Silvanost - Holiday Cheer

21 thru 30 Frostkolt 348 AC

The end of year celebration takes place over the course of several days, starting on the evening of the Winter Solstice and running through the end of the calendar year. Gifts are exchanged between family and friends, music - some lively and modern, other tunes obviously traditional with roots in religious hymns, abounds. The scent of sage hangs heavily in the air as the herb to drive off negativity and open pathways for positive energy to enter.

There are races in the street for children (and adults). Snow and ice carving take center stage on the third and fourth days of the celebration.

Cedron observes the elves' festivities, and a spark of curiosity flickers in the human. He decides to go explore the mid winter celebration first hand. Using Akivasha's blindfold to alter his features and commanding his chain shirt to take on the appearance of the local garb, the minstrel-priest makes his way casually into the streets to immerse himself in the city and local culture. He joins in the revelry, making an effort to blend in. He buys gifts to exchange with random townsfolk. He studies the songs and joins their dances. Cedron makes every effort to engage and absorb the elven culture, not as a human, but as an elf, as one of the community.

Romulus largely spends his time trying different foods at the various eateries, stalls, and stands. Smoked meats and cheeses, nuts, pastries, spreads and breads, buttered rolls, fish and fowl, and a wide variety of meads, wines, and ales make up a large portion of his days during the festivities.

Ra’ziir will quietly observe some of the revelry during the evening. He sips some warm mulled wine and he is briefly reminded of his youth in Evereska.

Arthur asks Lady Agnes, "Would you care to join me in the Midwinter festivities?"

The silver-haired woman smiles, "That would please me greatly, noble sir."

Over the course of several evenings spent dancing and taking in the sights, Ag'nesallynn slowly reveals small details about her background. For instance, on her island, Midwintwer is not celebrated so this is her first time taking in the dual holidays of Yule and the New Year.

Shadow will take Cassidy on some boat studies and try to keep boat from catching fire too. Then, in the evenings, he strolls through the taverns taking in the local preparations for the celebrations. His pub crawl carries him across the city in search of food and warm company, both of which he finds in abundance. Throughout all of it though, he finds himself assessing the locals and calculating their odds of survival in the event of the war coming here.

Kysek continues to train. Once in a while; he scours the city's perimeter with Bubo. Ornforithalas and Tephysea both invite him to their quiet family observances of the holiday - evenings of quiet music and some simple games to relieve the tension all of them feel growing over the course of the week.

One morning, as Kysek, Shadow, and Cassidy arrive at the Eilra's warehouse for seamanship training, they discover a circle of mushrooms growing out of the snow near the entryway and that Raven is absent. A search of the city and a meeting with Councilor Summerwalker reveals no sign or trace of the elven warrior.