Festival of Spring: Opening Rites

Hidden glade market.
Large, heavy raindrops splash upon the ground. A number of briar rose bushes grow at the edges of the glade, enclosing it in a thick, thorny ring that is difficult to traverse without injury. Rising from the leaves is a subtle fragrance, sweet as apples, which permeates the meadow with its rustic stalls and shelves that house various items for sale. Tall birch trees rise from among the briars, their whorled eyes overlooking the area like silent guardians. Glowing in mid-air is script that reads, "Welcome To The Spring Festival Year 546!" An oak sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. Hackles risen, a fierce timberwolf prowls about here. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. An insubstantial spirit hovers here, barely visible. A tessera board stands here, supported by a column of crackled marble. Binky Tailsnap stands here, his soft nose and whiskers lifted thoughtfully. Her olive skin glowing with beauty, Duethielle Landrennbenn sings to herself. Wings humming, Miaei Wildbriar hovers in midair. A young woolly rhino with a stubby horn wanders about here. (People spam)
You see a single exit leading west.

Brightly, you say, "There will be plenty of time to explore the festival grounds after our opening speech and rite - please follow the Seneschal for now."

You begin to follow Pysynne.

Elexia flutters into the hidden market guarded by its briar rose bushes. She stops and begins to hover just a few feet above the ground, her violet eyes glancing over the scene before her excitedly. At the words of you, the faeling nods in reply and flits over to stand behind Pysynne.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne asks you, "Are we inviting those not enemied as well?"

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 1st of Kiani, 546 years after the Coming of Estarra.

Clearing her throat, you say to Pysynne, "I think it would be lovely, but would you be willing to do the shouting?"

(Serenwilde): You say, "Happy Equinox, merry spring! Please come join us for our opening speech and rites!"

Arceai begins to wield a wiccan broom in her right hand.

You see Pysynne shout, "Serenwilde's Spring Festival will be starting with opening rites. Any non enemied to Serenwilde that wish to attend are welcome to find their way to our location. Preferably teleporting."

(Ironhart Collective): You say, "We will begin very shortly! Please come follow Pysynne if you would like to join us! Merry spring, one and all!"

Nelras inclines his head politely to those around him.

You greet Nelras with a sincere smile.

(Ironhart Collective): Shango (from the Tainted Plane of Nil) says, "Perhaps in a bit, finishing up, up here."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Did not know Serenwilde was having party."

Quintessence Nelras Shevat says to you, "Good morning. I trust that you have been well?"

Arceai ceases to wield a wooden lute in her left hand.

Elexia inclines her head to Nelras. She clasps her hands together with a chipper smile as she sways back and forth slightly from where she hovers in the air.

Jolanthe curtseys gracefully.

Her wings a happy hum, you say, "Very well, thank you, Quintessence!"

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Misericorde pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

You ask Nelras, "How have you been?"

Arceai curtseys gracefully.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Misericorde comes into view.
Misericorde has entered the area.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says to you, "Shall we allow the enemied as well?"

Smiling politely, Nelras says, "I have been well, thank you. I am glad to have been invited, and to see everyone here."

You ponder the situation.

Elexia flashes Misericorde a joyous smile.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Let's and see what happens."

Inclining her head, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says to Misericorde, "Welcome to the First Forest's Spring Festival!"

Misericorde executes a swift salute to those gathered.

The chirping of crickets surrounds you in a medley of night-time music.

Her eyes bright, you say to Misericorde, "Welcome, welcome!"

You see Pysynne shout, "We will allow all to attend, on second thought, as long as they respect the peace of the festival."

You see Pysynne shout, "Again you may teleport."

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Elexia and prances in a slow circle before fading.

You have emoted: Lief murmurs, "We may need more seeds..."

Pysynne grins mischievously at you.

Inclining her antlered head, you say, "I will return anon."

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Ixchilgal pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

With a nod, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "Aye, we are all part of the seasons, regardless of where we stand as friends or foe."

Elexia nods her head at you.

Nelras tells you, "I trust that all has been well within the Serenwilde as of late?"

(Walking to get more seeds)
You withdraw 15 seeds, leaving 771 in the Vault of the Last Seed.

You lift a hand languidly and send a moonbeam to Pysynne.

You gently rise into the air and dance along a moonbeam to Pysynne.
Hidden glade market.

You begin to follow Pysynne.

You see the following people here:
Urdnot, Zada, Arceai, Misericorde, Sondayga, Ixchilgal, Jolanthe, Pysynne, Nelras, Elexia, Llani,
Lief.

An owl hoots off in the distance.

Unscarred Ixchilgal Mes'ard says to Zada, "Happy birthday y'old hag."

You tell Quintessence Nelras Shevat, "Yes, thankfully - quiet and well, a time for peace and healing."

You smile softly at Nelras.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Come, come!"

Zada Mes'ard says to Ixchilgal, "Thank you, I guess. First happy birthday I ever gotten from you."

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Esoneyuna pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "...r-really."

Bone-chilling screeching announcing her, a sable, flesh-formed eagle swoops in from the ether.
Esoneyuna has entered the area.
A watchful spirit raises a spectral horn to his lips and sounds a ghostly alarm.

Nelras tells you, "I am glad to hear that."

Sondayga brings a somber melody on an etched cherry wood mandolin to a satisfying conclusion. A watchful spirit nods and vanishes into a swirl of grey mists.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "Yes, so long as you respect the peace!"

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "M-mean. Am busy for next several days, so, cannot. But ... anyway will be for few months?"

The wind whistles eerily through the trees.

Grasping a wiccan broom in her hands, Arceai sweeps the room.
The illusory script on a nearby wall fades away.

You tell Exemplar of the Tah'vrai, Gurashi An'Ryshe, "I will let you know, yes??"

Onmoraki, massive eagle of scorched, patchwork flesh carefully preens her feathers, seeming to tuck some back into place that had been in disarray. A flush of oily, iridescent colour ripples across her body, repairing tears in the flesh where she had groomed.
Llani suddenly loses focus in her eyes and shudders, then looks curiously refreshed.

In a seductive, feminine voice, Arceai says, "Oops."

Sondayga whips out a mechanical chromapen and pops the cap off of it, quickly setting into writing on the air itself, employing large, looping letters of glowing colour to scribe a message.

In a seductive, feminine voice, Arceai says, "Sorry about that."

The melodious voice of Gurashi resonates in your mind, "Eh? Er, O-K. Many thank yous."

Sondayga smiles softly.

Ixchilgal shuffles over to Zada and shyly takes her hand in his own.

Waving a hand, Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says, "Oh, such things happen, not a worry."

Arceai ceases to wield a wiccan broom in her right hand.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne asks Esoneyuna, "Can you assure Afollia that no guards are here to harm her?"

Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes says, "I informed her."

You have emoted: Lief eyeballs those gathered, then counts through something contained within a small, leather pouch.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "I can retrieve more seeds, sister, if we need them."

You tell Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon, "Thank you! I *think* we should be good at this point, but I really, really appreciate it - who knows how many others will come!"

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Afollia pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

Xis gives the world a thumbs up.

Nelras inclines his head politely to those around him.

The bright, bell-like voice of Elexia rings in your ear, "Aye, indeed! I am excited to hear even a member of our sister commune might come. We all have to share the seasons together, and we all have our part to play in them regardless of our other allegiances."

Afollia curtseys gracefully.

Urdnot holds the Flame of dae'Seren aloft and an emerald light shines forth, revealing a hazy hallway of ancient trees. As Urdnot walks through the hallway, the trees close around him and disappear.
A young woolly rhino with a stubby horn stomps away to the ether.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Please follow me everyone and we will move to the main location."

Bursting open, the clouds in the sky release a light pitter-patter of rain.

Elexia flashes Afollia a joyous smile.

Elexia curtseys gracefully.

You tell Pysynne, "May we request their bound fae be dismissed as well?"

With a soft hubbub, Binky and Duethielle unpack their wares, and Miaei Wildbriar waves her hands, sending sparks into the briars to the east. The thorned bushes open up into a clearing to the south and a new glade to the east, and Miaei flits away to set up shop.

You follow Pysynne south to enclosed clearing.
Onmoraki, massive eagle of scorched, patchwork flesh's rubescent eyes flare as Pysynne approaches from the south. She shrieks a warning to Esoneyuna, alerting Esoneyuna of the threat.

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Shango pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

Enclosed clearing.
There is a very light rain shower. A pair of fallen trees form a makeshift but sturdy bench here. Resting upon the stones here is a massive, crackling bonfire from which a wild fragrance rises. Reaching up as high as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. A black widow spider with midnight black wings scuttles about here, clicking her mandibles together. Quintessence Nelras Shevat stands here, surrounded in an aura of ghostly, flickering wings. Arceai is here. Busy Bee Llani Myeras, Springtime Portent is here. She wields a wooden palette shield resounding with colourful corruption in her left hand and a golden whip of the pious in her right. Jolanthe Myeras is here. She wields a crystalline chrysalis lute in her left hand and a floral parasol of pink and lavender silks in her right. A statuesque, urn-bearing ice nymph drifts here, fierce countenance alertly scanning the area. Nightmarish waves of bizarre hues flow from the massive wings of a maddened dreameater moth as it soars here. Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon stands here, flanked by an indistinct entourage of ancestral spirits. She wields a rose-vine violin in her right hand. Marquis Xis is here, shrouded. He wields a fiery basalt staff in his left hand. He is surrounded by one reflection of himself. A radiant stag stands here with pride and poise, silver antlers rising in branching fractals. Spinner Afollia, Reader of the Signs is here, shrouded. She wields a glowing powerstone in her left hand and a dark Font of thorny aspects in her right. Misericorde Coldwater is here. She wields a trident-style glaive of abyssal iron bound with ice with both hands.
You see exits leading north, east, and south.

A trail of vibrant blossoms unfurls from the north, releasing a cloud of pollen that shimmers and coalesces into Zada.

Shango has entered the area.

Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes says, "Sorry I dismissed my beast cause it was a bit anxious."

Elexia's nose twitches as a bit of smoke from the fragrant bonfire lazily snakes past her towards the Gibbous Moon above.

Jolanthe nods solemnly.

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

Bright crescents of flame flash and flicker from the bonfire, occasionally tipped with hints of soft blue and moonlit silver.

Pysynne slowly walks to the raised stone platform and turns to the assembled crowd.

You have emoted: Lief wings lazily through the air, smiling brightly at everyone gathered before turning her attention to Pysynne.

Xis jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Tsakali pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Xis.

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Tsakali comes into view.

Raising her hand in greeting, Tsakali says "Hi!"

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Thank you all for coming. The Forest has not had a festival in a very long time and we hope this will be the start of a renewed purpose with them."

Elexia flashes Tsakali a joyous smile.

Nelras inclines his head politely to Tsakali.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Spring is an important time for the First Forest as the flora and fauna emerge from their slumber shaking off the cold and looking over the Forest with a sense of purpose, renewal, and hope."

Llani flaps her wings quickly and begins to hover in the air.

Elexia alights on the forest floor as the speech begins. She folds her hands in front of her and perks pointed ears.

Stepping forward, Pysynne raises his hands as though brushing the last few flakes of fallen snow from his shoulders, "So too do we."

You have emoted: Lief cups her hands around a small leather pouch, listening intently to Pysynne.

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Skarde pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

A sudden gale sweeps across the area, stirring dust and plucking at clothing as Skarde steps out of the winds themselves.
A merciless, dusky black crow enters from the ether, flapping his wings.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "We hold this festival to remind all that though the Winter was long and cold, Spring will return. Serenwilde is a Forest of survivors; We may fall hard at times, but we always pick ourselves back up and push forth. We live each season and we survive to see the next."

Pysynne raises a bony finger and points towards the Moonhart in the distance, her eaves towering over the forest, "This festival is also to honour our Vernal Ascendants; Past, Present, and Future. They are symbols of hope for the Forest. Beacons that the Forest can stand beside and be guided forward."

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "I have been asked what we should look for in a Vernal Ascendant, and that is not an easy answer. To some, the Vernal Ascendant is the strongest among them; to others, the Vernal Ascendant is a symbol of what they stand for. Truly, they are all of these things and more. They are who you need at the time. They have a duty to rise among you and stand accountable. To shine as a beacon for you and lead you out of the Winter."

Shango idly twitches his tail.

Smoke rises in waves from the bonfire, partially obscuring the flames. With a soft breeze, the sharp, woody fragrance of the smoke washes over the clearing.

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Jolanthe and prances in a slow circle before fading.

Pysynne drops his hand to his side once more and turns to gaze across the area, "So with all that said we welcome you to the first Spring festival. Shed the cold, warm yourself by the fire, seek out the vendors and see what they offer. Gather with friends, family, or even foes. Just remember all are guests here and no hostility is to be permitted. Enjoy yourselves."

You close your eyes and inhale deeply, absorbing the scent of your surroundings.

A radiant aura of blue light glows forth from the Glinshari Circle, signalling that the Flame of Glinshari shines with great strength.

The winds murmur and stir as Skarde tilts his head as if hearing an unseen voice.

Tsakali thanks Pysynne profusely.

Pysynne nods towards you as he steps off the platform, "Your turn."

The gale surges and howls to a crescendo, consuming Skarde in a fierce whirlwind.
With a flap of his wings, a merciless, dusky black crow flies off to the ether.

Nelras nods his head once in recognition of what Pysynne has said before turning his attention to you.

Bright crescents of flame flash and flicker from the bonfire, occasionally tipped with hints of soft blue and moonlit silver.

You have emoted: Lief's eyes twinkle as she whirls about. She hefts her leather bag and lingers among the gathered group, here among the soil and the grasses.

Elexia smiles you an encouraging smile and a nod from the assembled crowd.

Beaming, you say, "Hello, hello, everybody! Welcome to our Festival of Spring!"

Pysynne jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Skarde pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Pysynne.

A sudden gale sweeps across the area, stirring dust and plucking at clothing as Skarde steps out of the winds themselves.
A merciless, dusky black crow enters from the ether, flapping his wings.

With a flourish, Skarde slips an osseous nekai of desiccated flesh into a spiralling silver spiderweb scabbard.

With a flourish, Skarde slips an osseous nekai of desiccated flesh into a spiralling silver spiderweb scabbard.

You have emoted: "Who would like to participate actively in our opening rites?" Lief asks, opening her pouch.

Suddenly Shango pauses, something in his eyes briefly seeming bloodthirsty and violent.

Smoke rises in waves from the bonfire, partially obscuring the flames. With a soft breeze, the sharp, woody fragrance of the smoke washes over the clearing.

Elexia raises a hand at once. "I will," she chimes.

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon.

Misericorde Coldwater says, "As will I."

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Misericorde Coldwater.

Pysynne steps forth, "I will as well."

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Pysynne.

Jolanthe Myeras says, "I shall do so."

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Jolanthe Myeras.

Glancing briefly at those who have accepted already, Nelras takes a step forward and says, "I would also participate, if I might be permitted to."

Skarde furrows his brow, "I see no harm in it. I will, as well."

Llani tentatively steps forward, extending her hands. "I will, too!"

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Quintessence Nelras Shevat.

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Proselyte Skarde Ysav'rai, the Wyrdfell Claw.

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Busy Bee Llani Myeras, Springtime Portent.

In a seductive, feminine voice, Arceai says, "I will."

Misericorde idly turns the seed to observe it before closing her fist around it as she waits.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "What is old will be made anew, and what was will be. I will assist if you will have me."

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Arceai.

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi.

Holding the seed carefully in both hands, Quintessence Nelras Shevat says to you, "Thank you."

Wisps of exotically perfumed air tickle your nostrils, billowing away from Shango.

You have emoted: Lief lowers her antlered head toward Nelras in answer to his gratitude.

Tsakali ponders the situation.

A black widow spider with midnight black wings rubs her two forelegs together.

Bursting open, the clouds in the sky release a light pitter-patter of rain.

Tsakali thanks you profusely.

Skarde stares at the seed lying in his palm. He mumbles something to himself, or perhaps the seed, before looking up once more.

Ixchilgal tilts his head and listens intently.

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

Raising her head, the rain wetting the earth around her, you ask, "Will any others accept a seed for the rite?"

In a soft voice, Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes says, "I will as well, should it be permitted."

Fishing it from a small leather pouch, you give a Sowers seed to Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes.

Elexia cradles the seed in the center of her cupped hands. She then folds her hands over it and closes her eyes in reverence. Her pointed ears twitch, ever-so-slightly.

Tsakali gazes upon a Sowers seed with black-shimmering eyes. Cold pinpricks of light and whirling constellations sparkle with her eyes as they regard it with unnerving, unseeing focus.

Esoneyuna inclines her head slightly.

The musky scent of loam and leaves fills you with vibrancy.

A plump wild rabbit hops in from the north.
A plump wild rabbit bounces out to the south.

You have emoted: Lief casts one more appraising look about those gathered, her humming wings keeping her aloft.

Sunlight billows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

You have emoted: Lief gently clears her throat and shakes her pouch into her palm, retrieving a seed for herself before fastening the pouch to her robe's sash once more.

A plump wild rabbit hops in from the east.
A plump wild rabbit bounces out to the south.

You have emoted: Lief cradles her single seed in her two open palms. She smiles down at it, then lifts her gaze toward the gathering. "As the Seneschal has reminded us, spring is a time of renewal, of purpose, and of hope."

You have emoted: Lief bows her antlered head low. "These are wonderful blessings, are they not? Rebirth, all things new, all the potential in our purpose. And how much potential is contained within a single seed!"

The bonfire flares suddenly, the flames burning into your sight. In the aftervision, you see the shape of a bright hart, antlers flickering.

A smile dimpling her freckled, youthful face, you say, "Like seeds did our two present vernal ascendants come to Serenwilde in their time - Elarin and Pysynne both. They sank deep into the soil of our forest, broke from their shells, and they grew and grew. And now, with the Moonhart's blessing, they stand for us all, beacons of both our memory and our hope."

A squirrel skitters through the treetops somewhere above.

Her smile fading into something more serious as she works to catch everybody's eye in turn, you say, "So, too, did we all come to where we now are. Whether we came here from the Portal of Fate or we found our way home after time spent with other people and other faiths, we all came to our home as seeds, as small as these we hold and containing so very much potential."

You have emoted: "This festival is to celebrate our ascendants, yes," Lief says with a respectful incline of her antlered head, petals of essence shaking free with the movement. "But this festival is to celebrate all of us as well."

You say, "Take your seed in hand, everyone, and envision who you want to become this year and years to come."

Lifting her precious seed, you ask, "What will you want? What will you do? What will you believe? Who will you share these things with?"

You have emoted: Lief's wings stutter as they lower her slowly to the earth. She kneels in the grasses and ferns, then digs into the earth with a spade.

Birds fill your ears with serenades of happiness and love.

Skarde grips the seed in his palm, eyes lazily drawing upwards as contemplation plays across his features.

Llani tightly clasps her seed in both hands, closing her eyes for a moment as she lets her mind drift.

Elexia's eyes open and meet those of you. A fond, wistful smile leaps to her lips. Her hands unfurl about the seed as she begins to silently chant some voiceless vow.

You have emoted: "This seed is my potential," Lief murmurs with ritualistic import as she works. "With it, I plant my hope for a bountiful year, for music and laughter and song."

Misericorde closes her eyes for a moment in thought.

You set about digging a deep hole. It's back-breaking work, and you're occasionally forced to stop for a rest. Finally, the hole is done. You place a Sowers seed within it, and fill the hole back in.

Tsakali frowns at a Sowers seed.

Nelras folds one hand over the other, holding the seed between them as he continues to watch you.

Tsakali inclines her head politely to Sondayga.

Tsakali sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Bowed over her work, you say, "May I spread my Lady's glory and draw forth colour from all I meet." She raises her antlered head and offers forth her shovel. "Bury your seeds, your hopes, your potential, and may they blossom and grow."

Pysynne closes his eyes as he ponders the year to come, before leaning down and planting his seed in the dirt.

Tsakali gives a silver shovel to Warden Sondayga Zayah, Winter's End.

You drop a hefty shovel.

Esoneyuna smiles softly as she looks at the seed in her hand then refixes her gaze on you.

You drop a palm sigil.

Ixchilgal tilts his head and listens intently.

In a swirl of blue fire, a gentle spirit stag leaps out of the Flame of dae'Seren upon Llani and prances in a slow circle before fading.

Misericorde sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne whispers, "Perhaps we should have brought more shovels."

Glancing wryly at Pysynne, you hide a grin behind your hand.

Llani sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Arceai bows her head, and then smiles as the smell of earth envelops her.

Misericorde gives a hefty shovel to Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes.

Llani drops a silver shovel.

Arceai starts to dig furiously.
A Sowers seed is unearthed by her efforts!

Nelras tells you, "How might one best go about planting one of these seeds?"

Tsakali frowns at Arceai.

You give Arceai the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

The heads of a blood-streaked sable hydra with hissing wings of tenebrous black flame look about in several directions, forked tongues flicking out to taste the air.

Jolanthe sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Shango peers at Arceai unscrupulously.

Tsakali shrugs helplessly.

Smoke rises in waves from the bonfire, partially obscuring the flames. With a soft breeze, the sharp, woody fragrance of the smoke washes over the clearing.

Primarch Shango D'Cente, Dark Animus of the Machine says, "Don't dig here."

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

In a seductive, feminine voice, Arceai says, "Oops."

Elexia holds the seed up to her face with her right hand. She looks at it as if seeing something deeper housed within its little shell. "To a bountiful year of creation, to one of renewed growth and purpose," she chants as she takes up the shovel and begins to dig. "To one of vows complete."

You tell Quintessence Nelras Shevat, "If you do not have a shovel, feel free to borrow one! I've left one here."

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "Easy mistake to make."

Elexia picks up a silver shovel.

Arceai sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Elexia sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Esoneyuna sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Nelras tells you, "I do have one, but I am not sure..."

You tell Quintessence Nelras Shevat, "Ah, please BURY your SEED when you are ready with your wishes."

Skarde picks up a silver shovel.

Nelras sets about digging a deep hole. He is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and he places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

Having finished the deed, Elexia returns to the fireside. Her violet eyes watch as the remaining few bury their seeds in the thawing soil of the forest.

Arceai bows her head and gives a faint sigh.

Jolanthe Myeras says, "To dreams yet undreamt, may they blossom freely on their moment's due."

The sun reaches the zenith of the firmament, pausing in his quest to allow the land to bask in his shining golden rays.

Nelras stares down at the patch of ground he had just covered up. His lips move as if in speech, yet no sound leaves them.

Skarde takes up the shovel, "He's to new adventures, and friends. Here's to His Will being done." the aslaran states, before he goes about burying the seed.

Skarde sets about digging a deep hole. He is forced to occasionally stop and rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and he places a Sowers seed inside of it, then fills the hole back in.

A radiant aura of blue light glows forth from the Glinshari Circle, signalling that the Flame of Glinshari shines with great strength.

Skarde drops a silver shovel.

You have emoted: Lief bows her antlered head, the sound of vows and promises and dreams filling the air, a smile pressed into her freckled cheeks.

Shango suddenly loses focus in his eyes and shudders, then looks curiously refreshed.

Raising his gaze once more, Quintessence Nelras Shevat says, "To the promise within each of us, should we too reach towards the sky."

The smell of wildflowers wafts past your nose.

Argent moonlight pierces the blue glow of the Flame of dae'Seren upon you, enshrouding you momentarily in a silver mantle.

Busy Bee Llani Myeras, Springtime Portent says, "To the strength to protect our family, friends and forest."

Gently, after waiting several moments in silence, you ask, "This is not a rite to be rushed. Has everybody planted their seed?"

Looking at those gathered, Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes says, "To the love of friends and family, may they ever shelter our hearts."

You smile softly.

Jolanthe nods solemnly.

Bright crescents of flame flash and flicker from the bonfire, occasionally tipped with hints of soft blue and moonlit silver.

Pysynne tilts his head curiously at you.

You have emoted: With that, Lief claps her hands together, her eyes skipping over the mounds of earth cradling seeds and their dreams. "Water and tend to your hopes well, everyone. May we all flourish and ever grow."

Beaming, you exclaim, "By decree of the Moonhart Circle, I now declare the festivities begun!"

Misericorde gives up a round of applause.

Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "May the will of the Serenwilde sprout forth into flowers of possibility and growth."

Tsakali gives up a round of applause.

You use 1,000 of your divine essence.
You conjure forth a sparkling stream of your divine essence and send it swirling into the air.
                                        *      *      *
                                         *     *     *
                                          *    *    *
                                           *   *   *
                                          -----------
                                         |   POOF!   |
                                          -----------
                                           *   *   *
                                          *    *    *
                                         *     *     *
                                        *      *      *

You clap your hands together merrily.

Skarde jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Esei pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Skarde.

Llani picks up a silver shovel.

Inky calligraphy blooms in midair, rapidly growing into the figure of Esei.

Elexia raises her voice in a jubilant, tribal cry as she claps her hands in vigorous applause. Around her, a handful of ghostly shapes writhe and twist in a dance of their own.

Sondayga claps his hands together, and a fountain of coloured light leaps into the air.
                                                    *         *         *
                                                     *        *        *
                                                      *       *       *
                                                       *      *      *
                                                        *     *     *
                                                         *    *    *
                                                          +=======+
                                               * * * * * *| BOOM! |* * * * * *
                                                          +=======+
                                                         *    *    *
                                                        *     *     *
                                                       *      *      *
                                                      *       *       *
                                                     *        *        *
                                                    *         *         *
The illusion cast by Esoneyuna's tormented spirit costume ripples and falls away, revealing her.
A pair of mechanical guns whirr suddenly and unfold from the shoulders of Sondayga's aethersuit, peppering Afollia with a barrage of tiny metallic slugs.

Esoneyuna takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on her body.
Afollia takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on her body.
Afollia sips a potion of healing from an amethyst vial.
Esei takes some salve from a vial and rubs it on her body.

Esei bows her head and a shimmering light passes through her.

Quintessence Nelras Shevat says, "May the seeds that were planted be allowed to grow."

Nelras gives up a round of applause.

Jolanthe jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Coraline pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Jolanthe.

Warden Sondayga Zayah, Winter's End says, "Eep."

Visionary Esei of the Ascending Dusk says, "...Ouch."

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Coraline comes into view.

Afollia peers at Sondayga unscrupulously.

Jolanthe Myeras says, "Careful with those!"

Shango blinks.

Llani hugs Coraline compassionately.

The Mantle of Starlight shimmers and twinkles as the starlit darkness that it is formed of continues its eternal motion.

Esoneyuna smiles softly.

Primarch Shango D'Cente, Dark Animus of the Machine says, "How."

Raising her hand in greeting, Coraline says "Hello!"

You hide a grin behind your hand.

Coraline hugs Llani compassionately.

Jolanthe hugs Coraline compassionately.

With great elegance, Coraline Myeras lays out a spread of exotic cuisine and delicacies before you.
Along with everyone else, you indulge yourself in this epicurian feast, eating and drinking until utterly satiated. The fine meal not only lifts your spirits, but enhances your body as well.

Beloved Esoneyuna Mzithrei, Most Darling of Wifes says, "We all have premature detonation sometimes."

Elexia embraces Coraline with great ardour.

Ixchilgal drums his fingers lightly along the sides of the Gnomish Fizgigo Sparkatron 9000, hitting
buttons and turning knobs at random. Suddenly, the contraption quivers and convulses, shuddering with a horrific screech before a plethora of brightly-coloured sparkles shoots out of its end to light the air.
                 *      *      *
                  *     *     *
                   *    *    *
                    *   *   *
                   -----------
                  |   POOF!   |
                   -----------
                    *   *   *
                   *    *    *
                  *     *     *
                 *      *      *

Coraline hugs Elexia compassionately.

Elexia Myeras-Silvermoon says to Coraline, "Sister, I am so glad you could make it! I have missed your presence."

Primarch Shango D'Cente, Dark Animus of the Machine says, "Rarely an issue, thank you."

Nelras inclines his head politely to Coraline.

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

Arceai shifts position slightly, her eyes and abdomen glowing an eerie emerald.

In a gravelly voice, Pysynne says, "We will be holding some arena games, you may find vendors north of us, please don't wander from the festival area for obvious reasons."

Esei smirks.

Tsakali ponders the situation.

Tsakali leaves to the north.

You clap your hands together merrily.

You say, "Please, enjoy our grounds!"