The Festival of Greeving Part 1

---> me just sitting around in Spider's Larder, waiting to shout about festival

The lichen-laden earth within the glade seems to come alive, the enormous roots of nearby trees snaking their way out of the earth in eerie silence.

You blink.

The roots lash together, knotting into a semblance of a surface rising above the earth. The ethereal lime green that coats everything here clings to the earthen bounty as it settles into the shape of a table, ready for a wyrden feast.

Loudly, you exclaim, "Thank you!"

---> p table

Rising from the forest floor itself and untouched by artifice, the table is a natural extension of the wyrden glade itself. Numerous twisted roots have sprouted from the ground to entwine, knot, and entangle into the macabre surface that bears a wyrden bounty. The length of the table carries sumptuous wooden tableware but procuring it may prove a risky venture for one is as like to have their fingers mired in a gossamer coating of green lichen, as to unwittingly flay themselves upon inconspicuous thorns when trying to sample the goods.
It weighs about 100 pounds.
An overgrown table of wyrden glory is holding:
Nothing.
It has the following aliases: table, banquet.
[HINT]: There is a PLATTER, a BOWL, and a TRAY on the table. You may probe them to see if there is something to take from them!
Wait timer expired.


---> more preparations, zoooomies

You shout, "Hello, hello peoples! The festival in Glomdoring will be beginning soon! Please come to Father Ravenwood if you wish to join the festivities! Bards are especially welcome yes, to play songs for the dancing and fun!"
You bounce up and down.

The sharp staccato sound of chitin striking chitin can be heard as Acosris snaps his claws together, one after the other.
The ground bubbles up as though a seething mass churns underneath.

Velcora's melodic voice sings into your mind, "I have paid my fine...you are sure it will be alright if i come to the festival?"

(Glomdoring): You say, "Our festival will be beginning soon! If you wish to attend in our holiday, please come to Father Ravenwood!"

From seemingly nowhere, Bizirik appears, a powdery donut shaped like a flower clutched in its set of smaller forelimbs. It clumsily hands a powdery donut shaped like a flower over to you before slinking back off.

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "* gentle pulsing pastel colors * Remember to have fun~ And anticipates scragglers, yus."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Velcora Lunarose, "I am sure it will be alright. And if not, I will do my best to help."

Before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
The dark heart of Glomdoring Forest is almost audibly beating in this, its shadowy centre. Tall, blackened trees surround this clearing, pressing together into an imposing barrier of rotten vegetation. Moulds and fungi are smeared across the plants, their pungent stench suffusing the forest. The branches are coated in dark slime, slick tendrils that hang downwards. Although a variety of trees might actually grow here, the black tar that coats them renders them indistinguishable. A thin black mist creeps between the trees, hanging low across the ground. The floor of the clearing itself is simply bare earth, cracked and dry. Overshadowing all is the Master Ravenwood Tree itself, jutting into the sky like a twisted fist. The sound of laughing crows echoes down from the treetops, a harsh sound for the ears below. The atmosphere vibrates with a palpable power. Brennan Stormcrow paces here, his cadaverous body twitching with sudden jerks. The Master Ravenwood Tree towers over everything here, pulsing with an immeasurable yet dark power. Casting darkness all around, a shadow totem thrusts up from the ground, chilling the air. There are 2 armoured bats here. A crudely crafted shrine of harsh black crystal stands here, thrumming powerfully. Splintered from the Master Ravenwood, a massive branch lies here, spiders crawling along its rotting wood. A giant bat hangs here, wings folded about its body and one beady eye open. There are 10 shadowlord widowriders here. There are 10 illithoid scourges here. There are 10 dark nighthags here. A black direwolf is here, blending in with the shadows. A rowan sapling clings tenaciously to the ground here. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a bat around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a spider around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a beetle around its skull. An animated skeleton stands here with a ghostly outline of a wasp around its skull. A platinum stocking has been hung here. A canvas backpack lies face-down here. A dusky brocade moth flutters in lazy, spiralling circles. The hulking form of Acosris, the giant scorpion is here, massive pinchers flexing open and closed. A black widow spider with bat wings scuttles about here, clicking her mandibles together. A hateful, midnight black crow flies here with oily black wings spread. A russet pegasus with dark brown wings is here, shimmering with motes of white flame. Standing majestically, a lady-like penguin with a sparkling, opalescent scarf surveys the surroundings. Eyes gleaming with daring, a Horizon Walker stands here armed and ready to face the vast unknown. Emlyn is here, shrouded. Gabe Ladyn floats here with a dream-like quality, her form shrouded in a perfumed, lavender mist. She wields a putrid thornvine whip in her left hand and a nature talisman in her right hand. Playing a spirited song on a wooden pan flute, an alluring sileni frolics here. A baleful crow perches here, crimson eyes piercing in their glare. Tikki with an Angel face stands here, his presence perfuming the air with the warm scent of mouth-watering confections. He wields a sticky spatula of Solstice peppermint in his left hand and a spectral measuring cup in his right hand. Isser is here, shrouded. He wields a nature talisman in his left hand.
You see a single exit leading north.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says to Emlyn, "Thank you for trying either way."

Emlyn smiles softly at Gabe.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

Feria arrives, following Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex.
Afollia enters from the down, emanating an aura of immense power.

A flurry of blackthorn petals arrives from the up, thorny vines sprouting within the floral cloud and twining together to form the body of Esei.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Sorry about Mister Brennan, he is very vigilant and dedicated."

Esei gives a short, respectful bow, one hand clasped over their heart.

You give a short gasp of elation.
You smile brightly at Esei, your frills puffing with joy.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you exclaim, "Sibling!"

Tikki beams broadly at Esei.

Esei tilts their head curiously at you.

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

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.

Polligan arrives, following Pilgrim Olyphar Ryseni.
Auraelia arrives, following Pilgrim Olyphar Ryseni.

A shadowlord widowrider's giant black widow rears up slightly before Olyphar.
A dark nighthag says, "Tread lightly, Olyphar."
A low hiss escapes Acosris as his tail curls, poised to strike, and his pincers clack open and closed threateningly as he stares at Olyphar.

You nod your head sagely at Olyphar.
Olyphar raises his hand in greeting to you and says "Hello!"

Polligan gives the world a smart salute.

Dom's bark groans with his movement as he turns to look upon Esei. His already wicked grin splits wider as he says amidst an echo of whispers within his branches, "Hello, Esei."

Tikki hums a happy tune.

Aellaxi, riding Ayaabe, the blossom stag, arrives from the north.

A sea of flowers erupts from the north announcing the entrance of Ayaabe.

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

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Okay okay okay.... We will keep waiting for more peoples to come! Please feel free to talk to eachother while we wait!"

Pilgrim Olyphar Ryseni says, "We wouldn't miss a party."
A wry smile spreads across your face.

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

Emlyn takes a long draught of champagne.

Velcora dances down a moonbeam and alights gently on the ground.

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

Tikki says, "Luce should be on his way before long."

Olyphar jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.

Tikki nods his head enthusiastically.

Velcora's mouth turns up as their face breaks into a smile.

With a flourish of their arm, Velcora bows deeply.

Esei murmurs softly to themself.

Dom inclines his head to those newly gathered.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "I hear him."

Luce enters from the down, emanating an aura of immense power.

Isser says to Velcora, "Hello!"

Esei gestures at Luce.

Chaos Cub Polligan Ryseni, The Mischievous Goon says, "Thanks for the invite."

Shiny Aellaxi, the Insightful says, "I brought cupcakes! I am unsure I brought enough though."

Rekath brushes himself off briskly.

With a wistful look on his face, Dom touches a phantasmal shroud of shadows.
As Dom's fingers brush against a phantasmal shroud of shadows, it shifts subtly as faint whispers echo in the air.

Tikki gives Luce a peck on the cheek.

In a chirpy tone, Psalmist Auraelia, the Trusting says, "Believe it or not I've-... always wanted to visit Glomdoring. Even as a Serenwilde member I did."

Luce gives an angelic spice cake to you.
Luce thrusts his palm towards his forehead and hits it with a resounding *smack*!

Olyphar gives Rekath a friendly squeeze.

Smirking confidently, Polligan and Rekath casually bump fists.

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

Luce gives 40 golden beryl tulip tea cakes to you.
Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "Those."

Aellaxi gives a rainbow cupcake to Emlyn.

His voice echoing with whispers, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says to Auraelia, "It is a beautiful place to visit, most assuredly."

Emlyn says, "It's my first time here too."

Aellaxi gives a rainbow cupcake to Gabe Ladyn.

Rekath pulls Olyphar and Polligan into a group uncle-hug.

With great elegance, Tikki 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.

Aellaxi gives a rainbow cupcake to Nascent Feria Ebonrose, Attendant to the Wyrd.
Aellaxi gives a rainbow cupcake to Contemptible Sutekh.

Velcora Lunarose says, "I wish i'd thought to bring cupcakes."
Velcora hangs their head sadly.

Emlyn glances about herself, grey eyes wide with interest.

Velcora's mouth turns up as their face breaks into a smile.

Gesturing around, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says, "With such vibrance of growth, we are quite happy to be seen by you all."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says to Aellaxi, "Thank you kindly."

---> lots more chatting, people arrive, and then

The forest itself tenses, as if every leaf, every skeletal branch, every creature inside its gloaming embrace held fast, every collective breath drawn. A hissing sound follows, and then the echo of scuttling legs pummeling through the underbrush.

Emlyn says, "Whoever gave me the cupcake, thank you."

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to Sulwh, "I'm an uncle and a father, and a gunkle."

You blink.

Emlyn hugs Parhelion compassionately.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to Sulwh, "But not a grammy."

Olyphar inclines his head politely to Parhelion.

Sulwh, the Ruffian exclaims to Emlyn, "I think Ms. Aellaxi did!"

Parhelion smiles softly at Emlyn.

Comprehension flashes across Emlyn's face.

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances around, smiling brightly.

Emlyn flashes Aellaxi a joyous smile.

"Thanks!" Parhelion says.

And then, nothing.

Rekath gives Parhelion a thumbs up.

Aellaxi blinks.

Afollia smiles sweetly, her six eyes focusing upon Cheliyi as she responds " perhaps you have felt something dear ? ".

Emlyn says to Parhelion, "Hello, father-in-law."

You think to yourself: **excitement, the forest is here**.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to Parhelion, "Like it?"

You nod your head at Afollia.

Shiny Aellaxi, the Insightful says to Sulwh, "I do not think anyone has said my name so formally before."

Not hesitating, Sutekh shoves a rainbow cupcake into his mouth.

Aellaxi gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Sutekh nods his head at Emlyn.

The Glomdoring slowly returns to life, the breath exhaled in the sounds of leaves swaying in the breeze once more, the fauna of the merciless forest cautiously emerging.

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says, "I do like licorice. The flesh, not so much."

The pointed tips of Esei's ears twitch to some errant sound.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says, "Tis an acquired taste, I suppose."

Parhelion inclines his head politely to Esei.
Gabe looks about herself suspiciously.
Dom's branches sway in the breeze that flows throughout the Glomdoring.
You have emoted: Cheliyi hums happily, bobbing her head.
Esei tilts their head back and looks up at the sky.
Emlyn smiles softly at Sutekh.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says, "So, what is on the docet for today?"

(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "It's more food."
(And Everything Nice): Gurashi (from the Aetherways) says, "Don't open it unless you need more food."

Another heartbeat passes, and then the scuttling legs ripping through the undergrowth booms across the Glomdoring Forest, as if an army of multi-legged creatures were coming, faster and faster, all hurrying toward you from the darkness.

Not hesitating, Emlyn shoves a rainbow cupcake into her mouth.

Polligan shudders violently.
You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles brilliantly.
"Uhh..." stalls Luce.
Tikki wraps a comforting arm around Luce.
Esei stares blankly into space.
Luce's tail wraps tightly around one of Tikki's ankles.

Sulwh, the Ruffian smiles impishly and says to Velcora, "Oh hi! I passed by you earlier."

You realize you are in the forest's memory, and these sounds are terror itself: the blood in your veins stops pumping as you feel every death, hear every scream, smell the fires that shattered the Halls of Conquering Darkness.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "Perhaps they smell the food.."
Using her tongue and the roof of her mouth, Gabe makes a quiet clicking noise.

Esei pauses for a second, a slight frown upon their face.
Parhelion sucks thoughtfully on his teeth.
Luce shivers violently.
You have emoted: Cheliyi's smile fades. She looks suddenly serious, and nods.
Afollia sighs softly, a hand upon her breast as she inclines her head.


The nehv'gree rampage around you, and you are powerless. Then nothing again, the forest's memory lapsing, and you its unwitting victim, caught up in the power of it. Again, another hall falls, more screams resound above the din, and then silence.

Auraelia blinks.
You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles sadly.
Sulwh sways back and forth.
Dom shifts as he exhales in a low, mournful moan, his looming, twisted form quivering with the forcefulness of it.
Rekath puts his fingers in his mouth and lets out a high-pitched whistle.
Auraelia flicks her tail twice, ears twitching.

You think to yourself: **a quiet ache**.

Gabe bows her head in silent solemnity.
Velcora puts their arm around Aellaxi protectively.

From the shadows, pillars of strength emerge, and you feel what the forest felt: exultation, and more finally, relief. Strength surged through the trees themselves as a voice rings out, "ENOUGH!" and you see a blade winging overhead. The Greev has been weakened, and the forest has consumed it once more.

Esei closes their eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of their surroundings.
Esei exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from their lungs.

Shadows grow longer in anticipation for the return of their dark mistress as Father Sun's chase brings him closer to the world's edge.
The heavens alight with a rich purple glow as dusk begins to settle in, preparing the First World for the coming night.

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.
Velcora taps a stopwatch tattoo on the back of their hand and suddenly breathes deeply.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat asks, "That...uh...normal...around these parts..?"
Esei stares implacably at Luce.

His voice echoing with whispers, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says to Luce, "Define normal."

A wry smile spreads across Emlyn's face.
Rekath twitches spasmodically.
Auraelia hugs Lilei compassionately.
Esei tilts their head towards Dom, as if concurring.
Lilei inclines her head politely to those around her.
Lilei hugs Auraelia compassionately.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to Luce, "Histories."

You feel what the forest felt that day -- the wyrd, powerful and magnificent, the fuel in your veins, pours like water over a parched dessert, and you drink it in. The bloated Greev, the Terror of the Fae that was bound together by a solemn and terrible purpose, has been contained, and you have stood strong. You survived. You are the Glomdoring.

Quietly and thoughtfully, Gabe Ladyn says, "'tis the memories of the past, the memories of the forest showing us what was."

Velcora nods their head emphatically.

The forest's memory fades, and the sounds of the forest resume as normal.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles faintly as the memory comes to a close, clambering up a nearby branch to gain the crowd's attention. Firmly, she says, "I am sure you all saw, yes. This... well. This is the real reason why this festival has occurred. To understand and celebrate a great loss. ".

Esei stretches languidly.

A hunched and gnarled woman ambles in from the north, her face shrouded by her robes.

Gabe nods her head sagely at you.
Esei blinks.
Esei tilts their head curiously at a hunched and gnarled woman.
A hunched and gnarled woman mutters inaudibly under her breath.

Brennan Stormcrow frowns, and nods, his eyes lost in memory.

'Oh?' Sulwh exclaims quizzically at Auraelia.

As the sun passes below the horizon's edge, Mother Night unveils her terrible, shadowy beauty, spreading darkness across the land.

Inclining his head with a groan of bark, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says to a hunched and gnarled woman, "Hello."
Sulwh, the Ruffian says to Auraelia, "This is the friend you said hid in libraries."
Sulwh beams broadly.

An unsettling solemnity in his tone, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Mmm. Were any of you here with us that day?"

Sulwh beams broadly at Lilei.
Rekath closes his eyes and inhales deeply, absorbing the scent of his surroundings.

Softly, you say, "I was not born, I believe."

Gazing upon the glittering black rose, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says, "This was before my time, I am afraid. Though I feel the reaches of this act still."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "I was not born."

Shadows rise in the centre of the room out of which steps Rowena Nightshade.

In a chirpy tone, Psalmist Auraelia, the Trusting says to Sulwh, "Hehe, yup. This is Lilei, but I think we're interrupting."
"Oops!" Sulwh exclaims with a bashful expression.

Jade Dreamer Luce Shevat says, "I was busy containing a temporal cascade paradox."

Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Irilara says to Dom, "All of the Glomdoring does, I think."

Rowena Nightshade shoves a glittering black rose back into Dom's hands.

Gabe bows politely to a hunched and gnarled woman.

Sharply, Rowena Nightshade says, "No, none of them were here, Brennan."
Rowena Nightshade says, "But we were. We remember."

Rowena Nightshade lifts a hand to her blinded eye absently and surveys the gathering with her other.

Snorting, this action sending his bones rattling, Brennan Stormcrow says, "It figures you'd come sniffing around, Rowena."

A wry smile spreads across Parhelion's face.

Smiling thinly, Rowena Nightshade says, "Yes, well. Someone must be here to correct your prattling."
Rowena Nightshade says, "In fact."

Gabe's eyes sparkle with amusement at Rowena Nightshade.

Rowena Nightshade grumbles angrily.
Rowena Nightshade says, "Tell me. What inspired the forest this day? Why does it show us its memories?"

Esei angles their face towards you, quirking a brow.

Dominique Nightshade steps forward from the north, her unseeing eyes a pool of black shadows as she moves.

Brennan Stormcrow flashes Dominique Nightshade a joyous smile.

Smiling faintly, you say to Rowena Nightshade, "We are having a festival to celebrate the Glomdoring's beauty. But more importantly, it is a season to remember the Greev."

Esei gives Dominique Nightshade a respectful bow, one hand clasped over their heart.

His voice echoing with whispers, Acolyte Dom Ebonrose, the Hush of Night says, "It certainly is always interesting to remember that which has incurred such a blow to the Glomdoring, that we may grow stronger from it."

Turning back to the crowd, you say, "For you see, it is at this season that Glomdoring actually has a surprise, yes. This is not just a festival for the sake of partying, but an important occasion, yes. Autumn is upon us, and now is the time of Reaping."

Dominique Nightshade bows low, her unseeing eyes cast downward. "The forest never forgets, Mother." She rises and turns to face Rowena. "You should know that well."

Sutekh mutters and traces a cobalt blue pentagram in the air that remains hovering before him.
Parhelion smiles wryly at Luce.
Tikki rolls his eyes.

Softly, Darach Tylwyth Ebonrose says, "I was there at the greev's rise."

Afollia lifts a single eyebrow towards Luce and Sutekh as she remains silently besides the glorious Master Ravenwood.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says, "As was I."

Rowena Nightshade smiles wanly and looks away. "Indeed, I remember everything." Waving a hand dismissively, she returns her attention to you. "You were saying?"

Rekath tilts his head to one side, observing Tylwyth.

You incline your head politely to Rowena Nightshade.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "A long time ago, before I was ever awake, Glomdoring was suffering from a disease, yes. One that was the most terrible of all."
Grimly, you say, "Stagnation."

Gurashi's melodic voice sings into your mind, "Mine-child, do mind if send a guest? Not me. To stay with you?"
Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Gurashi, The Heart's Friend, "Go ahead, yes!"

You have emoted: Cheliyi sits down on the branch, letting her legs swing in the air. "And what came of it? The Greev. The Greev was the Glomdoring awakening to itself - from the smallest spider to even the mightiest of my siblings - given form and fearful purpose. To tear and reap and rend the sickness, and leave fertile soil in its wake, eager for new growth."

A light wind whips the cloying scent of roses and congealed blood into your senses, reminding you fondly of home.

Tylwyth reaches up and grabs a sturdy branch, then pulls himself up and disappears into the treetops.
Tylwyth creeps away into another part of the forest.

Tilting her head, you say, "And it did reap. So muchly was lost - centuries of work that dated back to the birth of the Glomdoring. But this did not break our home, as nothing ever will. This loss we accepted, and embraced, a sacrifice to the Glomdoring. Forward to the future we faced, and new roots spread deep and firm within the ground so recently sown with blood and death. New life thrived."

Dominique Nightshade stands back, her unseeing eyes tilted skyward as she listens.

Sharp jerking notes hang in the air, reminiscent of Crow's caw.

Dominique Nightshade's unseeing gaze finds Luce and she tilts her head.

You have emoted: Cheliyi smiles, throwing her hands in the air in triumph, "And we learned! We learned that the Glomdoring's demands upon us are sometimes harsh - but always necessary, for our home is not meant to languish in place. We must be ready to take our scythes to that which is full of rot, so that with the coming spring we find ourselves more vibrant than ever before."

Her frills flaring with joy, you say, "It is what makes our home so beautiful."

Shuffling beneath her robes, a hunched and gnarled woman mutters in agreement, then cackles quietly to herself.

Auraelia's tail still sways slowly, but a smile begins to form on her lips.

You have emoted: Cheliyi lets herself fall back, practically swinging off the branch to land on the ground in one fluid motion. "The harvest has been taken, and now we celebrate as we look forward. We will always remember our sacrifice, but it shall never hold us back! It is not the way of Glomdoring."

Brennan Stormcrow's mouth quirks into a terrible grin and he bellows, "F'ai Glomdoring!"
Drawing yourself up to your full height, you raise a balled fist into the air and proudly shout out, "F'ai Glomdoring!"
A sharp cracking sound fills the air as Acosris slams his massive pincer-claws together in salute.
Drawing himself up to his full height, Dom raises a balled fist into the air and proudly shouts out, "F'ai Glomdoring!"
A sharp cracking sound fills the air as Acosris slams his massive pincer-claws together in salute.
Rowena Nightshade rolls her eyes and utters, reverently, "Nothing matters but Glomdoring."

(The Shadow Kindred): Dom says, "I love it, Acosris."

Drawing herself up to her full height, Gabe raises a balled fist into the air and proudly shouts out, "F'ai Glomdoring!"
Drawing herself up to her full height, Irilara raises a balled fist into the air and proudly shouts out, "F'ai Glomdoring!"

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.

Wyrden Auspice Esei Shee-Slaugh of the Ascending Dusk says, "Glory be to the Glomdoring."
Afollia smiles sweetly, a look not shared by her cold eyes as she responds in a clear voice " F'ai Glomdoring! ".

A hunched and gnarled woman inclines her head, causing her matted grey hair to sweep the ground.

You have emoted: Cheliyi giggles softly, and nods.

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says, "Glory be to Glomdoring."

Parhelion smiles softly.
Evette curtseys gracefully.
Rekath gives Evette a thumbs up.
Gabe curtseys gracefully before Evette.
The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Evette's lips.

Spreading her arms with a brilliant smile, you say, "So now, we may let the festivities begin! Eveyone, please follow me so we may go to the place of the festival!"

Tilting her head, Dominique Nightshade replies, "Glory be to the Glomdor..." She trails off, her unseeing gaze flickering with wyrden flames. Suddenly slack, her jaw moves of its own accord in an eerie resonance, "One stands among us who lived beyond the Veil of Night. The Great Curtain of Her cloak has lifted again, and more who dwell within Her secrets will emerge."

Dominique Nightshade slumps against the Master Ravenwood, her chest heaving.

Gabe lifts her eyebrow slightly, curious.
You blink.
Sutekh's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.
Esei furrows their brow in thought.
Evette tilts her head and listens intently.
Olyphar blinks perplexedly for a moment before emitting a confused "Wha?"
Feria ponders the situation.

Dominique Nightshade looks on at the hunched and gnarled woman with her blind eyes, now wide with alarm.
Lifting a brow, Rowena Nightshade says, "Daughter? What is it? Speak."
I'm sorry, I do not see Domimique here.

You have emoted: Cheliyi reaches out to offer Dominique Nightshade a hand with a worried gaze.
Luce's tail tightens reflexively around Tikki's ankle.

Dominique Nightshade lifts a finger and points at the gnarled woman. "She comes from the Veil. She is like Lothwen. She comes from Mother Night."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh murmurs, "Who is Lothwen?"
Nascent Feria Ebonrose, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "This would be a good thing yes?"
Auraelia steps backwards, taking Lilei's hand in her own, though whether to protect or for her own protection is unclear.

Rowena Nightshade tilts her head and then replies, "But then, I would have seen at least some of this, my daughter, and I..." Her blind eye flickers with wyrden flames and she tilts her head, as if listening.

Folding his arms, Brennan Stormcrow says, "Here they go again."

You have emoted: Cheliyi glances between the two women with a deep frown.

Afollia slips her hand along Cheliyi's shoulder, giving a small squeezes as she whispers in her ear for a moment.

Softly, Rowena Nightshade says, "It is true. This woman is beyond this world."

Afollia tells you, "Perhaps secrets of the Shadow world and prophecies of what is to come are best not heard by cities and Serenwilde dear one."

Shuffling slowly, her voice a deep rasp, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "You are not wrong, Seers."

You have emoted: Cheliyi closes her eyes and listens to Afollia, before wincing.

Shaking her head beneath her robe, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "But that is for another time."

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.

Afollia tells you, "I will stay back and keep an eye on lady Rowena and lady Nightshade if need be, you should usher in the festivities and...distract...those that might otherwise care of things they should not."

Clapping her gnarled fingers together, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "For this is a festival, is it not? The memory of the Glomdoring Forest is one I know well,."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex, "I think... I think we are all meant to see this."

A cackle rippling at the edges of her voice, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "While someone attends to these fallen women, I shall help you celebrate the memory of the forest. What say you?"

Shadows swirl around Esei's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around their hand.

You have emoted: Cheliyi blinks, and then smiles. "Of course! Any help would be appreciated."

A hunched and gnarled woman says to you, "You -- you appear to be a guide for this occasion. What shall we call this?"

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.

Gesturing broadly, a hunched and gnarled woman says to you, "For surely, we should commemorate the forest giving us its own memories of such a momentous occasion."

You ponder the situation.

Afollia six eyes focus on Cheliyi as she makes a small gesture from the shadow of the Master Ravenwood.

Firmly, you say, "The Festival of the Greeving."

Rekath ponders Ayaabe, the blossom stag thoughtfully, looking him up and down.

Clapping her gnarled hands together, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "Then so it shall be. The Festival of the Greeving is now opened, and I shall help you do it."

You smile brightly at a hunched and gnarled woman, your frills puffing with joy.
A hunched and gnarled woman mutters inaudibly under her breath.
With a flourish of your arm, you bow deeply.

A tenebrous leopard twitches her tail idly behind herself as her eyes follow those speaking.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Many thanks."

A hunched and gnarled woman says, "Starting with."

You tilt your head curiously.

A hunched and gnarled woman peers around from beneath her cowled hood. "Some decorations, if you wish to purchase them."

You blink.
You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.
Rekath twitches spasmodically.
Parhelion raises an eyebrow questioningly.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "That sounds lovely, yes."

Muginn ruffles his feathers, stirring up puffs of fog.
Esei tilts their head curiously.

A cackle at the edges of her voice, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "What is a festival without revelry? Even the Forest of No Mercy will hang high the adornments of the Greeving."

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.
You nod your head sagely.
Afollia smiles pleasantly from the shadows as she watches carefully.

Streaks of violet light snake across the morning sky, colouring it a deep purple.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Would you like assistance in setting up shop?"

A hunched and gnarled woman opens her arms, revealing her WARES. "I am quite prepared."

You have emoted: Cheliyi claps merrily.

---> wares

Owner: a hunched and gnarled woman
************************************[ Wares ]************************************
Item               Description                                       Price      #
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Adornments]
lantern364532      a tenebrous lantern                              5000gp    100
streamers355774    glittering spiderweb streamers                   5000gp    100
crystal421297      a crystal shaped like a seven-pointed star       5000gp    100
[Wyrden Mementos]
sparkler239431     a ravenwood sparkler                             2500gp    100
pin158457          a watchful widow shoulder pin                    2500gp    100
ring267876         a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe   1000ag    100
*********************************************************************************

---> me handing out a tone of pins

Esei slips into a watchful widow shoulder pin.
Parhelion rubs his chin thoughtfully, raises his eyebrow and says, "I see..."
Rekath idly picks at his fingertips under his gloves.

Answerer Parhelion Ceartas, Evader of the Shears says to a hunched and gnarled woman, "Would it be acceptable for visitors to purchase your wares as well, mistress?"

Tylwyth slips into a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe.
The scythe twists sharply into place on his hand, and a windfall of power exhudes from him.
Tylwyth slips into a watchful widow shoulder pin.

Shadowfire flickers within Evette's eyes as the skulls hanging from a shadow-limned wreath of stygian feathers sway of their own accord, like macabre wind chimes without wind.

Esei stares implacably at a ravenwood sparkler.

You have emoted: Cheliyi hums, and begins counting heads.

Evette nods her head at herself.

Velcora ponders the situation.

Feria slips into a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe.
The scythe twists sharply into place on her hand, and a windfall of power exhudes from her.

You scent at the air, your skilled nose picking up the faint traces of others in the surrounding area.
======= Calculating Scent ========
You make out the scent of Polligan coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Dom coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Calfuray coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Olyphar coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Parhelion coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Sulwh coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Sutekh coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Luce coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Velcora coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Auraelia coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Irilara coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Tylwyth coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Evette coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Gabe coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Aellaxi coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Afollia coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Lilei coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Rekath coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Tikki coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Feria coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
You make out the scent of Esei coming from before the Master Ravenwood Tree.
======= number of people 21 =====

You nod your head sagely.

You pay 37500 gold sovereigns and receive 15 watchful widow shoulder pins.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "I will hand out pins in a moment!"

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

In a voice like tinkling glass, Velcora Lunarose says, "Thank you, that is very kind."

Esei presses their hand to your shoulder briefly.
You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

Esei tells you, "You have outdone yourself this time, sapling. I'm proud of you."

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says to you, "Thank you."
Sulwh, the Ruffian exclaims to you, "Thank you, Ms. Cheliyi!"
Gabe beams broadly at you.

You blink.

Aellaxi thanks you profusely.

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

Esei tells you, "I must go. Enjoy the fruits of your labor."

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.
Rekath glances askance at Sulwh.
Esei gives a short, respectful bow, one hand clasped over their heart.
Skeletal white blossoms flower along the flesh of Esei as their body splits apart into a blizzard of blackthorn petals that leave to the down.

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Rekath ponders a watchful widow shoulder pin thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Lilei inclines her head politely to you.
With a polite nod of her head, Psalmist Auraelia, the Trusting says to you, "Thank you!"

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Does everyone have a ring?"

Tikki thanks you profusely.

You cough softly.
Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you exclaim, "Pin!"

Nascent Feria Ebonrose, Attendant to the Wyrd says to a hunched and gnarled woman, "Can I purtchase a ring as a gift for another?"

Rowena Nightshade centers herself, visibly shaking herself off. She steps daintily toward the hunched woman and pushes through the wares.

Smiling faintly, Gabe Ladyn says, "Yes thank you."

Velcora slips into a watchful widow shoulder pin.

Shaking her head, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "No, you may not. Those rings will... well. Let's just say, you will be imbued with a fragment of the Wyrd's memory."

You slip into a watchful widow shoulder pin.

A hunched and gnarled woman says, "Gift them for yourself, but not for another."

Feria nods her head emphatically.

Mikkel arrives from the north.
He is followed by a wandering bard, a wandering bard, a thoughtful scholar, a thoughtful scholar, and a dainty, brown stallion with white wings.
As Mikkel enters her territory, a caliginous leopard utters a harsh, guttural snarl and stares unnervingly into Mikkel's eyes. Unimpressed, the leopard huffs derisively and stalks away.
Mikkel gives the world a smart salute.

Rekath glances askance at Olyphar.

A caliginous leopard sniffs a wandering bard, trying to decipher just what that smell emanating from her is.

You create a pose for the object. It will now appear as the following when worn:
a watchful widow shoulder pin securing a leaf green-woolen blanket in place

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

Cackling, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "The sparklers and lanterns are my favorite. But who doesn't love a little fire?"

Gabe smiles wryly at a caliginous leopard.

Lilei nods her head in agreement.

Gabe reaches over and ruffles a caliginous leopard's hair fondly.

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says, "A forest."

Olyphar grins mischievously at a hunched and gnarled woman.

Brennan Stormcrow perks up at this and trots over. "Fire? Not within these borders, woman."

You pay 1000 aethergoop and receive a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe.

You slip into a three-finger ring bearing an amethyst scythe.
The scythe twists sharply into place, as if winging through the air toward an unseen target. The voice of Viravain rings out in your mind, "THAT IS ENOUGH!" and you remember that not even the Greev can stand tall against the Mother of the Wyrd.

Evette nods her head at Brennan Stormcrow, showing her acceptance.

Gabe blows lightly on the spore-like powder on the tip of the sparkler, which crawls briefly with shadows before igniting with shadowfire. For a moment, it flickers with an eerie incandescence before settling into a pale lilac shadowflame that sends ghostly sparks in every direction.

Shaking a finger, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "Not that kind of fire. Observe Gabe."

Gabe ceases wielding a putrid thornvine whip in her left hand.
Gabe begins to wield a ravenwood sparkler in her left hand.

Gabe holds her sparkler up high and waves it around from side to side, letting the pale lilac shadowflame send forth ghostly sparks overhead.

You blink.

Sulwh claps his hands together merrily.

Brennan Stormcrow drops his jaw -- all the way to the ground, which he has to pick back up -- and then purchases a sparkler for himself.

You smile gently, frills puffing with joy.

Tikki claps his hands together merrily.

With a dream-like echoing resound, Gabe Ladyn says, "Just a pretty spark."

Rekath ponders a marvellous planetarium pocket watch thoughtfully, looking it up and down.

Gabe hums a happy tune.
Gabe holds her sparkler up high and waves it around from side to side, letting the pale lilac shadowflame send forth ghostly sparks overhead.

"Heh heh heh" Luce chuckles.

Parhelion glances askance at Brennan Stormcrow.

Luce coughs softly.

The wind whistles eerily through the branches overhead.

Stuffing his jaw back into place, a hunched and gnarled woman says, "Yes. Yes, this fire may stay."

With a quizzical tilt of her head, Psalmist Auraelia, the Trusting asks, "Does not fire burn that new life rises from the ashes?"

Afollia eyes lit up with veiled amusement, a smile drawn on her black lips.

Gabe smiles wryly at Brennan Stormcrow.

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

Mikkel reaches over and ruffles a thoughtful scholar's hair fondly.
A thoughtful scholar shrugs indifferently at Mikkel.

A hunched and gnarled woman says, "There's a lovely library deep -- er. No. Keep moving for your library."
A hunched and gnarled woman inclines her head politely to those around her.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to Auraelia, "When nature spirits live in the woods being burned. Pointless to burn it all. Controlled burns are necessary for a proper purge."

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you say, "Alright, alright! Let us move to the other areas! Everyone follow me!"

You make a beckoning motion to no-one in particular.

With several beats of her wings, Evette alights upon a caliginous leopard's shoulder.
A caliginous leopard rubs up against Evette affectionately.

The forest plays to itself the sound of the nehv'gree scuttling through the undergrowth, and a hissing wind rips briefly through the canopy. Just as suddenly as it began, the memory fades.

With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says, "Not to damage. Only to remove the dead and excess."
Rekath leans on a gruesome assault bardiche strung with fetishes seeking consolation.

The sound of drums rings violently in the air before falling back to a hushed rhythm.
The wind whistles eerily through the branches overhead.

You have emoted: Cheliyi's frills twitch.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you ask, "Is this everyone?"

Dominique Nightshade frowns and looks heavenward. "I wonder if that will keep happening, now that the festival is well under way."

You hum softly, your frills vibrating with song.
With a melodic lilt, Lil Nemach, Rekath Ryseni of the Sand-sea says to you, "Complicated."

Spinner Afollia Ebonrose, the Wyrden Haruspex says to you, "I will catch up momentarily dear one, do not wait on me."

Luce hums contemplatively.

Like a gentle ripple in a crystalline pool, you exclaim, "Alright alright. Off we go!"

A hunched and gnarled woman inclines her head politely to those around her.

You point off into the wild blue yonder.