corn from the ground and was occasionally returned to her coop in order to claim some free eggs. A normal, run of the mill, could be any chicken, chicken. This chicken spent her days in the sun foraging for grain thrown by the farmer. A good life. A simple life. A life free from foxes."
A calming, warm breeze swirls around Kreon as the fragrant scent of roses suffuses the area around her.
A translucent spider scuttles into the undergrowth.

Ominously, Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Until now."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Hello, the fox said as the chicken came close to the edge of the fence one day."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "That fox, he sat bolt upright and looked as respectable as a fox could, the white fur on his chest shining in the sun and his tail wrapped around him. Nothing about the fox looked sly today."
Longingly, Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Why you must be just about the prettiest chicken in all the coop. I watch you every day and yes, definitely, you are by far the finest looking chicken there is!"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "So said the fox."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Now one defining feature of many chickens is that they are very, very vain. And foxes, well they are very very good at making vain creatures feel good about themselves."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "So the fox spent the whole day telling the chicken how fine she looked, her beautiful brown feathers, her beady eyes. It was all he could do to stop himself drooling as he talked. But he was a sly fox and so he managed it. From time to time, he would instead pretend to lick his fur, grooming himself."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "After a day of telling the chicken how lovely she looked, the chicken invited the fox in to meet the other chickens. Now the other chickens were wary of the fox no matter what their friend said. And so as night fell the fox snuggled down with his new chicken friend for the night. The fox curled in a ball and rested his head on the chicken's tender juicy thigh."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Get me some grain the chicken moaned hungrily at the fox just as he was getting to sleep."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I hunger for grain."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White listens with interest.

Eyeing up the shadows, Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "So the fox slunk out into the night, for slinking is what foxes do best, and surveyed the farm courtyard, now covered in a blanket of night. He hopped down from the coop and trotted over to pick up a small copper feed bucket."

The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain whispers, "As silent as a cat, who wished he was a silent as a fox, the fox knocked over a sack of the finest grain. The fox scratched at the sack until grain spilled out across the floor. Then he picked up a bucket of grain and carried it back to the chicken who smiled at him and left the grain."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Tell me again how beautiful I am the chicken asked the fox, clucking plaintively between pecking at the grain."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "The fox mustered up all his guile, for he was tired now and it had been a long day that he had already spent telling the chicken how beautiful she was. So he told her how pretty she looked and how pretty her feathers were and how he adored how the sun shone on her and how all the other chickens were jealous of her beauty."

You have emoted: Cheliyi listens, enraptured.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "The chicken settled down again and the fox rested his head of her juicy juicy thigh."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Fox, said the chicken, restless within the coop, please get me some water."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Now the poor fox could see where this was heading. He had fetched her grain and she had barely eaten it. He had bathed her with compliments and it had not been enough. And now the chicken wanted some water! I told you he was wise? And if not wise, then at least sly? And how hard it is to tell the difference?"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "So he ate her."
With a flourish of his arm, Kistan bows deeply.

You blink.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White gives up a round of applause.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.
You clap your hands together merrily.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Amazing, yes! Was that on the spot?"

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "It has been a while since I told a tale!"

Alarin looks over at Thaldorn clapping and says, "You were waiting for that, weren't you?"
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White grins and nods at Alarin.
Alarin rolls their eyes.

Kreon tilts back her head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.
Faintly, you say, "Well, now I am torn."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says to you, "I would love to take credit for making that up in my head on the spot, but alas the library ios full of hundreds of my tories tht few have read!"

You smile wryly at Kistan.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Any other stories?"

Alarin chuckles long and heartily.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I must have a hundred or more still waiting to be told."

Thoughtfully, you say, "Well, if there are only two peoples who told stories, then..."

Kistan hides a pile of books behind his back.
You grin mischievously at Kistan.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Unless anyone else would like a turn?"

Iskander ponders the situation.
Kistan looks at Gabe as if considering she might.
Gabe shakes her head.

Iskander says, "You know, if the fox hadn't ate the chicken, he could have had eggs for a long long time."

Gabe smiles wryly at Iskander.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White nods his head sagely at Iskander.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White exclaims, "Omelets are good!"
Alarin glances askance at Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says to Thaldorn Thornfist, the White, "Are there any foods not good?"

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
You curl your nose up and grimace awfully.

Grimacing, you say, "Oatmeal."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Apart from sugar free cookies."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "...cookies with no sugar in them."

Kistan's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "No. That was it."

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "What about cookie-free sugar?"
Parhelion quickly devours a sugar crystal.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "I'm pretty sure if there were donuts or cakes with no sugar in them, he wouldn't eat those either."
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "...toss me one of those?"

---> game breaks, everyone gets super laggy

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "They are mythical things surely, made far to the East!"

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White throws his hands into the air and gives a loud, "WOO!"
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White thanks Parhelion profusely.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White stuffs a sugar crystal into his mouth.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Is sugar still going for a hundred gold each? It is cruel to give just one in a world of rapidly inflating sugar prices."

Parhelion shrugs, shoving a handful of sugar crystals into his mouth and crunching loudly with a satisfied look on his face.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "As rich as Parhelion, children will say."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "Rich in gd, not teeth."

Kreon curtseys gracefully.
Noticing her mistress depart, a fox-like creature strolls off to the ether.

You stare blankly into space.

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "The best thing about being sileni isn't the sixth finger on each hand. It's the squarish, goat-like teeth that crunch through everything."

You stare blankly into space.

Alarin tilts back their head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.
Parhelion licks his lips.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Woah there. My soul just."

The body of Iskander appears in a flash and his soul descends to fill it, causing the previously expressionless face to fill with emotion.

You have emoted: Cheliyi gestures vaguely.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "Goat teeth...mm."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "As did mine."

Iskander says, "Everything tasted purple there for just a moment."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White Pointing at Alarin, he says, "He doesn't have goat teeth and seems to eat everything."

Gabe laughs out loud.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Do not."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "By eat, he meats has to wrestle Thaldorn for."

You have emoted: Cheliyi shakes out her frills, and huffs. "Well. Back to what I was saying. Is that all for stories today?"
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Do not want to judge without hearing everyone out, yes."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Pff. We've seen you eat snowballs during a snowball fight."

Gabe nods her head at you.
Alarin nods their head at you.

Alarin tilts back their head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Sagely, you say, "Alright. Well! I think since I cannot choose, and there are only two of you, you both get first place! So that's..."
You have emoted: Cheliyi counts something on her fingers, and nods.
You take a divinely wrapped present from a fesix backpack.
You take a divinely wrapped present from a fesix backpack.

Kistan winces in pain.

You give a divinely wrapped present to Alarin Stormcrow.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You give a divinely wrapped present to Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain.
You nod your head sagely.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I just remembered the goop!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "And some goop! Just a moment."

Kistan begins to weep uncontrollably.

You blink.
You frown at Kistan.

Alarin thanks you profusely.

Confused, you say, "But you won."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I have seen a lot of goop in my life."
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I even bought a hot air balloon."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Well, now you have more!"

Kistan giggles happily.
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "You are the best."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "...I built a Vernal curio collection instead."

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White snickers softly to himself.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I bought a lot of curios as well!"
Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I am thinking of ikons now."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.
Alarin Stormcrow says, "Same."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Shall I open the present?"

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

You have emoted: Cheliyi sets Muginn, the ghost-feathered crow on the ground, and hops off the table. Bowing quickly, she straightens and grins. "Thank you all for coming today! It was lovely to have you here. Next month will be the final month of the festival, with games and gift giving! Remember to bring a gift and hide it in a package, so people cannot see it, yes. Then we will all exchange as a game!"
You nod your head at Kistan.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "I will do the same."

Kistan quickly unwraps a divinely wrapped present, which sprays glittering silver dust and cheerful confetti into the air, and grins enormously upon receiving a large beaker of chemantic compounds.

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

"Nice!" Parhelion says with an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Alarin quickly unwraps a divinely wrapped present, which sprays glittering silver dust and cheerful confetti into the air, and grins enormously upon receiving a gold-framed scrying mirror.

You give Kistan a wild cheer!

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "Wow."

You give Alarin a wild cheer!

Alarin blinks.

"Wow!" Gabe exclaims to Alarin!

Iskander claps his hands together merrily.

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "That's crazy good luck."

Alarin peers about themself unscrupulously.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "...I have one of these."

Gabe chuckles long and heartily at Kistan.

Alarin thanks you profusely.

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "Give one to Thaldorn."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "I do not have a beaker."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Good thing I have been saving those since solstice, yes."

Kistan thanks you profusely.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White exclaims, "What he said. Give it to me!"

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Alarin gives a gold-framed scrying mirror to Thaldorn Thornfist, the White.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That was -supposed- to be Thaldorn's, yes."

You take a divinely wrapped present from a fesix backpack.
You ponder a divinely wrapped present thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Thaldorn Thornfist, the White smiles widely as he gazes into a gilded scrying mirror.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Maybe I should save this for the vengeance game tomorrow..."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "Who won the recipe?"

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Vengeance?"
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White says, "Vengeance?"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to Gabe, "You all did!"

An errant breeze disturbs the crystal star hanging here, compelling its night-dark shape to dance.

Alarin's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You nod your head emphatically.

Gabe's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That is the game tomorrow! Then, once we are done, there will be a game-style gift exchange."

Parhelion waves goodbye.
You wave goodbye at Parhelion.
Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "Thank you for having us."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Gabe waves goodbye at Parhelion.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Of course, yes."

Kistan thanks you profusely.

Parhelion takes the Quintessential Mandala of Resplendent Harmony in both hands and bows his head. Swirling ribbons of colour race outwards from the mandala, wrapping about Parhelion as he begins to break down into an infinite number of small, fractal shapes before flaring outwards in a fractal swirl, dissipating into the air.
A fluffy turquoise llama leaves to the ether while gazing around protectively.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Aye, thank you very much!"

You nod your head sagely.
You put a divinely wrapped present into a fesix backpack.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "The Festival of Light will be soon as well."

You tilt your head curiously.

Alarin Stormcrow says, "I will post an invitation to Shadowlight soon."

Iskander wraps you in a warm, four-armed hug.

You blink.
You smile brightly at Iskander, your frills puffing with joy.

Gabe sucks thoughtfully on her teeth.

You hug Iskander as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

You ponder stately steel stationery thoughtfully, looking it up and down.
Thoughtfully, you say, "I wonder if I should submit these through our cartel..."

Alarin Stormcrow says, "Be well, everyone!"

Gabe hums a happy tune.

Alarin stands at attention and gives a crisp salute with their furry right paw.
Thaldorn Thornfist, the White gives the world a smart salute.

Gabe glances at you briefly, the colour draining from her face.

Alarin spreads their arms wide, and the air between their hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as they bore a hole through the fabric of the planes.
A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Alarin, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Alarin ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind them.

Xenthos tilts back his head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say to Gabe, "It is fine! The Charities are very nice."

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain murmurs, "Even if they do not know the difference between preceding and proceeding."

Gabe tilts back her head and inhales deeply while twitching a wolf's snout.

You blink.
You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Gabe's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Right I had best call it a night and head off with my ill gotten gains."

You give a trillingly melodic laugh, your frills resonating with joy.

Wyrden Idolator Kistan, of the Sanguine Refrain says, "Lovely to see you all!"

You pat Kistan in a friendly manner.

Kistan fiddles with a whirring screwdriver, and a modulating whirr fills the air. A blue glow surrounds Kistan just before he slowly fades away.

Xenthos traces an image of a location within a blood-inscribed booklet of shadows with his fingertips, cryptic words at his lips. His eyes take on a glossy appearance as he begins to stare off into the aether.
Ilistala melds into the shadows, quickly disappearing from view.
Puffy white fur brushing the floor as she passes, a ragdoll kitten saunters out to the ether.

Contently, you say, "I think that is a good end. Should we go back to Father Ravenwood?"

Gabe hugs you compassionately.

You blink.
You hug Gabe as best as you can, pulling them into a tight embrace.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "I must rest, but thank you for all of this."

You nod your head emphatically.

For a fleeting moment, the baleful play of light against the spiderwebs' dew is evocative of blood.

Thoughtfully, you say, "I suppose back to Father Ravenwood, then."