Solstice in Glomdoring: Day 1, the Tree Contest

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly snaps back to attention.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks about those gathered, then wanders off towards the edge of the clearing, slowly grabbing conifers one at a time and pulling them into the clearing.

Evette tilts her head and listens intently to you.

You give a ravenwood picnic basket to Faithful Supplicant, Alarin.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Alarin, "Happy solstice!"

(The Crux): You say, "Many thank yous to all that attended our bazaar and our opening ceremony - soon will be our on-site design contests... the winner will get 100,000 gold! Come find out what all of hubbub is about!"

Esei gives you a friendly squeeze.

You give a short gasp of elation.

Romaan peers at you unscrupulously.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 22nd of Juliary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 26 days until the New Moon

You have emoted: Gurashi continues gathering short, freshly chopped conifers and dragging them to the center of the clearing, lining them up and putting each within a crudely made stand.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods to himself, returning to his task.

Esei stares blankly into space.

Shulamit scratches her head looking for an idea.

Tridemon's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally gathers the last of his trees, nodding and looking at his handiwork. After that, he disappears below the roots of the tree, then returns with boxes jingling and jangling.

You beam broadly.

Rancoura tells you, "Mm, my apologies for drifting, little one. Are there more boxes to retrieve?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Just a couple, is O-K! Can get! Have four hands."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Did need something?"

Rancoura tells you, "Not I, but do not hesitate to ask for aid with our coming events, aye?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel, "Will be handling Storytelling contest, yes?"

Rancoura tells you, "Of course."

You lay out a spread of your finest cuisine and delicacies before your guests. Enjoying the food yourself, you delight even more at the sight of everyone indulging themselves in this epicurian feast, eating and drinking until utterly satiated. The fine meal not only lifts your spirits, but enhances your body as well.

Kalaneya grins mischievously at you.

Shulamit appears to puff up slightly as her entire body glows a cheerful shade of citrine yellow.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "O-K!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Kalaneya, "Think am ready. Are ready?"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Yes!"

Shulamit coughs softly.

Afollia's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Kalaneya urges you onwards.

Looking to those still gathered, you ask, "Who here likes to win monies?"

Shulamit quietly shoves a design notebook deep into her pack.

Starknight Unitos says, "I like money."

Tully ponders the situation.

With a hopeful smile, Kyalrhin raises her hand high in the air.
Tsakali, Pilgrim of Bodhi says, "I like money."

Starknight Unitos says, "I also like more money."

With a hopeful smile, Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted raises his hand high in the air.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "That's a good start - who here likes decorating things?"

Tully, Janitor of the Basin says, "Most folk like money, at least if they want to buy things I guess..."

You have emoted: Gurashi taps his fingers together hopefully.
You have recovered balance on all limbs.

Kyalrhin lowers her hand.

You peer at Kyalrhin unscrupulously.

Alarin nods their head sagely.

Kyalrhin chirps happily at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kyalrhin, "Put your hand back up!"

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Unitos coughs softly.

Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says, "I like all these things, but my mind is too tired, so I must watch."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Here is rules of this competition!! First - have a tree. Solstice Tree to be. And second..."

Shulamit sits down slowly, limbs creaking slightly as she does so.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly lifts up one of the boxes he carried up, dumping it out unceremoniously on the ground.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says, "No. Alarin is not allowed to decorate anything."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "He wanted Reyqae to put pink bows on me."

Hands on his hips, you say, "Have to decorate that tree, with at least four of the following items: beetle baubles, slithering ooze flocking, rustic crow tree topper, shadowfire candles, intestinal garland from bats, wasp wing bows, and, or, spider silk tinsel."

A great thrumming shudders through all creation, blurring as if within an all-encompassing heat haze. The soothing sounds of water and light music ripple past as an Impending Timequake manifests. <-- NOOOOOOOO

(The Crux): Kyalrhin says, "Timequake."

Unitos heaves an almighty groan.

You stare blankly into space.

(The Crux): Mboagn (from the Astral Plane) says, "Glory. Where?"

Blade Betwixt Ebon Veils, Alary al-Saaoud, the Arch of Mages says, "Ugh."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia, "What do do??"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Well."

Kalaneya tells you, "I...am not sure."

Kalaneya tells you, "We did not account for this."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "This is what one might call, a pickle."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Er, moment! While decide what to do in this situation!"

Kalaneya ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Am consulting with my co-judge!"

Esri nods his head at you.

(The Crux): Kalaneya says, "Are others gathering?"

(The Crux): You say, "We will be delaying the on-site design contest by twenty minutes - good luck in that timequake!"

Shulamit looks up and down from the design she apparently pulled out again, looking cross-eyed.

You have emoted: Gurashi twiddles his thumbs together awkwardly, then looks at Kalaneya, then laughs awkwardly. "Did not even THINK of Timequakes..."

Kalaneya nods her head at you.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Kalaneya, "Ah, but, think is going O-K so far, yes?"

You chitter at Kalaneya with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism says to you, "Timequakes are mean and rude."

You nod your head at Shulamit.

You see the following people here:
Razhril, Kalaneya, Tylwyth, Rancoura, Shulamit, Gurashi.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "And it looks like it's getting hot in the timequake, so we'll probably have to wait the whole hour."

You give a pained sigh.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "Yes, it's going wonderfully!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Is O-K. The on-sight contests are short."

Kalaneya nods her head at you.

Tully, Janitor of the Basin shouts, "And a favor. If any of ye are bakers, bake some cakes and pastries and sweets, and find a way to offer them to Estarra over the next month. I know she has no fulcrux but ye boyos can figure it out somehow. Call it Tully's Godly Folly or something. Take care basin!"

In smooth, silken tones, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "There is quite a bit of time left in the weave. The contests shall be more peaceful than our other events this month, as it were."

You see Multifaceted Designer Shulamit Lunarose, Mysrai's Ivory Prism shout, "I will find a nice baker to make my designs, yes yes!"

**Some minor chitchat, people doing timequake stuff, Kalaneya left and returned**

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Ah, we never got a basket!"

You give a horrified gasp.

You give a ravenwood picnic basket to Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia.

Kalaneya places a hand over her heart, then bows to you in gratitude.

You beam broadly at Kalaneya.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Kalaneya, "Let know if have a favorite!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am so glad...."

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly slumps, hands over his heart. "So so glad."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia laughingly says, "Certainly. We will save it for when we are hungrier. Two herofetes in a day is a bit much."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "...are- are you okay?"

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, antennae bobbing. He looks to Kalaneya, beaming. "Is going so well."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "Everyone is so happy and having fun and meeting new peoples."

Gently, you say, "Are bringing gifts to friends and sharing and..."

Quietly, you say to Kalaneya, "Makes very happy, is all."

You have emoted: Gurashi laces his fingers together, a somberness settling over him.

Kalaneya smiles softly at you.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "Indeed, this is what you were hoping for, we recall."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "You've accomplished quite a lot!"

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffs softly, rubbing the end of his beak.

Insistently, albeit exhausted, you say to Kalaneya, "Weeeee..."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "We all accomplished very much..."

You sway back and forth.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "And is still little more to do..."

Nervous, you say to Kalaneya, "Am still unsure if Lady Enchantress will come next month or not."

Kalaneya pats you gently on the back of your carapace, her eyes glimmering with a touch of pride. "We would not worry about that, no. There will be plenty who will be there."

Kalaneya shrugs nonchalantly, "Besides, the last party she was at, she totally wrecked."

Kalaneya winks conspiratorially at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Kalaneya, at first looking hopeful, then very worried.

Squinting, you ask Kalaneya, "Are pulling legs, really?"

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "No, but our earlier point still stands. We have many people who enjoyed themselves and will come next month."

You think to yourself: Oh, hope Miss Duet can come...

You think to yourself: And Binky, and Friend Liar...

You think to yourself: Mister-and-Missus Shofets...

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at his watch, then up at the sky with a sigh.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "What a fun month so far... so many tough battles it seems like."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia laughingly says, "Well, this one was not tough."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I have missed both..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks up towards the Master Ravenwood tree and heaves a great sigh.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "Yes, but are all still there."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "Think if is safe could announce that is opening up in quarter of a day."

(The Crux): You say, "The Greeeeaaaat Tree Decorating Contest will resume in a quarter of a day at the Master Ravenwood! Come for a chance to win many monies and compete in making the BEST of the -best- Solstice trees."

Bizirik, the leothin snorts, then rises to its feet, weaving in between those still gathered at the Master Ravenwood.

Bizirik, the leothin sits down and looks up at Kalaneya, blank eyes pleading for attention.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh!"

You see the following people here:
Razhril, Kalaneya, Esei, Gurashi.

You give a ravenwood picnic basket to a mechanical dirigible.
A mechanical dirigible takes a ravenwood picnic basket from you, grasping it delicately in its metallic claw.
Faintly buzzing, you say, "Deliver to Lief."
A mechanical dirigible bobs up and down in the air as it offers a loud whir and hum and a single mechanical chirp. After a brief moment the humming intensifies as it slowly putters off.

Esei stares implacably at you.

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Happy Solstice!!"

You tilt your head curiously at Esei.

A wooden songbird flits in happily.
A wooden songbird raises its voice in song at you.
A wooden songbird chirps joyously before flying away.

A mechanical dirigible bobs up and down as it drifts in on the natural currents of air, chirping as if happy.
Faintly buzzing, you say, "Dock."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Esei, "What? Is Solstice!"

Lief tells you, "Thank you so very much! I look forward to giving you your gift next month!"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Am looking forward to hearing sing! And you hearing ME sing!!"

Kalaneya stares into the distance with a blank expression on her face.

Lief tells you, "We shall finally exchange songs, just as we've hoped to for so many years."

Lief tells you, "I really look forward to it."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Oh know, am very excited..."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Amm full offf beeeeee."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "...s."

Lief tells you, "That is good! Bees are very helpful - they will help you as well."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "They are making feel a little queasy actually! Are very many gosh, but festival has gone very well so far! Gave away almost ALL of baskets."

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Awanydd Lief Myeras-Silvermoon, "Made 32! Can believe it?!"

Lief tells you, "That...is a *lot*."

Kreon looks about herself suspiciously.

You give a ravenwood picnic basket to Shadow Witch Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose.

Comprehension flashes across Kreon's face.

Evette nods her head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Kreon, "Happy Solstice!"

You give a wicker basket to Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life.

"Hey!" Evette greets Reyqae warmly.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Happy Solstice!"

In a low, soothing voice, Shadow Witch Kreon Zayah, the Blood Rose says to you, "Thank you little one."

Reyqae beams broadly.

Kreon leans close to you and gently lays a kiss upon your forehead.

You beam broadly at Kreon.

You give a short gasp of elation.

You blush furiously.

Evette beams broadly.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kreon, "M-many thank yous."

You beam broadly at Kreon

(The Crux): You say, "The tree decorating contest will begin shortly! Please head back after the next anomaly is released or are doing whatever are doing to participate!"

(The Crux): You say, "Look forward to seeing you there!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Greetings everybodyhere."

Reyqae presses her palms together over her heart and bows humbly, chanting a harmonic mantra that fills the air with a sense of peace.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I came cause I heard Gurashi!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "But I had to go get a dress fi-- eek."

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd exclaims, "A dress?!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I got one! I wanted to dress up for Gurashi's party."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Oh! Is beautiful!"

(The Crux): Kyalrhin (from a temporal rift) says, "I'll keep releasing the anomalies, so you are free to go."

You chirp happily at Reyqae.

Reyqae beams broadly.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns to the row of trees, scooping the decorations he had preciously dumped carelessly on the ground back into the box and uprighting it.

Reyqae tugs urgently on Romaan's sleeve.

You beam broadly.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says to you, "Go ahead and light it."

You light the fuse on a dolphin pearl and drop it.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh!"

A laughing dolphin rises from dazzling flashes of blue.
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              . . . . .          `-.:
              . . . ./  - .          )
            .  . . |  _____..---.._/ ___________
      ~---~~~~----~~~~             ~~

Faintly buzzing, you say, "AHHHH."

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Feoragan stares implacably about himself.

Reyqae squeals in excitement.

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

Alarin claps their hands together merrily.

Utterly entranced, Romaan emits a long "Ooooh."

Reyqae breathes a soft "Wahh!" with a wide-eyed look of surprise.

You have emoted: Gurashi doubles over in laughter.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "A DOLPHIN."
(Trasto): You say, "I'm DYING."

Kreon lazily draws her wings to and fro through the air, fanning them slowly.

With several beats of her wings, Reyqae alights upon Romaan's shoulder.

You have emoted: Gurashi wheezes with laughing, wiping at his face.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "More! More!"

You light the fuse on a seahorse pearl and drop it.
A gigantic seahorse looks to the left in an explosion of colour and sound.
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You throw your hands into the air and give a loud, "WOO!"

Reyqae squeals in excitement.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose whispers, "Pretty!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Wowee I love those!"

You give a short gasp of elation.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Many thank you all for coming back!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "How many of you are interested in decorating a tree for monies?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And for... more than monies..."

Evette nods her head affirmatively.

Reyqae giggles happily.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Glory."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Solstice Glory."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "OOH! ME!"

With a hopeful smile, Reyqae raises her hand high in the air.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I want to can I?"

Evette giggles happily at Reyqae.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Oh... wait."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "It's BLEUU!"

Utterly entranced, Evette emits a long "Ooooh."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "I would love to."

Reyqae beams broadly at a pretty blue princess cup cake.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Bleuu..."

Unitos glances askance at Reyqae.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to Romaan, "I made it for you."

(Market): You say, "Are a friend, ally, or non-enemy of Glomdoring? Come decorate a Solstice tree for a chance to win things!"

Sir Romaan D'Rose, Knight of the Paladins says, "Oh, that is so sweet. Thank you!"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Kalaneya, "Do not worry - non-enemies cannot win Glomdoring prizes, but will give participation prizes."

You chirp happily at Kalaneya.

To Kalaneya, you sing, "From meeee~."

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Alarin, "Are also in, yes?"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "That is two - who else?"

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Certainly."

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Who else is decorating a treee?"

With a hopeful smile, Evette raises her hand high in the air.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Evette, good."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Me?"

Feoragan romps playfully about the room.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to those around her.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Reyqae yes, are in."

You see the following people here:
Kreon, Kalaneya, Romaan, Alarin, Evette, Rancoura, Feoragan, Reyqae, Unitos, Gurashi.

Reyqae looks at you hopefully.

Reyqae shouts out a happy "Yay!"

Reyqae hugs you compassionately.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "That is three. Who else, who - oomph."

You chitter at Reyqae with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "I never did that before!"

Reyqae flits about happily.

Midnight shadows coalesce around a new day, and Mother Night embraces the land in utter darkness.
It is now the 23rd of Juliary, 548 years after the Coming of Estarra.
There are 25 days until the New Moon

Patting the faeling's head, you say to Reyqae, "Of course can decorate a tree!"

You peer about yourself unscrupulously.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Come on, more than three!"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Unitos enthuses, "Sure!"

Evette nudges Romaan suggestively.

Romaan shakes his head at Evette.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Unitos makes four, yes! Good very good."

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Sir Romaan D'Rose, Knight of the Paladins says, "I have no decorating skills. I am not creative like that."

You peer at Rancoura unscrupulously.

Reyqae clicks her teeth together a few times, trying to imitate the sound.

Evette ponders the situation.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Romaan, "The beauty is that you don't need any!"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "You just put stuff on a tree."

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says, "I could try. I'll throw Alarin on the top."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Throw it at the tree if you want!"

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted nods his head sagely.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Yes, like the gorilla!"

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across Rancoura's lips as she glances at you.

Feoragan ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Kalaneya nods her head at Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says to Romaan, "Pretend it's a fight!"

Kreon curtseys gracefully before Rancoura.

You beam broadly at Rancoura.

Sir Romaan D'Rose, Knight of the Paladins says, "A man must know his limitations. Decorating anything is mine."

Folding her wings so she can reach them easily, Kreon preens her wings happily, straightening out the disheveled feathers.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Kreon.

Evette grins mischievously at Romaan.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Reyqae, Alarin, Evette, Unitos - am missing anybody?"

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted exclaims, "Sir Romaan also has a bunch of heads in his study. More decorations!"

Evette turns her attention towards you as her ears perk up in interest.

(The Crux): You say, "Contest is about to start. Am about to list rules - anyone else want to join?"

Starknight Unitos says to Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted, "Ssh that was my idea!"

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd whispers, "Not this one, Reyqae."

Feoragan's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Kreon chews on her lip, thoughtfully considering Unitos.
With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says to
Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted, "You are a bit militant."

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted grins mischievously at Unitos.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Sir Romaan can get an angel to come sit on his, they'd do anything he says."

Reyqae urges Romaan onwards.

A wry smile spreads across Evette's face.

Zacheah tells you, "Is it alright to just observe?"

Harmony echoes in your mind as you sing to Beloved Zacheah, "Yes! Come here!"

Reyqae looks resentfully at Kreon and pouts with a vengeance.

You feel a slight tug within your chest and the air around you sparkles with motes of bright light.
You sense Zacheah pulling on the strands of aether surrounding you.

(The Crux): You say, "Even if do not want to participate, are welcome to observe!!"

Among the sparkling motes of light, a translucent figure appears in the air and then quickly solidifies as Zacheah, riding a dream-dazed byakko, comes into view.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "O-K. Think we have all our entrants! Good!"

You clap your hands together merrily.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life very sadly says, "There are RULES?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to each of those gathered, chittering loudly. "Rules are as follows... have quarter of a day to decorate...."

You stare implacably at Reyqae.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Yes!"

Feoragan peers at Zacheah unscrupulously.

You clear your throat.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life whispers, "I'm not good at rules... I can't remember them..."

Reyqae chews on her lower lip fretfully, wings twitching with agitation.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Tell me one of them is "No hanging Alarin on the tree"."

Alarin gives Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

Beloved Zacheah asks Feoragan, "Yes?"

Reyqae pointedly turns her back on Alarin and sulks.

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "I've never seen a Sileni before."

"Awwwww!" Alarin says to Reyqae.

You have emoted: Gurashi straightens. "Have a quarter of a day to decorate this tree, using at least FOUR of the following items: beetle baubles, slithering ooze flocking, rustic crow tree topper, shadowfire candles, intestinal garland from bats," he takes a deep breath, "wasp wing bows, aaaand spider silk tinsel. If have any decorations on hand that want to add, are welcome to."

Feoragan stares implacably at you.

Reyqae stares implacably at you.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose says to you, "Remember to breathe."

Evette taps her nose knowingly.

Beloved Zacheah laughingly says, "Good luck, everyone."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "...winner will explain their tree decoration choices to at end, and then, will pick the bestest..."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "And then after that will be the UGLY COAT CONTEST, which is even MORE amazing."

You nod your head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Will give you a moment to look over item choices."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings his hands together, pacing a bit with anticipation.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Oh yes, and we will be asking you very not-intrusive and definitely non-anxiety provoking questions as you try to balance your delicate decorations on your trees."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We hope you are looking forward to it."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Sure do. So. Who wants to decorate some trees!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Ready?"

Evette gives Reyqae a wild cheer!

Romaan claps his hands together merrily.

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Seeeet?"

You see the following people here:
Kreon, Rancoura, Zacheah, Alarin, Evette, Romaan, Kalaneya, Feoragan, Reyqae, Unitos, Gurashi.

Evette looks about herself suspiciously.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Decorate!"

Kalaneya urges her companions onwards.

With a hopeful smile, Reyqae raises her hand high in the air.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Yes, Miss Reyqae!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Beetle butts?"
Alarin wields the bauble in his right hand, idly tossing it into the air.

(The Shadow Kindred): You say, "Just ...panickingly RP decorating a tree."

Reyqae peeks into the box dubiously.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Yeah, baubles!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Are decorations!"

Comprehension flashes across Reyqae's face.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We promise they are not alive."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Yeah!"

Evette nudes the box with her left foot, shifting the contents around.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Are good and dead."

Evette snickers softly to herself.

"Awwwww!" Alarin says.

Kalaneya winks conspiratorially at Evette.

Zacheah tells you, "Any sort of tree can be decorated?"

Reyqae puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Evette gives a trillingly melodic laugh.

Unitos crudely turns the box over and dumps the contents onto the ground.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says, "Well that's no fun."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Evette, "Quite a tree you have planned, hm?"

You have emoted: Gurashi helps Reyqae dig through the box, then straightens and looks to the other competitors, mandibles clicking with excitement.

Evette grabs the Crow Tree topper off the ground quickly.

Kalaneya joins you at Unitos's station, her gaze falling over the haphazardly scattered decorations.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Heads up, Thally!"

Alarin tosses the bauble up into the air towards the Thorn-Fisted, who bats it with one hand towards the Solstice Tree.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life looks skeptical and says, "I don't HAVE to use the ooze right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Kalaneya, then back to Unitos, chittering and rocking gently on his feet.

Unitos crams the tree into the box and begins rooting through the decorations.

Leaning back, you say to Reyqae, "No!"

Beloved Zacheah asks you, "Would it be alright to be a late entry?"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Zacheah, "Ah! With just under twelve minutes left - go!"

Reyqae hovers uncertainly over the pile.

Comprehension flashes across Reyqae's face.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Zacheah, "Decorate this tree, go go go!"

You have emoted: Gurashi gently pats a tree, one of just a handful left at the end of the row.

Evette shifts the crows pose around mildly, posing it into a Crow mid Caw.

Zacheah giggles happily.

Kalaneya pulls the conifer over to Zacheah, plopping it in front of her.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Zacheah, "Here, go, do the thing."

Kyalrhin starts to chitter, then shakes her head.

Zacheah nods her head at you.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to you, "Give him a box!"

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Right!"

Alarin grabs another beetle bauble and throws it in the air. Using his tahto, he swings and watches as the ornament sticks to the tree.

You have emoted: Gurashi scrambles over himself, disappearing below.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns, panicked, with a box of decorations, dropping it on the ground at Zacheah's feet.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Zacheah, "O-K go go go."

You wipe the back of your hand across your head in relief as you mutter, "Whew."

You clear your throat.

Romaan glances wryly at you and hides a grin behind his hand.

Evette snuggles up close to Romaan, looking happy and content.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "And so here we have Alarin...batting ornaments onto the tree?"

Kalaneya peers at Alarin unscrupulously.

Alarin grins and nods.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Alarin, "Explain your...inspiration?"

Evette tosses the Crow topper onto her tree carefully.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Kalaneya, slowly wandering over to his co-judge. After a moment, he looks down and erks out a sudden, "Nine minutes and 45 seconds!"

Zacheah observes her tree, carefully pruning away a few dead branches before she begins to decorate.

Evette runs around madly, flapping her arms in a blind panic.
The sound of wings flapping heralds a screeching murder of crows flying overhead.

Reyqae dives into the pile and yanks on a handful of spider silk, trying to tug it free of the other items.

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

Zacheah begins to hum softly, strings of spider silk drawn from her box and draped in elegant rows around the tree.

Reyqae mumbles incoherently.

A wry smile spreads across Esei's face.

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders over to Evette's tree, chittering. "Like what have done with Crow. Belongs up there, think."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "It was Thaldorn's idea. My thinking is, if you're going to do something, at least have fun while doing it."

Kalaneya glances at Alarin with a wry smirk, her golden eyes glinting with amusement.

Alarin nods their head sagely.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Carry on then. Try not to hit anyone else's tree!"

Zacheah gives a little hop to punctuate her humming, the wasp-wing bows used to tie the spidersilk firmly in place.

Alarin grins and nods.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Kalaneya wanders idly amongst the trees-in-progress. "Spidersilk sure is popular, isn't it, Gurashi?"

Evette gathers up a dozen candles, placing them on the tips of a few branches. She lights each slowly, inhaling their scent softly as she does.

Leaning on one leg and observing the tree, you say to Kalaneya, "Ah, yes. Mean, looks great with everything so makes sense."

Zacheah looks thoughtfully at her tree, the shadowflame candles soon retrieved. With an impish little smile, she whispers a few words to them and throws them in the air, the candles hovering there to throw ghostly shadows across area.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Noticing the use of the shadowflame candles suddenly, you ask, "Oohhh what do have here?"

Alarin grabs some tinsel, strings it into a garland and jumps into the air. He winds around his tree, laying the long strand across the branches.

Evette picks up several various dolls from her pack and places them onto the tree.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Evette is also using candles - yes, they look so nice on the trees..."

Your mandibles twitch slightly as you voice a brief, curious chirr.

Idly, Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Hm...silk sure is flammable though. Wait, did we account for this?"

Zacheah finally picks up the beetle baubles and adds them to the limbs at varying intervals. Her song ceasing when the last ornament is hung, she puts her hands on her hips and then rummages through her purse. A handful of purple sand drawn from its depths, she throws it onto the tree, its granules glittering beneath the dark shadowfire.

You stare implacably at Kalaneya.

Esei smirks.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over to the trees.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We didn't, did we."

Reyqae hovers quietly behind Gurashi, giggling to herself as she sneakily tries to hang spider silk from his antennae, her tree already forgotten.

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd says, "Everything is flammable."

You have emoted: Gurashi returns to stare at Kalaneya.

Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd whispers, "We live in a forest."

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "New rule! Are disqualified if set tree on fire!"

Alarin grabs the crow tree topper and is once more in the air, somehow placing it atop the tree without crashing into it.

Feoragan grins mischievously at Reyqae.

Evette raises a glass softly to her doll of Estarra before shuffling the contents of her box again.

"Awwwww!" Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Six minutes left!"

Unitos takes a heating crystal from a pack of red silk.

Reyqae glances askance.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted puts away the tinderbox.

"Oops!" Reyqae exclaims with a bashful expression.

Starknight Unitos mutters, "Too man. .rystals."

Casting a discerning gaze over the various bedecked trees, Lady Haruspex Rancoura So'hthae, Ole'noc Caihel whispers, "Many of us may summon rain, if necessary."

You have emoted: Gurashi chitters, making his way back to Reyqae's tree. "How is going?"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Good move, Thaldorn, good move."

Reyqae flits back over to her empty tree, fretting.

"Uhh..." utters Reyqae as she blinks at you.

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

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "You're pretty."

Reyqae pats you in a friendly manner.

Esei urges Reyqae onwards.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "O-K, more impo..."

You blink.

Unitos lights the candles with the heating crystal.

Baffled, you say to Reyqae, "Uhm."

Reyqae hides a grin behind her hand.

Gently clasping his hands together, you ask Reyqae, "Are having fun?"

Zacheah's eyes sparkle with amusement at Unitos.

Reyqae grins and nods at you.

Evette grabs some tensel from the box, and quickly mixes it with some blacktint.

Unitos ceases to wield a heating crystal in his left hand.

Unitos puts a heating crystal into a pack of red silk.

Unitos ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

Evette nods her head at herself.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Reyqae, "Good!"

Alarin grabs two intestinal garlands and begins running around the tree, laying the decoration as he passes each branch from top to bottom.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Less than fiiiiive minutes."

Kalaneya untangles the spidersilk from your antennae, mumbling and cursing as it sticks to her claws.

Zacheah rubs her fingers across the tattoo on her skin, drawing with it brittle black starlight. With a thoughtful look, she murmurs a few soft words of enchantment and wraps the light into a ball, that placed as her tree's topper.

"Awwwww!" Reyqae says to Kalaneya.

Evette softly sprinkles bits and pieces of the tensel around the tree, ensuring not a single stand touches a candle.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Threee minutes and foooorty seconds!"
Evette nods her head at herself.

Authoritatively, Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "New rule -- No decorating the judges, thank you!"

Reyqae sniffles softly.

Evette grins mischievously at Reyqae.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums as he walks between the trees, not looking too terribly bothered by the decoration still clinging to his antennae.

Reyqae rummages in her own supplies and comes up with a handful of cupcakes.

You hum a happy tune.

Unitos pulls a band around a spherical object.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Twoooo minutes and fiiiiifty seconds."

Unitos shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted grunts a gruff farewell as Esei leaves before turning his attention elsewhere.

Reyqae diligently begins sticking cupcakes onto the end of her tree's branches.

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Zacheah fusses over a few more of the beetle ornaments before declaring quietly, "Done!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask Kalaneya, "These trees are really coming along nicely, aren't they?"

You click your mandibles together energetically, chittering to yourself.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Twooo minutes!"

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says to Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted, "And the finisher!"

Alarin grabs a few wasp wing bows and throws them into the air. Thaldorn hits each bow dead center, sending them flying towards the tree. Each bow somehow precariously sticks to the tree in rather crooked rows.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Oh, very much so. The Solstice spirit is overcoming us!"

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Reyqae flits up to the top of her tree and drops the rest of the spider silk tinsel over the top, letting it fall wherever it may.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "One minute and thirty seconds!"

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "And we are done."

Feoragan cheers wildly!

You have emoted: Gurashi plants his hands on his hips, looking at the chaotic decorating station excitedly.

Reyqae puts her hands on her hips and goes "Hmmm!"

Reyqae opens a scarlet, heart-shaped box.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Ooone minute!"

Evette ponders her tree slowly, looking it up and down throughly. She quickly adjusts the placement of a few candles and nudges the Crow Topper into the perfect position.

Beloved Zacheah laughingly says, "That was exciting."

Reyqae throws two handfuls of candy at her tree, lodging them in the branches.

Unitos leans the tree slightly straighter and nods in satisfaction.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Twenty seconds!"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Go go go!"

Reyqae glances askance at Kalaneya.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ten!"

You flail about helplessly.

Evette beams broadly at Alarin.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Ffffive."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Four."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Three."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "No pressure!"

Faintly buzzing, you ask, "Two?"

Evette chews on her lip, deep in thought.

Reyqae tries to decorate Gurashi again.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "One--hey!"

Evette sweeps across the floor, leaping and twirling like a true master.

'Oh?' Reyqae exclaims quizzically at you.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "And DONE!"

"Oops!" Reyqae exclaims with a bashful expression.

You have emoted: Gurashi nearly falls backwards, flailing at Reyqae. "Done! over!"

Looking slightly worried at the situation, Reyqae quickly hides behind Evette.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a sudden chittering laugh.

Zacheah cheers wildly!

Evette exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from her lungs.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "Good job everyone!!"

Reyqae claps her hands together merrily.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Cheers!"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "Good job, everyone!"

Pulling spider silk from his antennae, you say, "Miss Reqyae... since were first to sign up - would please tell us about your tree? What did use for decoration? Am noticing..."

Staring at the many desserts sticking out from the branches, you say, "...a theme..."

Reyqae beams broadly.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "It's ... uh."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Reyqae.

Reyqae glances thoughtfully at her tree.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "It's got .... um... the shiny web stuff and also snacks cause."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "You...everyone likes cake."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to stare at Reyqae, antennae raised in anticipation.

You nod your head at Reyqae.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "So I put cake on it."

Reyqae nods her head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Is true, is true. Can appreciate this on a tree. Is unexpected but actually looks good."

Kalaneya tugs at her chin thoughtfully, examining the particularly large cupcake topper covered in spidersilk. "True, everyone likes cake. We don't know anyone who doesn't."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "And then candy because we were running out of time! And candy has colors!"

You have emoted: Gurashi glances down at a cupcake that didn't quite survive the stabbing of a branch.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "And Alarin was keeping all the wasp bows so."

Reyqae shuffles her feet uneasily.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Is a very good tree. Is making me hungry."

You nod your head at Reyqae.

Reyqae beams broadly at you.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Reyqae, "Very good job, many thank yous."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "IT'S WORKING!"

Reyqae congratulates you with some wild clapping.

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says to Reyqae, "But will it work in the end?"

You have emoted: Gurashi takes a step forward, turning to Alarin.

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Kalaneya winks conspiratorially at Reyqae.

Beaming, you ask Alarin, "Hello there! How are?"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life whispers to Kalaneya, "It's okay, I have more cake."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "I am all right."

Alarin nods their head emphatically.

Faintly buzzing, you ask Alarin, "Good! Did have fun today?"

You tilt your head curiously at Alarin.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Very much so!"

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted nods his head emphatically.

Once more beaming, you exclaim to Alarin, "Good. Please tell us about your tree!"

Reyqae beams broadly at Alarin.

With several beats of her wings, Reyqae alights upon the Master Ravenwood Tree's shoulder.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted, "Noticed the way you two were decorating - was very unique!"

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Yes, we must know how you've managed to land so many decorations on the tree."

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life whispers, "U is for unique and that spells Alarin."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Well. I used the other items because it was part of the rules."

"Oh?" Reyqae exclaims quizzically.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "But the bows..."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Alarin.

Reyqae thrusts her palm towards her forehead and hits it with a resounding *smack*!

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life very sadly says, "Rules, I forgot."

Reyqae looks up into the air for divine inspiration.

Evette pats Reyqae in a friendly manner.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Since Thaldorn here won't let anyone put bows on him, I put them on the tree."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Am... understanding..."

Reyqae nods her head emphatically.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We think this is a reasonable compromise, certainly."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "We hope Thaldorn agrees."

You have emoted: Gurashi wanders around the tree. "Wowee are many things on it... sooo many things." He plucks at one of the wasp wing bows, backing up as he accidentally sends it toppling down.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Alarin, "Was a blast to watch decorate!"

Reyqae nods her head in agreement.

Unitos twitches spasmodically.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "To be honest, I'm horrid at decorating things, so I decided to just have fun doing it."

Alarin nods their head sagely.

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly scoops the bow back up, placing it back on the tree gingerly and joining Kalaneya.

You beam broadly at Alarin.

Evette sways back and forth.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim to Evette, "Are up! Tell us about your tree!"

Kalaneya nods her head at Alarin.

You beam broadly at Evette.

Romaan tilts his head and listens intently to Evette.

You chitter at Evette with energetic clicks of your mandibles.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Evette, "Was a joy to have with us today by the way!"

Reyqae's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Evette.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "The Crow topper is quite majestic."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose smiles and says to you, "I'm glad I could make it."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Yes! Noticed that. Loved the shadowflame candles as well."

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose says to you, "I didn't want to clutter it. I like simple traditional Solstice trees, and so this is what I made mine."

You nod your head at Evette.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "It does have quite an elegance, indeed."

Unitos tells you, "Are we supposed to just send you the desc?"

Faintly buzzing, you say to Evette, "Is simple, but also nice. Elegance is good word for it."

Evette ponders her tree thoughtfully.

Evette nods her head affirmatively.

You beam broadly at Evette.

The rowdy notes of a drinking song, faint at first, then rising to the undisputed intensity of a Dwarf On A Mission, herald the arrival of Ironbeard the Magnanimous who casts his beam of a smile about himself as he arrives.
Bowing deeply, and a bit unstably, Ironbeard the Magnanimous pronounces his blessing, "A gift for Gurashi. Oh yes!"
Ironbeard the Magnanimous just gave you a crystal anniversary present!

Romaan flashes the victory sign at Evette.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Evette, "Many thank yous for coming - hope have had..."

Trailing off, you say, "Fun..."

You stare blankly into space.

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Just in time, as always, that dwarf."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Unitos, plodding over to the loboshiguru. "Hello!"

Staring at you with his compound eyes, Unitos's mandibles twitch to voice a brief, curious chirr.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Unitos, "How..."

Evette nods her head at Kalaneya, showing her acceptance.

You stare implacably at Unitos.

Kalaneya chuckles softly with a throaty growl.

"Oooooooooh!" Reyqae says to Romaan, eyes wide with wonder.

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes narrow unnervingly.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Unitos seems to also have very good timing."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Unitos, "...t... tell us about... your tree."

You have emoted: Gurashi continues to squint cautiously.

Starknight Unitos says, "I went with a more gruesome theme."
Shadows swirl around Kyalrhin's arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree shifts and turns around her hand.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Unitos.

Unitos gestures at a solstice tree which is crudely rammed into a box here to keep it upright. Bits of lumber are threaded through its boughs to remind this tree of the price of failure. Shadowflame candles are spaced neatly throughout, each burning a dim flame. From the light you can see a crow figurine peering out from between the branches, only its eyes visible. Beetle parts and intestines litter the ground around the box as if the crow just had a scrumptous feast. Piked onto the top of the tree is the decapitated head of Ruiku, but the mouth has been chiseled into a smile and held there with silken bands. A tiny solstice hat has been laid sideways across his matted head.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says to Unitos, "Guts and glory, Sir?"

Kyalrhin blinks.

Alarin's eyes sparkle with amusement.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Thought so."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Nothing like the smell of bat intestines in the early afternoon."

Unitos nods his head at Kalaneya, showing his acceptance.

Slowly circling the tree, you say, "Woooweee... love the crows in between..."

You have emoted: Gurashi leans in close to the gree, boggling, before slowly looking up and staring at the head of Ruiku, blinking once.

Staring at the head, you say, "...am liking... the hat."

Starknight Unitos says to you, "It's a rental so I didn't put it on him."

You nod your head slowly in understanding.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "It's a nice touch, regardless."

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks to Kalaneya with a knowing nod before continuing on to their last and latest contestant.

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life whispers to Kalaneya, "Can we decorate the judges when the judging is finished? He looked really pretty..."

Reyqae looks at Kalaneya hopefully.

Arms folded across his chest, voice cheerful, you ask Zacheah, "How are doing today?"

Rancoura affixes her gaze as well to the gruesome tree-topper, a vague flicker of amusement upon her lips.

Brightly, Beloved Zacheah says, "I'm well, thank you."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Zacheah, "Know that came in late, but am excited to see what made..."

Faintly buzzing, you ask Zacheah, "Please tell us about your tree?"

Evette peers about herself unscrupulously.

Zacheah moves to stand proudly before a small conifer which was plucked from a mountainside and decorated merrily for the Solstice season. Delicate tinsel woven from glistening spidersilk is held to its spruce-green needles with wasp-wing bows. Enchanted shadowfire candles flicker around the evergreen, hanging in the air to cast ominous shadows across its spindly limbs and scarab beetle baubles. A handful of purple sand glitters amidst the tree's branches, the effect like starlight when paired with the nearby candles. The final piece of decoration, a sphere of brittle black starlight crowns the tree.
Kalaneya shakes her head at Reyqae as she passes towards Zacheah's creation.

You give a short gasp of elation.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says to Alarin, "We lost."

Alarin chuckles long and heartily.

Zacheah tugs at one of the limbs, sending a bit of sand to the ground with the action. "Iklara was my inspiration," she explains quietly.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says to Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted, "Agreed."

Reyqae congratulates Zacheah with some wild clapping.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Ah! We do see it, yes. It's the strange starlight."

Looking over the tree slowly, you say to Zacheah, "Ohh... am not sure that know that much about but, is very nicely done. Is so... sparkly."

You have emoted: Gurashi boggles the tree a little more before straightening up and looking to all of those gathered.

With a soft smile, Beloved Zacheah says, "It's a very beautiful place."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Zacheah, "Have been but was many many manymany moons ago."

You beam broadly.

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Takes a bit of work to earn entry. Very few know the way."

Loudly to those gathered, you say, "Many thank yous for your participation! Am going to speak with my other judge and determine who will get the thing."

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "A lot of...bartering, as we recall."

You beckon to Kalaneya.

Zacheah gives a little nod.

Kalaneya huddles near you, whispering quietly as she glances around at the trees in the grove.

Feoragan doffs a gold trimmed pirate captain's hat cordially.
Squeaking ominously, Nascent Feoragan, Attendant to the Wyrd whispers, "Have fun."

Feoragan reaches up and grabs a sturdy branch, then pulls himself up and disappears into the treetops.

You have emoted: Gurashi nods from time to time, glancing over his shoulder at the trees before returning to his whispering.

Evette snuggles up close to Romaan, looking happy and content.

Reyqae surreptitiously slides a cupcake off of her tree and begins nibbling on it.

Primordial Scourge Evette D'Rose whispers, "Can I have one of those, Reyqae?"

You have emoted: Gurashi quickly turns back around, clapping his hands together.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "We have made, a judgement."

Kalaneya nods her head emphatically.

Evette's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

Reverently, you say, "Because, we are judges."

You nod your head sagely.

Evette hides a grin behind her hand.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Very solemn judges, yes."

Reyqae's ears perk up as her attention turns towards Evette.

Zacheah's eyes sparkle with amusement.

Reyqae quickly snatches another cupcake off of her tree and happily offers it.

Faintly buzzing, you exclaim, "In third place ... Alarin and friend, Thaldorn!"

Evette gives Alarin a wild cheer!

Evette thanks Reyqae profusely.

Reyqae congratulates Alarin with some wild clapping.

Zacheah gives up a round of applause.

"Wow!" Reyqae exclaims to Alarin!

Faintly buzzing, you say, "In seeeeeeeecond place...."

Evette greets Irulan with a sincere smile.

You have emoted: Gurashi pauses for effect.

Rancoura inclines her head politely to Irulan.

Irulan curtseys gracefully before Rancoura.

Turning to point, you exclaim, "Zacheah!"

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

Zacheah cheers wildly!

"Yay!", Reyqae shouts happily at Zacheah.

Unitos gives up a round of applause.

Reyqae congratulates Zacheah with some wild clapping.

Kyalrhin claps her hands together merrily.

Proselyte Irulan, Sundered Shadow of Twilight says, "Greetings, Lady Haruspex. I trust you've been well?"

Evette gives Zacheah a wild cheer!

Utterly entranced, Alarin emits a long "Ooooh."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Aaand in first place, and top-prize winner of tree decorating contest...."

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Thank you!"

Beloved Zacheah smiles and says, "Thank you."

You have emoted: Gurashi holds his breath.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks this way, then that.

Kyalrhin turns her attention towards you as her ears perk up in interest.

Kyalrhin tugs urgently on your sleeve.

You chirp happily at Unitos.

Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted says, "...watch this imbecile blow that on credits."

Rancoura nods slightly to Irulan, leaning towards her to whisper in her ear.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Unitos, "Are winner! Congratulations!"

Opening their mouth wide, Alarin gapes in wonder at Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted.
Thaldorn, the Thorn-Fisted grunts a half-hearted acknowledgement at Alarin, muttering incoherently.

"Shh!" says Alarin, putting a finger to their lips.

Unitos cheers wildly!

Kyalrhin congratulates Unitos with some wild clapping.

Evette smiles and shakes Unitos's hand, offering her congratulations.

Alarin gives up a round of applause.

Beloved Zacheah exclaims to Unitos, "Congratulations!"

"Wow!" Reyqae exclaims to Unitos!

Looking to Reyqae and Evette, you exclaim, "Am so very happy that joined!"

Zacheah gives up a round of applause.

Reyqae giggles happily at you.

With a clear baritone voice, Faithful Supplicant, Alarin says, "Aye, it was fun!"

Evette peers at Reyqae unscrupulously.

Reyqae shakes her head at Evette.

Evette rubs her tummy and goes 'mmmmmmmm.'

Muttering in a barely audible whisper, Kyalrhin Ysav'rai says, "Is that all the festivities for this part of the festival?"

Archon Reyqae Indara, Defender of Life says, "She said I can't decorate him even when it's over."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Because am so very happy that all came and participated, have own prize to offer. Am so very grateful."

Reyqae leans on Evette seeking consolation.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Oh no! We hope you are joining the Ugly Solstice Shirt contest coming up right now!"

Kalaneya winks conspiratorially at Kyalrhin.

Kalaneya Shee-Slaugh, Ma'lanas Runia says, "Only a half-day long contest!"