You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "Oh dear. You're not a wood nymph."
You reach over and ruffle Arco, the Hound of Papaxi's hair fondly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

A jagged line of sparkling motes ripples in the air, and out steps a wood nymph.
A jagged line of sparkling motes ripples in the air, and out steps the mother.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs a wood nymph, trying to decipher just what that

Your eyes sparkle with amusement at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yelps and runs in a wobbly circle before you, yipping

A wood nymph is clothed in leaves of various trees, linked together by vines and
ivy. She is small and slender with skin that is as soft as rose petals and the
colour of butter, and hair that tumbles down her back in a long fall of green,
kept in place by a wreath of ivy.
A wood nymph seems to be unafraid.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi playfully paws at your arm, obviously wanting for

You tickle Arco, the Hound of Papaxi mercilessly!

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yelps and runs in a wobbly circle before you, yipping
and making happy puppy barks as he looks you for attention.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks happily.

Gathering himself to bound away, an ethereal stag momentarily fades from view as

In a rain of silver mist below the Moonhart.
Jagged arcs of vivid red light pierce the air, cast from a war shrine of Maylea
nearby. A warm and humid summer's breeze wafts past the giant branches of the
Moonhart, carrying the heady scent of grasses, flowers, and wood. Silver mists
falling from the tree like miasmic rain shift and spin with the movement of the
air. Soft halos surround everything, from the branches of the Moonhart to the
smallest of puff-covered seeds drifting in on the breeze. The silvery leaves of
a faebush gently billow in the wind. A hornbeam sapling clings tenaciously to
the ground here. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of
Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light. Smiling to
herself, a wood nymph stands here. Pleasantly plump, the mother lounges here
smiling. Seeker of the Moon, Losien is here, sprawled on the ground. He wields
an athame dagger in his left hand.
You see exits leading east, southwest, west, and northwest.

You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "What have you been up to, hmm?"

Losien drops the corpse of a cow.
Losien drops a moonhart leaf.
Losien is enveloped in translucent fire for a moment and is gone, his soul safe
until he returns to Lusternia.

Sunlight bellows across the realm, revealing the full glory of the majestic
sun's luminous presence as he climbs higher into the sky.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi ignores the question, instead waddling in a circle
after his own tail.

You pick up a moonhart leaf.
You snicker softly to yourself.
You begin to wield a moonhart leaf in your left hand.
Xiran energetically waves a moonhart leaf in front of Arco.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

You say, "Part pixie?"
Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi jumps for the moonhart leaf.

"Eek!" you shout in fright.
Xiran flits up.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi lands on the ground with a bump, whining.

You say, "Hrmm!"
You wave a moonhart leaf about energetically.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

Xiran alights on the forest floor, giggling.
You give a moonhart leaf to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs the moonhart leaf curiously.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi takes the leaf into his mouth, rolls onto his back,
and begins to gnaw with great satisfaction.

Chewing her lip, you say, "There's actually some moonhart leaf spring rolls.
They're rather spicy."
You peer at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi unscrupulously.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi bats at the leaf, sending it into the air before it
lazily spirals back to the ground.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi pounces upon the leaf and continues gnawing.

You say, "Hrm. Wouldn't that be more fun with a honeycake?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi's ears perk up with a sudden interest.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You say, "Want a honeycake Arco?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi nods his head enthusiastically.

You say, "Fresh from Butter's stove? Hmm? Hmm?"
You giggle happily.

You say, "Off we go then!"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks happily, jumping about in circles.

...
An archway of water.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Bathed in the
cerulean light emanating from the archway that stands here, the entire room is
set aglow in various azure hues. The very trees drink in the light, their boughs
seemingly more fluid than their counterparts and the soaring trunks stretch
skyward in a healthy display of vitality. A constant sloshing imbues the area
with a subtle lullaby that calms and invigorates. Steeped in mystic energies,
the soil gives off wisps of coloured mist into the air. The silvery leaves of a
faebush gently billow in the wind. Shimmering liquid coruscates throughout the
bluish archway, refracting all available light and casting a wavering ambiance
over the area. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of
Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light.
You see a single exit leading southeast.

You ponder for a moment and say "Hrm..."
You say, "Where did I stash those honeycombs."


Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks expectantly.

You say, "Eek I find one soon!"
You flap your arms madly.

...
Earthen grumblings.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The silvery
leaves of a faebush gently billow in the wind. A blackthorn sapling clings
tenaciously to the ground here. A royal knight of Faethorn stands here at the
ready.
You see exits leading north, southeast, southwest, and west.

A fae knight nods his head at you.
A fae knight says, "Greetings - we trust you'll find your visit to Faethorn
pleasant."

You peer at a fae knight unscrupulously.

A fae knight shrugs indifferently at you.

You say to a fae knight, "Wouldn't have a honeycomb on you, would you sir?"

You thrust your hand out to a fae knight and beg shamelessly.
A fae knight sighs dramatically and searches his pockets, looking for something
to give you.
He comes up empty handed.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi tilts his head and whines.

You curtsey respectfully before a fae knight.

A fae knight shrugs indifferently at you.

You say to a fae knight, "Sorry to disturb!"

...
A glint of silver mail heralds the entry of a knight of Faethorn.

You crease your brow in a frown.

Shadowed tag.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Dancing lights
filter downwards from the eaves above, the shadows dashing across playing tag
with their counterparts in a silent burst of glee. The bits of shadows' older
brothers gather in circles around the bases of the trees, their unspoken words
carrying despite the lack of volume. The taciturn guardians keep careful watch
over those who would venture within this hallowed forest and prevent any from
reaching the upper boughs of residence. A rowan sapling clings tenaciously to
the ground here. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of
Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light. A royal knight
of Faethorn stands here at the ready.
You see exits leading east, southwest, and west.

You say to a fae knight, "I know you have the honeycombs!"

You thrust your hand out to a fae knight and beg shamelessly.
A fae knight sighs dramatically and searches his pockets, looking for something
to give you.
He comes up empty handed.

You give a pained sigh.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks at a fae knight.

You curtsey respectfully before a fae knight.

A fae knight looks up at you curiously.

You say, "I know one among you has them!"
You say, "Arco can smell it!"

...
You thrust your hand out to a fae knight and beg shamelessly.
A fae knight sighs dramatically and searches his pockets, looking for something
to give you.
He gives many golden sovereigns to you.

You say, "Not quite a honeycomb..."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

...
A bubble over oblivion.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A golden
honeycomb lies here, gleaming with sugary goodness.
You see exits leading east and northwest.

Cyclonic tents.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The silvery
leaves of a faebush gently billow in the wind. A blackthorn sapling clings
tenaciously to the ground here.
You see exits leading north, southeast, and south.

You perk your ears up as an errant topic catches your interest.

A bubble over oblivion.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. A golden
honeycomb lies here, gleaming with sugary goodness.
You see exits leading east and northwest.

You clap your hands together merrily.
You pick up a honeycomb.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks expectantly.

You say, "To Butter!"

The cheery stoves of Faethorn.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The green glow
from a trio of burning stoves sends waves of heat pouring into the room with a
furious intensity. Here lies the true heart of the realm where bread is baked
despite several of them screaming not to be cooked and meat is roasted despite
the qualms of the flesh's owner. A spit turns over a roaring irridescent fire
that spits out little shooting stars that skip across the ground and several
strips of some sort of meat have already been sliced and served. The amount of
food it takes to feed such a large society makes it understandable that these
stoves never go unlit combined with the fact that they oftentimes get grouchy
when not kept hot. Piles of various creatures ready to be cooked are kept penned
and cool in a root cellar that is dug near the underground river. Butter
Sweetpease is here, a little frown upon her face. Perriwinkle Sweetpease stands
here, a small willow bow in hand. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the
ground here.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

You curtsey respectfully before Butter Sweetpease.

Butter Sweetpease tickles you mercilessly!

You giggle happily.
The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

You give a honeycomb to Butter Sweetpease.

Butter Sweetpease exclaims, "Yummy! Yum! Yum! Aye, I can make thee a cake!"

Butter Sweetpease whirls about in a blaze of speed, mixing up a batter with a
honeycomb. Then she pours the batter into a pan and pops it into the oven.

Butter Sweetpease pops a cake out of the oven and covers it with candied violets.

Butter Sweetpease exclaims, "Here ye go! Give it to a fae and they'll love ye
for it! As sure as the Queen blooms!"

Butter Sweetpease hands a warm honey cake to you.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs Perriwinkle Sweetpease's foot before turning
and lifting his leg.

You peer at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi unscrupulously.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

You say, "Now now."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi discreetly widdles on Perriwinkle Sweetpease.

You shout "Oi!" at the top of your voice.
You scold Arco, the Hound of Papaxi angrily.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

You move about quickly and lose Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

You say, "Bad Arco."
You say, "I have to get a rag!"

...
Fallen snow.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The silvery
leaves of a faebush gently billow in the wind. A heavy glove covers the hand of
the man standing here. A blackthorn sapling clings tenaciously to the ground
here.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and west.

You say, "Sorry! May I borrow your rag?"

Antris, the Falconer says, "I do believe I have a polishing rag somewhere..."
Antris, the Falconer digs around in his pockets and finally produces a rag which
he hands to you.

You curtsey respectfully before Antris, the Falconer.

...
The cheery stoves of Faethorn.
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. Butter
Sweetpease is here, a little frown upon her face. Perriwinkle Sweetpease stands
here, a small willow bow in hand. A hemlock sapling clings tenaciously to the
ground here. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of
Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, southwest, and northwest.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sits on his hindquarters, eyeing the honey cake.

Xiran wipes up Perriwinkle's shoes with a polishing rag.

"Tsk, tsk," you say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi as you waggle a finger at him.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips playfully and rubs up against your leg, panting
softly.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi tilts his head curiously.

You say, "Why'd you single out poor Perriwinkle for that?"

Perriwinkle is tall for a fae, his majestic, albeit lopsided, wings burst out of
his back in a flourish of colour. His left wing is slightly crooked which causes
him to strain a bit to keep himself in the air. His wings contain all of the
lighter shades of blue, green, and yellow swirl around each other, mixing and
mingling to create a fantastic array of colours.
Perriwinkle Sweetpease appears to be extraordinarily strong.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks happily.

You drop a polishing rag.
You give a pained sigh.

You say, "You still want this, hrm?"
You wave a little honey cake about energetically.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi nods his head enthusiastically.

Nibbling on it, you say, "It is pretty good."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi excitedly jumps up and down, barking.

Wryly, you say, "Tell Perriwinkle you're sorry first!"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

Xiran scoots Arco towards Perriwinkle with her honeycake free hand.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi glares angrily at Perriwinkle Sweetpease.

You give a trillingly melodic laugh.
You say, "Oi! That's not apologising!"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi looks hopefully at the honey cake.

Xiran opens her mouth wide, threatening to gobble up the delicious honeycake.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

You point accusingly at Perriwinkle Sweetpease.

Perriwinkle Sweetpease twitches a lopsided wing.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi reluctantly lowers his chest to the ground in front of
Perriwinkle Sweetpease, tail tucked between his legs and ears flat against his
head.

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.
You pet Arco, the Hound of Papaxi ingratiatingly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

You say, "Alright alright."
You give a little honey cake to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips happily, pouncing upon the honey cake and
nibbling blissfully.

Cooing, you say, "Good boy Arco."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi continues eating, his tail thumping against the ground.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi finishes the honey cake with a loud burp.

You snicker softly to yourself.
You give Arco, the Hound of Papaxi a friendly cuddle.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi snuggles up close to you, looking happy and content.

You chew on your lip thoughtfully.
You say, "Did Rhianna feed you lots of honey cakes?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi shakes his head.

You tilt your head curiously.

You say, "No? Queen Maeve perhaps?"

Perriwinkle Sweetpease says, "I love our Queen Maeve, of course I do! But by the
Tree, I wish she wouldn't be influenced by the other Great Spirits as much."
Beads of sweat break out on Perriwinkle Sweetpease's face.

You grin mischievously at Perriwinkle Sweetpease.

Perriwinkle Sweetpease shuffles his feet uneasily.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi shakes his head.

You say, "Hrm! Did you sneak out to see Butter by yourself?"

Perriwinkle Sweetpease says, "Ah, Butter is my sweet, sweet wife."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks matter-of-factly.

Opening your mouth wide, you gape in wonder at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips playfully and rubs up against your leg, panting
softly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi waddles away, nose pressed against the ground.

A whistling breeze winds its way south with the softest sound of bells marking
its passing.

You say, "Is that why you don't like Perriwinkle? Telling her she's made enough
cakes?"

On all four legs, a pigwidgeon bumbles in from the southwest.

You say, "Smell something, Arco?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi ignores the question and continues sniffing the dirt.
Suddenly, he begins to dig.

You tilt your head curiously.
You set to work, digging furiously, but unfortunately, your effort is for naught.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi unearths a mouldy honey cake.

You say, "Eww!"

Backing away, you say, "Don't tell me you want to eat that."

A pigwidgeon bumbles off to the southwest on all four legs.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks happily.

You exclaim, "We can get you a nice, freshly baked honey cake!"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

You say, "It might be bad for your stomach, that mouldy one."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at the mouldy honey cake.

Xiran wrinkles her nose.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi grabs the honey cake in his mouth, waddles over, and
hands it to you.

You blink.

This little cake has lost much of its shape, its golden colour turning green in
many places, and bears several fuzzy lumps.
It has 5 months of usefulness left.
It weighs 12 ounce(s).

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips expectantly.

Blanching, you say, "Oh, for me?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi nods his head enthusiastically.

You gulp nervously.
You say, "Wah. Wh-why thank you, Arco.
You pat Arco, the Hound of Papaxi in a friendly manner.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yelps and runs in a wobbly circle before you, yipping
and making happy puppy barks as he looks you for attention.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi looks proud as he barks in approval.

Xiran's eyes sparkle in amusement despite the smell of the mouldy honey cake wafting up.
You say, "Want to show everyone else what you found, hmm?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi nods his head enthusiastically.

A wry smile spreads across your face.

You say, "Off to Moonhart Mother then."

You thank Butter Sweetpease profusely.

...
The Moonhart Mother Tree.
The stars twinkle in the clear night sky. The variety of trees that crowd around
the Moonhart Mother Tree goes beyond count, elms and alders, beech and cherry,
hawthorn and hazel, evergreen and oak, all dwarfed by the magnificence and
majesty of the mother tree herself. The grasses and shrubs that grow in the
surrounding forest become scarce as they approach the tree, replaced by tiny
wildflowers of amethyst-purple and marble-white. The veil to the ethereal plane
is particularly thin, and the laughter of pixies and other creatures of the fae
tinkle down from the treetops and tickle the ears of those below. The atmosphere
itself, although benign and welcoming, also vibrates with a palpable power,
sending shivers up the skin. A sedge of galingale is firmly planted in the
forest floor. Singing a hauntingly beautiful melody, Miakoda, Maiden of the
Moonhart, stands here. Towering high above is the Moonhart Mother Tree,
stretching her enormous branches heavenwards. There are 12 centaur hunters here.
Hovering over a raised dais are two silver arrows, their long shafts crossed
with the points aimed skywards. There are 10 kephera nature warders here. A
screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. There are 2 armoured owls here.
A striped badger is here, licking its paws. Reaching up as high as the eye can
see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. There are 4 fierce
timberwolves here. In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. A
red fox stands here, cautiously listening to the surroundings. A mature birch
tree stands proudly here. An illustrated canvas hangs in the air here, supported
by silvery ribbons. There are 9 pomegranate cup cakes here. There are 2 moon
cakes here. Yipping playfully as he hops back and forth, Arco, the Hound of
Papaxi, is here, his dark fur shimmering with an ethereal light.
You see exits leading north, south, and through a vined stairway.

You say, "No one here!"

You place your hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and find the link to the
ethereal plane. Pulsating energy flares throughout your field of vision, and you
find yourself tumbling through the aether pathways.
Near the argent trunk of the Moonhart Mother Tree.
The silvery leaves of a faebush gently billow in the wind. Towering high above
is the Moonhart Mother Tree, stretching her enormous branches heavenwards. There
are 20 centaur hunters here. There are 10 frost hags here. There are 10 kephera
nature warders here. Bursts of vibrant red light arc across the surface of the
small shrine here, thorny roses wreathing its base. A platinum eye sigil is here.
In the shape of an open palm, a metallic sigil lies here. Covered in bone
armour, a screech owl is here, surveying the surroundings. Reaching up as high
as the eye can see looms the awesome presence of a living totem. A mature oak
tree stands proudly here. Hadrian towers here. He wields a forestal violin
decorated with chimes in his left hand. He is surrounded by one reflection of
himself. He is surrounded by five pale ancestral spirits.
You see exits leading east and west.

"Though I profess to love Her dearly, rarely is it fully so," sings Hadrian,
playing a forestal violin decorated with chimes.

You wave a mouldy honey cake about energetically.

Across the heavens, the stars and moon challenge night's dark reign, revealing
familiar constellations that tell the tales of myth and legend.

Hadrian's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

You say, "Arco found it."

Hadrian gives the world a thumbs up.

You say, "He wanted everyone to see."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks proudly.

You give a mouldy honey cake to Hadrian.

"Thanks!" Hadrian says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Hadrian for a moment, a bothered look on his
face.

Hadrian hums a happy tune.

"When earthly deals and dreams too big hold my soul in thrall," sings Hadrian,
playing a forestal violin decorated with chimes.
"So every morn in Serenwilde I gaze at Sun's dim glow," sings Hadrian, playing a
forestal violin decorated with chimes.
"So every night, bathed, soaked in Moon's argent light," sings Hadrian, playing
a forestal violin decorated with chimes.
"I whisper to myself: Love Her most!" sings Hadrian, playing a forestal violin
decorated with chimes.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi playfully paws at Hadrian's arm, trying to get his
attention.

The bold, brassy summer melodies soothe your ego.

You tell Hadrian, "But it's all mouldy!"

Hadrian tells you, "My taste buds have been numb for years anyway!"

You tell Hadrian, "Eww."

Hadrian sniffles softly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi flattens his ears and growls.

Hadrian leans on Arco, the Hound of Papaxi seeking consolation.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Hadrian for a moment, a bothered look on his
face.

You tell Hadrian, "Well. Arco might be pleased if you ate it, but but."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks angrily at Hadrian, then turns to look pointedly
at Xiran.

You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "Hrm? You want your honeycake back?"

Hadrian grabs at a mouldy honey cake and proudly proclaims, "Mine!"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi continues his furious barking.

Hadrian sniffles softly.

You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "Aww. He's showing how much he appreciates
your findings."

Hadrian gives a mouldy honey cake to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips happily and returns the mouldy honey cake to
Xiran.

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.
Xiran rubs her nose after taking a sniff of the mouldy honey cake.

The corners of Hadrian's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

Hadrian places his hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and disappears in a
fountain of pulsating energy.

A leaf falls from the Moonhart Mother Tree and floats gently to the ground,
turning to mulch.

You ponder for a moment and say "Hrm..."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi looks expectantly at you.

You ask Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "Still want to show more people?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks, his eyes on the honey cake in your hand.

You tilt your head curiously.
You say, "That was a yes?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi shakes his head.

With your mighty index finger extended, you poke a mouldy honey cake.
Xiran tastes the remnants of a honeycake on her finger.
Xiran wrinkles her nose.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks again, emphasizing his demand with a whine.

Coughing, you say, "You want me to eat it?"

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks happily in response.

You have emoted: Xiran gapes in horror.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi wags his tail, panting softly.

Turning pale, you say, "Oh. Well."

A kephera nature warder exclaims, "Greetings, forest dweller!"
The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Nanun steps
through.

Gulping, you say, "It's hard to refuse a face like that."

Nanun leaves to the east.
Nanun arrives from the east.

Xiran eyes a mouldy honey cake queasily.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips happily, wagging his tail harder.

Nanun tilts his head curiously at you.

You tell Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine, "I think Arco wants me to eat it."

Eyes widening a measure, Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "I'm not sure
that you should eat mouldy cakes, miss Xiran."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi growls at Nanun.

You whisper soothing words to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi leaps up and puts his forepaws on your leg, panting
softly and staring up at you with hopeful eyes.

Nanun shifts his eyes suspiciously from side to side.

Gulping, you say, "I suppose a gulp of allheale afterwards should do."

Shuffling uneasily, Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "Though.. Arco is -
very- persuasive."

The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Gabriella
steps through.

"Ahah!" Gabriella exclaims triumphantly.

Groaning, you say, "I'm afraid he is."

Gabriella pokes you in the belly.

You squeak in fright.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "Who's what now?"
Gabriella gives Nanun a peck on the cheek.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine whispers to you, "Maybe if you pretend?"

You pat Arco, the Hound of Papaxi in a friendly manner.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips playfully and rubs up against your leg, panting
softly.

Nanun greets Gabriella with a sincere smile.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart exclaims, "Puppy!"

Gabriella pets Arco, the Hound of Papaxi ingratiatingly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Gabriella for a moment, a bothered look on
his face.

You whisper to Nanun, "Maybe Gabriella can distract him."

Gabriella pats Arco, the Hound of Papaxi in a friendly manner.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Gabriella for a moment, a bothered look on
his face.

"Awwwww!" Gabriella says.
Gabriella gives a pained sigh.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "I don't think he likes me."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi whines pitifully.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine glances between Gabriella and you, head
bobbing in an emphatic nod.

You say, "Arco kind of takes a liking to a select few."

Gabriella's ears perk up with a sudden interest.
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "I know."
Gabriella begins to wield a moon cake in her right hand.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi playfully paws at your arm, obviously wanting for
attention.

You say, "Oh look Arco! A moon cake!"

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart waves the moon cake under Arco's nose
temptingly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi gives Gabriella the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

Pointing excitedly, Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "Ooh, a moon cake!"

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi,
"Oh don't look at me like that. I'm only trying to be friendly."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs the moon cake hesitantly, then looks at Xiran
and whines.

A centaur hunter says, "Hail, wildeling."
The Moonhart Mother Tree suddenly flares with pulsating energy as Esoneyuna
steps through.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to you, "What's wrong with him?"
Gabriella tilts her head curiously.

Encouragingly, you say, "You can eat it if you want to!"

You say to Gabriella, "Arco gifted me with this."
You display a mouldy honey cake for all in the room to see.

Gabriella blinks.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine whispers to Gabriella, "He wants her to eat it."

Gabriella ponders the situation.
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "You should eat it."
Gabriella nods her head emphatically.

You sway back and forth.

Opening his mouth wide, Nanun gapes in wonder at Gabriella.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips, nodding in agreement.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "You can't just eat mouldy things!"


Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "I'll eat it."

You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "Oh -now- you like her, huh."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi flattens his ears and growls at Gabriella.

You stick your tongue out and say 'Ack.'

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "I
meant I'd eat it, if it were mine."

Gabriella pats Arco, the Hound of Papaxi in a friendly manner.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Gabriella for a moment, a bothered look on
his face.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks in approval, then looks back at Xiran.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to you, "It's a honeycake!
what's wrong with a honeycake?"

Xiran wrinkles her nose.

Esoneyuna places her hands on the Moonhart Mother Tree and disappears in a
fountain of pulsating energy.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks impatiently.

Gabriella sets to work, digging furiously, but soon quits and stands back with a
disappointed look upon her face.

Gabriella ceases to wield a moon cake in her right hand.
Gabriella sets about digging a deep hole. She is forced to occasionally stop and
rest, so difficult is the work. Finally, the hole is done, and she places a moon
cake inside of it, then fills the hole back in.
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart sits on top of the hole happily.

Blanching, you say, "You want a mouldy moon cake?"

"Nope," Gabriella says with finality.
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "I want to leave a nice
surprise for someone."
Gabriella nods her head emphatically.
The corners of Gabriella's mouth turn up as she grins mischievously.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi quiets as he watches Xiran, his tail wagging harder.


It is bathed in silvery moonlight.
A mouldy honey cake has no poisons or magical effects on it.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "Besides, isn't there already
mold in it? Yeast, and all?"
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "Some molds are good for you!"

You sway back and forth.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "And mushrooms are a fungus."
Gabriella nods her head emphatically.

Gabriella starts to dig furiously.
A moon cake is unearthed by her efforts!
Gabriella picks up a moon cake.

You say, "I better get resurgemed after this."

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine looks skeptical and says, "Looks -can- be
deceptive. Perhaps.. perhaps there is something mysterious about the mouldy cake.
Arco likes you, right? He wouldn't just make you eat something gross."

You peer at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi unscrupulously.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yelps and runs in a wobbly circle before you, yipping
and making happy puppy barks as he looks you for attention.

Gabriella gives a moon cake to Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips happily at Xiran.

You say to Nanun, "Oh. Now you're all siding with the cute blink-hound!"
You sway back and forth.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "Just eat it, you big baby."
Gabriella grins mischievously at you.

Brows knitting, Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "Not -exactly,- but if I
tell you not to eat it, I think he might bite me."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.
You say, "We can't have that can we."

Nanun shakes his head.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Nanun, "You should eat the
moon cake."

Xiran pinches her nose.

You eat a mouldy honey cake with gusto.
You take a drink from a bloodstone vial.
The allheale burns your throat and makes your eyes water.

Nanun blinks incredulously at you.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi barks in triumph.

Xiran gags and sputters.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine asks you, "How was it?"

Gabriella rolls on the floor in front of you, laughing.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine looks surprised and says, "Are you going to
live, miss Xiran?"

Weakily, you say, "Let's go with very pungent in taste."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi runs in circles around Xiran, yipping happily.


Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "I
don't suppose you could find a honeycake for me now, could you?"
Gabriella looks at Arco, the Hound of Papaxi hopefully.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi sniffs at Gabriella for a moment, a bothered look on
his face.
Arco, the Hound of Papaxi gives Gabriella the once-over, eyeing her suspiciously.

You say to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "You should!"

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi,
"What? I like honeycakes!"

Nanun consumes a moon cake leisurely, seeming to enjoy every bite.

You sit yourself down.
You say, "I think my stomach needs a moment."

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi waddles into Xiran's lap.

Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine asks you, "Would you like some tea to wash
that down with?"

Gabriella gives a pomegranate cup cake to you.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi snuggles up close to you, looking happy and content.

Gabriella takes a bottle from a sturdy brown backpack.

You say, "Oh! Thank you!"

Gabriella takes a wintry lidded tea cup from a sturdy brown backpack.

You pet Arco, the Hound of Papaxi ingratiatingly.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi yips playfully and rubs up against your leg, panting
softly.

Gabriella pours cherry blossom sunrise white tea from a bottle into a wintry
lidded tea cup.

You stand up and stretch your arms out wide.
You quickly devour a pomegranate cup cake.

Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says to Arco, the Hound of Papaxi, "I
guess that's a no on the honey cake, isn't it?"
Gabriella gives a pained sigh.
Initiate Gabriella, Hope of the White Hart says, "I'll just have to go find my
own later I guess."

Xiran pats her own stomach gingerly.

Gabriella ponders the situation.
Gabriella sets to work, digging furiously, but soon quits and stands back with a
disappointed look upon her face.
Gabriella digs furiously at the ground and has soon burrowed out of sight.
A frost hag spares a glance for Gabriella as she leaves.

Arco, the Hound of Papaxi curls up at Xiran's feet and lays his head upon her
toes, closing his eyes and appearing to doze off.

A mound of dirt seems to travel out of the room, as whatever is burrowing
beneath you leaves to the east.

"Awwwww!" you say.

With a faint smile, Unblooded Nanun, Keep of Everiine says, "Even if he makes
you eat mouldy cakes, he is -very- cute, miss Xiran."