Who: Adam and Constance
When: Late Evening
Where: The Alexie Cottage
What: Constance just can't catch a break, can she?

Adam's world had been turned upside down for the past few weeks as he dealt with the murder of Simon Myles and the suffocating weight of not being able to talk to anyone about it. His feet were leading him back home, back toward his cottage shared with Constance. He needed to talk to someone about it, and the only person he could talk to about it was the very person who had put him into this compromising position.

He opened the front door just in time to see her walking from one room to another. Constance paused in mid-walk, a book held aloft in one of her hands. She paused suddenly, staring at Adam as he stood in the doorway. Silence passed between them as he stared back at her. Finally, Adam stepped into the house and let the door close quietly behind himself.

( “Hello,” he ventured to say. One little word, but it took so much effort to get him to say it. )

Who: Constance and Adam [Narrative]
When: Early Morning
Where: The Alexie Cottage
What: The truth finally comes out into the open.

"Adam!" Constance called up the stairs, craning her neck back to see up. "It's time for breakfast! Come down here and get something to eat!" He hadn't been eating as much as he used to ever since Simon's death, and Constance was worried about him. Adam wasn't talking to her, and it wasn't like him not to talk to her. She shook her head, unsure of what was going on with the boy, and made her way back into the kitchen.

Everything was already laid out nice and perfect. The only thing missing was the fact that Adam wasn't down here and seated ahead of time as usual. Constance began cleaning up, washing, and putting away everything she used for cooking breakfast this morning. When she was done, Adam had finally come down the stairs. She turned around to look at him, drying her hands off with one of the kitchen towels. Adam stood in the entrance of the kitchen and just stared uncertainly into the room. "Well?" Constance finally asked him, raising her eyebrows. "Aren't you gonna sit down and eat?" His behavior was getting stranger and stranger by the minute.

"No," Adam said, his voice so quiet it was barely discernible. He shook his head as he looked somewhere on the kitchen floor. "I don't want to eat this morning."

( “Do you think you own me?” Adam shot back. )

Who: Malcolm and Adam
When: Morning
Where: Helicharis
What: Finishing up generators and looking for Simon

Malcolm had arrived early at the storage unit to work on the generators. They were just about finished. He and Simon had been spending the last few days setting up the wind generators around Helicharis. It would only take another day or two before they were able to start getting power for the various electronic devices still left. It was a good thing too. Malcolm had other projects he had to move onto. Also, he wanted to spend some more time with Maddy, Idehr and Emily.

But he enjoyed working with Simon. It had been a lot of fun getting to know the young man while they worked on the generators. Malcolm was thinking about asking him to continuing working with him on his upcoming projects.

When Malcolm arrived at the storage unit, he found Simon to be missing. Usually, Simon was there when Malcolm got in. Morning was busy, getting Maddy ready for the day. Yet Simon wasn't there yet.

Figuring Simon was running late, Malcolm got to work on the finishing touches on the generators. He finished the last bits of the magical generator and then looked at his pocketwatch. Simon was more than an hour late now.

"Huh." Rubbing the back of his neck, Malcolm got up. He quickly locked up the storage unit and decided to walk into town, in hopes of finding someone who might know where his work partner was.

Who: Adam, Constance, and Simon
When: Afternoon
Where: Town Hall
What: The unjust interrogation of Simon Myles.

With no reason to disbelieve Constance, Adam set his hard eyes on the werewolf the second the man showed up at Town Hall. Politely, Adam and one of the Elven guards led him towards one of the interrogation rooms—a room which could only shelter against magic and not shifting. This time the rooms held no wards against magic. Adam had all of his capabilities available to him, as did Constance. However, Constance’s would not be much use in an interrogation room. Adam’s would be.

It was his charge to protect her. Should anything happen to Constance, it too would happen to Adam. Their bond was not so close that if Constance was wounded, Adam would be wounded as well. It might as well have been as strong, though, for all that Adam knew. He cared and loved for Constance; she was his mother and creator, the giver of his life. Her love for him raised him and taught him well and made him what he was today, and he would never, ever let anyone harm her.

The same was true for his family. Alicia was his family, Constance’s granddaughter and Adam’s niece.

He stood alone in the interrogation room with Simon. Simon seated himself in the chair across from the desk. Adam remained standing against the wall with his arms crossed. Simon would confess to his crimes of trying to hurt Alicia, and Adam would see to it that the werewolf answered for them. He believed Constance. Adam had not reason not to after everything she divulged to him in private, and what she said was true—Simon was dangerous, and he had hurt Alicia.

And he was going to pay for it.

Who: Alicia, Family, & Guards [Narrative]
When: Evening to Night
Where: The dungeon in Town Hall.
What: The deciding moment!

Alicia was given a choice of somewhere outside for the possible transformation with a barrier made specially for her or a cell in the dungeons of Town Hall. Being outside in the dark only made her nerves shake even worse, so Alicia chose the cell. Inside, she felt safer. And maybe, if she was out of sight from the full moon, she wouldn't be so fearful of what was about to happen. There was no guarantee she would change, but Alicia couldn't predict tonight.

Outside of her cell were a few Elven guards and her family. Her grandmother smiled encouragingly, and Alicia smiled back to her. Her mother and father were holding onto each other, scared of what they might witness tonight. Zach was there, too, although the dungeons were devoid of Adrienne. Adrienne actually did shift on the full moon, and she was down by the forest with the rest of the real werewolves. It scared Alicia that it had to have been one of them out of the group who attacked her. The fact that Adrienne was down there with a psycho made her even more worrisome. Maybe it was just an accident, though. They said how it could have been an accident, the Head Council, even though her grandmother remained tight-lipped on the matter.

( Together, they all waited to see what the full moon would bring . . .  )

Who: Constance, Dylan, Theora, and Adam
When: Morning
Where: Town Hall
What: The council has some important things to discuss.

Furious wasn't the proper word to describe how Constance currently felt as she stormed down the hall to find Dylan and Theora. Adam trailed behind her, keeping close. On the same night as her granddaughter getting attacked by a werewolf, a faun turned up half-eaten and torn to shreds near the festival grounds. It wasn't a coincidence in her eyes. By now, everyone knew about the dead faun, but nobody knew about her granddaughter, Alicia. They were keeping it under wraps to safeguard the minds of the community. With the news of the faun on the loose, if they heard about Alicia then the entire community would panic.

Her shoes clacked loudly against the wooden floor. When she arrived in the council chambers, Constance waited for Adam to step into the room before she slammed the door behind them and let her anger known to her colleagues and councilmen.

"What the hell is going on around here?" Constance demanded, regardless of whether or not anyone had any answers to her question. "Already, people are referring to it as a murder when we don't even know what's happened — and I can't take this." Constance sat down in the nearest chair, looking more worn for wear than usual. Adam took a seat beside her, a worried expression on his face. Constance hadn't wanted Adam to get dragged into it, but Alicia was family and he already knew about what happened to her.

"I've told Lucinda and Kelsey to keep quiet about Alicia. I've told Alicia, Zach, Adrienne, and Nico too. No one else is to know about this. If word gets out Alicia was attacked by a werewolf outside of the full moon and then a dead faun turns up, everyone's gonna think we have a psycho on our hands." Constance chewed her bottom lip. She said something then they all had to take into consideration.

" . . . And maybe it's time to recognize we do."

Who: Everyone!
When: 6:30 PM
Where: The Beach, by The Tiki Hut
What: Zane and Amada's Wedding Reception!

OOC: Everyone is welcome to join the party! Start a new sub-thread to interact with others, or keep an eye out for open sub-threads for you to join! Or if you don't feel like interacting, type up a narrative for your character.

The sun's rays shining out from below the horizon signaled the start of the wedding reception to celebrate Zane and Amada's happy nuptials. The area around Loki's Tiki Hut was set up with festive tiki torches that illuminated the entire area all the way down to the rim of the lake. Each lamp was entwined in green vines and white flowers, and the sand here was also 'planted' with green grass to add to the tropical theme. The tables were decorated with floating candle and flower centerpieces and around each centerpiece were several glass blown wedding favors in the shape of sail boats. Each table also had small boxes of clamshell shaped chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

Soft music lingered in the air and though the night sky was filled with stars some of the fae-folk had enticed lightning bugs to come out and provide romantic lighting above the tables and dance floor. Dinner for the guests was set up buffet style with a variety of foods provided by the restaurant in town. Drinks — alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike — were provided by Loki and his Tiki Hut served as the bar. The ever enchanting Faye Capricia had agreed to the last minute request of providing live singing entertainment for the reception. The dance floor was nothing but the soft sand beneath their feet and, as much as it may have dismayed the bride, even the lake monsters joined in on the festivities as they sang their song and splashed around in the water.

All in all it was a beautiful reception with a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy, and it was the perfect way to spend the evening in the company of friends or with a special someone.

Who: Adam [Narrative]
When: 2:00 PM
Where: Town Stables
What: Adam is back — and playing with the horses and pegasi.

The day was beautiful with its warm weather and gentle breeze passing over the hills. Adam made his way towards the stables, figuring a ride would be nice for today. He had been away from the mainland for two weeks now, and he missed the large, safe expanse of land free of monsters with the power to kill. Tol'hith, though a gorgeous overgrown isle, was dangerous and uninhabitable for people. Adam could never travel very far without running into another creature with the power to snap a person in two with just its jaws. Luckily for Adam, he had more than one form.

Approaching the stables, the elemental reached out his hand and patted a nearby horse on the nozzle. "Hello," Adam said with a kind smile, rubbing the horse's long muzzle. He wondered if he should take a horse or a pegasus. Flying over the land was just as good as riding across it, but for now he settled on giving the horses attention and patting their noses. Grabbing a handful of food from a bucket that hung on the wall, Adam fed the horses from his palm and stroked their long necks.

Adam eventually went over to where the pegasi were kept in a separate area of the stables. He passed by one with a gray coat to one with a smooth, shiny brown coat. Adam grinned at the pegasus and petted its mane. It neighed softly, kicking its hooves on the ground. "You want to fly, don't you?" Adam asked with a small smile, looking over to pegasus's caramel-colored wings.

Carefully leading the pegasus towards the saddles, Adam placed the necessary things on the creature without hindering it with too much. After all, freedom was the purpose for both of them. Adam brought the pegasus out into the open area of the stable, mounting its back and patting the side of its neck. Looking up at the sky, Adam smiled to himself. "Come on, Nindë," he said. "Let's fly."

The pegasus took off in a run, expanding its wings and lifting into the sky just over the edge of the fence. Higher and higher they went, until Helicharis was the size of Adam's hand below them. He didn't care where they flew to, only wanted to feel the wind against his face and the freedom that flying brought to one's soul.

With each motion of her wings, he was sure Nindë enjoyed it, too.

Who: Theora, Adam, and Loki
When: Mid-Morning
Where: Temple grounds on Tol'Hith
What: Attack of the manticore!

Theora had spent several days confined in the temple without any food or drink. Though Elves did not need sustenance on the level that humans did her recent meditations had left her weaker than usual. She was nearing the end of her sabbatical and her spiritual energies were almost completely renewed, but that usually meant that her physical state was at its lowest. She needed a break and slowly rose to her feet to exit the temple's innermost room. Slow, steady steps were taken toward the outside where fresh air and a cool breeze would be waiting for her. Theora looked forward to it and a smile spread across her features when her eyes met the rays of the setting sun.

It was not often that Theora was distracted enough or tired enough to not be aware of her surroundings, but she was fatigued and her mind was not quick to sense the danger that approached. A manticore had been waiting patiently just outside of the temple, its bloodthirsty teeth bared and ready when the priestess emerged. It was rare for creatures to venture toward the holy soil, but this manticore had dared to step forth if only for the chance to snack upon the lovely bones of the Elven priestess. It leapt forward, a roar emanating from its throat as it prepared to sink its teeth and claws into Theora's supple flesh.

Had Theora waited a moment longer she would have certainly been devoured by the ferocious beast. But as it were the Elven priestess caught sight of the beast just as it sailed through the air toward her. Theora jumped back several feet and landed in a crouch out of the manticore's reach. She was lucky she had enough energy to do that, but Theora was not sure if she would have the strength to do more. The beast eyed her hungrily, its salivating tongue licked its lips and it almost smirked as it stared the priestess down. It was anticipating the kill and the taste of its next meal. Theora could sense its intentions and she wondered if she would be able to fend off such a dangerous creature.

"I do not wish to harm you," she said to it out loud. "But I will not hesitate to use force in order to defend myself."

The manticore crouched, ready to pounce at the weak Elf. Theora was not anything if not realistic and she knew that she did not currently have the strength or the stamina to save her own life. There was only one option left to the priestess and at the moment that the manticore made another attack, Theora surrounded herself within a protective shield. The manticore bounced off the invisible force but continued to claw at it angrily. Theora did not know how much longer her shield would hold, she only hoped that her saviors would come along to save her before it was too late.

( Adam stumbled upon the scene... )

Who: Theora, Adam, (and Loki!)
Where: The Isle of Tol'hith
When: Mid-Morning
What: All you need is wuuuv. :D

The trio had been on the island for several days now most of which consisted of actually traveling to the temple itself. The temple was away from the docks, beyond thick trees and on a high hill that overlooked the rest of the misty island. The trek through the dense forest was dangerous as Theora had informed both Loki and Adam, but the three praeternaturals combined were more than enough for the creatures that sought to attack them. An entire day passed before they reached the safety of the path that led up to the temple. Here, the deadly beasts were few and far between; but those that dared to venture up the fairly steep path were strong and would no doubt want to attack the priestess and her party.

But they were lucky on this day. Today there were no creatures that came to attack them, there were only peaceful animals that lingered near the priestess that sat upon an old stone bench. They did not fear her; what was there to fear from one so kind and compassionate? Theora could communicate with them in the way that Elves communicated with nature and all that lived within it. A small bunny rabbit hopped up to Theora and cuddled near her feet. It looked up at her with bright eyes as its nose twitched back and forth. Theora smiled at the rabbit and bent over to lift it gently in her hands. She snuggled with it, rubbing her nose against its lovingly. "I wuv you," she said in a soft voice. "I wuv you very very much little rabbit."

Adam kept his eyes on the priestess at all times to make sure she was not in danger. At this particular moment, they had traveled safely towards the temple to an area that was peaceful and full of smaller creatures compared to the beasts beyond. Walking along a worn stone path Adam had seen Theora take, he strolled until he came upon a clearing somewhat overgrown due to a lack of care. Beauty still sprung from the colorful petals of flowers in the bushes surrounding the open area. Adam eyes caught sight of a stone bench. Theora sat upon it, and Adam wandered over to join her.

He approached the side of the bench once Theora had picked up a small rabbit, speaking softly to it. Adam noticed the word she used as he took a seat beside her on the bench. "Wuv?" he asked, a curiously alight expression on his face. "Loki taught me that word a few months ago," he said with a smile, his eyes focusing on the cute little animal in her hands. Adam had a sudden urge to pet it.

( Theora glanced at Adam from the corner of her eyes and smiled. )

Who: Theora, Adam, and Loki [Narrative written from Theora's POV]
When: Dawn
Where: The ship sailing to Tol'hith
What: The start of a grand adventure

"Are we ready then?" Theora asked Loki just as he untied the rope that was holding their ship to the dock. He gave her a cheerful salute before he began to bustle around the deck. Theora moved to settle upon one of the wooden benches that lined the railing and watched as the sails caught the breeze. The material became taut with the force, and the smell of the lake surrounded the three shipmates as began to pull out into the deep waters of Lake Alata'elen.

The sun was just peering over the horizon, casting its bright yellow and orange rays across the land. Everyone in Elysium would be waking very soon, but Theora, Adam, and Loki would be long gone by that time. A soft sigh crossed her lips as the wind danced around her form. "Do you need any help, Loki?" She asked with a smile. But the Muse simply shook his head and hurried about his business. Theora smiled and shook her head. He was just a bundle of energy, wasn't he?

Adam lingered nearby the priestess. He was leaning against the railing as they sailed, his dark eyes gazing upon the water. Theora knew not what went through his mind, though a part of her wanted to ask. But she remained silent and focused on the duties she would need to complete when they reached the isle. They would be there within a few hours, and then their real adventure would begin.

Who: Adam and Sanura
Where: Training Terrace
When: Afternoon
What: Adam is practicing. And along comes Sanura!

Wind passed lightly over Adam as he positioned himself on the slope of the terrace. The training terrace was open ground freed of trees and bushes and tall grass, some of it covered in follicles of green while other patches shone of sand. Ringed in for safety with a simple multiple-rope wooden fence, the elevated summit marked a training area for fighters who wished to practice. Today, Adam had no opponent but the imaginary figure in his head, but that did not prevent him from concentrating on his training.

Holding no weapons in his hands, he chose this afternoon to center his focus on hand-to-hand combat. His arms moved slowly with the motions he exerted forward, readying himself for a charge down the slope at his invisible opponent. Any minute the shadowed figure in his mind would charge towards him. Adam counted the passing seconds in his head as he waited for it, listening to the whistle of the breeze as it gently tickled his ear with strands of his hair.

Forward the figure rushed, and Adam charged towards it — silent as he cut through the air with the lithe movement of his body, directing the brunt of his energy into the motions he built. He fought with his invisible opponent with no thoughts or speech, just the art of war in his muscles and the speed and agility of an elemental behind them.

Who: Open to anyone who wants to go to the funeral
When: Evening
Where: Town Hall
What: Raidon Nagamori's Funeral


Giving to Mitsuko's rogue-like nature, most would not believe her to be a spiritual person. While it was true, she would most likely wade through the serpent-infested water when it was her time to cross Sanzu-no-kawa, the rites and rituals of her upbringing were ingrained deeply within her.

Her father would have shared these beliefs. He was raised in the same skulk as her. He would have wanted a proper funeral.

She had wore black. For the other funerals she had gone to, she'd worn white. The skulk of Midori was pretty old-school. But she had lost her white kimono ages ago. So she chosen her dark black kimono, with a black obi, decorated white small, white flowers. Her hair was pinned up in a bun. It was a very different look from her normal, skimpy fashionista wear.

Mitsuko looked around the assemblage. None of them knew her father, save for Logan. But she supposed that was fitting.... After all, she didn't know him.

Logan. He was... Pretty much an adult. She hadn't expected that when Theora had asked her to care for him. But there he was, seventeen years old. A man. But he was a man scarred, broken.

He was unable to speak. Struck mute by the horrors he had seen. So it was up to Mitsuko to lead the service.

Slowly, Mitsuko walked to the casket Idehr had made. She opened it, looking down at the white fox inside. Her hand trembling, she reached inside and touched a hand to Raidon's head. His fur was soft beneath her fingers. He was lying on a pile of clothes.

Carefully, Mitsuko pulled the hakama around her father's fox body, folding right side under the left.

She picked up the small bowl of water next to the casket. She dipped two fingers into it, placing it against Raidon's mouth, moistening it with the water.

Mitsuko reached into her kimono and pulled out a small bag. Opening it, she produced six coins. She placed them next to the body.

"For your trip, father," MItsuko whispered in Japanese.

She heard the snap of a lighter and looked to her side. Logan was beside her, lighting incense. He met her eyes briefly, but quickly lowered his head and continued his work.

Mitsuko went to the podium, where the Head Council made their announcements. She took a deep breath.

"I didn't know my father," she admitted. "My mother left him before I was born. But... I know he cared for me. That I remained in his thoughts always."

Mitsuko felt a tug on her sleeve. She turned to Logan. He held out a picture to her. She accepted it from him. It was a photo of Raidon Nagamori with a beautiful woman. They were getting married. The car they were running towards had a sign on it reading Congratulations Raidon and Ceridwen.

"He was married," Mitsuko said. "To a woman named Ceridwen. And then had a son, Logan." Mitsuko looked at the hurt expression on Logan's face. "And Logan loved them very much. They died trying to get him to safety. And they succeeded. They brought him to me." She looked at him very seriously. "And I promise I will not let them down."

Who: Adam and Theora, with a brief appearance by Loki
Where: Combat Gym
When: Mid-Morning
What: Combat practice, a little chat, and interesting news from Theora.

Positioning his staff at a downward angle, his fingers held in a firm grasp around the middle, his eyes focused on his invisible opponent and calculating the movements the other would make in the next flurry of events. His staff came down quickly, striking forward and hooking his opponent in the stomach, before it pulled back and whirled around in his hand, the staff coming down and colliding with the invisible opponent’s staff — brought up just in time to block his weapon. He bounced back, whirling the staff once more, taking it down towards his opponent’s legs and catching it on the wood of other’s staff. Another miss. His next blow came in from the side as a surprise, the end jabbing his opponent in a weak spot, giving him an opportunity. The staff whirled around and spun upward, slamming down on the back of his opponent’s neck and bringing him down to the ground.

Inhaling a breeze of cool air deeply, Adam closed his eyes and let the feeling wash over him. Somewhere nearby, a young man was sword fighting with another, the clangs of their swords ringing out in the combat gym. One of them hollered in excitement at his apparent triumph with each creative strike of his sword. In his ears, though, he heard it — an unsettling hum on the air.

Adam opened his eyes, taking in the sight of the gym floors and the racks of weapons. It was not the air. The disturbance was in his own mind. Constance’s words from yesterday ate away at his consciousness. Are we unsafe? Adam wondered. Not once had the council dealt with a lawbreaker. Not yet. Did that mean it would happen soon, that it was only a matter of time before someone took rules into their own hands and shaped the law to suit their personal desires? Were they in danger, or was Adam’s mind just overreacting to what Constance had said?

I need to clear my mind, Adam thought as his steps led him towards the towel and bottle of water sitting on the bench put there earlier by him. Laying his staff against the wall, he picked up the towel and rested it over his shoulders, dabbing the sweat off of his face with one of the corners. Adam popped open the drink piece on his bottle and squirted water over his head. He drank some of the cool liquid and put his water bottle back down onto the bench, his towel catching the droplets of the water that fell from the curls of his dark hair.

Who: Constance and Adam [Narrative]
Where: A guard tower by the closed and guarded entrance of Elysium.
When: Early Morning
What: Watching for and sighting the returning scouts.

A heavy fog covered the land in the early morning hours, bringing with it a cold dampness to the air. Constance wore her coat to make up for the chill, as did Adam who stood off to the side from her. They were at the top floor of the guard tower closest to the entrance of Elysium that looked like a darkened cave, a shut off hole in the world that served to be a constant worry of theirs. The alchemist watched silently for the return of the scouts that had been sent out just two days before. It was time for them to be coming back to safety of the haven before the bracelets she had fashioned for their protection wore out their magic. The magic was not of Constance’s making, but of Theora’s hand. It would protect them for seventy-two hours, but after that the magic would wear off, which is why they had to be back at the haven by today.

Constance wrapped her arms around herself. Her eyes were squinted as she looked at the cave from afar through the dense morning fog. An elf stood nearby on the top floor of the guard tower with them, watching the cave as well. Adam broke the silence by speaking, his calm voice filling the musty air.

“Do you think they’ll be back soon?” Adam inquired. He was also wrapped up in a thick coat, his hands jammed into the pockets and the high collar pulled up to shield his neck. Constance looked over at him, a sharp and pensive look on her face.

“Give it a few more moments,” Constance said, turning her gaze back to the direction of the cave. The elf began to pace slowly around the edges of the tower along the stone barrier. Minutes passed until at last a light shone from inside the cave, and Constance leaned forward to look at it, as did Adam, while the elf immediately went to light the beacon and ring the tower’s bell. The scouts emerged into sight as bells continued to go off at each of the guard towers, alerting the citizens of Elysium of the scouting mission’s return. Constance smiled slowly, burying her chin into the warmth of her coat’s collar. “They’re back,” she said softly, raising her eyes as she noticed the new faces in their group. Guards had been waiting for them, approaching the upcoming group once the light shone from the darkness of the cave.

“Do you think they’re safe?” Adam asked, and while others might be confused by what he meant, Constance understood perfectly. She raised her eyebrows and turned to Adam.

“Who knows,” she answered truthfully. “They came from the outside. Who knows if they’re infected. I’m sure Theora and Dylan took precautions with possible infections if she came across any humans.”

“But . . . are they safe?”

Constance glanced over at Adam, a curious look in her dark brown eyes. The wrinkles along her face became more pronounced as she gazed at him with a thoughtful expression. “You sure do like to ask my opinion a lot, Adam,” Constance said haughtily. “What did I tell you about developing your own?” Adam was silent, and Constance turned her eyes back to the returning scouts. She shrugged her shoulders. ( “Does it matter?” Constance finally said. “It’s not like I trust them any more than I trust the people in here.” )

Who: Giles and Adam
Where: The beach
When: 5:00 PM
What: Operation Adam corruption

A man of the outside nature, rather he liked to admit or not, Giles was walking amongst the sand. But he wasn't the thoughtful, barefoot type. He just was tired of the forest terrain and was longing for a change of scenery. So, that granted he walked amongst the uneven ground undisturbed. Giles now began to ponder the fact why no one was even in the area. It was reasonably nice out, despite the winds.

Giles had hoped he could catch some pondering idiot so he could ruin their "tranquil space" and persuade them to let him join them only to randomly bring up issues that may offend them or embarrass them enough to leave a space that he would happily occupy himself. When he saw someone in the distance, he practically was glowing. Giles walked up to the stranger and sat next to them.

"Don't mind if I do.."

Who: Everyone! [Open for All]
When: Evening, beginning around 6 PM
Where: Festival grounds NE of Helicharis
What: The Autumnal Festival!

** To join in on this post, simply comment to the main post. If you are replying to someone else or joining them, reply to their comment and not to the main post.


The happy sounds of the autumnal festival were ringing throughout all of Elysium even before the sun sank beneath the horizon. The hard work the fauns had put into the celebration was evident by the elaborate decoration and set-up of the grounds. Wooden lamp posts lit with colored flames littered the festival while garlands of flowers wrapped themselves around each post, adding to the earthy beauty of the entire scene. Each attendee was greeted with their choice of a garland of flowers for their head, neck, or wrist if they desired one (or more, for some).

Upon entering the grounds enchanted colored leaves fall from the sky and then back up again very slowly from the flora littered ground to create a more autumn-like atmosphere. The curious insects known as fairies were also in attendance due to all of the lights, the bright and happy colors attracting their attention while their prismatic bodies blinked in and out of sight like lightning bugs and little dust fell from their minuscule wings. The bonfires too added warmth to the cool night air and brought comfort to everyone who had come out to celebrate the changing of the seasons and the continuation of life.

What festival would be complete without fun and games, though?

The fauns, along with the centaurs, had set up an archery range at the eastern end of the grounds, along with areas for knife throwing and a ring for wrestling with a minotaur. "Care to try your luck?" read the signs posted in that area for all who ventured that way. The northern end of the grounds, near the saltwater lake, was also bustling with activity with the ale drinking and Lembas bread eating contests. The rowdiness of the crowds, however, did not take away from the good-natured atmosphere of the food and drink area nearby where many people were seated upon soft grasses of the earth.

The contests did not interrupt the music and the dancing either, both of which were only a few feet away. The musical fauns, with their pipes and flutes and drums, played with fervor and enticed the attendees to dance and sing joyously. Their music permeated throughout the entire festival and many, especially children, were invited to play along with flutes and drums that were handed out as they arrived. Music was a central theme to many of the faun’s festive activities throughout the year, the autumn festival being no exception, as was the dancing and the feasting upon delicious foods and decadent drinks laid out across the grounds.

The southern part of the festival held the games geared toward the young or simply the young at heart. Barrels were available for those who wished to roll down hills, piles of leaves were created for those who wanted nothing more than to jump and play in them. Colored sparklers were handed out freely and there were even pegasus rides for anyone who wanted to soar through the skies. There were contests here as well, simple ones that had participants bobbing for apples and fruits and curious prizes, searching for toys in piles of hay, and even pinning horns on a wooden faun.

As fairies danced their way through the crowds to spread the joy of the festival, fireworks explode into the night sky. The magical light show added to the overall joyous atmosphere of the first festival in the safe haven of Elysium.

WHO: Dylan, Theora, Constance, and Adam
WHEN: 9:00 AM
WHERE: Council chambers in Town Hall
WHAT: Council meeting & a debate over a scouting mission.

Dylan’s footsteps echoed down the corridors of the Town Hall.

Arriving early for the council meeting, he made his way up a curved flight of stairs and down another long hall towards the assembly room in the building. He opened the door and stood on the threshold for a moment, his gaze passing over the shaded surroundings of the other side. The Town Hall was quiet this early in the morning. As it was, the building was unoccupied most of the time. Order was kept well so far in Elysium, though Dylan wondered how long that might last.

As positive as he was on the whole, he still had a bit of a pessimistic streak every once in a while. All societies and empires in the past eventually fell, no matter how peaceful or grandiose they were on the scale of things. The bombing that all within the haven had heard going on beyond their borders for the past few months spoke of that. A world full of both great and small most likely reduced to ashes by now. Of course, there was no means of telling what exactly had occurred in the outside world at this point. The Oracle spoke of a war to end all things, but Dylan knew that the visions of oracles were sometimes subjective and uncertain. There was no way to tell for sure.

Not until they looked for themselves to see what had happened out there.

Dylan walked over to the wall lined with windows. Pulling back one of the curtains, his eyes took in the sight of the city below. People were actually walking around outside with sizable groups and in much larger numbers than they had been doing in the past few months. Fear and uncertainty kept them locked inside their houses, afraid that the bombs outside could make their way into Elysium. Dylan couldn’t blame them. War was a terrifying thing, even if the arrows or the bombs weren’t landing on the patch of land that held your own two feet. No such weapons could surpass Elysium’s protection. Old magic worked better than bomb shelters. They had been safe despite the harrowing noises beyond the haven, but that hadn’t quenched the fear.

With a delicate pull on an embroidered rope beside the window on the far end of the council chambers, Dylan opened all of the curtains across the wall. Sunlight poured over the polished wooden table and the pale, luminescent walls. The room was distinctly elven in its make, the hue of nature written into the faintest tinge of bluish-green pigmentation on the walls. Despite its simplicity, the chambers were still elegant.

His hand removed the sunglasses from his eyes as his other pulled out one of the chairs from underneath the table. Seating himself in the chair, Dylan tucked his shades into the front pocket of his coat. He waited for the others as he lost himself in his thoughts.