Having been granted authority from the Highlord and his Voices to try and improve upon the Teddy Bear's forest --err, the Bear Forest.. Riagnon will return to the area that he visited with Prince Artur and Marquessa Arcadia(RIP). The three were told that any potential cleansing would take 'immense power,' or 'decades.' Whelp, Riagnon doesn't HAVE immense power. He DOES have time. So, uh.. here's to playing the long game!

Riagnon will introduce himself to local leadership, ingratiate himself where possible, and set into motion a campaign to decrease the unnecessary loss of life -where the forest is concerned- on a long term basis.

"There are just too many large, predatory animals thriving in there," Riagnon will say, "Before we --not you!-- can go in and properly address that, precautions MUST be taken." Unless better alternatives are presented, Riagnon intends to observe the forest, and take action based on if and where large predatory animals come and go from its boundaries. Leaving a few strategic entry points open for continued human use, he'll invest in the construction of naturalistic borders laid out elsewhere along the perimeter to dissuade unassuming innocents from conveniently venturing in, and impeding certain animals from venturing out. (Fallen trees, large boulders, dense thorny-and-thicketing shrubbery, etc.) Buying up breeding stock of big and small game to release into the woods, and yummy-in-your-tummy fish to populate any bodies of water that might be easily accessible from outside the woods, he'll commission the forest be flooded with a wealth of prey as a means of satiating any ..bears.. who might otherwise travel elsewhere for.. a picnic!

Spirits willing, he wants to at least try and achieve this without a significant negative impact on anyone relying upon the forest for their livelihood ...if anyone is actually crazy enough to do that! (Have they considered an alternate career in cautionary sign making? There's a market, now!) And obviously, he'll try to hire locally to set up and sustain the elements of this project.

Sure, this approach is mundane and not magical in nature. Riagnon naively holds out hope that over the course of months or years, these efforts will succeed in undermining some of the malevolence in those woods and assist even the smallest seed of 'sanctuary' to germinate once more.

So, there is this plan to release a plethora of animals into the forest. Well, this got Maeve to thinking. If there is an increase of prey animals being released, then there will need to be a plethora of food for them as well! In order to keep the animals fed, Maeve is going to take two approaches. The first approach is to feed them a diet rich in seeds. This way when they run into the forest, their droppings will not only fertilize the forest floor, but also seed the forest as well! Then, there are other sorts of seeds that easily stick to fur! These creatures will be sprinkled with a variety of fur-clinging seeds that will eventually drop and seed throughout the forest. This is all in hopes to not only seeding the forest with nutrient-rich plants, but also to help beautify the forest as well!

Princess Rawen is going to help out however she can with aiding in organizing where all the prey should be set to go free.

Petal is going to join this project and attempt to help. She will be following Lord Riagnon's lead, will report to him any info she finds and follow any orders from him. She will focus on her skills with plants. She is going to attempt to grow thorny, thick and tall growing plants in a circle like barrier or frame around the area. She will transplate from other places to help with such. If anything starts to seem odd or questionable she will consult with Lord Ria. She also is going to take her white flowers that she grows at the lodge, the special ones and she will attempt to transplate them so they growin a ring around the area. she will watch closely for anything going a amiss and keep communicating.

Bellamy is here to provide worms. Why worms? Well, you see. Bears are predators that hunt prey animals. Most prey animals eat vegetation. Vegetation is grown in soil. And worms? Worms make for excellent fertilizers. Well, really, what they leave behind makes excellent fertilizer. So Bellamy will take a clew of her best, most beloved Red Wrigglers.

(She has named each and every one of them. It's somewhat hard to tell them apart when they're all wriggling together but they all do, in fact, have names. Sir Baywormther is the oldest and most dashing of the worms, he managed to somehow get a scar across his, erh, head? Princess Wormrain is the youngest but the fattest. She's spoilt. Then there's Duke Worment who once nosed up to a bumble bee that landed on the compost pile. Lastly there's Inquisitor Wormka who is, well, surly to the say the least.)

So she will take the clew of her red wrigglers and she will take them up to the Bear Forest. There she will, with an escort to keep her from getting eaten, place them in strategic places around the perimeter of the forces. In places where Petal will be planting flowers and thorny plants, Bellamy will provide red wrigglers and their composted, erh, byproducts to help fertilize that soil.

The clew will be split up and released into the wild (good bye Sir Baywormer!, goodbye Prince Wormson! ... So sad) to help with soil quality in the hopes that they will provide clean, purified soil for vegetation to grow out of, to feed prey animals, to feed predators.

You are what you eat, after all!

Kastelon does his part to catch live game for the sanctuary, using his Keaton huntsman wood-wiles. He coordinates with Maeve to ensure these live game are stocked with seeds in their guts and their fur before being released.

Thrond is going to help with Riagnons efforts acting as a wildnerness expert and guide, he's going to track the animals and highlight paths the animals use, territories of predetors and how best to corral the wild creatures and create a good working buffer between people wandering through and any harmful creatures who might dwell there.

Rhea, knowing in her heart of hearts that she is Riagnon's TRUE favorite sister, has promised her brother nothing less than an EXPERT ARTIST contributing PROFESSIONAL, QUALITY signs. Specifically, CAUTIONARY SIGNS. There's a market for that, you know! Very lucrative! She will personally work VERY HARD on the design with the artist. Because really, Riagnon deserves nothing less than the best. The signs will also boast ADDITIONAL SECURITY FEATURES, like sloped roofs to keep the elements from damaging them and thin wire cages to dissuade wildlife from chewing on them without obscuring the message.

A delightful bear painted with a dapper hat will advise passerbys of the estimated danger level at six different times of day, while also reminding them unauthorized campers, hunters, arsonists, etc may be subjected to fines.

Rhea herself will make sure people in the Northlands know how House Redrain appointed the Sword of Aviaron's Peak as steward of the forest and just how VITAL his work is (without mentioning monster bears). She'll tell the shamans that it could be an important site for the spirits in the future! She'll tell the priests about how House Acheron honors Petrichor's teachings! She'll tell the Peerage about future economic benefits! And why, she'll tell the commoners that MAYBE ONE DAY, they could have a teddy bear picnic without being mauled to death (but really that's a long time off, please don't go there right now).

A year of planting and working on this actually does help. The amount of suspicious disappearances has dropped at least by... an anecdotal percent since no one really knows, but most people claim it's safer! The perimeter does help, and draws some loud complaints by random hunters annoyed at the trivial inconvenience who do their level best to convince Riagnon that it would be in everyone's best interest if they are eaten, but ultimately it is for their own good and it does seem to work. Ish? It's kind of hard to tell.

Petal would like to do her yearly spring/summer planting at the lodge. She would would like to tend to the orchards, veggie garden, flower garden and lily garden. These are all coded rooms I made at the lodge with ascii plants. She would like to add a rose garden to his years planting. She would to focus on food that produces food with the hopes that they can help feed those who work on the lodge and their families during the food crisis. Extras will be taken to the soup kitchen in the lower boroughs.

Petal would also like to grow her special white flowers and she wants to circle the lodge with them with the hope that such might help keep the lodge from being invaded by abyss creatures. These are the flowers she grows that at times can repell/explode the abyss. She doesn't know well it work, but figures it is worth a try.

Petal always makes the Lodge beautiful in the spring. She spends some of her blood to make it safe, too, growing her special white flowers, and placing the plants in a protective circle. The garden gives bountifully of vegetables, and she has plenty enough to give of her excess. The new rose garden will take some time to come into its bright own, but she has every reason to be hopeful of its maturity. The plants are healthy and well-spaced. The Lodge grounds are so wonderful to walk through. She feels at peace.

The Battle of Pieros is like a giant rock that's been hurled into the already not very placid pond of Arvum. First it was just -- "just" -- several thousand freed slaves, most of them scandalously of Arvani origins. Now it's unprecedented waves of Eurusi refugees fleeing their native shores for ones that they hope will be friendlier. Rukhnis's experiences have given her a deeply empathetic understanding of the plight faced by both these groups, and she's particularly sensitive to the challenges that a lot of unwelcome foreigners are likely to face upon their arrival. At the same time, she knows just how badly the duchy of Stormwall is in need of more people to carry out the work of the domain and secure what may be a very precarious foothold upon the always dangerously shifting ground of Arvum's current events. The Crovane Minister of Medicine is determined to address both these problems by bringing these refugees into the fealty as peasants, miners, tradesmen, men-at-arms -- whatever best suits their skills and interests while giving the duchy what it needs.

House Crovane, as a matter of fact, is uniquely positioned to take advantage of an influx of ex-slaves and Eurusi refugees. It's already welcomed a number of Eurusi into the domain, not least among them Rukhnis herself, and as a result the people of the duchy are probably a little less likely to fear the people of the Dune Kingdoms -- or to straight up view them as evil incarnate. Rukhnis is also bound to seem like a more familiar and reassuring face to these latest Eurusi arriving friendless upon Arvani shores, besides being able to communicate with them effortlessly in their native tongue. And then there's Lady Mikani, herself a former thrall, Duke Kaldur who hails from a family liberated from bondage only a few generations ago, and all the various other members and friends of the family with their love of freedom and independence, all of them together in possession of a wide range of skills that Rukhnis plans to draw upon to help plan out the details of this initiative and make it successful in every way.

For her own part, besides heading up the project Rukhnis will use her diverse connections around Arx, particularly those from her work at the Commons Clinic in the Lowers, to help her make contact with as many freed slaves and Eurusi refugees as she can so that she can meet with them and get a feel for their abilities and disposition while assessing their suitability for resettlement in the duchy. Just as importantly, she'll be working to convince all these whom she deems trustworthy to swear their allegiance to the House and cast in their lot with the Northlands. Rukhnis may not be exactly charming, but she has an air of quiet command and sincere compassion that tend to earn the confidence and trust of others, particularly the most vulnerable and desperate, and she'll be putting these traits to the best possible use to recruit new settlers. She's also willing to use these same skills within the communities where the refugees might be settling, working to smooth over any possible problems before they can even start.

Since she can't do everything by herself, she'll also have the assistance of her trusted physician's apprentice Ayallah and others from the Eurusi shipwreck who came to serve at the Black Hall (Event #3166) to help her speak with the refugees to obtain basic information about their background and skills, arrange medical care, and also to personally vouch for the welcome they themselves have received from the Crovanes. And to serve as a staging area and waystation for refugees preparing to embark for the North, Rukhnis will be opening the doors of her newly-renovated but not yet open for business pub and medicinary, the Stormbird's Roost, for the refugees' use.

Altogether it's an ambitious mission, but one that Rukhnis and the house itself are determined to see succeed.

As the Duchess of Stormwall, Fianna shows her support of this grand effort by offering hands-on assistance as much as possible. She travels alongside Duke Kaldur whenever she can and speaks to refugees alongside Lord Rysen as a top priority to show the refugees that she is invested in their future. She assists Lady Lenne with the paperwork and digging through reports and sending letters to Stormwall's vassals to keep clear lines of communication open. Fianna is outgoing and invested in this project, giving silver and economic resources to fund the endeavor.

Fianna shows up in person to meetings and speaks to refugees that have an interest in Mistress Petal's vast knowledge of agriculture and the land. She offers to help teach animal husbandry and also gives riding lessons to help those refugees that may have an interest in the farming culture of the territory. Working alongside her Minister of Agriculture, Fianna will do her very best to thread her skill for teaching animal ken skills to help sustain a growing population.

Every free moment that Fianna has will be spent on this mission. It is an important endeavor that she takes very seriously and one that she is very passionate about.

For his entire tenure as Duke-consort, Kaldur has been patrolling the roadways of Stormwall, both Great and small, as a Knight of Solace and Duke of the realm, seeing personally to the province's safety and has come to know the land and its people as well as anyone might in this short time. Kaldur supports Rukhnis' message to the Eurusi settlers that his own stock were thralls in generations past, who threw off shackles and made a home on Arvani soil as free men and women. An offer extended likewise to those who will honor Arvani gods, and the spirits of the land and Oaths to Crovane.

An offer extended where Eurusi are known because of Rukhnis' near-miraculous interventions: Twilight Dale. A village that suffered under corrupt leadership, which fell under the sway of practitioner of dark lore who angered the spirits. A village where one Eurusi woman made an unforgettable impact.

Where Rukhnis is not charming, Kaldur is. He is a man of the people, they've likely seen him patrolling, in shining steel on a gold warhorse, sincere and devout and wholly convinced of a path forward for everyone, Northerner and Eurusi alike. He will likewise be working to allay any fears of interlopers by speaking with leaders in villages and towns, seeing that the sentiments against these Eurusi fleeing for their lives (contrasted to the ones coming for blood) don't take root in Stormwall.

Rysen speaks with those Eurusi refugees whom Rukhnis has deemed fit to emigrate into the Duchy of Stormwall. He will take note of their skills and desired vocations, and then travel to Stormwall to meet with tradesfolk, farmers, artisans, sailors, miners and outdoorsmen in order to find the best places for the refugees to settle and join a community.

Rysen also asks those Eurusi who have settled in Stormwall after arriving on the burning ship so many seasons ago, to help aid the newcomers in the transition to a life in the Duchy. Finally, Rysen will seek out a gregarious and charismatic member of the Faith to travel with the refugees and their guards to the Northlands, so that the arriving people might have rudimentary instruction and the most positive possible view of religious tenants and customs.

Mikani had learned to watch the books. It isn't glamorous, it isn't something that usually gets your name in the history books. Yet it is something that makes sure someone doesn't swindle you out of a lot of money. Behind the scenes, Mika does her work in securing materials needed and overlooking finances to make sure that the project lives up to Ruhknis' vision and makes best use of the money the have received for the project. That's what good connections are for, right?

Having seen the troubles that can come from just cramming people into the Lowers, Lenne has set forward all of her savings to be used to secure passage, shelter and supplies for the ex-slaves. More than that, she does what she does best, to assist. Paperwork! (Disclaimer: May or may not be what Lenne does best). She turns her skill for digging through piles of information on current reports on the state of Crovane lands, and sends letters to administrators in the city to gather more information still. She looks for lands owned by the family that may be suitable for farming. For jobs and projects in need of labour or skilled tradesmen. For open lodging and homes that can be bought on the cheap. Anything to ease the transition for the greatest number of the refugees, so they may find a home and employment as quickly as is feasible.

Likewise, that information, and any other tasked for her to gather, will be distributed to others working on the project, to be acted upon, where her own skills are lacking.

While Breidaia is no healer, or great diplomat, she is a seasoned and experienced ship captain. Using her knowledge of sailing, as well as her understanding of the sea, the weather, and the tides. Working to help coordinate, as well as sail the various ships that will be needed to help move the refugees to Stormwall and any other places they will be going to. In addition, she will help with any sort of protection that is needed for the endeavor.

Perhaps even find some refugees that are looking for work as sailors, or would like to join a ships crew and learn to be one.

Petal plans to help with the refuges, largely by tryin gto make sure that they enough food, crops and plants to feed them. She also will help by contributing some of her economic resources to help provide the food and to help provide basic common clothing in wool and basic shoes with common pelt leather soles to help clothe the refuges. She will get the plants in Crovane producing as much as she can. She will take care of any harvested food, storing it to help it last long and she will pay attention to distrubuting food so that Crovane has enough for them and yet still shares with the refuges.

After hearing about how many refugees there are, Rosalind came up with a great idea! After talking to her sister/Countess of course. How about bringing some of them to Stormheart! Not like tons, but some!

Rosalind is quite charming and empathetic to the refugees. She understands what it's like to be the outsider. She will talk to them, giving them all the perks about her home and of course it's Countess. Rosa will tell them about the jobs offered, such as farming, mining, and the mills. Not to mention the new shipyard.

Rhue will be assisting in her capacity as a healer and apothecary. She knows the challenges that will come with an enormous influx of freed slaves and refugees and is eager to help. Her main focus will be on the health of those who arrive, treating illness and malnutrition as well as tending to chronic ailments and any wounds or injuries that may be present. With a solid understanding of healing methodologies as well as a strong dose of empathy, she will exhibit a kind and caring bedside manner.

Rhue also brings her experience as an apothecary, providing knowledge of medicinal plants and herbs. She will find the necessary herbs and ingredients, prepare and serve medicinal teas and salves, and offer consult to those who may require medicinal cures for their ailments.

On the slummy streets of the Lowers, Ras keeps an eye out for Eurusi refugees of all kinds. He has learned a certain Eurusi phrase in order to communicate with them, though in an awkwardly mispronounced manner.

Families who may be struggling to afford the dubious offerings at the Knock, or begging at the Soup Kitchen, will be encouraged to go speak to Rukhnis at the Commons Clinic. Orphans who might have been incorporated into the Tragedy while unable to speak the language or understand Arvani culture will be pointed out to Rukhnis in case she is able to re-connect them with Eurusi relatives or more familiar guardians who would take them on as wards.

Would-be Eurusi criminals, being taken advantage of by gangs or black market rings, will be informed that there might be better options for them in the north - and told to speak to Rukhnis at the Commons Clinic.

Ras will determinedly check for refugees in all the haunts he knows - the warehouses near the river and along the Bay where homeless people often sleep, the cheapest ramshackle tenements with dangerous living conditions, the emptier ships at the dockyards, the most sheltered alleyways and abandoned broken buildings. Bribes in the Lowers aren't extremely expensive, and he devotes his coinpouch where necessary to help refugees get in contact with Rukhnis.

Suffice to say, there might be a lot of Eurusi swamping the Commons Clinic in the following weeks, and not all of them requiring medical aid - just asking after someone they've heard of called 'the bird of storms' who has 'offered them shade'.

The journey to Stormwall from Arx, whether by land or sea, is a long one, and often beset by difficulties. Geralt, let's face it, doesn't exactly have a silvered tongue, or really any social skills much at all. He does have quite a lot of imposing bulk, however, and a decent knowledge of the wilds, so he sets himself to head north for a bit, and keep the roads clear for the impending deluge of refugees, or at least those that don't come by sail, or those who are making their way to holdings further inland, once they make port at Stormwall. Because really, the less direct interaction the boorish mammoth of a man has with these new vassals, likely the better it is for everyone.

Mirk is there as a shaman and representative of the Spirit Walkers, tasked with teachings the refugees about the spiritual beliefs of their new home. He meets with refugees to discuss shamanism, sharing his own beliefs and experiences and comparing them to Eurusi religions as he understands them, highlighting the similarities (such as the Great Mirror and spirits and the land being reflections of one another [Lore Theology 4]) and the differences (taboos against blood sacrifice in all forms).

Then he escorts groups of refugees to sacred places throughout the Stormwall, accompanied by what guards he deems necessary. There, he leads them in small rituals to make offerings to the spirits and give thanks for their blessings, with the goal of making them feel like a part of these beliefs rather than outsiders looking in.

He also reaches out to local shamans to ask for their support, including Lykka and Tookral, who he met at Westwind Point (NPCs from Plot 553). He inquires with them about sacred places, taking care that none of them are too secretive or too dangerous, and attempts to arrange opportunities for those shamans to speak to refugees so that they can get a variety of perspectives, rather than doing everything himself.

Cillian will be there to help train the refuges in self-defence as he is sword of his house and Minster of warfare, he will also teach them the Northland ways, how to keep them selves, warm, how to build shelters and to hunt things of that nature.

It's not easy to pull off adding a great number of culturally distinct new people to a place and avoid clashes, but they pull it off.

Rukhnis as a Eurusi is particularly helpful in easing much of the conflicts, and helping Eurusi choose Stormwall in the first place. Charming or no, a friendly Eurusi is a great comfort to many scared refugees fleeing the war that has come to their home in the Dune Kingdom of Suj'Abbat.

The Duchess of Stormwall's personal meetings with the refugees is extremely reassuring and helps ease the transition, and the personal touch has won her many, many new enthusiastic subjects on her lands.

Rysen's charm in particular is decisive- as a member of the Faith, his outreach convinces the Eurusi they won't see persecution, and helps convince the Crovane subjects living in Stormwall that the Eurusi are no threat. Even when the Eurusi bring their own religion with them from Suj'Abbat, creating a few small makeshift Temples of the Veil, there's little more than some mild unease.

Mikani's life as a thrall is a great assurance to those who spent life as a slave, and wins a number of the Saffron chain refugees. Truthfully, some of the handful of growing pains have been between former slaves from the Saffron and refugees from Eurusi, who some of the former slaves equate with slavers.

Lenne's large investment in silver and paperwork is an enormous help, particularly since making certain that someone counts as sworn to House Crovane matters a great deal to the Compact- without it, they are merely shavs, so she sees to it that they are properly accounted for and have help in finding jobs.

Transportation is certainly not easy, but Breidaia has that covered. Most were moved before the Whirlpool formed in Arx's harbor, but even afterwards Breidaia is able to arrange for pickups north along the beaches in the Crownlands. Difficult but she manages.

Petal, Rosalind, Ras, Geralt, and Rhue see the needs of the refugees- they need to be fed, taken care of, guarded, and healed for the injured. Ras doesn't find anything out of the ordinary initially, except for odd rumors overheard from some of the Priestesses of the Veil among the Eurusi refugees.

Mirk and Cillian teach refugees the way of the North. Most of the Eurusi are willing to learn, though some of the refugees came not from modest beginnings at all, and some are even nobles fleeing their cities. Shamanistic traditions to many strike them as a bit barbaric, but they are civil enough while listening. Some Suj'Abbati even abandon the Church of the Veil. Well. They say they do. Lying is a cultural touchstone, so it's a little unclear if they mean it.

Since winter, the Stone Grove has been withered, the plants crumbling, the spirits themselves quiet and filled with pain. Now, Spring has arrived, and it's time for the Spirit Walkers to begin their restoration of the Grove. As the one who lead the ritual that inadvertently poisoned their sacred space, Mirk will be leading their efforts to heal what still remains.

Their rituals begin with a transplant of a healthy plant into the Stone Grove as an offering to the spirits. After months of cultivating each one and preparing them for transplant, it's a symbol of their devotion, one that might help breathe new life into the Grove.

For his part, Mirk aims to plant a seed from Cybele and Bashira's tree, in hopes of drawing on that special connection he has to that particular tree (See: Action 3194).

That's only the beginning, however, as Mirk leads the Spirit Walkers in calls to the spirits of the forest, begging for their presence and their aid. Perhaps this will persuade the spirits to heal the Stone Grove, or perhaps there will be an additional price to be paid for purification. He takes pains to warn each Spirit Walker privately about that possibility.

There are volunteers from outside their ranks, who do not participate in their rituals, but instead collect offerings for the Spirit Walkers and assist in the mundane aspects of tending to the land.

A special invitation is extended to the Faith, and the Disciples of Petrichor in particular, for a grove is a sacred space to Petrichor as well: The Faithful are offered space to conduct their own prayers as a gesture of respect. Mirk is careful to maintain an appearance of separation between the rituals of the Spirit Walkers and the prayers of the Faith, so that no one might accuse them of mixing the religions together.

In the end, the three groups shake out as follows:
Spirit Walkers: Mirk, Drea, Khanne, Danvir, Kaldur, Jyri, Acantha, Vano, Leonaess, Mikani.
Faith of the Pantheon: Sina, Brigida, Aiden, Sophie.
Invited Guests: Vincenzo, Petal, Darren, Cillian, Fianna.

Drea is holding rituals at the Grove. To her, it's not just about the Spirit Walkers and Shamanism, the Grove is sacred to Petrichor as well. She holds a big event that is open to all where they rededicate the grove, anoint and rededicate the altar, and offerings are made from those who attend. Rope is strung in the trees and participants hang bells up on that rope to show that they honor the Grove and want continuous evidence of their dedication and desire to help it heal and be made anew. (http://play.arxgame.org/dom/cal/detail/3285/. http://play.arxgame.org/dom/cal/detail/3267/)

Khanne has been contributing towards the recovery of the Stone Grove since she discovered it was withered. She leaves offerings to the Spirits, prays to Petrichor and Mangata, and talks to the stones. She assisted with plantings, and even gathered the Spirit Walkers to plant a Remembrance tree for Cybele and Bashira there that she hopes will grow tall for many years with branches that will stretch wide.

She knows it is not jsut about planting. It is about the Spirits. It is about the Gods... She knows the tales of the origin of the Stone Grove, and that... for her... is her point of reference in what she can do to help restore it once more. She does most of her offerings and prayings before one particular pillar, the one that was broken years ago, one that she helped repair then.

This space is sacred to her in many, many ways. She will see it recovered, and will not stop trying until it is.

Will plant 2 blueberry bushes in a spot behind the far benches in full sunlight. Will spend working the soil ensuring that it is fertilized and ready for the planting when the time comes for the planting he will join the others in planting.

Kaldur makes a trip to Pearlspire to go diving with the spirit he's linked to seeking pearls in a bed that's important to his people. A place important for centuries, possibly millennia, streching back perhaps as far as to the time of the Old Gods themselves. He dives, and swims, and surfaces with oysters from the craggy beds, returning to shore when he's exhausted. He brings these treasures from the ocean back to the Stone Grove.

Jyri will get his hands dirty and clear away dead plants, preparing for the replanting of the new. Having spent a fair deal up north around Hawkhold due to his ties with the Whitehawks, he's brought back some plants from there that grow wild; blue anemones that only blossom in spring normally. A yellow flower that starts to blossom shortly after the anemones. A purple flower that blossoms after that. A white flower that starts to grow beginning of summer. All wild flowers that grow in the meadows around Hawkhold, planted in a any patch he'll be given to do so. For every planting he will also give thanks to the spirits of the Forest for their bounty and to the Stone Grove spirits, for their sacrifice.

With Petal's assistance on selecting the best saplings and with Merek's direct help on where to plant to align with marking seasons change, Vincenzo transplants twelve trees to help encircle the stone grove. At each of the saplings, Vincenzo has paid for the best stonemasons to craft a small stone plinth with offerings of food, drink and clothing to any and all that might stop by the particular tree. But his main work is the ballad that he has composed which he plays on his harp, and he sings it for thirteen days and nights at each of the saplings. It combines his deep love of the Faith along with those who follow the Spirit Walkers and braids their stories and meanings together. His membership with the Crafters Guild, and his daily close proximity with the highest of nobles due to his craft, he is pouring a significant amount of his own social and economic resources into this action (1,500 economic and 2,000 social) to show that Jayus can inspire great things and through creation, we can connect closer to the gods (or spirits, as the case may be).

The Ballad of Nature's Prayer, for harp and voice.
Mountains reign majestic, their diamond summits gleam pale.
The wind sings with the wolves, dear pilgrim listen.
Their bones rest deep in the world, the sky scrapes on their crowns.
Petrichor's strength lays in them, dear pilgrim listen.

Dark forests stretch, like blankets they roll.
Their arms uplifted in prayer, dear pilgrim listen.
Their treasures and help they give, to any and all.
Petrichor's friends do speak, dear pilgrim listen.

Old Ashtalon, teach us to be resilient.
While the storms come and go, may we be flexible.

Beechspur, teach us tolerance.
While words like axes bite, may we not lash out.

Birchleaf, teach us to seek truth.
As darkness of ignorance falls, may we shine so bright.

Cedartooth, teach us to find inner peace.
As our days grow so chaotic and busy, may we find our thoughts cleansed.

Cherryblossom, teach us compassion.
As the seasons come and go, may our prosperity be shared.

Old Elmbeard, teach us to be wise.
While suffering comes and go, may all scars fade in time.

Hollysprig, teach us to overcome anger.
To friend and foe alike, may we always protect.

Mapletwig, teach us your generosity.
Be great or small, may we quick to give.

Old Oakheart, teach us to have courage.
While challenges may arise, may our conviction be strong.

Old Pineskin, teach us harmony.
To our enemies of all kind, may war be temporary.

Cleverwalnut, to us bring focus.
As we are pulled so many ways, may our work be fruitful.

Willowhusk, to us give an open mind.
Whether Faith or Spirit Walk, we are all Skald's children!

Petrichor, Petrichor. May we remember your words.
While dominion is ours, may we do so responsibly.
We pray for your help, and we thank you this day.
To you and your friends, we pilgrims humbly listen.

When the time comes to assist with healing the Stone Grove, Sina follows through on her promise to Mirk, and comes prepared to offer up prayers to Petrichor, as well as the other gods of the triad of creation - Lagoma and Mangata. She will bring offerings with her - a vial of water blessed before Mangata's great statue on the beach, thirteen plants of different varieties to plant after the withered growth has been cleared, and a small painting on a cut-out circle of fine vellum along with a small brazier lit with Lagoma's eternal flame. The painting is a depiction of the change of season from winter to spring with a lovely border of leaves and vines. On the left half of the painting, there are delicately-painted winter trees with bare branches and scrubby and leafless plants among snow drifts, with a pale sky of lavendery pink and gold as if at dawn or sunset. Lush green growth, trees and flowers and plants with animals frolicking among them decorate the right half of the painting.

She will kneel within the grove in an area set aside for the Godsworn to do their prayers, separate from the shaman present, and pray, slipping into that meditative state she's come to learn. Once she has prayed over each plant, she will plant them with her own two hands. Then she will pray:

"Petrichor, lord of the forest, the deep woods, and of growing things - your stewards come before you to ask for your blessing and your grace upon this withered grove. Aid us as we seek to drive away this blight, and restore the peace and sanctity of this place. Let your blessing infuse the land to sactify it once more, and heal the plants and trees here from within, to restore their glory.

Next, she will uncork the vial of holy water, and scatter droplets of it upon the ground. She'll slip deeper into meditation, and attempt to find that place within herself that weeps for the wound created here. She will add her own tears to the mix, along with the holy water. She will pray:

"Mangata, blessed of the Air and Waves, we call upon your grace to bless this grove, for life springs from you in the very air we breathe. Let your cleansing rains wash away the pain, and the sorrow, and the blight within this place. Let your nourishing waters bless this land, sustain it, and renew the life which springs from it."

Finally, she will roll up the tiny painting she created with her own hands and skill and burns it in a small brazier that she will bring with her which was lit with a spark from Lagoma's eternal flame. She will pray:

"Lagoma, Lady of Change, Goddess of seasons and the healing of wounds - we ask your blessing upon this grove, that the land may once again be healed. Let this offering be a symbol of the passage of seasons, winter to spring. So too, we pray, may this withering be healed, and new life come forth within this place."

Once she has finished with her prayers, Sina will linger in silent meditation for a time. She'll help with planting, clearing away the old and withered things, and offering her quiet support to her shaman friends. She will be very careful, however, to only call upon the Gods of the Pantheon, though she will show respect for the traditions of the Spirit Walkers, and those who hold this place sacred.

Sword Cillian Weatherwood married Petal Penrose in the grove in hopes in a offering to the spirits in hopes that they will come back and help grow the grove once more. It is a special place for him and he feels a deeo connection to it. He also attended the Ritual a few hours before hand giving a offering to the spirits, he continues to return to the grove daily to offer in hopes that it will help.

Petal will attend this attempt to help the grove. She will use her knowledge of plants to help with the plants in the grove, checking their health and well being. She was married to Cillian at the grove of which was part of the healing ritual of the grove. She will offer her own prayers as well.

Darren is more than pleased to take part in the cleansing of the Stone Grove. He provides the resources and manpower to bolster the efforts of the Spirit Walkers along with his own personal attendance.

Acantha is going to help with this by transplanting the pumpkins and the carrot garden that she was dealing with over the months in the Spirit Walkers Hall. She's been stopping in once a day and tending to things at the grove. She's been going daily at dawn along with Lord Vano. They have been making small offerings to the spirits together. She will be assisting in the rituals when it comes around to it as well.

Vano will nurse some of Riva's local flowers, the fairyslipper, to transplant into the grove where it can get good sunlight and plenty of water. As he already intends to visit the Grove every morning with Acantha, he wil spend extra effort to make sure they have sufficent water and tended soil. Additionally he will be participating in the dedication rituals when it comes down to calling on the spirits.

Archlector Brigida of Petrichor is joining in the Healing the Stone Grove. She'll be making sure that the separation between the rituals of the Spirit Walkers and the prayers of the Faith is properly maintained and will be giving making sure none of the Faith stray over too far beyond respecting and acknowledging the Spirits. There will be no mixing the religions together on her watch. Kind reminders will be backed up by her sharp tongue and the thwack of her staff if necessary.

But of course no one will be foolish enough for that right?

Brigida will be leading prayers to Petrichor during this, maintaining a presence throughout in the section put aside for the Faithful. She will take steps back to allow others to do their songs, chants and prayers during this time but ensue that there is, at the least, constant worship to Petrichor during this time.

Her own personal contribution to the proceedings will be the planting of 13 Golden Yellow Roses from Tor. These roses of course will still have thorns attached.

Once upon a time, Aiden was part of the Observers and the Courts of Arx. While he is no longer a part of either, he is still affiliated with the scholars and the Society of Explorers. Why is that relevant? Because the necessary skills and habits have been taught to the man, specifically the ability to make detailed accountings of what he experiences and observes. He has written books before, so it is not an uncharacteristic thing for him to do, during this ritual, to capture the essence of it as it transpires. Truth, to his eyes, will be documented on the pages that Arvum is lucky enough to have to properly praise Vellichor. It is on blank pages he will write, almost without looking down at the pages themselves, as his eyes turn from person to person, capturing in whimsical detail the personal touches each has to offer the ritual. He acts today as the Scholar that will preserve these memories of this day into text for all time, keeping it safe from entities that would otherwise attempt to cloud the aspects of his writing with deceptions.

Baron Archibald Chirpingtong, his loyal adviser, no really, it's quite possible the Gyrfalcon has such a standing now, is roosting near too Aiden, be it on a perch he has brought for the Baron or simply upon the branches of a nearby tree. Oddly enough, some of the words Aiden writes into documentation will carry a distinctive ... or unique, perspective - quite possibly something that humans just couldn't or wouldn't comprehend. At some point, Aiden will walk over to the Baron and the Baron will offer a plucked feather. Taking the feather in hand, Aiden will settle it before the seedling dedicated to Cybele, murmuring, "May you guide us once again." Then he goes on to make a quiet prayer to Petrichor, before retaining the pen of Vellichor to ensure he doesn't miss a single detail of how everyone is contributing - the music in the background, that harp, soothing to write alongside with.

The support of the Faith is given, at least by the Mother Mercy, Sophie Valardin and the Mercies. Sophie has procured thirteen fire lily (Clivia miniata) bulbs, and on the day of the ritual she gathers 12 of her most trusted senior Mercies, and they have formed a circle around the area containing the blight. Holes have been dug and prepared, and when the time comes they all kneel in tandem, bowing their heads in a prayer that's whispered in unison.

Our Lady of Change
Transformation and restoration are your domain.
Patron of Farmers
The land and the plants that restore us are your domain.
We beseech you both to restore this land, just as you restore the lost to the Faith
We ask that you bless the plants and flowers that grow in this holy space.
We ask that Lagoma's holy cleansing fire remove the blight from this land,
Leaving healthy plants behind.
We ask that Petrichor smiles upon the grove, that it might flourish.
We ask that the healing herbs that grow here heal wounds of the body and the spirit.
That your children might better serve you and the entire Pantheon.

Once the prayers are given the Mercies plant the bulbs, covering them with dirt.

The Stone Grove was a place new to herself but it's pain was felt with a keen sense of disruption, brows furrowing as she walked about the sickened space with an ear open to what whispers or thoughts might be gleaned from flora and fauna. Leonaess supplies two sprouted plants that had been cultivated lovingly in colorful pots, it was Anise and Lavender that would be her offering. All the while would she sing and hum, the rich soil she used in the pots used in setting the plants in their new beds where she surrounded the dark recently patted soil with seashells she had picked from the shore and glittering bits of colorful quartz. Accustomed to camping out, she'd spend a day or two in an attempt to connect with the area.

As often as she is able to, Fianna visits the Stone Grove to make her offerings and connect with the sacred space through controlled breathing and meditation. She does her best to quiet her thoughts and focus on connecting with the spirit realm and to one spirit in particular for answers and guidance (See: Action 2340) regarding the matter at hand: the cleansing and renewal of the Stone Grove. When she's not in quiet contemplation, Fianna is planting and tending to the Edelweiss flowers that she brought as seeds from the lands of her beloved Stormwall. She makes sure that her gratitude is conveyed clearly to the spirits before leaving the Stone Grove every day that she can visit.

Mika is glad to help with the cleansing of the Stone Grove. It was a place of peace and solace after her Cousin Bashira died. So Mikani brought a fireberry bush from Cedar Vale to be planted. She hoped that the bush would thrive. It wasn't that she knew much about plants but she said a soft memory of Bashira before leaving the plant at the Grove.

There's something different about the Stone Grove. Something has changed, and recently. But even so, the blight remains and so a determined group heads to the Grove to do what they casn to fix it. Sophie, Brigida, Aiden, and Sina work together on behalf of the Faith of the Pantheon. The Stone Grove is, after all, sacred to them too. Sophie and twelve of her senior mercies form a circle around the area containing the blight, and on the day they all are working, they do their best to beseech Lagoma and Petrichor to heal the land, murmuring their prayer in unison as they plant thirteen fire lily bulbs in a circle around the blight.

As the Mother Mercy plants bulbs, Archlector Brigida leads a prayer to Petrichor, praying for his help. Archscholar Sina leads a prayer to the Traid of Creation. All involved focus on healing, on rejuvenation, on cleansing the Blight that infects the Stone Grove.

Meanwhile, Aiden watches carefully, recording and protecting what they do there. At one point, he moves over to take a feather offered by Baron Archibald Chirpington, but as soon as he takes it, the Gyrefalcon takes wing with a screech, and circles the grove thirteen times.

Others come to help too - shaman and non-shaman alike, who feel strongly about the Stone Grove and its place in their history. Mikani brings a fireberry bush from Cedar Vale. Fianna makes her offerings and tries to connect to the spirits of the Stone Grove, and tending the Edelweiss flowers brought as seeds from Stormwall. Vano and Acasntha transplant things mundane and fanciful - pumpkins and carrots and fairyslippers to grow, tending the flowers as they are transplanted. Darren oversees it all, watching and helping where he can, unafraid to roll up his sleeves and do a little planting of his own. That he also supplied resources and help is just what he does as High Lord - but it means something that he would be here to help them.

Petal uses her knowledge of plants and helps coax the Grove back to health, with Cillian at her side every day. He too offers his knowledge and his assistance - and both Petal and Cillian are particularly helpful when Vincenzo starts selecting saplings and planting trees. He has paid for stonemasons to craft a small stone plinth, but the main work is the ballad he sings and plays on his harp. He plays it next to each of the saplings, and it is truly a beautiful thing. Indeed, it seems for a moment that the trees themselves start to sway when he gets to the verse about their particular type of tree.

But perhaps that's just wishful thinking.

Or is it?

The shaman perform their rituals and rites, asking the spirits to help revitalize the Grove. Drea organizes the stringing up of bells and chimes that ring pleasantly with a gentle breeze. Seeds are planted for special plants. Healthy plants. A seed from Cybele and Bashira's tree. Please, they entreat the spirits, help heal the Grove. They are willing to take a geas if they must, but will the spirits help or is the Stone Grove doomed to be Blighted forever?

Danvir plants blueberry bushes. Kaldur brings water from time spent communing with Bluewave. Jyri clears out the dead growth. Leonaess adds two sprouted plants - anise and lavender - to add to the Grove.

In the end, when they step back and look - the dead growth is cleared. New plants are everywhere - some simple plants, food plants. Others are flowers. Some from far away, some from nearby. Some common. Some less so. But with their efforts, there is no evidence of Blight - not any more. No, this Stone Grove is a green, growing place - will it stay that way?

And then the place where the seed from the tree where Cybele and Bashira died shimmers suddenly. And slowly, cautiously, a small sapling sprouts - too fast for it to be natural, it breaks the soil and grows. Six, seven inches high, with one little branch as they all watch in awe - and then ever so slowly it unfurls a single green, unblighted leaf.

It seems at last that they have succeeded, and the Stone Grove is cleansed once more.

This is a project a long time in the making, ever since before Quenia first started working on improving the Igniseri lands. She queried her family, and other friends, for ideas of what to include as part of the progression of improvement, and one of the things suggested was to include something on the Path of Pilgrims, and thus the idea of an agricultural center was born. This center is to be built just outside of Granato itself, on a stretch of land cleared specifically for this purpose. It will be built using the finest materials, made to withstand the ages, as well as be dedicated to the Triad of Creation - Petrichor, Mangata, and Lagoma. There will also be a small building attached to the side, for use by the Scholars of Vellichor, for writing up any agricultural research findings they might discover. The inclusion of the agricultural center on the Path of Pilgrims was cleared by Legate Ailith, of the Faith.

Quenia has made efforts to reach out to the Faith, House Rubino-Zaffria, House Velenosa, the Lodge of Petrichor, the Mercies of Lagoma, members of the Crafters Guild, the Whisper House, and the Scholars of Vellichor to help with this project.

Jyri's task in this endeavour, which he looks upon as a chance for his cared for refugees to get those jobs that Quenia has worked hard on earlier to ensure, is to be the leader he is good at. As a former Abandoned, and with many of the refugees now being new prodigals, he'll help lead this group of workers to be efficient, but also to ensure they acclimate to the new conditions - but also to be their voice during everything, as the Goodwill Ambassador of ARRG.

Teireno is helping with recruitment towards the project and spreading word about it. He's helping to bring on board people who will help out in various ways, from construction to promoting.

Samuele has been working on mustering up his MIlitary contacts including members of his own guard staff along with other able bodied men to provide protection for the construction sight as well as manual labor for the project handled by Quenia. He makes an effort to assist Miranda.

As Voice of Rubino-Zaffria, Miranda will add resources to the efforts of their most loyal vassal, House Igniseri. As such, RZ will be providing 600 social writs, 600 economic writs, and 300 military writs towards this endeavor. In addition, if there is any security needs, Miranda, as commander of the Gyrfalcon Infantry of Gemecitta, will gladly coordinate with Igniseri's military to make sure those involved in this project will be as safe as possible. Working closely with Quenia, Miranda will be the eyes and ears for Rubino-Zaffria and thus be able to let the Duchesses know of the progress and any additional needs that Igniseri may need. This project coincides with a project not yet in the works, still in the planning stages, of Rubino-Zaffria: to expand their own lands by creating more farmlands. This project will, in the future, assist in their own endeavors making both Houses better for it.

Videl is active by organizing various events to raise funds for the center, parties and lotteries among other things, trying to excite people to bring in the resources needed to make this center the best it can be.

Swaying public opinion, exciting the masses, building the mystery.. this is something Juliana is good at. Trough social engagement or casual meetin; speak in the correct ear and the word goes out a thousand times more. Juliana may be Igniseri but she was born Pravus and this is something she excels at.

Archlector Brigida is here here to make sure that the dedications go ahead properly and that the Gods of the Triad of Creation get their respects given properly. She'll lead prayers and meditations on the nature of the work they are doing, focusing of course on Petrichor but giving both Lagoma and Magnata a good deal of time and ensuring that the proper prayers are used along with the correct services.

Isobella has no experience in matters agricultural, but as a Voice of the Velenosa, she can certainly share word throughout her socialite circle that agriculture is good and supporting agriculture is better, if they want to keep eating nice things at parties. Especially if they want to keep being invited to said parties.

Olivia is going to help actually get the center planted and good to go. She has quite the connection with plants and will do everything she can to ensure they are doing well, and will flourish for years to come

Duchess Grazia wants to see her vassals thrive, and as such, she'll be talking up the project to various sources. She'd like to see it bring in a wealth of economic opportunity to Granato, and she'll help by making certain that people know about it. She's also interested in the wealth of knowledge this will create for the future.

Petal plans to help with this by helping to tend to the plant in the agricultural center and to choose out the best ones for growing there. She wants to help make sure the land is healthy and well cared. She wants to see the well being of the plants, checking to make sure they are healthy, have the right soil, the right amount of water and so forth.

After prior successes in architectural endeavors, Willow hears of the project at the Lycene clothing raffle and is invited as an architect/engineer. Drawing from prior experience both at the Nightgold Mansion and in a similar project to help increase productivity of food during her diplomatic tour of the Mourning Isles, she volunteers to assist with drawing up blueprints and schematics to assist with construction of the center. In addition, she offers to create sculptures and murals of the Triad of Creation drawing on her well known name as an artist.

Evangeline Whisper lends her support and expertise of contract negotiations to assist with the import of the finest quality materials and labor she can find.

Lottie is looking to assist Willow (and learn from her) in the design element of the structures and art to be placed within the Agricultural Center. She is simply an assistant, though while she is a notable baker she is also competent in design work. After all, everything starts with a picture. In combination with her work she prays, ever a heart of faith, for guidance to help bring glory to the gods featured on the site.

The act of raising the food through out the Compact has been made tantimount on Kincade's priorities. He's learned a fair bit working with Olivia and Harlan on a gourd project and embracing it in Chevalle with it's own society. Here however Kincade focuses his efforts on ensuring that the resources tied up in the project are spent shrewdly and go farther than they need ensuring extra funds when challenges may arrive. The waste on the project is minimised calling for reuse of materials where prudent and ensuring the highest quality where it matters.

The agriculture center proves a massive boon to Granato and the combination of beauty and practicality plus the careful partnership with the Faith enhances everyone's reputation with the Faith. Everyone is spoken about for some time after for their organizational prowess - this was quite the project to bring together and so successfully, too.

Petal will tend to the Lodge in Spring. She will work on planting lots of flowers on the grounds, but she will also tend to the veggie gardens and the orchards. She is working on a garden of lilies in honor of Archduchess Eleyna who was her patron. She would like to grow a lovely lily garden. Then she is tending to her special white flowers as well, the one from her blood, moving them from winter green houses and planting them on the lodge. She will keep a close look for any signs of withering. She is deeply concerned for the health of the lodge and the plants there.

As Spring returns to the Compact, Petal's efforts at the Lodge pay off. The spring veggies from the garden seem to taste even better than usual. The orchards are redolent with the scent of apple and cherry blossoms, promising a fine harvest later in the year. The flowers in the gardens seem to bloom fuller and earlier than expected. Especially the lilies. They grow larger and more bountiful than in any previous season until the entire grounds are covered in lovely white flowers that shimmer in the delicate spring sunlight.

Petal would like to lead prayers at the lodge to Petrichor in the hope that such will help to either stop, heal or reduce the withering. She is doing such as the voice of the lodge, but realizes some others are more closely connected with the gods than her and she very much welcomes their guidance. She is gathering up as many faithful people as she can and planning on to prayer very passionately at the lodge in different locations, including the lodge of rebrith, the flower gardens, the orchard and the main grounds. She plans to keep prayering regular like and to encourage others to do so. She plans to keep working on the plants in honor of Petrichor as well.

Olivia seems to have some pull when she prays at the Lodge, so she is going to help Petal with her prays as well.

Sina has heard about Petal's call for prayers to Petrichor. She may be Archscholar, but she is also Godsworn. Her faith in the Gods is unwavering, and her love for Petrichor is no less than for the other gods. And so, she has answered Petal's call to prayer at the Lodge of Petrichor. The Archscholar will make her way out to the Lodge whenever she has the free time to do so, and she will find quiet places near the withering to pray and meditate there. She will also offer to teach Petal how to pray, in accordance with the ways of the Faith, though she will be respectful of the spirits and primal entities as well. She will pray not only to Petrichor, but to Mangata and Lagoma as well - the three gods being of the triad of Creation, which she will teach Petal about. The Archscholar will also not neglect to pray to Vellichor for wisdom and guidance, seeking wisdom as to what must be done here.

She will pour the love from her heart into the plants of the Lodge, and seek to commune with the Gods, recalling in her mind the peace in the sacred grove on the Isle of Storms, and willing it to settle here. She will pray for Mangata's blessing, that her cleansing waters might wash away the blight upon the land. She will pray to Lagoma, for her healing. She will help to offer the work of her own two hands to care for the Lodge and the Land while she is there as well, planting flowers in the springtime when appropriate, at Petal's careful direction. She will treat the Lodge with all due reverence, and seek to help find the cause of the withering and bless the land in Petrichor's name as one of the Godsworn. She knows that the Abyss has no business here, and if this withering is due to an Abyssal blight, she will seek, in prayer, to cleanse it. Her heart is filled with hope, that the Lodge may endure, that the withering come to an end. She will open herself fully to the divine will of the gods, thinking nothing for her own desire or self, but only for protection of the Lodge.

Acantha is going to be making time to go and pray at the Lodge at least once a day. Benny will be accompanying her as well. They will leave little offerings as well for the spirits that might be around, but mainly praying to Petrichor and for the recovery.

While widely known to be more shaman than Faithful, Willow jumps at the opportunity to join those in prayer for the Lodge. Her love of nature and deep faith in Petrichor mingling with her obsession with druidic restoration meet and she not only brings prayers but also some offerings. Acorns carved with prayers and stained with various juices, feathers and bits of carved treebark to plant along with seeds.

Kaya is asked by Petal to help at the lodge after having help discover what was going on while coming to help with the Harvest. Kaya agrees and offers what she knows of the ritual of cleansing and her natural luck and skills she can to help see if they can heal what is going on

Cillian will go for a few reasons one to help pray to the spirits and to Petrichor to help them find a way to either stop, heal or reduce the withering. He will also go as guard just incase something may happen why they are there in prayer, it would not be the first time the lodge has been attacked. So he goes as a prayer and a protector.

Lisebet has recently taken a bit more to prayer, and she's more than willing to help Petal out, if she can. However, she's really hoping that she might learn something that will help out, through the benevolence of the gods, and Petrichor in particular. It's perhaps a bit odd, all things considered, but Lisebet is willing to add her voice to the others, in hopes that answers might be found, and action plans might be put in place.

Ysabel is asked to help Petal with the Lodge and she offers to research into what can be done and dig up anything she can find about what is happening and ways to take care of it. Ysabel is known for her dedication to research and has already been making stride among the other Scholars.

When Kael learns about the work that Petal is doing, he volunteers to join the prayers. Kael, due to personal reasons as well as being an Oathlander, has always been exceptionally devout. Though he is afflicted with fatigue, he pushes substantially in his prayer. This is not just the prayers that Petal leads (which he participates in earnestly), but also with work around the lodge. He follows Petal's lead as Voice of the Lodge and assists with her planting, but if he has permission he additionally seeks to tend to the land. He'll advise those that are less comfortable with the wilderness of various elements, utilizing his skills for this. Beyond all however, he is genuinely sincere, praying for a healing of the land. Should there be any danger, Kael will step in to defend those gathered.

The Lodge is withered, and Petal wants so very much to heal it. And so she gathers her friends and they set up as many people to pray as she can. Not just once, but over and over again. She prays while she weeds. She prays while she gardens. She prays while she spreads good fertilizer, hoping beyond hope that this will help. But Spring turns to Summer, and the withering continues.

Olivia joins her in her prayers, as does the Archscholar Sina. Devout women both, tied to the land, loving the earth and the green growing things and Petrichor. Sina adds in prayers to Mangata and to Lagoma for water, for rain, for a change to the withering, to Vellichor for wisdom to know what to do. She pours her love into the planting, into the caretaking, her heart full of hope. And Summer turns to Fall, and the withering continues.

More and more people join. Acantha and Benny go to the Lodge daily and pray, steadfast in their devotions. Willow with her deep love of nature joins the prayers, and she mingles offerings with her prayers and the plantings - acorns carved with prayers, stained with juice. Feathers and bits of carved treebark. Fall turns to Winter, and with it the frigid cold and the hope that when the thaw finally comes, so will the end to the withering.

Kaya offers what she knows of cleansing and healing, trying to help in the winter months, while Cillian and Lisebet and Ysabel search for knowledge. They're trying to find what else they can do to aid in the withering, other than just be faithful, and patient, and endlessly prayerful. Winter turns to Spring, but the plants do not return.

And Kael joins the Prayers too. Afflicted with fatigue, still he comes, day by day. To pray. To work. As a disappointing Spring comes, as it seems their prayers are not answered. That their work is not successful. Until one day - one day at last Sina arrives to pray and to work and sees... a single sprout, not withered, but green. Not a healthy green, but not brown either. One sprout, and hope springs again in their hearts.

Slowly, bit by bit, moment by moment, they do the hardest thing they have ever done. In the face of a Lodge that is not green, and not restored, still they work, and they strive, and they pray. And slowly, bit by bit, the Lodge starts to revive. Sprouts here and there. Sparse, but green. These they nurture and pray over. They rejoice. They pray more. They fertilize and weed and care for these little seeds with all the love and hope in their hearts.

And as Summer arrives it is clear - the withering is over, but the Lodge will still take work to return to its former glory. But this determined group, willing to keep working at it, bit by bit, for well over a year - they can do it. If they only hold to hope and keep the faith.

It is autumn and Petal would like embark upon the autumn duties of plant care at the lodge. She would like to harvest fruit from the orchard, while being careful to keep the plants protected and well treated during the harvest. While she is not big on pruning, if she feels that pruning is the best interest of the plant (notices a branch that is injured and should be removed, she will carefully do such before winter hits). She will also focus collecting and storing seeds from plants to save for next spring's planting. She will start moving plants into the greenhouses (there are two green houses on the lodge) that will need to be protected through any chills and through winter. This includes her special white flowers. Her overall goal is going to be the good of the lodge, the land there and the plants there. She is inviting those who care about the lodge to help, such as Lady Olivia and others.

Olivia will be assisting Petal with the Fall Harvest! Her main concern is preparing a proper prayer to thank Petrichor for the harvest. Also asking Him to renew the soil for next years planting. She is also going to be bringing some of her house servants to assist with the harvesting. Once she has finished her prayers she will help Petal with wellness checks of the plants that don't have to be replanted every year.

Princess Ophelia Velenosa is all too happy to support Mistress Petal's efforts to keep the grounds at the Lodge of Petrichor looking pristine. She will help maintain the current flower beds and vegetation by listening to what needs to be done, and then she will take action to ensure that the plants survive autumn's frosts. Using the greenhouses will be an essential part of this project and she will do her best to see that the plants are well taken care of. She will even go as far as to collect new seeds for Petal to use around the Lodge if she desires! Ophelia adores bright and colorful flowers and she adore the Lodge of Petrichor very much, which means that she has all the motivation in the world to keep it looking beautiful.

Kaya was asked to help Petal with her fall harvest and looks to use her natural luck and survival skills in order to help out.

At the Lodge, preparations for Fall go well. Those beds that need covering and mulching are well cared for. Seeds are harvested for the future. Bushes are pruned as needed, and the greenhouses are blooming well. Everything is going quite well indeed, and as winter sets in there's a peace that settles around the Lodge proper - the peace of a dormant winter, waiting for spring.

At least until something causes the Grove of Rebirth to wither, that is. And when that happens, everything is held in winter stasis in the Grove, and a chill settles into the air that is not natural - not at all.

The Saikland Blackened Glass area consists of a central thick sheet of solid glass where Baron Eos and his men were incinerated in 1005 while fighting off a group of abandoned who were agents or loyal to Cardia, a dragon causing the damage. The glass extends for a mile in each direction from that central point, growing thinner and becoming shards and splinters toward the perimeter. Plant growth for hundreds of yards from it is stunted, withering, warped and the shore is lined with dead fish, larger sea creatures such as sharks closer to the area of the densest glass. Huge bear tracks, much larger than normal for Saikland were seen and warped oddly behaving bobcats. Dead animals and skeletons were around the outer perimeter. Excursions have collected samples and had analysis done of the glass, animals, etc and shown poisoning and taint. There are concerns for the spreading poison, the poisoned fish in the area, the warped-tainted animals posing potential dangers to the villagers and farmers in the area, risk to Marin'alfar who may venture into the bay and to any ships who fish and eat their catch. This could also have an impact on the economy if ships and trade begins to avoid Saikland. Therefore in the interests of protecting the citizens and economy of Saikland, Lucita has been seeking a means of trying to cleanse, contain, or mitigate the blackened glass effects. She seeks the aid of the faith and of skilled persons to help deal with the animals and the poison and the taint both land and sea side.

Aside from organizing and funding the effort, Lucita plans to attempt to join her voice with the attempts of the faith and others in trying to boost and assist the cleansing efforts.

Sorrel as a spellsinger is going to go with her friend Lucita to join her voice with hers and the attempts of the Faith to assist the cleaning efforts. This is a strong opportunity for her to use her voice against the Abyss and that sort of thing excites her, so she will sing with enthusiasm.

Vayne sets his considerable skills and resources to work for this effort. Not just in researching the possible cures for the tainted stretch of land, but in attempting to provide support and protection in his own special way. So, in addition to putting some time in the Archives, Vayne also begins to bless water to turn it into holy water, and bless mirrors to help keep everyone safe(er) from the Abyssal forces that might step in.

Roran, as Archlector of Lagoma, is going to lend his aid in the cleansing of the tainted land. Since the nature of the glass was supposedly caused by a dragon's fire, likely an atonement rite would not work. So he will attempt a cleansing rite to heal the lands of the taint. If all else fails he will attempt to cleanse the land with fire from a lantern light from Lagoma's Flame.

Nova primarily works with Draven, doing so not only as 'helpful wife who doubles up as lab assistant with a second set of helpful hands' but also doing so as the Safety/Survival expert who ultimately ensures we all have whatever it is that we possibly need to stay alive, who constantly detects potential hazards/threats, and who tracks down tainted creatures upon whom Alchemical dosing can be tested out to hopefully cleanse those poor critters. Should Nova ever spot anything dangerous, she immediately informs Miranda.
Sir Flop also joins with his special booties on all four paws, making sure to help out with threat detection and protectively guards his Bruvir family, too.

For his part, Draven is going to do his upmost to test every known alchemical cleansing combinations he can think of to see if any of them have an affect on reducing the tainting effect in the meat of the dead animals, and in the glass. He does what he can to isolate the tainting effect as well, trying to reduce it down to a singular alchemical component to test with.

Juliana is going for medical support. For everyone concerned be them singers, protectors or support. She will be setting up a triage and working tiredlessly to make sure that those that need medical attention receive it in a timely manner.

Skye is going to use her knowledge in agriculture and infrastructure to figure out natural barriers that could be constructed to keep animals from stumbling upon the area until the cleansing can happen. Introduce flora that naturally cleanses the ground (outside of any abyssal taint) to lessen the damage once the spellsingers are able to remove the abyssal influence. During the different cleansing efforts, she's going to make notes on what works so she can apply it to her own lands that were damaged by dragons.

Olivia will use the power of prayer to help. She will be looking for the most sacred spots in the effected area of the forest and praying to Petrichor, asking him to bring peace to these woods. Hopefully doing this will help push the blight back, or better yet destroy it.

Sanya will travel to the Saikland, to offer her knowledge/abilities as a disciple of Mangata in the cleansing of the tainted shore.

Ian will be going along, as he usually does, with the sole intention of keeping Sorrel (and hopefully everyone else) (and hopefully also himself) alive. He'll work on establishing a perimeter, keep an eye out for trouble, and try to keep anyone from wandering off alone. If there are villagers around who know the area and its dangers better than he does, he'll look for someone he might be able to hire as a paid guide.

Miranda is going to assist in protecting those who will need it. This varies, but a group will be assigned to the spellsingers and others to the various non-combatants, such as Draven and Rowenova, and yet others still. The larger group will go with Miranda and be dispersed as needed. Primarily, her job and those of her infantry will be protection, keeping wild and tainted things, animals, and people from attacking those who are collecting samples or doing other works.

Waldemai intends to support Lady Lucita's action by ensuring she is well-equipped and her party has the best gear available as possible. To that end he is going along to serve as armorsmith, sharpen weapons, and so forth. He can also fight a bit if it comes to that, but he's also got financial resources to throw into the mix if needed.

Leola is good at two things; animals and farming. Here, she helps with both. She knows about land reclamation, and she is more than willing to help examine the taint - and put her methods into practice. She also helps with the animals there - directing them away, trying to help them heal, offering better food and trying to track down the way the taints have ran.

But more, her focus is the damaged land. She pours herself into helping recover it - she is a keen pair of hands in the needed work

Santi's here for operational security. If there are enough guards, he will organize outrider patrols outside of the established perimeter to ensure nothing sneaks up on the group.

Known for her skills in inspiring and bringing people together, organizing large groups and keeping spirits high especially during difficult times, Valencia comes to the aid of her friend without hesitation. With so many people from across the city involved, it helps to have someone who can help bring unity to the group and keep moral high to better facilitate and coordinate efforts in the lead up and during to the excursion. That way everyone can focus on the tasks at hand and be inspired to offer their best.

Salvatore responsible for the Cavalry of the Gemecittan army will take control of his troops and position them to protect the groups afoot. His first priority will be on civilians, and then the participants in the exercise, and lastly animals. His troops spread to provide support to the less mobile contingents and slow any approaching threats to buy them time.

The glass cannot be moved, there is nowhere truly safe to dump it to, so it must be cleansed. This will take time, money, supplies and staff which will require a lot of logistics to carry out. Fortunately these is where Martino can help. He'll help review the plans already undertaken, but also while there help hire the staff required and ensure they are kept well. He'll help organise the supplies being brought in and their safe storage.

A lot of paperwork but, as a trained Minister, something he enjoys as well as having some experience of planning to this degree from his time at Southport.

Rhiannon is there for protection. She is specifically the bodyguard to her cousin, Olivia. She'll take a small handful of Tree Scouts with her, making sure that those involved can do what they need without interruption from man, plant, or animal that might interfere with their work and in their protection. If there is work she and her scouts can do in order to assist Olivia without compromising her protection, they chip in and help where they can.

Petal is going to join this action largely with the intention of helping the land and the plants. She wants to help the plantlife grow. To help cleanse any taint that might be negatively effecting them and to learn more about any negative negative effects.

Domonico will be coming to the aid of Saikland in cleansing the area. He'll be working alongside the Saik military giving them military advice and leadership in their role of protecting those working. The longships in the Malvici Expeditionary Force will be used for transportation of supplies and personale where they need to go around the area.

As Sasha is the Ambassador of the Marin'alfar, she is arranging the negotiations for the cleansing of the waters and checking for mutated and/or tainted water life works. She wants to ensure to all goes as smoothly as humanly and elvenly possible.

Mirk is there as a shaman. He will spend several days in meditation, in hopes of communing with the spirits, and then he begins a rite to call upon the spirits and ask for their guidance and support in cleansing the Blackened Glass.

It's, to put it mildly, a major effort. Valencia's propaganda campaign manages to rouse a lot of public support behind the initiative, with donations and volunteers flooding in. In preparation for their arrival, Vayne blesses holy water to be used in the cleansing rites, Draven works on concoction that should (maybe?) revitalize soil, Skye helps cordon off the area to prevent intrusions by wildlife using natural barriers, Waldemai helps with supplies, Martino with logistics, and Salvatore leads a calvary detachment that makes certain that there's no threat from shavs or wild animals as they work.

The number of guards as well as Salvatore's cavalry act as a big enough deterrant that there's no violence, as Rowenova, Santi, Rhiannon, Miranda and Ian keep their prospective charges safe. As workers get close to the work site of the blackened glass, some complain of headaches or illness, and Juliana is able to treat them effectively, and there's no serious illnesses as a result. As the workers start clearing, Roran begins a cleansing rite, with Sanya assisting with Vayne's blessed holy water sprinkling it over wide patches of the glass, and Mirk leads a shaman cleansing rite to the annoyance by some of the more fervently faithful among the workers.

Work goes slow at first, until Lucita and Sorrel sing. After their song finishes, the next worker that takes a swing with a pick the entire line of glass suddenly shatters, and there's a great cracking sound running down the entire beach as the entire line of glass breaks. After that point, Petal is able to help lead clean up efforts while Sasha sees to no contamination on the shore, and poor Leola is visited by what seems to be a large group of animals with an elk, two deer, a wolverine with a vole on its head, and a particularly indignant badger, and she's seen listening attentively for a long time with a look of exasperation and some overhear her promising to 'take their complaints to management'. Olivia, as she walks by inspecting the area, sees a surprising amount of new growth under the glass (which many expected to be dead), with a new kind of vividly bright green moss that no one can identify. The clean up continues and the beach is cleared of all glass, and Domonico makes certain none is carried off by workers.

The beach has been cleansed.

Petal was made the minister of agriculture of Farwatch. She wants to do a spring planting project for them. She would like to cultivate their natural plants and flowers on their land. She would like to focus on those that provide food and resources for Farwatch. She thinks they have coco beans, citrus fruit and macademia nuts. But she will grow what they have! Shew wants to do this all in a way that will be good for the land, rotating crops and taking good car of the land and the local flora. She will use the people who work the land in Farwatch to help her. She will be try be humane and thoughtful in how she works with the Farwatch farmers. Her goal is increase their agriculture, crops and food supply. She would also like to get a good relationship with the farmers and to protect the land. This action is a spring planting action. She hopes it will eventually lead to a bountiful harvest. Petal is of course interested though in other plants like flowers and will try to care of and also pay attention to what the local flowers and trees are.

The plants are beautiful. Maybe not quite as beautiful as those around the Lodge, but then they lack the extra minerals that come from being fields of slaughter through the winter. So it's not a bad thing, that Petal's results are slightly less spectacular there.

They're still good though - produce is bountiful, the flavor is excellent, and everything is green and growing and looking very much as though they're preparing for an exceptional harvest this year. Thanks in large part to their Minister of Agriculture.

Petal would like to do lots and lots of spring planting at the lodge. She like to use her knowledge of plants and flowers to make sure that she plants in a way that is good for the land and does not deplete such. She would like to move the flowers she put in the green house for winter into the field of petals. She will be paying especial attention to her white flowers, but she will attend to and grow all the flowers. She wants to have violets, poppies, local wildflowers, wild roses, daisies, lilies and etc in the field of petals. She wants to grow some of the flowers in the main part of the lodge as well. She also wants to tend to the orchard for spring. These rooms were builds that Petal did for the lodge. She would like to have the orchard filled with berry bushes and fruit trees. She wants to care for all the lodge plants and to get them ready for spring. She is going to enlist help with such among those she feels are interested in such. She will prayer to Petichor during the planting and might also be holding a planting event that relates to this action. She will also show respect to the spirits of the lodge. She will do her best to get the best and healthiest plants possibles. She wants to encircle the lodge with her white flowers, but also with other plants in a ring around the land.

Olivia is naturally quite thrilled to join in the spring planting efforts. Indeed, these will prove an opportune time to complete a project she'd begun earlier during the Lodge troubles, in terms of transporting quantities of her own plants to the Lodge grounds to help bolster its flora and create some redundancy for the rarer varieties.

Thus, she'll have various specimens transported from the Ashford orangery, both mundane sorts (fruit trees for the orchard, medicinal herbs, decorative flowers, etc) as well as her usual collection of more exotic blooms (dahlias and bromeliads), the latter to replace any that may have withered during the Lodge attack and help bolster a larger population of the flowers there.

Naturally, as part of the Lodge's contingent of disciples, she will do her best to help with the prayer ceremonies as well.

Shae is very excited to be helping Petal with planting various types of plants, as well as assisting with trimming and caring for the orchard in the Lodge.While Shae might not be a farmer, she does have some knowledge and skill with gardening. And to help make up for her bit of know how she is very positive and supportive. Her energy and optimism is almost boundless, and down right sunny. Putting in her warmth and kindness into her work, assisting Petal. As well as adding her own voice and words to prayers to Petrichor, especially as a disciple of Petrichor, she is genuine in her words and faith. Shae even talks to the flowers, encouraging them to grow and prosper. To reach up for the sunlight, and drink deeply from the earth. To give the sad rain a bit of color, as they smile up at it. Hoping to bring it a moment of relief from it's grief.

Shae is going to use her knowledge of nature and animals, to use her war elk help remove any tree stumps, rocks, or debris from the garden plots, and the orchards. As well as finding good health earthworms to add to the soil, and spotting the best places to plant certain flowers and plants, in the right spots, such as in the sun, or shade, or partial shade. Along with her knowledge of what plants and flowers are liked by certain types of animals, and what are poisonous, so they are planted in places that are appropriate, for them.

Okay, just being honest here. Tallius more or less assumes that any time Petal goes out of her way to do anything with plants, shit is going to get crazy and weird things are going to happen. He'll go and help move dirt, dig holes, the grunt labor that any idiot with a strong back can be of use for and for the most part just try and stay out of the way while those who are good with plants do planty things. The main thing he's there for, honestly, is to watch out for trouble and keep an eye on things. Because. Weird shit happens in this city..and around it..and anywhere most everyone he has ever met goes near.

Spring planting at the Lodge is a beautiful affair. Everything seems brighter just now - the threat is gone... or if not gone, at least it isn't at critical mass right now. The fighting through the Forest and at the Lodge itself has done one thing - whatever Petal, Shae, Tallius, and Olivia plant takes root. The soil is rich and the plants grow beautifully. Is that because of Petal's touch? Olivia's prayers? Shae's knowledge? It's impossible to say, but the heady scent of flowers and green, growing things permeates the entire area, drawing songbirds and bees, butterflies and bunnies and deer - it's a time of peace and renewal at the Lodge. Blood makes the grass grow indeed, and the flowers have never smelled sweeter.

Petal is going to help power the stone shield that Dame Leona and Sir Corban came to to tell her about. She plans to do this by helping her flowers to power the shield. It is her intention to follow any directions of the King's Own on when/if to use this. If instructions don't come, she will use her best judgement. It is her intention to only use the shield if needed to protect the lodge. If the shield is not needed she does not intend to use such. Petal intends to only use the shield for as long as needed. Petal is going to plant the flowers of the lodge, including her special white ones in a ring surrounding the lodge grounds. She wants plant a patch of her white flowers in the center of the lodge and stand near that patch without stepping on her flowers. If the shield is not needed, she will focus on protecting her flowers in place of doing the shield. She plans to invite others to join his action with her, including Lady Olivia, Princess Kace, Mistress Maeve, Archlector Brigida and Dame Leola. This action should connect to Caspian's action, who is doing a flower guard action to provide protection during this.

Olivia is joining the ritual participants at the Lodge. According to Leona, the ritual's power can be sustained by the flowers in the Lodge garden, where to Petal's white blossoms Olivia has brouht quantities of her own various blooms (suthryn dahlias, her bromeliads, and perhaps a few black roses for color contrast!). Being told that maintaining the ritual main drain the plants, and thus require them to be tended to preserve its effect, she will be on hand to tend the flowers. Presumably, this is more an effort of prayer and use of her innate abilities versus more typical gardening. In any case, she will do what she can to preserve the blossoms as long as possible to maintain the earthen shield (if and once it is raised).

Kace will be helping to power the shield if needed, or to protect the flowers otherwise.

Brigida can't talk to flowers. She can't use flower power to power a shield. But she can make herself useful, and that's exactly what she does. Where she needs to be, she'll be there. And where she can help by yelling at other people to do their damn jobs, she'll do that as well. Brigida may not have magic at her fingertips, but who needs magic when your glare can make nails quietly extricate themselves from boards, apologize and then leave in a single file line?

Sasha might be a primum conduit? She is not sure herself, with magic being a lost knowledge and such. But this isn't going to stop Sasha from trying to use her possible powers to strengthen the others using the shield. Hopefully, this is enough to help them.

The shield went up, not like anything they had expected at all. But it worked. And, with the three of them working together, it held. And so far the flowers aren't happy with them but they're not dead. So perhaps if need be, the shield can be used again. Perhaps. And for tonight, the Lodge stands.

In the days leading up to the Commoner's Ball, Baroness Skye Blackshore is going to organize a few workshops with the Knights of Solace to teach orphans in the Lowers how to craft their own masquerade ball ensemble. Workshops on masks, formal wear, footwear and jewelry are taught by well-known crafters in Arx. Dancing and ettiquette are taught by well-known courtiers. On the day of the event, a mini version of the ball will be thrown with the orphans at the Empyrean before the real Commoner's Ball.

Josephine is only more than happy to help out and the Velvet Box is closed down for two days leading up to the ball so that the older orphans and youngers ones and quite frankly even other commoners, can learn to make some jewelry, their own masks or any other adornment they may want. Paste gems, semiprecious gems and even the tiny chips leftover from the cutting of gems are used to gashion necklaces, simple tiara's, you name it. Someone's sparkle might have the tiniest bit of epiphanite or dusk/dawnstone in it. Who knows. But she sets aside stock after haggling at the market and an abundance of Saik glass is used as well. She'll ensure that every child has something sparkly or dashing to wear.

Petal will join this operation and will set up a work-shop helping to teach orphans how to sew. She will also help by getting together simple costumes for those of the lowers who don't have such. She will put in 10k silver to provide her own supplies for this, which will be wool, linen and felt to help make the costumes with. She will design the clothing she makes in such way that the dresses, tops, shoes and cloaks can be reworn as normal clothing after the ball.

Thesbe will be assisting Skye by teaching commoner's children how to sew, and helping them make simple costumes and masks, using her tailor skill.

Dycard is one of those teaching dancing and etiquette. The formal dances learned at his mother's knee can be made into games about footwork and clapping and spinning 'til you're dizzy, while the intricacies of bowing and curtseying don't have to be taken seriously.

Vayne throws a lot of Shrine resources into this. He gets mirrormask nobles to lend their aid in helping educate the youngsters, for one, and even to lend their staff for the night of the Ball, to help each and every child look their very best. And Vayne is there, too. While etiquette is not his thing to teach, Vayne is a very enthusiastic dance partner or go-fer, or butler, or really whatever else is needed. He's also a cheerleader, encouraging the children to be their best, look their best, and have a blast doing it. It would appear that, even if he's not technically the most skilled, he's at least trying for most enthusiastic.

In the days leading up to the Commoner's Ball, Baroness Skye Blackshore organizes a few workshops with the Knights of Solace to teach orphans in the Lowers how to craft their own masquerade ball ensemble. Workshops on masks, formal wear, footwear and jewelry are taught by well-known crafters in Arx. Dancing and ettiquette are taught by well-known courtiers. On the day of the event, a mini version of the ball will be thrown with the orphans at the Empyrean before the real Commoner's Ball. Mistress Josphine, Mistress Petal, and Mistress Thesbe help, with Archlector Vayne and Lord Dycard helping teach the children everything they need. It's a mixed benefit too - teaching them useful skills for later in life, and preparing them for a Children's Ball. Everyone loves the result, and the children are thrilled. Joy abounds!

Petal would like to start spring planting of her flowers and of the lodge of petichor grounds in general. She wants to move her flowers from the greenhouse now that it is springtime and start allowing them to grow outside. She wants to take special care to take care of her personal white flowers, but she also wants to garden and take care of the plantlife at the grounds in general. She wants to have it beautiful, blooming and ready to defend against the abyss if need be.

Petal works hard to plant flowers, and now that it's spring the transplant goes well. The flowers have taken root and are blooming, particularly those beautiful white flowers that are her special project. And yet even as the Lodge seems to be more beautiful than ever, there's a growing darkness - the Gray Forest certainly seems more threatening than ever right now, as though something in the forest is not pleased to see those flowers grow and blossom.

Petal has been sleeping at the lodge with her flowers since they helped to chance the nightmares away with the idea that they will continue to help keep the bad dreams away and maybe the abyss away. There was a previous action about this. After the attack at the lodge, she decided to stay there still. She is not there 24/7 as Petal has a shop to run and people to visit, but she sleeps there and is there frequently. She has bed made up on her greenhouse surrounded by her flowers. Petal wants to despite the threat to the lodge and the drama surrounding the lodge to continue to sleep there and be their frequently. She has a few motives 1. protect her flowers from harm. 2. Watch for the return of danger. 3. Establish her presence as a fixture at the lodge - to hopefully make a bit more difficult to later boot her and Leola out. 4. Tend to her flowers there and keep them going well. But the end result is she is there with her flowers despite the danger. She doesn't want to get killed and so fit they are attacked by zombies, her idea will be shout out an alarm for help the Iron Guard and the King's Own rather than to stand her ground and die, but she will save whatever flowers she can.

For as long as Petal sleeps at the Lodge among her flowers, the nightmares do not return. She is a quiet presence there, tending the flowers - hers and Olivia's and others - those special flowers that need special treatment. She is happy here, quietly going about her day. And no gargantuans come. Nor cultists. Not now. Not yet.

Perhaps they won't.

Or perhaps it's the calm before the storm.

Petal would like to sleep amongst her flowers in the green house on the lodge of petichor. She is going to make bed on the floor in the middle of her green hound and surround the bed with her flowers in their pots. She hopes that by doing so maybe her nightmares will go away or maybe she will be protected from the blood hound that hunts her as she believes the flowers can possibly ward against the abyss. She thinks it might be healing for her possible sickness. She believes that it might help her get a full night's sleep. She also hopes it will help bond her closer with her flowers, closer with the lodge, closer with Peichor and closer with a possible unicorn of the lodge. Nervous about sleeping in the middle of flowers, she plans to have Barik watch her sleep. The idea would be that he watches to see if the plants attack her, if anything odd happens, to see if the unicorn comes and to see if her expression seems peaceful. Petal will ask him to wake her up if anything seems amiss or if she seems to be having nightmares or if her expression is troubled. Petal will also give Barik a shift sleeping in the flowers if all seems kosher, to try and help with the emptiness he feels.

Barik sits next to Petal's laying body, struggling to remain awake while supposedly countless hours pass of having to watch her sleep.

Petal sleeps. It's a restful sleep, with the flowers covering her and the blooms throwing their perfume into the air. It's a quiet time, and a peaceful night, and the Lodge is filled with the scent of the blossoms even as outside the air is chill.

It is the first night she sleeps through the night. The first time since that wretched house where she hasn't been tormented by dreams. But she sleeps, and the flowers keep watch. And perhaps they remind her that they are not to blame for her nightmares. That they are not corrupted and twisted. What love she has poured into them these many moons comes back to her now, as the flowers keep their silent watch.

And at last, there is peace.

Petal is going to take all her white flowers and move them to the lodge of Petrichor. She is doing this with Leola's permission and blessing. The idea is to have them cared for at the lodge. She will also build a green house there, giving them a home for when it is colder.

Ectorion isn't good with plants usually, that's Petal's schtick. He's good with woodworking though, and carpentry, and metalworking and the like. He's going to focus on building the greenhouse, applying his skills to try and make it the best greenhouse it can be.

Marian has no knowledge in agriculture, but she's happy to carry the plants from Petal's place to the Lodge. Lending her strength to help ferry these precious plants across the city.

In order to expedite the movement of the precious plants from Petal's greenhouse to the Lodge, Cullen will round up some locals from the Lowers to provide labor, using his natural aura of authority and experience in leading others on the battlefield and off of it, carrying some plants himself to provide inspiration

The move of the flowers is successful. Under Petal's direction and Marian's care, the workers assembled by Cullen and Tallius manage to get the flowers moved to the Lodge. At first, they aren't sure that the flowers will take root - but then there is an evening of storms, and in the flash of lightning, a unicorn is seen standing guard. That lone unicorn, the last remnant of the herd, standing vigil over the Lodge itself.

After that, the flowers at last take root and start to grow, though the greenhouse is sometimes bathed in an eerie light in the middle of the night, and once in a while a gardener sees hoofprints outside the greenhouse. And yet they grow and they flourish, and it is said their scent is heavy and wondrous, and brings rest and rejuvenation to those who linger among them.

Watching for Abbys nighs who might be following Petal. Petals watching for any sign of being followed, watch and etc by anything or anyone who seems off or just seems too interested in her!

Ever since the Halfway House, Petal has been having nightmares. Every night at least once, she wakes from a dream where either the vines are drinking her blood, or Enyo and Theron are devouring her whole. But lately, those dreams have changed - gotten even more sinister.

Now sometimes she is held fast and still by the vines, or the hard grips of Enyo and Theron - but they aren't the ones feeding on her. No, sometimes she is held transfixed, and a horde of insects swarm her until she is ready to choke from it. It hurts, and they feed, and feed, and feed - and there is no way for her to stop them and so she gives in at last and screams, and the insects pour down her throat and consume her from within.

On the urging of Tallius who went to Khanne about his dreams and who believes his dreams are possibly important in defeating the horned god, Petal went to Khanne as well for help.

Petal will tell Khanne about her dream of wearing elaborate armor, wielding an alatricite sword and fighting besides Tallius on a hill. She will also tell her about the singer they ran into on that hill and how she thought she heard a hint of that singing coming from Arx. She will rather hesitantly reveal to Khanne that she thought flowers bloomed from blood and repealed bringers, but she will say that could have been in her imagination as she was wounded and confused at the time.
%She believes her past life could be connected with Tallius and that in case this could give insight into this and all possibly help against the horned god any level, she would like to look into it. I believe that Khanne is going to help look into the past of her soul using her shaman skills. She will tag in Tallius to help, because of their shared dreams.

Thanks, Petal

There is a coloration in their aura that is distinctly different from most men. When Khanne looks deep at Tallius and Petal, there is a feeling of ancient woods and primordial groves, lush forests and pristine deep places untouched by men. The feel of them is closer to what Khanne sees when she has looked at the Nox than most men, but it's still distinctly different from the Nox. They were elves of some type in a past life, but not Nox'alfar.

Dear Staff,

I don't think much will come of this, but I wanted to record it just in case it does matter. Petal is going to the shrine of Mangata on a daily basis, praying and offering to the sea gifts of the mead she made. I am trying to swing by sometimes to show that. She likes to come at night when the moon is out, but varies the time. Now after felt Mangata she believes in her intensely. Thanks Petal's Player

I believe we did in fact have a scene!