Like all young elves Amardes had been looking forwards to this. Her reasons were perhaps not the same as her teachers who were all about 'the ephemeral beauty of the blossom' but she did like 'the end of the harsh times', and especially liked no classes. She'd gone for a run through the forest first thing, and swum in her favourite pool to clean up and get ready. Her mother had told her to 'comb her hair' and she'd given it a go, but really she was too busy to do things like that. She'd had a happy couple of hours hunting though during the middle of the day, and that had dealt with her hunger and need to move her body

Amardes didn't have any particular talents that were suitable for this kind of event so she'd drifted from Orchard to Orchard. For her most of the delicacies were inedible, but she could tell everyone else was enjoying them, and that gave her pleasure in the watching. There was some special Deer Jerky her father had made, mixed with berries and honey, that was still palatable and not cooked to death, and she had a couples of pieces of that just before dusk. It wasn't as good as the rabbit she'd caught for lunch, but it made her father happy she took it, and making him happy made her happy.

She was quite looking forwards to the blessing. Blessings were a thing of power, that made sure the world worked the way it should. She understood that, the earthpower that flowed through her told her it was right, and she was a little excited that this year her magical powers were enough that she could actually take part. It was only a minor role, but she would be helping ritually purify some of the offerings.

Dusk found her with the celebrants, a .. she had been told ... quite pretty robe thrown over her usual attire. Next to her was her friend Tillaletherial and she whispered "Just go over the instructions again". She didn't think she would make a mistake, but she only had a little earth power and she didn't want to make a mistake

Aergleel danced through the village as well, singing in his tenor voice, though not loudly. He looked for Shanaera as well, wanting to spend time with her this evening. He had loved her since he was 15 years old, now he was 105. They had many good times, almost like Siamese twins and inseparable growing up. Now they were older and it wasn't the same any more.

The Festival was an afterthought for him now though he was having a good time.

Kor trotted and danced amongst the elves, following the words of his mentor, Xialo. 'Embrace the times of plenty and comradeship, for the morrow can always be destitute and lonely.' For all his differences with the elves, he was a creature of the wild, and they had treated him well enough to invite him to their festivities. He was careful not to step on others' feet, so his dancing was more to avoid injuring others than the joy of dancing. As he made his way towards the central clearing, he heard the familiar voice of Amardes, and he walked closer to better hear her words.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Wed 06 May 2020.

Casyr stood ready to defend his home against possible incursions during the festival, but little happened until dusk. He heard a whisper of cloth just barely in the night air before his teacher and Captain arrived. Shandra looked around, nodding her head in approval at your hiding place and the twitch that had revealed you heard her. "Be at peace, youngling. You have done your duty well. I am impressed you heard my approach at all, but I did train you, so maybe I should have expected this?" She spoke warmly, taking a position next to you. "The ceremony is due to begin soon, and you have stood watch most of the afternoon. Consider yourself relieved for the evening. Soon I will have Iahacovas take his traditional spot as night watcher. Go! Spend time amongst younglings your own age! Enjoy the festival as it was meant to be." She spoke, both scolding lightly but with humor and relieving you of your duties for the evening.

Ruven offered a particular gift to the proceedings, somebody marked by all the things Corellon admired. Swordplay, magic, but most of all, music to lighten the heart and bring joy to those around them. Soon it seems that the elves begin to serve themselves and each other, knowing that Ruvan would probably enjoy the festivities himself.

Bareil Sinsaulii, Loremaster of the village of Gentlebreeze, watched his daughter perform her works of art with pride. Although few would know it, she was truly as gifted in her illusions as he was in his singing. There was a small sense of sorrow for the disease that had afflicted his daughter so many years ago, he considered it a minor cost for the natural talent she displayed. As she sought out her young friend, Bareil smiling, thinking fondly of Shanaera's mother. 'Different times, different times.' He thought to himself, making his way towards the main clearing.

Although excused for the ceremony proper, Aergleel helped out much like Ruven had with ensuring the elves celebration. It was a mark or so before the beginning of the ceremony in which he and Shanaera encountered each other, in small clearing with a few other elves discussing the spring ahead.

Tillaletherial responded to Amardes as Kor walked closer by. "Don't be silly, Your mother went over this with you just yesterday, remember? When she was reminding you to wear something nice to the Festival? You just release your magical energy so that Xialo and Anaduil can manipulate it to ensure the blessing happens correctly. I guess the timing part is important, but I am sure it will be obvious when to do so! We should go enjoy the party, look, here is young Kor, Xialo's apprentice!" She spoke, laughing lightly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:26, Wed 06 May 2020.

When his last task was done Ruven gave a dramatic bow and excused himself. The festival was in full swing and he happily joined in on the dancing. As he moved along with the crowd he noticed tons of familiar faces, however one seemed to be missing. He slowly exited the crowd and walked towards the edge of town. "Casyr get down here! You're going to miss the festival!" He couldn't actually see Casyr, the man was great at hiding, so he merely shouted at the treetops. He waited a few moments for Casyr to join him before he returned, Ruven had no intention of missing the festival himself!

Tillaletherial's amused response helped Amardes a bit. She was probably stressing over nothing. It didn't feel like nothing, it was such an important ritual for the village, but Tillaletherial was right. Amardes was never quite sure what other Elves meant by 'nice clothes'. She'd thrown on her usual clothes and then had to change into some less comfortable things. It did make her mother happy, even if Amardes couldn't really tell the point of it. As far as she could tell adding beads and complicated stitching to perfectly good cloth just got awkward when trying to do anything practical. How could you sneak up on anything when the beads just make it easier for the undergrowth to catch?

Kor's arriving was a welcome distraction, and Amardes brushed away some of her untidy hair to see him more clearly. She usually enjoyed the time she spent with the centaur: he seemed to express the Wild more than most Elves "Hey Kor" she said brightly pushing away her worries. "How is the dance?" yet another complicated thing that a lot of her fellow villagers seemed to spend a lot of time on. Still the dance classes were better than the bookwork classes: at least you could use your body, even if not very hard. The other Elves would talk about 'Harmony with nature expressed through movement', and every now and then Amardes would 'get it', but it didn't really feel like 'her thing'. Still the spectacle of so many Elves dancing was a pleasure to watch, and the way they moved around Kor and incorporated him into their movements demonstrated skills Amardes knew she would never be able to aquire

"Fancy going hunting tomorrow?" she asked. "I saw the trail of a White Hart this noon." For such a dangerous animal she'd want company, and she liked to travel fast while hunting. Kor was one of the few people that could keep up with her: another thing she liked about him
This message was last edited by the player at 11:28, Fri 08 May 2020.

Casyr relinquished his post, though he felt uneasy to do so. It was a dangerous time and he felt certain that some calamity awaited them. Nevertheless he moved into the village and did mill about. He continued to keep his eyes and ears open though and chose not to frolic with the many revelers. He was probably just uneasy after all this was the time when the village was most vulnerable, and if he were leading an attack this is the time he'd choose to attack when the enemy was weakest. It had been a long time since the orcs had last attacked though, but that was their cycle. They would attack, deplinish their numbers, retreat, grow in numbers, then attack again. There was usually a span of years between the attacks to allow them to replinesh their numbers.

Having finally spotted Aergleel, Shanaera moved over towards him.  She tried to sneak up on him by using other people as shields in the case that he turned around or something.  Often when they were younger the two would play hide and seek with the other children and Shanaera would quite often be one of the last to be found, so too was Aergleel cause he often followed her to her hiding places.  It was a fond memory as Shanaera now stalked her prey.
09:12, Today: Shanaera Sinsaulii rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  hide.

If Shanaera caught him unawares, she would come up behind him and place her soft hands offer his eyes and in a soft voice say, Got you!

Kor sighs slightly, shrugging his torso. "Greetings Amardes. I think I have avoided most peoples feet so far. No one has thrown their loved across my back either, so overall a decent festival"He spoke, adding a little humor to the conversation. Of all the young elves he knew, Amardes was a kindred soul to his own thoughts. They were creatures of the wild, with gifts that should be used to live and protect it.

Thinking over her suggestion, he nodded. "A White Hart is truly a rare creature, especially this time of year. If we hunt it true and give it the proper preparations, I cannot see why we would not bring a bounty back to Gentlebreeze. Perhaps it will be a good omen for the coming year?" He pondered out loud. The centaur was not unskilled with bow or spear, but reserved his magics for truly dangerous foes.

Aergleel turns and puts his hands on her hips, "No, I got you." and he leans down and gives her a soft kiss on the mouth.

When Aergleel quickly turned and leaned in for a soft kiss, Shanaera melted.  She loved this about Aergleel, she knew that he was a rough and tumble type, but with her, he was... revealing.  After a few seconds of thoroughly enjoying the kiss, Shanaera separated, "You certainly do!"  Shanaera said with a meek smile.

Taking his hand in hers, Shanaera said, "I absolutely love this time of year.  I am so happy that the festival is still going on.  There was a real threat to it being delayed my father said. Let's go find our friends and see if they are having fun."

"Lead on my lady." he says to her taking her hand in his as they walked.

"That's because you look so fierce and brave" Amardes explained. She wasn't exactly a blushing fainting thing, but even she was always a little nervous when 'the Rage of The Elements' was around "All we need to do is ..." she reached over to some of the many flowers that were everywhere and plucked some "...braid these into your mane. What do you think Tillaletherial. How many will be enough?"

She nodded at the comments "It would have been a better omen if I'd actually seen it" she bit her lip a little: she was no expert at these matters... perhaps just seeing the trial would be enough. Still if they went first thing in the morning they would see it tomorrow and that should be just as good... shouldn't it? She flashed Kor a little slightly embarressed smile "Tell you. If I didn't have a role in this, I'd probably be out there now. What do you say as soon as this is over heading out" she was pretty certain Tillaletherial would want to stay and party... Elves really knew how to party ... but Amardes could feel the Call of the Hunt and would rather be out in the forest than more dancing and music.

As you all gather for the Festival of Blossoms, you notice each other near the ceremonial site. High Priest Anaduil Reykalyn, Master Builder Taelia Leithianeth, Lorekeeper Bareil Sinsaulii, and the Guardian of Nature Xialo the Green Mage all arrange themselves in the four cardinal directions. As the moon begins to rise, a soft breeze plays across the village of Gentlebreeze. Those elves so inclined provide prayers to the night air, while those capable of casting spells walk to the perimeter of the ceremonial site. It was not required, but any who wished to add to the spell power of the Mythral that protected Gentlebreeze were encouraged to do so. It is said that Corellon Larethian smiled upon those who helped to protect the community, and so as the moon crests over the horizon of trees, its pale light shining bright upon the site, you can visibly see the spell energy emerging from the participants.

From High Priest Anaduil, a font of dark blue energy erupts from his hands and face, flowing into the air. From Master Builder Taelia, deep green energies erupt from the earth and flow up her form and emerge from her face, twinning in the night air above the site. Lorekeeper Bareil begins to sing, vibrating the very air with his song, extoling the virtues of the Elves as yellow energy swirls in the air around him, flowing towards the other energies already gathered. Finally, the Guardian of Nature Xialo gathers the elemental energies from the world around him, swirling like fire with potent red energies to push forward to merge with the gathered energy in a near blinding display of High Magic. The four elemental energies swirl and merge, becoming a beacon of shining silver light that can potentially be seen for miles around, as the light fades in brightness, the High Priest speaks. "Let all who wish to aid our village step forward, and add your spell power to the Mythal that protects and ensures our prosperity each year with Corellon's blessings." He spoke clearly, and with purpose.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Tue 12 May 2020.

Casyr had no spell power, at least not yet. He still looked on at the ceremony. Someday he could add his own spells to it but he had not yet progressed far enough in the order to have spells yet so for now he could only be an observer and ready should anything attack during this vulnerable time.

Watching the colors merge and gather, Shanaera was enjoying the spectacle standing hand-in-hand alongside Aergleel.  When the elders of Gentlebreeze asked if anyone wanted to add their spells to the Mythal, Shanaera stepped forward.  She began to cast her spell.  Gray wisps of magic began to spiral around her and then up into the sky.  The spell took on the form of a shining knight in a fighting stance ready to defend himself and the village.  After a few moments as the breeze caught the gray wisps, it began to join the fading lights from the elders.

Cast Silent Image
This message was last edited by the player at 04:57, Mon 18 May 2020.

"Saved by the bell" Amardes said with a little evil grin. She'd obviously quite enjoyed teasing Kor, and the idea of the Rage of the Elements with flowers in his mane appealed to her. Still the ceremony had arrived. She gave a quick 'this is the right time right?' look to her friend before joining in. Her spell pretty simple but symbolically important. Without magics to preserve and purify food, their whole culture would have to change, and a lot of people would be a lot sicker.

Ruven wandered around the edge of the town but after a while it was obvious he had chosen a poor spot. He shrugged as he returned to the festivities. As he got closer he realized he had just made it in time for the important event. He could see through the crowds the energy swirlling through the air, signifying the leaders had begun the ritual. "Pardon me, excuse me, coming through" Ruven whispered as he pushed his way to the front. He arrived at the ceremonial sight just as his father, the high priest, spoke. Eager to do his part for the village Ruven channeled the magic in himself to conjure the strongest spell he could. His eyes briefly became a swirl of colors as his entire body started to glow a bright white light. The light radiated outward before it rapidly diminished, the spell's power absorbed in the ritual.

Kor snorts at Amardes joke, but remains respectful of the ceremony. He walks forward when the High Priest asks for donation of spell energy, gathering his entire reserve to be released into the Mythal to defend the people who took him in. Exhausted, but pleased, he returns to Amardes. "I think perhaps we will need to see in the morning about the hunt." He spoke, yawning slightly.

The festival runs through the night, some taking part in the dancing and merry making, others returning to bed (sometimes not their own) for the night. Such is the way of parties, and in the morning young children can be seen playing games of picking up rubbish to be taken care of properly across Gentlebreeze. The flowers have opened, scenting the air with their thick perfume, almost covering the land in their joy for spring to have finally come.

Each of you awaken to the dawn, the tapping of a raven's beak upon your dwelling. When you open the door/look to see what is going on, Ebonwing, the familiar of the Lorekeeper, caws at you, speaking in Common. "Come to the Grove, we have need of you. Bring your traveling gear." It speaks, before flying away to its next errand. This is unusual, because normally the days after the Festival are ones of rest and relaxation, to fully embrace the grace of nature's turn.

Once you have gathered your items and made your way to the Grove, you notice almost all the Elders of the town have been summoned. High Priest Anaduil, Watch Captain Shandra, Master Builder Taelia, Lorekeeper Boreil, Nature's Guardian Xialo, and Weaponsmith Kaelthas. On a large canvas tarp a variety of items are laid out:

- A composite bow made of fir wood.
- A large steel shield in the vague shape of a curled dragon.
- A silvery horn inlaid with mystic runes.
- A pair of gauntlets made of blackened leather and etched with geometric designs.
- An ebon staff the reflects no light from its surface.
- A wooden holy symbol in the shape of a leaf, made from an amalgamation of different woods.
- A wrapped bundle of what looks like weapons.
- A wrapped bundle of what looks like armor.

It looks like they are waiting patiently, discussing something urgent between them though as you arrive.

Casyr wasted no time gathering his things and heading to see what the elders wanted. It must be really important for them to have sent the raven so early in the morning. He did not have much to carry though but made sure to pick up his purse as well in case he needed to purchase additional supplies to accomplish whatever task they had in mind. As he arrived he waited quietly for them to acknowledge him and tell him what they needed.

Amardes woke up her parents to tell them the news and give them a quick hug and a good bye kiss. This was seriously cool: the Elders had asked for her personally. And she and some of the other younglings were going on a trip! Wow! Perhaps this was for a hunting trip, but she didn't think it would be so formal. So maybe it was hunting something other than animals and plants for the Pot

As she entered the hall she peeked past Kor at the pile of treasures whispering to him "Looks like the White Hart will have to wait. Gosh look at those..."

While not the smartest tool in the box, she could count people and count implements, and it wasn't hard to associate most items to people. Her eyes obviously settled on the gauntlets. They looked seriously potent. The sort of thing her Father would tell her stories about. Her sense of excitement didn't diminish at all. In fact it was quite hard to keep still and not just gawp.

The sense of excitement was tinged by just a little nervousness. This was important. The Elders didn't give out treasures lightly. The weapons and armor told her that they expected combat. That meant they expected their mission to be either opposed, or just in a very dangerous place. Still she knew the others in the group, knew their skills and powers, and that's why it was just 'a little nervousness'.

Aergleel rises from the shared bed and throws his clothes on to race home and get his gear. He leaves on a long passionate kiss, "See you shortly!" he says as he squeezes her hand.

He gathers his gear and kisses his mother and father goodbye. He then goes to the meeting place to await details.

"Wha-what is that racket?" Ruven groaned as he lifted his head. The elf had partied long and hard into the night. He wasn't sure how much wine he drank last night, but it was enough to make his meditation much harder than normal. Through narrowed eyes he opened his window, which contained awful sunlight, at the bird who seemed to have requested access. A meeting? On this day of rest? The request seemed unsual but Ruven knew he would not  have been summoned without a reason.

Half an hour later Ruven walked out carrying his gear. For the most part he had sobered up although a minor headache still lingered. As he approached the grove however his focus shifted from his head to the situation. What were his father and the other elders gathered here for? Why did the tone of their conversation seem serious? Tension seemed to have fill the air around Ruven. He noticed that several other young elves seemed to have been gathered here. "Does anyone know what this is all about?" he whispered to the group as he joined them and waited for the council to speak.

Shanaera had such a great evening.  She had partied with the other younger elves and Aergleel till late.  Together they had gone back to her place and fell asleep a bit later.  Early in the morning, Shanaera felt a calling in her head.  It was Nightwing, Shanaera knew as she had felt it before, and as soon as Shanaera had 'felt' Nightwing, she heard the tapping on her door.  Shanaera listened to Ebonwing with Aergleel.  For some reason, they were being called to the grove.

Aergleel gave her a passionate kiss and then took off.  "I will see you soon,"  Shanaera said back and then started grabbing her stuff.  She made sure to grab any of the spell components she might need as well.

When Shanaera got to the grove she noticed that the elders were all gathered and speaking with one another.  She saw a few of the other young elves she had partied with last night there as well.  When Ruven asked what it was about Shanaera could only shake her head and say, "I have no idea.  My father hadn't said anything about any of this."  Shortly after Aergleel showed up just a confused as her.  Shanaera wanted to go to her father and ask what was going on but knew that soon enough they all would know.  Shanaera did wave to her father though and gave a meek smile and shrug of her shoulders.