Who: Mitsuko, Chris and Logan
When: Late afternoon / early evening
Where: Mitsuko and Logan's Cottage
What: Logan gets ready for the Gray-Raokas Dinner Party and Mitsuko has some "girl talk" with Chris

"Logan!" Mitsuko called up the stairs. She was smiling up at her brother. "You better get yourself ready! Chris is going to be here any moment for your date!"

Logan slipped out of his room, his dress shirt half-buttoned and his hair mussed. "It's not a date," he rasped out, his cheeks turning pink. "Maddy just asked us over. Charlie's going to be there and lots of others."

Mitsuko was still getting used to Logan talking-- and thus, talking back-- to her. She let out a small laugh. "Yeah, well, Chris is coming all the way over here to walk with you to Malcolm's, which is a lot closer to her place than yours. That sounds date-like. Now come on! Get ready! Look as handsome as possible."

Mitsuko wrinkled her nose as she went back to the sofa to sit. She couldn't believe what was going on around. Her own shy, nervous brother had a date, the same day as her ice queen of a mother. And she did not. There was definitely something wrong with the world.

At least there was one advantage to Logan taking so long to get ready. If Chris arrived soon, it would Mitsuko a chance to talk to the girl about Hayate. She needed to find out all she could about the vampire, before she made her next move.

Who: Daiyu and Logan
When: Late Afternoon
Where Art supply shop
What: Meeting a new friend with similar taste!

Daiyu was surprised that in the morning hours she did not argue with her sister. She simply asked Jia if she could fetch some of the goods in town if she was too busy in the art store and her sister happily agreed. Was there something going on here? Was her sister dipping into a hidden supply of nitrous oxide that she wasn’t aware was around? She guessed their time together was making them get along more.

The art supply shop was fairly quiet and Daiyu found herself doodling behind the desk, drawing pictures of old tattoo designs she fantasized inking on people back when she was an ink artist. It gave her somewhat of a saddened feeling inside but if she didn’t let it out and draw, it would have probably gotten worse. She didn’t like being the type of girl to get all worked up over things she couldn’t change.

She hid her sketches away and sat up behind the desk when she heard a noise that usually meant someone had entered the shop. She had grown friendlier now when greeting people. As long as they didn’t bombarded the place like Adair once did. Though Daiyu didn’t quite find the stranger she still spoke up, her voice by no means rude or annoyed. “May I help you?”

Who: Mitsuko and Logan
When: Afternoon
Where: The cafe
What: Sisterly advice and a horrible realization

( I have a problem. It's.... It's a girl problem. )

Who: Logan and Hayate
When: Night
Where: Logan's Room / Dreamland
What: Dreamwalking Hayate

After his talk with Zach, Logan made it a pointed to Dreamwalk Hayate. He had promised Zach he would try to get to know the man better. Besides, his dreams would reveal his inner intention. Things that Zach and Chris didn't know. Dreams were where people let their guard down. Hayate seemed to be a guarded man and Logan needed to break through that defense.

In between spending time with Mitsuko, Logan had been working on a drawing of Hayate. He required something to focus his mind on the person he wanted to Dreamwalk. While his memory was very good when it came to features, he had only seen Hayate twice and he had looked different both times (where someone got peroxide in Elysium was beyond Logan). He also wanted to make sure his mind didn't mistake the man for Zach.

But he was satisfied with his drawing. There was also the matter of catching Hayate when he was asleep. It was difficult to pinpoint a specific person you wanted to dreamwalk unless you knew their sleeping habits.

As Logan laid back on his bed, fingers slipping over the drawing he'd done of Hayate, he could feel himself drifting. His eyes fluttered shut and he began to slip away into dreams. Dreams of the enigma of a man Chris had befriended.

Who: Logan and Zach
When: Afternoon
Where: Zach's cottage
What: Friendly venting and advice

Logan had been in a horrible mood for the past two days. Ever since his fight with Chris, he couldn't seem to shake the dark, angry feelings that were twisting his insides. Why had she gotten so angry at him, when all he had done was wander around for two days, trying to rescue her? Yeah, he had gotten angry she had lied to him... But she'd lied! Then she went off with Mister Girly-Pretty.

Logan needed someone to talk to about what happened. It wasn't going to stop gnawing at him until he did. He couldn't talk to Charlie. He was pretty sure Charlie would wonder why Logan was so preoccupied by Chris (something he wasn't entirely comfortable with himself yet, let alone discussing with Chris' brother). He couldn't talk to Mitsuko. Ever since he had gone back home, she'd been badgering him about his speaking. She was also pretty upset he had just taken off for two days to look for Chris and refused to discuss what happened.

There was only one person Logan felt really comfortable talking about all of this with. It was one of the only people he felt comfortable talking about anything with. His voice was still a rare commodity. And-- besides Mitsuko, Charlie and Chris-- he was the only one Logan had spoken to.

With a little bit of trepidation, Logan approached the door of the cottage Zach shared with Loki and Nico. He knocked hesitantly, hoping it would be Zach who answered and not either of his boisterous roommates.

Who: Chris, Hayate, Charlie, and Logan
When: Around 2 PM
Where: On the way to the forest cottages
What: Running into friends along the way

Chris hated that she had to leave Hayate so soon, but it was time for her to go back to her cottage in the forest. Emily would have been worried if she didn't come home, and Chris didn't want that. It was the reason why she wasn't going to tell Emily about her little abduction; there was no point in worrying the healer especially since Chris was safe and sound. But the girl wasn't taking any chances this time around, and had asked Hayate to walk her home.

The weather was nice with clear, blue skies above them. It wasn't terribly cold out, but Chris had decided to wear her favorite brown sweater anyway. Coupled with a faded pair of jeans (with rips along the knees), her sneakers, and her hair in a ponytail, she was a vision of teenage loveliness. Hayate was carrying her bag for her, and they were walking down the road from Helicharis toward the forest cottages.

Chris smiled over at Hayate, and she took the occasional glance over at his hand. She wanted to ask if they could hold hands, but she wasn't sure if that was okay. They had kissed the day before, not a little kiss like at the festival, but a grown-up kiss. A French kiss. They kissed a lot, but then they had stopped. But they had kissed. Did this mean they were boyfriend and girlfriend? Chris had never had a boyfriend before, but she always thought that sharing a kiss meant that people liked each other. She knew that she and Hayate were friends, but was it more than that now? It was all so confusing!

"So," she said drawing out the word. "Thank you for walking me home. And, thank you for carrying my bag for me." She tucked a few stray strands on her hair behind her ear and smiled brightly at the vampire.

Who: Mitsuko, Logan and Echo
When: Morning
Where: Helicharis Cottages
What: OMG!WTF!BBQ! Logan speaks to his sister!

There was nothing about Mitsuko that really suggested 'responsible caregiver'. But since the only person she had to care for was seventeen years old, it was all right if she was a bit shaky in her abilities. But she wanted to provide as nice a home as possible. That's why this morning, Mitsuko was attempting to make pancakes.

She was doing a pretty good job of it, carefully spooning batter onto the griddle and closely watching as the bottom cooked, trying her best to flip them over without smearing the uncooked batter on top. It was so far turning out fairly well... At least as long as she didn't take too deep a breath to smell the frying bacon. The scent of cooking meat always made Mitsuko a little bit nauseous. She much preferred her meat raw.

As Mitsuko cooked breakfast, she heard the thunderous sound of footsteps down he stairs. "Ohayo, Logan-chan!" Mitsuko chirped happily. She still had no idea if Logan understood Japanese, but he never seemed to mind her using it around him.

But this morning... Logan looked different than usual. He looked... Panicked. He was dressed in rumpled, paint-spattered clothing. Mitsuko was used to seeing Logan in clothes covered in paint, but it was obvious he had been wearing them all night. His lower lip was covered in blood, from a deep gash on his lip. Mitsuko's eyes grew wide. "Logan? Daijoubu desu ka?"

Logan was panting as he grabbed his elder sister by the shoulders. His eyes were wide, full of panic. "Chris," He rasped. "Trouble."

Mitsuko was too stunned by the sound of words coming from her mute brother's mouth to react right away. She was frozen, almost not noticing when he went tearing out the door.

After a moment, she regained her senses and realized Logan was gone. "LOGAN!" She cried, running after him. "Where are you going?" The scent of something burning hit her sensitive nose. "FUCK!" she ran back into the kitchen and turned off the stove, leaving the burnt pancakes and bacon on the stove as she went to pursue Logan once again.

When she got outside, she saw no sign of her younger brother. He looked utterly panicked. And he had... Spoken. After so much silence, it had to be something big that would get him to utter words. "Logan!" Mitsuko cried out desperately. "Where are you? Come on! I wanna help!"


Japanese translation:
Ohayo = Good Morning
Daijoubu desu ka? = Are you all right?

Who: Logan and Chris
When: Night
Where: Logan's room / Dreamland
What: Dreamwalking into a bad situation

Logan took the brush away from the canvas. He was panting, as he had been concentrating so hard on the painting in front of him. He had been working on it for hours now. Days. He actually had no idea how much time had past since he had started. Did it really matter? What mattered was it was now done.

Chris. Ever since the festival, she had been on his mind. When she had looked so beautiful and she had been with... That guy. That other guy.

Why did it bother him so much that she had been with a guy? Well, he supposed it was because guys wanted one thing from a pretty young girl and it was Logan's job-- along with Charlie's-- to protect her. But... No, it felt different than that. Would brotherly protection make his insides twist like this?

Logan fell back onto his bed with a heavy sigh. Why was Chris so deep in his thoughts? He hadn't even dreamwalked Kaiya for a few days, so preoccupied with what he had seen at the festival.

Dreamwalking... Logan stretched out a hand to the canvas. His fingertips just skimmed the surface of the painting. It was still a bit wet and the paint colored his fingers. But Logan didn't notice, didn't care... His eyes were already close.

Chris... He called out with his mind, trying to reach the girl and hoping she was asleep.

Who: Everyone!
Where: Just outside of Helicharis at the Festival Grounds
When: 6 PM till ??
What: Autumnal Equinox Festival - It's the first day of Autumn!

ooc: To join in on the festivities, simply comment to the main post. Your entry can be a narrative or open to others. If you are replying to someone else reply to their comment and not to the main post. All activities are open for participation, it is up to your discretion what your character will do.

The past week had been nothing but preparations for the coming equinox that would herald the new season. It was a happy time for the forest creatures as they were the ones that spent hours on end setting up the grounds for the joyous celebration. Wooden lamp posts lit with orange flames bordered the area as well as throughout the entire festival grounds. Each attendee was greeted with a flower garland for their head, neck, or wrist if they desired one.

Fairies had decided to attend this festival as well because of the bright colors that had attracted their attention. There were bonfires all throughout the festival as well and they added warmth to the cool night air. The fiery glow that came from each pyre added a comforting feel to the entire atmosphere, and there were many fauns and fae dancing around each one in a happy manner. They were singing songs and laughing joyously as they pulled passers-by into their happy circle.

Musical fauns played their instruments as they marched through the festival. Fae and fairies flew around the traveling group, singing and humming to the music that resonated in the air. A large stage was set up for those who wished to perform in front of a large crowd be it with singing or acting or any other sort of talent they possessed. There were shows held as well, particularly by those who possessed magic and wished to entertain the crowd for an hour or tow.

Food and drink tables were set up nearby to feed the many attendees with whatever they could think to eat. And wine, they couldn't forget about the wine! There were scantily clad fae handing out the intoxicating liquid to everyone with a free hand. The wine this year was extremely potent and anyone with a weak constitution would no doubt get inebriated with just one cup.

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.

Contests were set up again as they were just a month earlier. Archery contests and wrestling matches, potato sack and three-legged races. There were various game booths set up as well, such as knife throwing and ring tossing. There was even an area set up for pie eating contests and a Dwarven ale contest where participants could try to out-drink a dwarf.

Fireworks exploded periodically throughout the night and the gleeful sounds of the festival echoed all around. Elysium was a joyful place tonight as citizens celebrated the equinox beneath the near-full moon.

Who: Mitsuko and Logan (Narrative)
When: Morning
Where: Mitsuko and Logan's Cottage
What: Mitsuko gets a gift

Mitsuko flounced down the stairs into the kitchen of the cottage she shared with her younger brother. She was feeling much better than she had in days. While things were still shaky (such as not having worked things out with Loki yet), she decided not to let that get to her. Rather, she was going to focus on the things that were going well. Such as the fact she might be getting some more answers as to who had let her nearly take the fall for stealing the Elvish object.

Logan was already in the kitchen, fixing himself breakfast. "Morning, Logan-chan," Mitsuko said, smiling at her brother.

Logan gave Mitsuko a small smile, causing the bruise on his mouth the stretch.

Mitsuko frowned slightly and reached out, touching his face. "When are you gonna tell me what happen there, Logan? You get into a fight with someone?"

Logan shrugged off his sister's question. He abandoned his breakfast, going to the front door.

"Hey!" Mitsuko called after him, looking down at the bowl of cereal he'd fix. "You don't have to take off! At least eat! I won't ask you anymore questions!"

Logan had opened the front door and stopped. He knelt down and picked up the box. He went back into the kitchen and held out the box to Mitsuko.

"What's this?" Mitsuko asked.

Logan gave a small shrug. With Mitsuko now distracted by the gift, he went back to his breakfast in silence.

Mitsuko sat across the table from him and read the note with the box. She smiles. "Irei-kun..." She opened the box and immediately gagged. While she normally wasn't bothered by the scent of blood-- she was a hunter after all-- it was not something her human form really liked. Why the hell would Irei send her a rope that had been soaked in blood? Was it so kind of joke?

Logan peered over curiously but Mitsuko closed up the box before he could look in. "It's nothing," Mitsuko insisted.

She snatched up a pad of paper and pen. She began to write a note. She then tore it from the pad and held it out to Logan. "I need to go out this morning, but I need this note taken to Irei's. Can you take this for me?"

Logan accepted the note. He was going to be heading out that way anyway. He nodded and tucked the note in his jacket.

Mitsuko set the box aside and looked over her brother once again. "...You sure you don't want to talk about that bruise?"

Logan shook his head and went back to his breakfast.

Who: Logan and Kaiya
When: Night-time
Where: Logan's room / Kaiya's room / Land of Nod
What: Dreamwalking is Dreamstalking

Logan's mood was dismal. He wiped the last remnants of paint from his hands as he examined the picture he had just finished. He had been working on it for a week, late at night, when he should had been sleeping.

His sister. His beautiful and seemingly tortured sister. Few seemed to realize the extent of her sadness. Logan did. Perhaps Mitsuko masked it from others. Maybe she felt safe with Logan. Maybe she just didn't notice he was there-- certainly this was true of many people. But the usually bright and happy Kitsune seemed to wilt and dim when in private.

And now she was in the Medical Pavilion. Logan had spent much of the day there, but knew not what was wrong with her. He was told not to worry and that she would be fine. He should just get back home and get some rest.

But rest would not come easily to Logan. It never did. His dreams were haunted, not his own. He was bombarded with the slumbers of the other inhabitants of Elysium. They were quick images. They never made any sense. But they were... Alien. Not his own. Disquieting.

Yet those were just the drifting images of his own rest. He had not intentionally used his dreamwalker powers in weeks. He yearned to. For one specific reason. For one specific person. There was only one he wanted to see now. One who might make him forget his troubled thoughts. One who would make him forget the world around him.

Logan laid down on his bed carefully, his sketchbook by his side. He flipped through the pages to one of the many of the Fae. He placed his hand upon the drawing, smiling softly as he closed his eyes.

Kaiya... He thought clearly as he felt himself drift into dreams not his own. It was late, surely she would be asleep. And what would his beloved fae be dreaming of?

Who: Logan (Narrative)
When: Afternoon
Where: The Cafe, Helicharis
What: Kaiya Stalking

It was a hobby Logan had developed that he wouldn't have told anyone about. Not even Zach, the person he'd somehow managed to open up to. Since he'd arrived in Elysium, since he'd seen her... He wanted to have the chance to see her. Every time he could. He didn't have a lot of friends-- aside from Zach and the Jungs-- so there weren't really people who wanted to see him. Mitsuko had been busy lately, with her many issues. So he was left on his own.

He rather liked being left alone. It was comfortable for him, something he was used to. It also gave him time to do this.

She never saw him. He was always quiet... Far enough away that she wouldn't notice him. But he noticed her. She seemed to be the only thing in the world when he was watching her.

He'd watched her today. Out in the field, picking flowers along with her friend. Faye. He hadn't been close enough to hear what they had been saying today. If he had been, they would have seen him. But he could watch her.

So delicate and sweet, happily picking flowers. It brought a smile to his face to recall the memory.

Now that he was back in Helicharis, at the cafe, with a cup of tea to help combat the cool weather, he began to draw. He could see her perfectly in his head, the memory from that afternoon. His smile grew as with careful strokes of his pencil, he produce the image of Kaiya.

How many pictures had he done of her now? A dozen? Two? So many he had lost track.

He was starting to grow weary of simply following her. He had watched her so much, yet there was still one other thing... One other way he knew to observe her. He had been delaying it, but he knew the time was growing closer. The time when he would have to see more than just her actions during the day. He had to see her at night. He had to see her dreams.

Who: Zach and Logan
When: Afternoon
Where: Logan's Cottage
What: Zach comes to check in on Logan after he hears the news . . .

News had spread about the suspects called in for questioning over that stolen artifact. Zach heard the name of Adrienne's friend, Mitsuko, but he also remembered that Mitsuko was Logan Nagamori's sister. He didn't know whether or not Mitsuko was innocent or guilty, but Zach didn't really care. Nothing struck him as dangerous about Mitsuko. Maybe a little trickster-like, but certainly not dangerous. Even if she did do it, it wasn't for anything more than probably to see whether or not she could pull it off.

Either way, Zach worried about how Logan had taken the questioning. He'd heard that they called him in to ask him questions, too. About what? His sister? Probably something like that. It was his concern over Logan, especially with the recent events the young man had to deal with, that brought him over to Logan and Mitsuko's cottage that afternoon to check up on Logan. He didn't really know Mitsuko, and had it only involved her, Zach wasn't so sure he would've come over to check up on her. He probably would have left it up to Adrienne . . . and Loki, if only Loki was here.

Zach walked up to the front door of the cottage and paused outside. It took a moment before he raised his fist and rapped his knuckles gently against the wood. To be honest, he didn't even know if Logan would be home, but it was worth a try.

Who: Irei and OPEN (Come on! It’s too quiet!)
When: around noon
Where: the Café
What: hanging out at the café, people watching, and trying not get blown away

Irei sat outside the café at a small table drinking some hot tea. The weather had turned chilly from yesterday and Sascha's gloomy mood was bringing him down. Him, the necromancer! Everyday it grew closer to September 11th, Sascha seemed to retreat further and further inward. Irei knew better than to try something like cheering him up. What can you say to a man who lost his family, his happiness, within just one day.

Irei sighed and looked down at his half eaten food. That was also becoming more common lately. Irei normally left food behind on his plate (only to take home in a take out box which always ended with Sascha eating the leftovers).

He hadn’t been interested in sitting around the bungalow with Sascha’s mood hung in the air bringing him down as well. Irei had donned an oversized sweater against wind chill. He hated the cold, but the wind had made his outing a bit more interesting.

Irei had watched people, especially young women, pass by on their way to the food stands, or going shopping in the market place. Irei particularly enjoyed watching the girls who had dared to wear skirts on such a windy day. He observed as the wind pulled the swirls of fabric in just the right way to either plaster it against the back, or front, of their legs, or to lift the skirt up entirely as if in homage to Marilyn Monroe herself.

Irei took a sip from his now lukewarm tea and thought about the previous days’ events.

Who: Logan, Chris and Charlie
Where: Saltwater Lake
When: Afternoon
What: Friends meeting up

Logan was sitting by the edge of the saltwater lake, sketchbook and pencil in hand. He was currently deeply involved with sketching a picture of the Kitsune who had come to see Mitsuko the other day. Shigeru. That had been his name. Logan hadn't known there were other Kitsune in Elysium. That made him a bit nervous. His mother had always said that Kitsune wouldn't like him, would never accepted him. He was a halfbreed and that made their whole family outcasts. She wasn't trying to be cruel. Just be realistic with him. In fact, his drawing of Shigeru was less out of affection and more to have a focus on the Kitsune. Logan wanted to know what the other Kitsune dreamt of.

Logan didn't want to dwell on that right now. He was looking forward to seeing Charlie and Chris. He had seen them a few times since they'd all left the hospital, but they were sporadic and not very long visits. Logan rarely left his house and with the twins living all the way out at the forest cottages... Well, it made it difficult to see them at times.

But they were getting together now. And Logan was grateful to have the chance to see his friends. He was worried. He'd spent yesterday in an interrogation room, being grilled about Mitsuko's whereabouts. He didn't know what was going to happen to her, but she hadn't seemed happy when they got home. He was sure what he had said (or rather, what he wrote) had gotten her in trouble.

Maybe his friends would be able to help him take his mind of such troublesome thoughts. He certainly had way too many of those.

Who: Constance, Dylan, Mitsuko, Logan, Shigeru, Irei, and Elven guards.
When: 12:00 PM
Where: Town Hall
What: The questioning over the stolen elven artifact.

Outside of the grand structure of Town Hall, there seemed to be a perfect silence that had settled upon its grounds. No clatter or clamor echoed from within the building, only a calm quiet permeated the air. The only movement appeared to be a gentle breeze passing through the tall grass and the flowers outlining the fine building. However, the silence was an ominous sort of feeling for those approaching its structure. The question of what to expect within remained ever unclear.

Once a person walked into the main entrance, they were greeted by an array of Elven guards outlining the hallways. One of the guards would approach and inquire of their name and their business in Town Hall. When their name was given and if they were one of the people summoned from the day before, they were asked if they had brought their summons letter. Those who brought theirs were asked to show them; those who did not were known by name as it were by the guards. They were then escorted singularly to one of the four small chambers set aside for the interrogations on this day.

The four interrogation rooms had elven magic cast upon them to render all within the room incapable of performing their natural magic, temporarily "nullifying" their abilities as long as they were in the room. However, this protective measure also worked against those who were the questioners. Of course, attributes like strength remained the same, and so two Elven guards were placed in each room along with the interrogator.

Now, it was time to see what those brought forth would say.

Who: Shige & Mitsuko (and a peek-in from Logan)
Where: Mitsuko & Logan's Cottage
When: First thing in the morning
What: Shige brings flowers & 'Baka Genko' advice

Shige showed up on Mitsuko's doorstep in the early morning, dressed impeccably and attractively for his Kitsune friend. Despite the fact the cut on his lip hadn't healed yet it gave him a rather rakish look since the bruise had faded. He had no intention of letting his drunken night at her place go without some kind of 'appropriate' resolution. He wasn't the sort to drop in on semi-strangers and dump both his problems (and stomach contents) on them.

What he had in his hand wasn't one of the classic long stemmed roses, those were out of reach in the haven much to his dismay, but a cluster of three large orange chrysanthemums. Smiling smugly to himself he raised his hand and knocked on Mitsuko's door.

( Mitsuko appeared around the corner. She was dressed in the clothes she had worn to Emily's party, which were now rumpled and dirty... )

Who: Logan and Marley
Where: Helicharis, near the library
When: Afternoon
What: Mmmm... Chocolate...


For months, eating for Logan was only the basic necessities. It was whatever they could find, eaten as quickly as possible so they could keep moving. Taste wasn't something that was worried about. It was just a matter of survival.

Now, here in Elysium, he was spoiled for things to enjoy. Everyone seemed willing to share things, because nothing cost any money.

Logan still wasn't used to it. He didn't know if he would ever be used to it. It was all... Overwhelming.

What Logan had missed the most during his journey was chocolate. Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.

As it turned out, his sister shared his sweet tooth. She kept a good supply of chocolate in the house. Logan had snuck a bag of colorful, candy-coated chocolates into his backpack when he went out. They were like M&Ms, but not quite.... M&Ms, after all, didn't exist any more. But they were close. Close enough for Logan.

Logan had found a quiet place near the library. He reached into his bag and took out the chocolates. He took his time, opening the bag and inhaling the scent. It had been far too long since he had just enjoyed the scent of chocolate.

He took one of the colorful confections and placed it on his tongue. He closed his eyes and savored the rich taste as it melted on his tongue. He licked his lips, trying to make the taste last. Oh, he had a whole bag of candy, but one thing the last few months had taught him was he needed to cherish ever moment like this.

Who: Emily, Echo, and OPEN to party guests!
Where: by the Plancks' forest cottage
When: sundown
What: Surprise birthday party! I'll have Emily arrive after a few comments from other people.

Echo awoke earlier than usual Saturday morning, not surprisingly because she had much to do before the party in the evening. She dressed quickly and hoped that her mom hadn't started making breakfast yet. On her birthday, she wasn't allowed - ever since she was four, Echo insisted on making Emily breakfast in bed. Her meals improved over the years, thankfully. She reached the kitchen and found it empty, which was good. She set to work cooking pancakes, her mom's favorite breakfast in the entire world, and almost three-quarters of an hour later, she was finished.

Placing the plate of pancakes and a glass of juice on a tray, Echo carried it to Emily's room and opened the door. The movement stirred her mother, who sat up in bed. "Happy birthday to you," Echo started to sing as she neared the bed. "...happy birthday, dear Mom, happy birthday to you!" She grinned and gave Emily the tray, squeezing her shoulders in a hug.

( ''Oh Echo, thank you,'' said Emily... )

Making the excuse to leave was easier than Echo had expected, as was getting Emily to agree to come back to the cottage at sundown. She hurried back and went to her room to retrieve the party decorations. The baker soon arrived with the cake, so Echo set up a couple of tables for it to rest and brought out the rest of the refreshments. She draped streamers over various tree branches and positioned the tiki torches so that there was enough light. The sun neared the horizon now, and Echo changed just before the musicians arrived. She adored her yellow dress that Kazuki made her yesterday (and she immediately invited her to the party). Revealing, cute and definitely mature.

Excellent. Now all she had to do was hope that the guests came to the forest cottage before her mom returned. Time to get the party started!

Who: Malcolm, Idehr, Logan and Maddy
When: midday Tuesday?
Where: Helicharis & around it
What: Pegasus riding, hopefully!

Once they received the clothes from Emily (and Idehr could say that he met her now), Maddy dressed in Malcolm and Ide's cottage before they headed to Helicharis to pick up Logan. They had to see if Logan wanted to come along to see the pegasi first, but Ide had no idea how it was possible not to refuse a request like that, more so if Maddy was making it. Now that she'd started to settle in their cottage, he could already see how decisive she was. As they walked, for instance, she had to be in the middle so one of them didn't feel lonely and she wanted to know the names of as many flora as possible. Ide didn't know the actual names of nearly all of them so he left that bit to Malcolm, but he was responsible for pointing out to her which plants were happy and to tell them hello for her.

"Do plants remember you?" Maddy wanted to know. "They don't have brains so it'd be strange if they did." This question was important to her and she gazed at Ide with large, curious eyes. She never met an orc before now and she wanted to know all about Ide and what he could do. It fascinated her that he was green and had tusks (which she'd only seen late at night, when he tucked her in bed). He was tall and strong, but really gentle.

Ide had never wondered about that; he only paid attention to plants when he was gardening and made sure that they were satisfied then. He preferred talking to animals, truth be told. "I don't think they remember me. They like anyone who doesn't hurt them," he said with a shrug. "You know, trees actually like being hugged." He shot a grin at Malcolm. "Don't let that slip, though, because we don't want to see everyone hugging every tree they meet now. The trees don't need bigger egos than they already have. I make the air you breathe, I provide fruit, ungrateful moving thing, they say to me. That tree over there - " Ide pointed to a somewhat large tree, "- thinks you'd make a cute tree, Malcolm. He's not interested in seeding with you!" he called, jokingly.

( ''Trees also have slang. It's awful.'' )