"I wanted pumpkin pie." I said.
"You got an entire feast organized and running for a pie? This gonna be a good pie." Gregor said.
I grinned, approaching him and said, "I'm probably gonna be out till late into the night hunting, so I just wanted to warn you."
"Still have the communication stone Bibs gave you?" He asked.
I gave him a hug, "Yes, I do. I'll be going Westward, I think. It may be nice to see how the area has changed since I was small."
"Alright. If you need anything, just give me a call." He replied. "Was there a particular time of day you were going to be starting this thing?"
"It'll probably get started around three or four and kick off at dusk. That's the social part of it during day hours where people talk up their wares and get sales done. I'll be letting the stall and business owners know afore heading out." I grinned.
"Sounds like you really thought all this through. Well, then, I'll wish you luck on your hunt. And I'll see you.. hopefully sometime tonight." He said.
"I suppose I could sneak into your room when I return. I should think you'll be asleep." I replied, kissing his cheek.
"Oh, what would the neighbors think?" Gregor joked.
"That you're a little lady with loose morals?" I suggested, teasing him.
"Oh, my reputation. Whatever shall I do?" He responded, smiling.
I gave him a proper kiss before heading out. I tried to let him know when I was going out for a while, or if I took a quest. I went to Bibs' place and informed him and Kershka about the celebration and such, then I went and talked to the business owners. They were mighty curious about the reason for the celebration.
I just told them it was a way to bring in more money to the town for their pockets, as well as a way to strengthen ties within Dueling Rivers. It was enough for them, I suppose, because I informed them that Tilton had allowed it, and the Dwarves were preparing the food. All they had to do is be ready to have fun. Which everyone needed.
I decided to also speak with the guard captain and explain the situation, though Sylvia would be keeping fights down. There would still be many people drinking, and that could go poorly, or very well. They seemed intrigued by the idea of it.
After that, I headed into the Western woods and headed for my old home area. It'd be nothing but ruins now. He'll, it was just ruins the last time I saw it. It was going to take a few hours or so to reach Gorthok's home area. I wasn't bothering to be extremely careful, a little over confident.
Bibs had given me a Bag of Holding for my birthday, and Tilton have given me special tipped arrows for it. I'd been born in September, so I was twenty-three now. Kershka had given me two hand carved wooden lynx cub, which I adored, and Gregor had given me an alchemist kit, which I used to make medicine for people when they needed it, and a lovely bracelet that had gems in it.
I really enjoyed all my gifts, and I brought them all with me everywhere I went. They'd honestly blind sided me with the gifts, I'd not known it was my birthday. Then again, I also hadn't known what time of year it was until they'd surprised me. It was unfortunate, because that meant I missed Tilton's birthday. He didn't mind.
Nor did Bibs. Not that I ever knew when Bibs' birthday was. I should learn Gregor's. As I was lost in thought, I noticed someone was walking along side me. I blinked. It was Jack in a red suit.. which means...
"Well, hello there." I greeted politely. "I'm afraid I never caught your name, Lord."
"I feel you know it anyway." He said. "And I plan to ask Bibs this as well, but you hang out with him quite often, did he drop something at my from door?"
"Recently? I wouldn't say so. But some time ago we came across an interesting thing, and I heard you are so often bored, so I thought you may like it. Bibs made a trap for the thing." I replied.
"Ah. It was an entertaining bit of fun, and has given me several ideas." He replied.
"Ooh, nice. Did you want to come to the festivities tomorrow? I'm hunting for some good roasting boars. Gonna be fine music and better alcohol." I told him.
"Do you have any idea how many festivities I've been to in my time? Literally all of them." He responded.
"Oh. Well, did you want me to call Bibs here for you?" I asked.
"Oh, no. I'd love for that to be a surprise. When are you going to join my staff?" He asked.
"I must decline that. You see, I am not suited to such things. And there is nothing I can do to improve your life." I said.
"Hm. I will ask you again when you have no other choices." He said.
"Got a question for you, though. Just a curiosity." I said.
"Normally I do not entertain questions. But why not. What is it?" He asked.
"Was you ever curious why they suddenly figured out how they knew you had my soul?" I asked.
"I never bothered to consider the possibilities. I was very bored with the entire situation." He said.
"Oh. Well, thank you for your time." I said.
"This feels too wholesome. How about a parting gift?? A nice big pat on the back for living so long?" He asked.
"A gift?" I asked, tilting my head and reaching into my back, I withdrew a gold broach with a large ruby in the middle. "Like this?" I offered it to him.
"No. Like this." He said, slapping his hand on my back.
I felt searing heat for a second. Then he withdrew his hand. Flexing it, he said, "You've already been marked. How unfortunate. I suppose I will just leave you as you are, then. You may need a new shirt, though." And he poofed.
I took out the stone from my pocket, and looked over my shoulder at my skin, since the back of the shirt was gone, and contacted Bibs. "Hey, so, Asmodeus just tried to mark me apparently?"
*Going to havre to have another conflversation with him.* Bibs said.
"He learned some things from the flesh gait, he said. He said he's gonna visit you." I told him.
*Well then, I look forward to his visit.* Bibs said. *For his sake, he better not try any of that nonsense with me. Send his ass straight back to hell.*
"He expects me to become one of his staff." I informed him.
*Well, I can tell you that he can't force that on you.* Bibs said.
"He said he'll ask again when I have no choice." I replied.
*Well that's ominous.* Bibs replied.
"I think that was all the important stuff. My shirt is rather ruined. Was there a reason he'd want a hand shake?" I asked.
*Just another way to try and brand you.* Bibs said.
"Guess I should be thankful to the dragon." I noted. "Anyways, gone to hunt, and I should pay more attention to that."
*Do be careful. He may not be done yet today.* Bibs warned.
After agreeing to be careful, I ended the communication and headed on, paying more attention to my surroundings. Idly, I was surprised I remembered the way to my home. I'd been six when I began traveling with Tilton and Bibs, after all.
Being a rogue, traveling by myself was a double edged sword. Rogues do best with someone who acts as a distraction. That's how I was trained by my friends. They didn't want me getting hurt, so Tilton taught me to be as good an archer as any Elf.
After two and a half hours I reached my destination. A moss covered ruins of stone homes. I still remembered which was my home, too. It looked like no one touched the place since the incident that collapsed the buildings. Hell, I even found my ancient doll.
I cleaned it off some and put it in my pack. I'd wash it properly some other time. With renewed determination, I turned towards the area the legends claimed Gorthok'd be in. There were definitive signs that a boar was living around there, but I wasn't spotting it yet.
It was fine. I could follow the trails it'd left. I readied my bow while doing so. When I began looking for just Gorthok, a light appeared, guiding me to him. The Mark was very convenient, and had saved me from being marked by Asmodeus.
Anyways, when I got close enough to Gorthok, I noticed there were other boar available. I killed a normal sized boar and hid. Selecting another, I shot it too, hiding again, before taking on Gorthok in the same manner.
It took four shots before he was felled, and that was after he used thunder and lighting attacks to attack around him. It started considerably. I handled field dressing the animals before storing them in my bag.
I figured, this would be enough boar. On the way to a pond, I bagged a Giant Elk, and once at the pond, five geese. This would be enough for a feast. I made sure to stop but a familiar area with loads of miner's lettuce, and pick some other wild vegetables on the way back.
By the time I got back, it had been dark for two hours. This meant it was barely before midnight. I went to Balnur's, where I'd been told to bring the roasting meat. He'd locked up shop, but was waiting for me, because when I knocked he opened the door.
Once he confirmed I had everything, he led me to a big building next to the Dwarven Union. After we were inside the Dwarves were chatting about how a human would underestimate what would be needed for a proper feast, all the while I was taking out the geese and boar.
It was when I took out the Elk and Gorthok, that cheers went up and the tone completely changed of the Dwarves. They were less enthusiastic with the vegetables, though raved about the miner's lettuce, how it paired well with boar and geese.
To which I boastful said, "Of course it does, Papa Griorgre taught me so!"
"Where did you hear that name?" An elderly Dwarf asked.
"Papa Griorgre came to my village when I was a child. Almost four hundred years ago." I replied. "He was a kind and charming man of wisdom and integrity. With a heavy heart."
"You look mighty spry for someone over four hundred." The elder said.
"I had passed away. My friends brought me back recently." I shrugged, smiling. "I'm probably the only human that's seen the Father Tree, and attended a real October Feast with pumpkin pies. And I remember Papa Griorgre, and his rock candy, and candied tree nuts. Called pralines."
"I had always wondered what happened to him. Always remembered he'd been banished for going up top. And here we all are anyways." The man said.
"He never blamed any of you. Just said it was too painful to be home acause of Mama Audhild." I replied.
"I wish I had had more time to know the both of them." The Elder said.
"I too. The Stone remembers and Preserves." I said politely, "Though he passed when I was just a girl, I treasured him as a grandfather sort. He wouldn't think poorly to see you all here. More than the Father Tree, he loved the Mountain's People."
"I say we should make this one hell of a feast." The elder said.
"That's the only kind Dwarves have!" I grinned.
I excused myself after a little more talking with them, I didn't want to be in the way once they got busy. True to my word, I went to the Guild Hall and snuck into Gregor's room. He'd fallen asleep before I got there. I climbed into bed with him, a little tired, but very excited.
He rolled and threw an arm over me. It was clear he'd only half woke. Tucking me against himself, he slipped back into the deep sleep he'd been in. So I simply cozied in and fell asleep myself.
When I woke in the morning, he looked happy to see me. I turned to face him and give him an affectionate kiss. "Good morning."
"Good morning. How was your hunt?" He asked.
"It went very well, even with Asmodeus' visit." I told him.
"Oh, not again. What did he do?" He asked.
"Ruined my shirt. But that's all." I said.
"He ruined your shirt? How did he do that?" He asked.
"Tried to mark me. Didn't work, much to his displeasure." I said.
"Why didn't it work? Because of the dragon mark?" He asked.
"I assume so. He mentioned I was already marked." I shrugged.
"Had he mentioned why he wanted to mark you?" He asked.
"Not really. He said something about a pat on the back for living so long. And he wants me as part of his staff." I said. "You're really handsome, you know?"
"Nice distraction..?" He said. "Need to find you some way to dissuade him from showing up again."
I shrugged and said, "Eh. As long as he just stays for a chat, I really don't mind. It's when he starts being dangerous that I'll worry."
"He is always dangerous. He could mood swing at any time." Gregor said.
I poked his cheek, "Well, I'm really charming, I don't think he'll do much immediately. Plus, then Tilton will harass him with Bibs."
"I'm pretty positive if he were to do anything to you, it would not be harassment, but a very large fight. It would be a bring the gang back together kind of throw down." Gregor said.
"I have no doubt that you'd go, too." I replied, cupping his cheek in my hands.
"Yes, I'd definitely go. Don't know if I'd be able to get at him before everyone else killed him though. And I'm not sure why, but I feel that Hearthry boy would help lead the charge. Dunno where I'm getting that from, though." Gregor said.
"He's such a cute baby." I grinned.
"A fiercely intelligent cute baby." Gregor agreed.
"Have you seen him try to lie, yet? It's so cute." I said, "What isn't cute is how he just trusts certain people blindly, and openly threatens those who irk him. He's so tiny."
"I completely agree. But I would also say. That though he is tiny, the insurmountable mountain you'd have to climb to hurt the boy is so daunting a task than most give it credit for." Gregor said.
"Because of the leonin? I bet their new baby will be just as cute. I like Snow Den." I said.
"She certainly seems to be picky about who she is nice to." Gregor said.
"She has gotten that way, I imagine it's the pregnancy." I said.
"Eh, certainly can be. I haven't interacted with many pregnant women, so I don't have a reference." He replied.
"Did you sleep well?" I asked.
"I slept a lot better after you came to bed. I've grown appreciative of your presence." Gregor said. "In fact, I was wondering.. if you would just like to stay here?"
"To live with you?" I clarified.
"Yes. To live with me." He replied.
I hesitated a moment. Then I smiled and said, "I would be happy to stay with you."
He smiled and hugged me, "Good. If you're worried about space, we can get an actual house. I just stayed here because it was convenient."
"I'm not worried. I don't take up much space." I said. "I wouldn't even know what to do with a house. I've not lived in a single place since my village was destroyed. Unless you count the room in Bibs' house."
"Well then, I would be happy to provide a safe home for you." Gregor said.
I snuggled into his chest and said, "This is my safe home."
"Good, that's a lot easier to keep clean than an entire house." Gregor said.
I stretched against him and gave him a kiss. "I'll pick up my things from Bibs' house today, then. It's just hair care stuff."
"Alright, I have some errands to run I'll try to be quick." Gregor said.
"Don't worry, just do what you have to. I'll have to check on what Alex's kids are doing to decorate for the Feast." I told him. "And don't forget to have breakfast."
"Ah yes, I should eat something before running off." Gregor said.
"Yup." I grinned at him, as we got out of bed. "Domitan will probably have something going."
"Oh, he probably has several things going by this point." Gregor agreed.
We headed downstairs, where I greeted Krista and Clara, who was learning the job from her mom. I gave Gregor a kiss before going to the door, opening it, and pausing. The kids had done a lot of decorating over night.
Little lanterns with Elven and Dwarven decorations were strewn on from rooftop to rooftop, little fall leaf and gourd decorations were tastefully placed in visible areas. As well as tastefully gold, red and orange flowers in other places upon bales of hay.
Games were also being organized, thought up between the Dwarves and other townsfolk. They were working together with this, and people all seemed excited. It was the busiest the town had ever been that I'd seen since my revival.
I shut the door and walked over to Krista. Leaning onto her desk, I said, "I would have probably liked to hear a warning about all that."
"I think it's surprising for everyone. And everyone should be equally surprised." Krista replied.
"I'm trying to decide if I'm in trouble or not." I said.
"Couldn't possibly tell you. At least it's well done." Krista said.
"It is. And everyone looks like they are having a blast." I said.
"I'd say it will probably be fine." Krista said.
"You'll have to play around some before you go home tonight." I commented, "I'll talk to you later, I've got to go see Bibs."
"See you later." Krista agreed.
Perhaps I'd see which of us could drink more later. I headed back out, this time not getting side tracked, and headed to Bibs' house. I knocked, Kershka and opened the door.
Stunned, he said, "Woooah. Bibs, the town looks different."
My face turned guilty, "Yeah, um, it may have gotten out of my control..."
Bibs came out. "Mm. Good thing you already told Tilton about this."
"Yes, but I don't know if I'm in trouble or not yet." I replied. "But it does remind me of the harvest festival. Um, I was just gonna fetch the stuff from the room, acause Gregor invited me to live with him."
Bibs looked up at me, "Oh, did he now? That's interesting. And clearly you accepted if you're here to collect your things."
"I did. He offered to get a house for us, but I said I wouldn't know what to do with an entire house." I told him. "The townspeople are setting up games, the Dwarves, too."
"Well, I suppose we should go and have a look, then." Bibs said.
"Mhm. Finish your breakfast first, though. And I'll be right down. We can look the three of us together.." I said, heading upstairs.
"Alright, alright." I heard Bibs saying.
I fetched the few things I'd left in the room, just hygiene things and extra clothes, I also changed into a dress I hadn't worn before, and headed back down. The dress I'd gotten from the desert it had a deep red blouse, with a dark brown corset belt, and a similarly colored skirt.
The men had finished their breakfast by the time I came down, I'd left nothing in the room. "All ready, guys?"
"Well, you look like you're ready for a night on the town. Gregor will be impressed." Bibs said.
"Looks weird, don't it?" I asked.
"You cut a fine figure, Ashtar." Bibs said.
"It feels weird." I said.
"It's because you're used to pants." Bibs pointed out.
"You look pretty." Kershka said firmly.
"Thank you both." I smiled, they got ready to head out to check the town.
Not that they had much to do to reach that point. Kershka looked much like everyone else, enchanted by the decor and festive feel to the air. It felt like a Harvest Festival just as much as it looked like it. Smiles all around, and laughter.
Bibs looked a little vacant, probably reminiscing. We came across Tilton in the square, helping with an archery game. There were folk showing up that I didn't recognize from town, the stall were very busy.
I spotted Sienna and Alexion, which meant Nathan was nearby there, and after a moment I saw Alex and Sylvia. Sylvia approached me with a halfling man wearing a green suit.
"This is Saul. He is the owner of a traveling tavern. He will be supplying the alcohol for the feast, per contract." Sylvia introduced the green suited man.
He bowed slightly, "Yes, indeed I am. Might I ask your name?"
"I am Ashtar, lovely to meet you Saul." I greeted him. "I trust it's a fair arrangement?"
"If it wasn't, I'm sure I wouldn't be standing here." Saul replied, perhaps being cheeky.
Sylvia arched a brow at him and said, "You needn't worry. The contract is just a formality. Such is Fey ways."
"Good to know. Your kids did an amazing job." I replied.
"They had help from the citizens and spirits." Sylvia replied, "I appreciate your acknowledgement of their efforts..." She took a step towards me, "Now allow me to assist you some."
Anxiety filled my heart at the gleeful glint in her eyes. She took my hand and we poofed to the mansion, where she did up my hair and painted my face with a ladies make-up things, by the time she was done, she showed me my image in a mirror. I was gorgeous.
When we returned, I was behind Gregor, just before the Guild hall, and she returned to Alex. "Are you done with your errands yet?" I asked.
"Yes, I believe I am finished with my errands," he said, turning and looking at me, "You look fantastic, by the way."
"Thank you. Sylvia painted my face and put up my hair." I told him.
"Doesn't look like she had to do too much to enhance your natural beauty." Gregor said.
"I'll take my bag to your room, I won't need it today." I told him.
"Alright, then. I'll be talking to Krista while you're dropping it off." Gregor said.
We went inside, and I headed upstairs to his room. I placed my bag at the foot of the bed, noticed there was a mirror in the room, and headed back downstairs. I approached and looped my arms around Gregor's arm. They appeared to be discussing closing the guild for the day. It was the decision that was reached, anyhow.
We headed out and began enjoying the atmosphere of the soon to be Feast. We even participated in some games that had been set up. A few of the Dwarves let me know that the foods they were working on would be ready on time. I was excited, and glad to see our friends enjoying themselves, too.
Tilton was actively participating in the activities himself. Seeing this, I couldn't let it slide. I approached him and said, "Having fun?"
"I am.. performing quality insurance." Tilton said.
I elbowed him lightly, grinning, "You can't lie to your Ashtar, you know? It was a good idea, yeah?"
"What do you mean lie to you?" He asked.
"You're having fun. You like the energy." I replied.
"Whether I like the energy or I am having fun does not matter. I am still performing quality ensurance. I did not sanction any of these craftsmen." Tilton said.
"Grouch." I accused. "I'll admit this blossomed outside of my expectations, especially with short notice.."
"It would seem people had a bit of pent up energies towards festivities." Tilton said.
"They remind me of the first time I saw a harvest festival. All feet and no clue." I grinned. "Sylvia mentioned it potentially being yearly, what do you think?"
"You mean to force me to endure these festivities yearly? I may have to resign." He said.
I laughed. I'd gotten used to his new way of acting. "Don't you worry, I'll help out."
"With how easily you let everything slip out of control? Truly, I appreciate the assistance." He grumbled.
"Guess what?" I grinned.
"What is it, Ashtar?" He asked, with a sigh.
"The pie is gonna have all the fixins, like whipped cream and the roasted nuts. I was told they'll have it all ready at the right time." My grin broadened. "Pumpkin pie, Tilton!"
Tilton cracked a smile. "It has been quite a while since I've had pumpkin pie."
I didn't breath a word about his smile. It'd become a rare thing. More precious than gems. "I'll let you get back to playing. Sylvia is gonna help keep fights from breaking out."
As I was going back to Gregor, Tilton firmly said, "Quality assurance."
I giggled, looping an arm into Gregor's while he played a game. This is when I noticed some kids with fluffy colorful creations in their hands. Just as I was wondering what it was, Sienna bounded over to us and gave us some of the fluffy stuff.
"It's spun sugar," Sienna explained. "Cotton candy. Try some. Amilë asked Dipper to come and make it. And there's a special type of fried cake being made over there with some cream dessert. Alexion and I aren't allowed to have the cream dessert, but we can have the fried cake. The strawberry glaze is the best."
I listened to Sienna babble as we tried the cotton candy. Delightfully, it melted in my mouth. "Wonderful. We'll have to try the cake, too." The girl pranced away to pass out cotton candy to more people she's seen talk to her parents. "If love was a child, I think it'd be her, you think?"
"She does seem to embody a lot of joyous emotions." Gregor agreed.
Her over protective brother came walking by, I pointed in the last direction I'd seen her go, and he hurried in that direction. "They are such cute kids. That should mean Nathan is close."
"They do seem to run as a pack. I wonder if they know that themselves." Gregor agreed.
"Just need Isarial and his other friend, and it'll be the whole group of kids." I grinned.
"There's a lot of interesting kids around lately. I'm starting to believe something may be happening in the world." Gregor commented.
That was a bit of a scary idea. Then again, the hero legends always said heroic children would be born when most needed. And Isarial did fit the bill, raising children around him to being stronger.. nevermore. This was a celebration.
It didn't take long for people to begin playing music. Alex's own children found places to play where they shined wonderfully. Probably the most still we'd ever seen Sienna, is when she played music. Hers and her brother's singing voices were so beautiful.
Just before the feast would begin, I spotted a large leonin. Then I saw the other two with little Isarial, and the dark but sweet Plight. I nudged Gregor and pointed them out. The little blonde thief was seen moments later, and not near the leonin, which amused me.
He was a very anti adult kid. And I understood his reasoning there. Isarial had only commented that he was his best friend, and so he didn't mind how he acted. He was so protective of his friends. The only thing he had really ever said to Gregor was to not run away. To remain responsible.
I always thought it was an odd thing to say, but he was an odd kid, so what could you expect? Once the feast began, around five,, the alcohol was served. And everyone cheered the plentiful meat and dishes. It all looked spectacular. An hour in and most kids were taken home, having had their fill of festivities.
Many of the out of towners went home with their numerous purchases, while the Dueling Rivers people were tucking into having more fun. Those with things to sell were practically sold out, and had shut down their stalls and stores by now anyways.
It was loud, borderline obnoxious, as the dwarves out drank many. I noticed the Hearthry's were heading back, and Alex's kids, and Dean, went with them to drop them at home. Or maybe to watch over them for Alex and Sylvia. I had no idea.
Gregor didn't drink any alcohol. Only drank fruit juice. It was fine, I didn't question that. I drank, though. I enjoyed the pink alcohol. I had no idea what it was, but even the Dwarves enjoyed it, so that was also good.
We got to telling stories, so I told stories about Papa Griorgre's legacy, how he'd helped fight the ancient dragon over their mountain home, and how a peaceful arrange meet had been reached where the dragon would live topside and the Dwarves would rule the mountains belly.
Then the tales of his adventures topside after his wife had passed. I learned that the Elder Alberich was actually a relative of Papa Griorgre's. When it came time for songs, I'd sang their songs with them. The townsfolk sang and told stories, too. The fatty meats helped keep us from getting too drunk too fast.