***Deep Forest Celebration Festival***

[Gaeva Winged Unicorn]

<center>Welcome to the Deep Forest Celebration Festival!!</center>

This should be a fun RP, but it won't be little as there'll be a lot of people RPing in here with even more characters, so to keep things from going chaotic and remain fun, here are some rules:

<li>Everything written in white will indentify a post outlining what is going on. This will only be used by the festival hosts and performers. So pay attention to these kind of posts, as they are the posts that will hold the entertainment and will possibly tell you what do or expect next!</li>

<li>There will be no posting order, so do not wait for everybody else to post before you write again, there are too many people involved to make this work. If your character is interacting with another you may of course wait for your conversation partner to post first, but do not wait forever or you may get left behind. There should be plenty of other people to talk to and entertainment to pay attention to!</li>

<li>Both good and evil characters will be gathered here, so there may be a little tension, but security will be present to keep things safe. Also, use your own common sense to keep things fun. While fun, we're not aiming for a huge fight here, so evils hold back, and goodies don't bait them ^_~</li>

<li>There is no specific time in the timeline for when this celebration takes place, just that it happens some time after the the battle with the hivemind and plague. For continuity's sake it would be better not to mention too many events that have happened since the beginning of the fall season, as this celebration may take a while to RP, and other things will be happening at the same time in the RP forums. There is no way to decide what happens when with so many people involved, so use your common sense while discussing "current events", thanks ^_^</li>

<li>And finally, have fun with this! If you have any questions you can ask them here, or just PM me directly ^_^</li>

[Gaeva Winged Unicorn]

As the sun slowly reaches the end of it's journey across the sky for the day, twilight sets upon Deep Forest. Slowly the little light ever present beneath the canopy fades away and the forest darkens all around. All of the forest, except for the Village. The cabins and cottages build among the branches and roots of the behomth trees remain dark, but on the forest floor a cheerful path of light is marked out with torches that lead away in the growing darkness of the forest, easily to see from both the ground and the air. The torches themselves are decorated with colorfull wrappings in different colors, removing the possible eeryness of the dancing shadows the fires cast, and instead seem to hint at something more joyful at the end of this path.

Near the lake known as River's Deep the path finally ends at a large clearing of mostly grass and smaller bushes and plants. The area slowly slopes down towards the middle making it easy to oversee the whole area no matter where you stand. wooden poles are spread out throughout the area with long strings tied in between with round lanterns hanging from them, bobbing silently in whatever breeze catches them. Cheerful red and white tents are set up in a circle around the clearing as well, their entrances open and inviting, thouh one would have to go inside to see what is to be found.

A wooden stage can be seen almost opposite the end of the path leading towards the area, simple in appareance, but positioned so that it is hard to miss if something were to happen there. At one end a smaller tent-like structure is attached to the stage, making it easy to quickly disappear off of the stage without having to jump off. And finally some campfires can already been seen at one end, their light starting to help to ward off the growing darkness.

Movement can already been seen as several forest inhabitants wander around, some hesitantly, others confident and talking loudly. Near the stage stands Geaven, silently and unmoving, slowly surveying the area as more and more creatures trickly in from the fiery path. The large stallion doesn't attempt to speak to anyone, and simply remains where he stands, his presence a silent hint to not cause trouble where he can see it.


(picture courtesy of Griatch!)

[Griatch]

The Jester was in a brilliant mood.

Now, it was not very uncommon for the small brightly clad woman to be in a good mood -- in fact few
had ever seen her in anything but a good mood. But this evening she was extra perky, in an
extra-super-jumping good mood -- the kind of mood a jester girl can only get from a great forest festival
taking place.

Near the entrance to the festival area were two poles, upholding a string of lanterns, acting like a sort
of informal entranceway between the festival fun and the normal forest beyond. The Jester had taken
up position on one of these poles, dangerously high above the ground. From this position she was
cheerfully greeting creatures as they entered the festival area, while juggling a whole bunch of balls
with her four hands at the same time.

This was going to be so good!



(had to find some use for this old image -- I made it for the festival after all, a long time ago)

[XxJah LilaxX]

A white mare entered the festival grounds more quietly than most, nodding gracefully to the four-handed, two-legged Jester as she passed her. Jah~lila did not know the Jester, but the woman's grin and friendly manner seemed to call a response from the white Healer. As the mare waded serenely through the crowd, she scanned it for familiar faces, nodding to those she recognized as patients or aquantances much as she had to the Jester. When her fathomless black eyes found a large blue figure standing somewhat apart from the others, body set in an attitude of vigilant watchfulness, Jah~lila brushed the stallion's mind lightly with her own in the mindspeaker's equivalent of a polite knock, nothing deep enough to sense thoughts or emotions.

The white healer, knowing that Geaven would be on guard for trouble, had come to the festival as much to help keep the peace as for enjoyment's sake. She worried that her friend shouldered too much responsibility sometimes. He would do whatever it took to do his duty by the forest that looked to his family for strength and protection or work himself to nothing trying. Whenever Jah~lila had the opportunity to silently take some of that burden from Geaven she did so. Right now her empathic senses were extended, looking for possible trouble spots so she could help settle conflicts before they got out of hand. With so many folk assembled here there was no doubt that there would be trouble at some point. Jah~lila had made it her business to be on hand when that happened.

Her plan was to find someplace where she could watch the ebb and flow of the festival and periodically circulate where she felt trouble might develop. Sometimes a softly spoken word or two at the right moment were all that was required to smooth over possible fights. Geaven had already found a good place to start, and Jah~lila installed herself beside him silently, though with a friendlier nod than she had given anyone else. She turned her own mild gaze back to the crowd soon enough, watchful and patient. The pouch around her neck, woven of the long hairs of her own silver mane, bulged with sweets for the children which she had begged, borrowed, or bartered for the occassion. She hoped she would come across Meali at some point--she had missed the filly, who was quickly growing into a mature young lady.


****

Trouble might not have begun brew, but mischief certainly had. Raf was sitting under one of the tables in the food tent, grinning into three wide-eyed faces. The young elf's arm was in a sling, though it rarely really pained him anymore. His face was, perhaps, a slightly paler shade than usual, and he tired a bit more easily, but other than this the young thief was back to full health and back up to his usual tricks. Just at the moment, Raf was teaching Maunia, Odriel, and Ylvai Y'Lia, three of Celishe and Osoine's children how to pick pockets.

"Or ye kin learn this right clever liddle trick wi' a belt knife, an' slit th' string what 'olds a mun's belt pouch on 'em. Ain't too rough tae learn, once ye gits th' knack uv it." Raf paused to take a pull from the full tankard of ale he had just purloined. Whoever that strange new brewer was, he sure seemed to know his stuff! Even Poeden's ale wasn't quite this good, and it blew the sour mess folk used to swill in Beel's inn out of the water. Celishe's brood, who were all ridiculously naive by the rough-and-tumble standards of the street, seemed to regard Raf with a certain amount of awe, simply because he was so very different from them. Their parents had instilled into the children the idea that stealing was wrong, but the way Rf described it made the life of a thief sound somewhat thrilling, if nothing they would ever do themselves.

"Heyla--I cud prolly teach ye three t'do it i' ten minutes flat. Now, pay 'tenshun..."

[Toadie]

Finally the anticipation was over, and the festival was starting. The two friends made their way to the place it was held, intruiged by the Jester's display up above. The elf gave a soft smile as she heard Baerionth humming a tune beside her. It was cheerful, just as she was. This festival was already bringing her spirits up.

'Töd, dost thou wish for some ale? One might see to a discount for providing,' the darv asked with kind intentions. Töd gave a small laugh, and accepted the offer. The two began to head off to Juno's tent, babbling about their upcoming event. Both were nervous, but the darv was better at keeping it hidden. They were excited, but their nerves grew as they watched more and more dribble into the festival area. Hopefully everything would go well.

[Ryfen]

Gehenna sat alone on the outskirts of the festival grounds, her back against a convenient tree. She had no intention of joining in with the festivities, but for once, Phenex was adamant about their attendance. The demon within her was still counting on the possibility that there was some creature in this place that could free him from his prison. And logically, since everyone was invited here, that one person could very well show up.

How the demon meant to find that one person, Gehenna had no clue.

And so the pale girl sat, almost unnaturally still, her white dress spread around her, her horns polished to an inky sheen, and her long braid hanging over her shoulder, golden bell jingling every now and then in the wind. Time to play the waiting game.

[ddpej]

<center>Chameleon Cat
Never one to be late and chance missing some useful little tidbit, Smoky Paradox had positioned himself behind the stage long before the Forest Festival was to begin. The great cat, though unmistakable when seen, was hidden among the thick foliage high in the trees, and the swirling stripes decorating his coat seemed little more than the marbled shadows of leaves falling on a dull patch of bark hidden behind the bright colors of said leaves. Indeed, only those with mental magic might have noticed his presence there, for though his form was well-disguised and out of sight, he had neither the training nor the desire to mask his mind-feel. This was not to say, however, that his presence was shouted to the minds of any who had mental ears! No, one would almost have to been 'looking' about the area to find him, for the massive tiger had all a feline's natural ability to disappear into the background. His mind-aura was not masked, as such, but it was quiet, subtle, easy to overlook among the bright emotions filling the field as the Forest inhabitants as well as those who were not began to trickle in to join the fun.

Geaven arrived shortly after Smoke settled into his high and hidden perch, taking up guard duty where he could watch the entire area and all comers. Typical of him, the tiger mused. Ever the warrior, and indeed Smoke suspected the blue unicorn preferred the duties of a warrior over any such things as emotional or conceptually complicated situations. After all, battle is quite the simple idea. Both of them, lord of evils and lord of forest, watched with silent patience each who arrived, and though it was likely Geaven knew of Smoke's presence, for they had touched minds rather more intimately than most could say, at one time, Smoke saw no need to touch minds again this time. The two fighters had an agreement of sorts, and while Smoke was lord of evils, he also had a code of conduct and personal pride that many a 'good' creature lacked -- a point the winged warrior knew. Indeed, Geaven had made no attempt to speak with the shifter either. It simply wasn't necessary, and both of the two knew it.

Smoke's presence at the Festival was due in part to simple, feline curiosity, as well as his constant desire for information and interest. Given his dislike of large groups and idle chat, it was no surprise that the tiger-shifter did not deign to make his presence easily noticable, and it seemed rather obvious too that there would be no other reason for him to come but for the possibility of so many interesting, and quite possibly useful, bits of information such a large event offered. After all, there had been mention of duels of some sort, and what warrior could pass up the chance to learn about other warriors he might be matched against in battle on some future day after the Festival?</center>

[JunoZXV]

"Ahoy Thar!"

Came a cheerful voice from far away, in the distance a ship could be seen traveling across the water the beach. Black wood with rich mohangady railing and gold decorative finish, tall forest green masts that suppored crimson sails... and sailing it was a somewhat familiar humanoid with black silky cat ears and a tail, he was wearing his black sunglasses and red coat, long red hair tied up in a bun. Stained from the strawberry brewing incident he had a few days back.

The ship itself glided up upon the sand and lowered it's deck. And the happy-go-lucky captian walked, then tripped his way down into the sand.

"Mmmpphh" He groaned as he got up, coughing out a lungfull of small pebels and marine life. "Sorry I'm late, I couldn't figure what to bring, so I brought the entire bar with me..." He was taking to no one in particular but he summed up his entire conversation by shouting with his hands over his mouth.

"OI! BEER'S HERE!"

[Silvereyesish]

For the first time in a few days, Anani Sunwalker found herself giggling. Shadow had informed her of this huge celebration, telling her that it would get her mind off of Tara, and the kittenchild agreed wholeheartedly. It was time for her to stop being so sad and to go have some fun, maybe see all her friends. She did know for sure that she would see Roose, because he had signed up for an event, or so Shadow had informed her. And apparently, the kittenchild was participating in an event too, signed up by the sneaky Shadowma.

Hah! Trying to find out things about the Plague had been Shadow's excuse for being gone for long periods of time. Psh.

The torches glowed in what seemed a cheerful way as Ani made her way down the path. Granted, she tripped a few times on the slightly sloping path, but she finally made it to the poles that signaled the start of the festival. To the Shimmer's surprise, there was a very familiar face sitting upon one of them, juggling and greeting the creatures as they walked inside.

Ani grinned, and waved up at the Jester, shouting out a greeting as she walked by the entrance.

"Hiiiiiiii Jaaaaaay!"

However, her short attention span was distracted by one of the tents near by, where small creatures were walking in and out of. The ones walking out of the tent had candy. And ice-cream. And candy!

Anani shrieked in joy, completely ignoring the fact that people were staring, and the other fact that she had absolutely no money whatsoever, and raced inside, giggling happily.

------------------

Not too far from the festival, an odd pair of creatures were making their way through the forest. A silver fox padded gracefully upon the path, with a small, winged white squirrel rode atop her head. Both were chatting animatedly, which was out of character for one, but not the other.

Rynn, the fox, smiled up at her newest friend, chuckling as the squirrel spoke of her mate. It seemed that Flycker, the squirrel, had had an interesting first few days in the forest, and had even met her future mate. Everything about this little creature was interesting. Even the way that Flycker had met Rynn was interesting, although Rynn found it more amusing than anything.

Flycker had dropped her sunglasses, (which were currently being worn by Rynn), and had practically dove out of her tree to retrieve them. However, instead of falling onto the ground, the aerosquirrel had landed on Rynn, who had been napping under her tree. Of course, at that moment in time, the fox demon had not been amused, and had been on the verge of trying to eat Flycker, but...

Here they were now, and Rynn knew they were becoming fast friends.

However, Flycker's tales of her first encounter with her Tiffy came to a sudden halt as the new friends finally reached the festival.

"It is beautiful..." Rynn whispered up to Flycker. The aerosquirrel grinned, nodding in agreement. Obviously others thought so too, as both could hear the laughter of both adults and children, good and evil, around the clearing. Then, from not to far away, a greeting was called out, in a voice that was familar to the fox demon...

"Hiiiiiiii Jaaaaaay!"

Rynn frowned, trying to place the voice. However, Flycker interupted her thoughts, poking her on the side of the head. Rynn raised an eyebrow, and glanced up at her new buddy. The aerosquirrel was wearing the most mischevious grin that the fox demon had ever seen.

"So..." Flycker took a deep breath. "You old enough to drink?"

[Roose Hurro]

Dark now, nightwise. Light, in a large clearing by the lake, River's Deep. This, the place were those of Deep Forest... who had survived the Plague and the Battles... came to Celebrate. Rotor hadn't come down the lighted path, hadn't made his presense known, as he'd circulated all around the area, multiple times... thinking. Though he had been involved in the Meadow's Battle, he didn't feel like celebrating Victory. Yes, he'd found the Key, but... so many had died, and his Good Friend, Mwezi, had kept the scars. And... he would be leaving, soon. He'd never thought the idea of returning Home would ever have such... hesitation, behind it. Such... fear. If he joined the Celebration, it would only be harder to leave, afterwards... harder to leave his... Friends. More friends than he'd ever made in one place, in all his travels. Mwezi... Anani... Dax, who was long gone on travels of his own... Baerionth, Tod, Olplyn...even Dimitri/Rasul... a few others... most lately, Anani's good friend, Roose. He would most likely make more, at this Celebration.

Rotor had arrived in Deep Forest not by deliberation, but by running... escaping the last LayerWorld he'd lived on, when his rut hit... trying to find a place Isolated, where he would not have to deal with "Others". But only a few hours later, he'd been poked awake by the very first friend he'd ever made here... Dax, the always curious Enfield. Him not being here left a small hole in Rotor's heart, a prick of pain. Other friends made had kept the hole small, but now...?

So many memories, so much life... and too much death... he'd had the pleasure, and sadness, to experience. So....

Well, his "attachment" to Anani had stretched out his rut for longer than expected... his parental instincts, still stimulated. Hormones, still flowing. Pouch, still prone to focused warmth and unfocused ache. So many lives, touched by his senses.........

......... Like the life perched hidden in the tree, overhead.

Rotor dropped his stealth, but kept his hide a monochrome jet black, as he leaned against this tree and sighed with all twenty voices. His lean almost a cuddle, when all four limbs... primearms and subarms... gripped the tree, as his lean turned more into a hug. And though he felt fully aware of the shifter cat in the tree, through his Icon Lock (and all his other senses), he chose to ignore the male feline's presense.

Strange... so strange. Rotor contained enough power, through his Control of the Rings, he could destroy this World... even just with his own physical power, he could wipe out all life in the Forest, in just a few hours, if he'd wished. If he'd wished true Isolation from Others. Yet... he gained solace and strength now, just by hugging a tree. Just by Feeling Life, pressed against his hide.........

A voice shouting, talking, shouting... again. Beer? A look up...

... "I know you wish to remain... out of sight. Drink and food could make your vigil more comfortable. If you wish...?" Rotor left his words hanging, slid down and curled up under the tree...

... joining the shifter cat in watching other's arrive. Like... yes, Anani! And a white, winged squirrel, atop the head of a silver foxdemon.........


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Unicornfoal]

Ruby skipped along the path, singing softly to herself. She didn't know exactly where the path was going, but had just noticed everyone following it when she was re-visiting the Village to see what it normally looked like in daylight without some big scary dragon standing in the middle. Ever curious, the filly couldn't resist following the path to see what was so interesting.
Stopping her singing and skipping (well, an equine's version of skipping), Ruby finally noticed the clearing, decked out with poles, lights and tents, and creatures of all sizes walking around and talking to one another. She looked around for a moment, taking a tentative step forward. It seemed to be some kind of wierd celebration, if Ruby's instincts were right... but what a strange celebration! 'What are they even celebrating?' she thought. 'If they are celebrating, that is. If they aren't, what in the Forest are they doing?'
The filly looked up as she slowly approached the entrance, and was startled into stopping once again by the happy creature sitting on the very top of one of the poles. What was even more amazing was that the creature had no wings with which it could have got up there! And, now Ruby looked closer, she seemed to be throwing some balls around from between her four hands.
Dismissing the strange sight, the filly continued through into the clearing... and promptly stopped. Until she knew the purpose of this unfamiliar creation, she was just going to watch.

~*~

Bryst sighed as he plodded past the entrance to the festival grounds. During their exploring, and Muffin's strange insistance on talking to everybody she met, the talk of a festival had reached their ears almost instantly, and the black kit had begged they go. So, the winged cat found himself in the center of the most people he had ever seen before while in the forest. 'Darn that kitten!' he thought. There was a good reason he avoided crowds... he had a reputation to keep up, after all.
Muffin bounced around in circles, excited that they could go to this beautifully decorated (and hence sure to be fun) festival, despite the fact they had only recently arrived in the forest. She could see a stage somewhere to her right, where two winged unicorns, one blue and one white, were standing. There were a number of tents in front of her (though she couldn't see one due to some annoying crimson filly standing in her way), with several creatures entering and exiting. "Isn't this just so exciting, B?" she squeeled. "There's a stage, so they're gonna tell stories, and there're people with food over there, and there're loads and loads and loads and LOADS of happy people!" The kit took in a deep breath, releasing a content sigh. "This is gonna be the best festival evah that I've evah been to evah!"
Bryst rolled his eyes. "You strange little thing... Well, if this is going to be so exciting, why are you just sitting here?"
Muffin stuck out her tongue at her companion and grinned. "We gotta find out what's happening first! I heard people are gonna compete or something, so that'll be fun, and there's a stage so there'll be people doin' stuff, so let's see if there's anything hanging up somewhere!" The black kitten ran off into the crowd, weaving expertly between legs.
Not far behind her Bryst followed, bumping into legs and hurriedly apologising, though he wasn't sure why he bothered. He should really scratch their legs for just being there, but was more concerned on making sure the kit in his charge didn't kill herself. Though he wasn't sure why he bothered with her, either. He wasn't sure about anything anymore, not since he arrived in this forest.
Muffin ran up to the stage, practically bouncing with excitement as she stared up at the wooden construction. "Wow..." she whispered. "I wonder when the stories'll start?"
Bryst. meanwhile, had lost himself and Muffin in the crowd. "Darn that kitten!" he muttered to himself, trying to find an empty space to catch his breath.

[Norvilion]

A new face appeared on the pathway toward the festival, one which had many times over brought fright to small children and repulsion to older men. With monstrously huge eyes and large nose, teeth that were crooked, breath that seemed to have never touched anything but liquor, clothes dirty and tattered on his four foot frame, and even the fact that aside from those qualities of supernatural ugliness he looked like a very short human… there seemed nothing remotely likable about him. Even the smile on his face, though not mean in the least, was a bit intimidating.

<b>”Wha’d ya know”</b> he spoke to himself as he walked along with slightly off center steps. <b>”It looks like dey heard about meh an mah great fightin skills. I bet dey even know how ah was never beat by no one in all mah brawls. They’re throwin a parteh jes tah welcome meh!”</b>

Of course he was completely oblivious to the possibility that perhaps everyone wasn’t out to praise him. He never considered that he might be walking in on a celebration of which he had no connection. He was even pretty much oblivious of the others on the road until he actually got to the entrance and looked up.

<b>”What kin’ a weird outfit is that freakish four arm lady wearin’?”</b> he wondered to himself more with belligerent curiosity than disgust. <b>”Fer that matter what’s with this parteh? Everyone ish a freak in some way er ‘nother.”</b>

He paused after the last statement, looking over the crowd carefully before finally deciding <b>”Looks like this entire place’s full a freaks…</b> his grin had subsided into a blank stare of contemplation, <b>”Well… ah guess freaks es as good a company as ah need long as there’s good drink.</b>

Right on cue a key word rang in his ear and sent a broad smile to his unpleasant face. <b>”Beer!”</b> he yelled out loudly before starting a triumphant, expedited walk toward Juno.

[nightwolf714]

Cortina walked towards the clearing slowly. At first, she wasn't too interested in coming to the festival. Her heart still ached over the lost of her dear Umber and her attention was now put towards help Melody with her pups and running the pack. It was Panzer who finally convinced her to go to the party and celebrate with the others. So, Cortina had cleaned her black and gold fur and wandered through the forest once night hit the lands.

The moment that she reached the clearing, she was glad that she had decided to come. Emotions of joy and excitement hit her hard, making her stumble in surprise. At once the wolf's feelings of stress was overcome by the strength of the emotions felt by the large group. That was one part of her empathic powers that she had yet to overcome, the strong effect that other's emotions had on her.

With a wide grin on her maw, the young wolf walked into the clearing. The ebony canine was startled by the feeling of another close to her, but not actually near her. She sat down and sniffed the air, searching for the source of the closest emotion. Cortina was surprised to find that it came from above. Others around her seemed to be in awe at something she was doing. While the wolf lacked the ability to see what it was that the girl was doing so high on the pole, for by now she had discovered the pole, she was in awe at the simple fact that she was up there.

* * * * *
Mischief usually followed a large group such as this. And mischief had decided to make his grand appearance. Within moments, a blur of red and black fur had dashed to the very center of the festival.

He stopped and stood still, looking around him. Devil had heard that there was some sort of celebration going on. It should be very entertaining to watch some weaklings battle while he tried to get some candy. He even had his sled dog bag on, though some wear had appeared on it since he got it so long ago. His spear tipped tail waggled excitedly. This was going to be a wonderful evening.

Suddenly, a rather disgusted look appeared on his face. The wolf had looked around and saw what was perhaps one of the ugliest creatures he had ever laid eyes on. It looked like is disfigured midget human. As what generally happens to folk when they see something repulsive, he was drawn closer.

The black and red wolf sat in front of the man and cocked his head slightly. Because he was a runt of a wolf and still young although fully grown, he looked slightly cute. Which was a good thing considering what the first words out of his mouth was. "Geesh, ya're ugly."

[Raphus Cucullatus]

Raphus and Sappho simply walked along with the stream of creatures. They had no clue where they were going, but the chances of finding something to eat seemed to be relatively big when following the crowd.

Raphus was clearly in a good mood and screamed and waved to everyone he recognised.

'Jah-lila! Look, it is me Raphus!' he yelled when seeing the white mare, not realising the chances she would hear him were quite slim in such a crowd.

'Ruby! Indiana!' Raphus screamed to Ruby and Anani.

Then Raphus suddenly spotted Geaven. 'Geaven! It is you! You organised a surprise birthday party for me!'

Sappho in the meantime was also yelling at all people she knew, and waved at them.
'Rotor! Funny alien guy, you're not going to lick me again, I hope! Juno! Juno! I'm here! I love you, Juno!'

In other words, the two black cats were truely enjoying the event so far, and could not imagine it was being held for any other occasion than in their honour.

[Roose Hurro]

Two sleek forms walked slowly down the torch-lit path, from their new home in the Village, pressed shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, down on all fours... movements, perfectly matched to each other.........

So many others had already arrived, and more still came. Thoee and Deen found themselves following and followed, and though they knew some of the people they caught sight of... and heard speaking and laughing... they simply enjoyed each other's warmth and touch, and neither spoke nor shouted greetings. For them, this was a special occasion.

No, they had arrived in Deep Forest too late to take part in the Battles... too late to live through the Plague... but they'd heard what the Festival was all about, and approached with solemn, formal grace. Soon... very soon... they would cross over the threshhold, into the clearing and into the Celebration. Till then, they came onward in a dignified manner....

Step by step....

Without sound or rush....

A matched pair in grace....

One male, one female....

Two Nism, Walking together on one World....

Walking...

... and finally crossing a line they'd marked, beyond which......... *

They walked past the two poles, then Deen looked up... Thoee looked up... and they both stood up... looked each other in the eyes...

... a slight breeze, a swirl of air...

... and both, with a leap and stretch, floated up through the night air, till they hovered shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, a few feet away but eye to eye with the Jester girl...

... "Nice view from up here...." Deen remarked, looking down and all around... "I can see why you picked this spot to work from."

Thoee waved her tuft, placed a hand on her chest, over her heartstone, and nodded a bow...

... "Thank you for the greeting, dear Child. You are very talented, I can see...."


Meanwhile, Rotor heard Sappho's voice call his name. Cat eyes did indeed see well, into the darker shadows under trees.........


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[Gaeva Winged Unicorn]

Curiously Meali followed the firelit path. She'd known about the celebration from her aunt, and she had known very well her father had meant to come here together, but she had purposely stayed away, not feelin up to a lon trek from the Meadow all the way over her and talking to him. There were some thins she wasn't ready to say, and some others she simply didn't know yet. But she was still youn, and she felt excited about this celebration, wishing very much to be cheerful and be entertained. Reaching the end of the path she too looked up and ave a laugh at the sight of the Jester. It was actually quite humorous, as were the other two bein floating next to her. Meali wondered what they were doing up there.

Having finally arrived she walked a little further, lookin at the people around her. Suddenly she spotted her father by the stage and stopped, noticin Jah~lila was standin next to him. She couldn't help but smile, wantin to go over and say hi, to the both of them, but instead she remained where she was, knowin full well the two adults had seen her. Finally, still smiling she turned away and walked in another direction, maybe later. Not now. Turnin her head this way and that she tried to look for a failimar face, secretly hoping to run into her friends Silverkitten and Wintersky, but knowing she probably wouldn't. She heard looked at several of the stalls, wondering if she should try and see if there was some candy, like the stuff she had bought off of Blackback once, when her eyes fell on Ruby.

Curiously she walked over to the younger filly and smiled at her, "Hey, hi," she started, "Weren't you at, em, the Meadow as well? ...That...time...?" Suddenly ackward Meali didn't know how to phrase the words and laughed sheepishly at Ruby. The battle in the Meadow had been a nasy one, and she really didn't want to think about it, especially since this was a cheerful occasion, but she was sure she had seen Ruby among the ones who had come there seeking safety. And as the lightblue filly really wanted to talk and laugh with someone closer to her own age this evening, she was willing to bursh on the subject for the moment.

*************************************************************

Impatient Geaven watched more and more forest creatures wander in, his eyes scanning the festival grounds while his mind touched on theminds as they came, whether throuh the unofficial "entrance", or remaining at the edge of the clearing. As Smoke knew, Geaven had picked up on the feline's presence, though with more than a little surprise, but had felt no need to to over and...what? Talk? Snorting with amusement Geaven flicked his tail at the thouht. Yeah right.

His eyes spotted Jah~lila before his mind did, her white coat standing out in the twilight, and he watched her come over, secretly pleased that she did. He wasn't in the mood for iddle chit chat, but he didn't mind the company of a friend. While it took her a little while to make her way over he continued to watch in her direction, his mind being able to cover the rest of the "work" by itself, but no smile crossed his face as he wished to stay "in character" so to speak. Besides, nobody had said he was in a good mood anyway.

Returing the mare's nod politely his mind added the warmth behind it that lacked from it's appearance. Maybe this evening would be fun after all he thouht, as his eyes returned to scanning the area for a few moments before his mind seemed to manetically fly to the newest arrival. Meali. Lifitng his head just a bit higher he watched his daughter walk into view, wishing he could just raise his wings, let her know where he was, and watch her run towards him. But Geaven knew better than that. He wasn't stupid, she had purposely stayed away from the Meadow, knowin he had been lookin for her to come to the festival together. His only alternative had been to come here early and make sure he woudn't miss her.

Feeling a bit of hope as he saw her smile, it was crushed when she turned away and eventually moved to another child. Maybea friend of her or something. Sighing the stallion relaxed the muscles in his neck and lowered his head again. Startled he looked over at Jah~lila then, having completely forotten she stood next to him in those few moments, and stared at her, trying to find an excuse for his unusual display of emotion just now.

"We're not really talking," he finally said roughly by way of explanation, looking away again, though he looked through the growing crowd without seeing anyone. "Maybe you can bribe her over," he half joked then at Jah~lila and sort of motioned to the bag she carried with is head without looking at it. He could smell what was inside.

"Gaeva and those clowns better hurry up," he finally muttered, and glanced in the general direction of the stage.

[ddpej]

<center>Patience
A sooty ear twitched slowly as the being below him, clearly aware of his presence, finally and openly acknowledged it with words. Smoke had seen the other creature arrive, just as he had seen all those who openly approached the Festival grounds, and though never had he laid eyes or mind on the strange creature, he felt the touch of its presence on his mind as the other neared his perch, a soft and unobtrusive brush against his existance. The great tiger-shifter had hoped that would be all, that the unusual being would remain content to leave him to his observations, but as a familiar voice rang out over the region with a feline tint, broadcasting the presence of alcohol (presumably contained within the large ship that had arrived not long ago), the unfamiliar voice from below rose quietly through the branches to touch his ears.

Rather than return the soft question aloud, and thus give away his own position to all yet unaware of it, Smoke moved not a muscle, even merely to gaze downward at the one who addressed him. The tiger's spoken voice, deep and rumbling and dark, was of the sort that carried well. Instead, therefore, the tiger let his mind speak, a similar impression but directed to one listener alone rather than many. The mind-voice was as deep as the true-voice, as dark and echoing and melodic, but somehow just a bit muted, as if there were depths to it that had not been unlocked and could not be used. The words, the idea carried downward by this mental reply were both dry and grave, the merest hint of a soft snort trailing along underneath, for Smoke was a cat, with all the innate arrogance of the blood, no matter how he tried to set it aside.

«To come to such an event unfed, world-walker, would serve little purpose but that of distracting my mind and senses.»

It was not intended as an insulting remark, despite the touch of feline ego that came with the mind-voice. Smoke recognized power in the other, and whether he or it was stronger he did not know and saw no reason to discover. The dark figure below was strange to his eyes and mind, a creature from another world and place, and Smoke addressed him accordingly as was his habit. Few creatures heard their names from the tiger's throat or mind, for he gave out titles instead, a strange way of showing respect and indeed often unnoticed as such. In truth, if the great grey tiger called another simply by name it was almost certainly an insult...

The shifter gave no outward sign he had mind-spoken at all. Silent and still in the massive tree, he watched and listened as he had done since his arrival, keen senses missing very little as the Festival-comers continued to make their way into the area. The blood-red gaze noted Meali's arrival, her glance at Geaven, and the stallion's subsequent reaction with minor interest, for he had not seen the filly in many years and she had grown a good deal in that time, now nearly an adult and just as clearly trying to find her place in life. The tiger wondered idly, in his perch above the grounds, if Meali remembered at all their meeting so long ago when first he had come to the Forest. He suspected not -- she had been young, and the encounter brief. Besides, he had scared her then, but not badly enough to scar her mind, and it was likely she had forgotten even by the next morning...

Rolling from acquaintance to acquaintance to stranger and stranger as each arrived, the feline's thoughts always drifted back to merge with his senses once more, and again as before and as always he observed unmoving, patient, silent, invisible.</center>

[Griatch]

The Jester waved happily as people walked by, something she was able to do without dropping any of her balls. Having four hands had its advantages.

"Hello beautiful white mare! she called down to Jah~Lila as the healer passed below and nodded regally up to her. "I wish I had wings like that! Who needs a pole when you have wings?" If Jah~Lila smiled at this, the Jester didn't see it because the mare continued on towards the large blue stallion. The jester knew that stallion to be Geaven, the sister of sweet Gaeva. She hadn't really talked to him yet, but he seemed serious, almost grim where he stood. She wondered if he was thinking of the coming marriage to that little cat -- was it Sappho she was called? She chuckled to herself. She would definately need to talk with the serious stallion at some point. She loved serious people.

Distracted by the arrival of the Darv and his friend the halfling, she gave Baerionth and Töd a bright smile from her elevated position. She couldn't hear all that well what they were talking about from up here (the noise of the festival drowned out most sounds), but they were heading off towards the beer tent. Which was currently empty, as Juno had apparently seen fit to arrive royally late and take all his liquour on his ship instead. The Jester couldn't help but laugh as she saw the pink-haired pirate lay anchor and opening up shop. Blackback would be tearing his hair by now, she mused -- he had spent all too much last minute time to set up that large beer tent for Juno, and then the pirate brought his own bar! It was hilarious. She wished she could see Blackback's expression right now.

She had known the merchant troll for a long time, and even though he was the most relaxed troll she knew, he still took some things way too seriously. She had to work him harder. As said, she loved serious people.

The Jester was just as easily distracted as Anani calling out Hiiiii Jaaaay! from below. The jester liked the name "Jay". That was the first name anyone had given her in this place. And Anani and herself matched each other well, despite the difference in age.
"Hiiiii Anananiiii!" she called back. "Where do you have Shadow?" But the kittenchild was already headed for the candy tent. A wise choice. The Jester supported that decision with all her heart.

A lot more people was coming by the second. Strange, wonderful creatures that the Jester had never before seen. Her awe was not played as she gawked the strange beings that passed below. She caught the eye of a curious filly and gave Ruby a little show as the Jester stood on one foot on the top of the pole, bending backwards while her juggling balls were flying in circles all around her. She wasn't really showing off, it was just a thing she did, as natural to her as dancing or walking -- a way of expression, the entertainer's way.

She did catch the loud comment of the crooked-looking man though -- it was hard not to. Grinning, the Jester hung from the pole, calling down to the man: "A freak I am indeed my good man! I have both the arms and freakish outfit to prove it! Not only that, I'm a fool too. Silly as they come." She smiled.
"I'm willing to bet good money on that I can show a nicer backside than you though ...
... Oh, don't mind me -- I think that wolf wants to talk to you ..." As Devil approached the man, the Jester bounced back up on the pole, waving at Cortina all the while, not aware of the fact that the wolf couldn's see it.

A pale woman was sitting by the edge of the clearing, looking calmly at the things going on. The Jester had noticed Gehenna earlier. A passive watcher, it seemed. That would not do. She was thinking of climbing off the pole to go drag the pale girl into the fun, but then Raphus and Sappho made their grand entrance.

Dear, stupid cats. Just the right mix of happiness and complete, utter ignorance of ... everything really. Once again the Jester thought that she must confront Geaven about those marriage plans between him and Sappho.
... Except that Sappho seemed more interested in Juno for the moment. Oooh, intrigue!

Once again her attention was dragged off, this time more forcibly so -- as the two Nism seemed to float up to her level. The Jester was awed. "Wow, that's so beautiful!" she said honestly, looking at the regal levitation of the two creatures. Standing up on one leg, she made a deep court bow back at Thoee and Deen, all the while letting the juggling balls move in arcs behind her back. "People of this forest have such amazing skills!" she said. "Sometimes I think I'm the only one who cannot fly, float or do funny things with my shadow.
But welcome indeed to the festival, floating friends! There's so much fun going on here I can barely contain myself."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Celishe Y'lia had been working hard with all the other Village inhabitants to get the festival area ready for the event. The kind elven woman (completely unaware that several of her innocent children were at this very moment hiding under a table over in the food tent listening to the not-so-good influence of Raf), was manning what was probably going to be the most popular tent among the younger clientél -- namely the candy and ice cream tent.

Several elven magii had worked hard to create cold storage for Celishes very own mix of lovely creamy icecream. She was very proud of it. She and her neighbour (an elven male who was helping her in the stand) were busy behind the counter, where a wealth of colourful candy bars and sweets of many kinds were glittering seductively in the stray light from two large lanterns covered with blue-red and yellow glass plates. The result was that the crammed candy tent bathed in a cheerful coloured light. Blackback's idea of course. That troll had unexpected skills in interior design as soon as it came to "selling things".

At the moment Anani was storming into the tent, with the easily identifiable manic purpose of a child sensing sweets nearby. Celishe smiled warmly at the kittenchild. "Hello there, dear" the elf said with the beautifully spoken syllables of her kind. "Seeing something you like maybe?"

---------
OOC: Celishe, as all her children are NPC:s, described in the Village forum's NPC thread.

[Toadie]

OOC: I'm assuming Juno and Baerio have already met, right, through bussiness and such.
IC:

Wondering where Oplyn was, and why she hadn't seen him yet, the elf interlinked her arm with Baerionth's, putting on a smile. She watched as a large flyinh ship landed nearby, and gave a laugh. That must be Juno's famed bar; she had heard the stories. It took a moment before she was ready to approach the old pink-haired cat-man. As Töd got closer to him, she realised that he reminded her of Baerionth. He had a tail and ears, and definatly seemed to be part feline. She smiled as the darv led her to his bussiness partner.

'Captain Juno, sir, quite an entrance for thine ship,' he began in his melodic voice. Gesturing to the lovely elf whos armed was linked in his, he continued. 'Meet you Lady Töd, mine good friend. Töd, this be Captain Juno, vendor for mine ale.'

The halfling took a small step forward and extended a hand up to Juno. She offered him a sweet smile as well, being cheery from the festival already. Besides, this man's pink hair could do nothing but put a smile on her face. 'A pleasure, Captain Juno,' said she.

Then the darv spoke again. 'How fair thee? Might one be of aid to thine tasks?'

[Silvereyesish]

Although the kittenchild had nothing to trade or any currency of any kind, Ani still had fun in the candy store. There were so many types of candies and pretty colors that she could have amused herself for hours inside the small tent. However, she found that she was so small that she was getting stepped on, so Ani decided to leave, reluctant to transform in the middle of a bunch of people.

So now she walked out of the candy store, and as she did, Raphus called out to her, grinning. "Hi Raphusssssssss!" Ani called back, waving madly. But in seconds, he was gone in the crowd, and she had lost track of where he had gone. Shrugging, Ani promptly sat where she was and looked around for people she knew. After all, being alone wasn't much fun.

And then she spotted another kitten, almost all black. Finally! Another one like her! With a huge grin, the kittenchild sprinted toward the stage, tail flipping around wildly.

Anani sat down next to the black kitten and grinned at her.

"Hi! My name's Anani Sunwalker! What's yours?" Ani said, rather loudly.

---------------

Rynn grinned up at the squirrel on her head, a mischevious grin on her face that matched Flycker's perfectly.

"Of course I'm old enough to drink, squirrel. In fact, I'm about a thousand years older than you. I should hope that you are indeed old enough to drink."

Flycker snorted, and flicked Rynn's ear with a small claw, guesturing toward the beach with her other paw.

"Git a move on then, foxy. Let's go get us some drinks!"

The fox demon chuckled, and stood up abruptly, nearly knocking the squrriel off her head. Then, without a word, Rynn dashed off toward Juno's shop, dodging the increasing crowd with ease. In a matter of seconds, Rynn was sitting in front of the red-haired pirate, still grinning rather impishly.

"Beers, you say? I think my friend and I would like one of those." Rynn paused, and glanced up at her companion. Flycker merely shrugged. "However, we do not have anything to give you in terms of currency. What, dear neko-san, shall we give you in return?"
The aerosquirrel wrinkled her nose, and crossed her arms, looking defiant. Of course, she hadn't ever tasted alcohol, and she didn't know exactly what the big deal was about it, but Flycker did know that the humans had loved it back at the lab...

Eh, why not, Flycker figured. It would at least pass the time until her beloved Tiffin arrived, right?

Rynn looked up as the other creatures approached, and smiled as she realized that she recognized one of them. Töd, the halfling from the swamp, was walking with another creature. They spoke to Juno, and Rynn peered out to glance at the halfling, ignoring Flycker's protests at the interuption in the ordering of the beer.

"Töd, is that you?" Rynn asked, smiling at the halfling happily.

((occ: I know that they talked for a matter of seconds in the swamp, but I hope that Töd will still recognize Rynn? If not, I can change it. =] ))