Looking at Isy, Madryck responds to her first question. "Unfortunately, I can't even presume to know what form the fey crossing currently takes, how well hidden and protected it is, or where within the carnival it may reside. I encourage you to explore the carnival thoroughly on your own."
Addressing the whole party, Madryck adds, "Zybilna is a fairy godmother to mortals. She created the carnival as a means by which mortals could enter her realm and beseech her aid. Last I visited the carnival, it was run by a pair of shadar-kai named Mister Witch and Mister Light. I assume they still run it to this day. I dimly recall that they acquired the carnival more than a hundred years ago from an eladrin who's name was... it was... uhh. I can't remember."
"Prismeer is a domain of delight ruled by Zybilna, who dwells in the Palace of Heart's Desire. It is a magnificent structure in the heart of the domain. Zybilna can assume many forms and is brilliant, secretive, and wise. When she presents herself to mortals, Zybilna usually assumes the form of a statuesque woman with long white hair and a small tattoo shaped like a chicken's foot below one eye."
[Everyone roll a d8. If you get the same number as someone else, reroll.]
As each of you hear the description of Zybilna from Madryck, certain specific memories begin to resurface in you minds. These memories feel new as if they have just happened, but they also feel old as if they had been long since forgotten.
Chaseremembers that as a very young child she use to have a problem speaking. Sometimes she would stutter. Other times she would have a lisp. Then there were times where she couldn't speak at all. Then one day a woman matching Zybilna's description put her hand on your head in a very caring manner. The woman was nowhere to be found after that, but your speech problems were gone as well.
Isyremembers that there was a time when she got very sick, almost deathly ill. Her parents tried all manners of tonics and tinctures, but none worked. Sparing no expense, her parents sought out the help of the most gifted healers and posted a reward. One day, a woman matching Zybilna's description answered the call. She came to Isy'sbedside, waved a hand, and as light blue ripples and sparkles appeared from her motion Isyfelt better. The woman was gone before she could accept the reward that had been offered.
Lex remembers a time where he was walking home and had fell through the ice over a pond. Struggling to get out, his cold body couldn't manage to pull himself to safety. Just as he thought it was over a woman matching Zybilna's description came and fished he out of the pond. She wrapped him in a blanket, carried him home, then left without a trace.
Scratch remembers a time when Juniper and he were playing alone in the forest. None of the other children could play that day, and Chase was napping by the fireplace. Though they were having loads of fun, it all ended when the two of them were separated. Scratch's heart sank as he searched and searched the forest with no luck. What was he going to do? Everyone will be so sad if he didn't come back with Juni. Then, out of the fog emerged a woman matching Zybilna's description. This woman was holding Juniper in her arms and came to reunite the two. She told them they should probably head back, then she disappeared as quickly as she had come.
"I know it's asking a lot of you, considering your past experience with the dark side of the carnival. But that's precisely the reason I summoned you four. Also, another has been recruited for the cause and has been instructed to find you at the carnival, should you accept my request."
As Madryck continues describing Zybilna, something unlocks in Chase’s memory. “Zybilna… Oh, I remember her! How could I have forgotten? She was so kind to me when I was a child. She helped me when I had trouble speaking. How would I even be able to…”She trails off, realizing she hasn’t told anyone - not even Scratch - that she can cast magic now.
But yes, how could she possibly cast spells if she still had a stutter? “Damn, I really don’t want to return to the Witchlight Carnival, but at the same time, I’d love to thank Zybilna.” Chase pauses, her thoughts spinning. Wait. What if Zybilna was the answer? What if she could help her control her wild magic? Wouldn’t it be amazing to wield magic without fearing the side effects?
“Yes. Yes!”Her voice rises with sudden excitement. “I want to help. And I’ve got to say,” she adds with a mischievous grin at Scratch, Isithyn, and Lex, “a place called Heart’s Desire sounds like it’s worth a visit, don’t you think? I don’t know about you guys, but my heart desires a lot of things!”
Scratch's single-minded focus on returning to the carnival in order to find Illuwen and perhaps discover answers about Chandler is interrupted as Zybilna is described. His memory of a woman with that exact description helping him find Juni takes over, filling him with wonder and peace. He smiles, and as Chase speaks, he looks at her. Helped her when she had trouble speaking? He reaches back in his memories, trying to make sense of that sentence. When did Chase have trouble speaking? He mentally shakes his head, not remembering anything of the sort. Something else to talk about when they get the chance.
Lex’s face screws up at the sudden flash of memory, the feel of the icy water and the hopelessness, then being rescued. He shakes his head a bit. Pensieve, he thinks for a moment more then says, “I’m in. I’ll help in this mission. Would be nice to have a guarantee we can handle Mr. Witch and Mr. Light if they threaten to drop us off in the planes somewhere. But I think we should be able to manage them.”
Isythin remembers the sickness. The weakness, and the worry of her parents. If this Archfey was the one who helped her, when even Persana couldn't, it was only right to repay the help. She had already decided to help before, but the memory cemented the decision in her mind. "I am willing to help. Not only for Kathine, but for your patron herself. No one should be without any help they deserve."
"Oh wonderful! Ok, you must be off right away. I'm not sure how long the carnival will stay in it's current location and you have 3 days travel ahead of you!" Madryck rushes you out the door and gives you general directions to the location of the carnival. Your party sets out on it's journey to the past within the present while looking towards the future.
[Feel free to roleplay the journey]
After three long days of travel with your childhood friends, you arrive at the Witchlight Carnival. You find yourself standing near a ticket booth by the entrance at twilight, just as the carnival is about to open. What awaits you beyond this point?
Three days ago, Illuwenwas approached by a friendly faerie dragon in the service of a human warlock named Madryck Roslof. This faerie dragon foretold the arrival of adventurers seeking a path to the Feywild through the carnival. Although you’ve heard that the carnival contains a fey crossing, you’ve never gone to the trouble of finding it. The faerie dragon thought you might want to help these adventurers. It even went so far as to imply that the fate of the Witchlight Carnival might hinge on the success of their endeavors.
As twilight draws near, a large crowd begins to gather outside, eager to buy tickets and enjoy the carnival’s many attractions. As you gaze upon the crowd, a few of the visitors catch your eye. Something about them suggests they’re not the usual rabble. There's a familiarity about them.
Illuwendidn't know what to make of the visit from the dragon. He agreed to help the adventurers, more out of politeness than anything, although he wasn't quite sure what Madryck expected him to do.
Afterwards, a swirl of questions ran through his head. Why him? Surely there was someone out there who knew more about the fey crossing than he did (assuming it even existed, and was not just another rumor.) And if the situation was that serious, shouldn't Mister Witch and Mister Light be involved? He was kicking himself for not thinking of any of this while the dragon was still here to answer, but it had left already.
Scanning the crowd of visitors, Illuwen quickly realizes what his connection is to this quest, and why he was chosen for it. He spies the two tabaxis first, still joined at the hip after all these years, just as he remembers them. He scarcely recognizes the triton with them, walking with the confidence of a trained soldier, but then realizes she must be Isy. She's grown quite a bit since Illuwen last saw her. And as the crowd shuffles around them, he finally catches a glimpse of Lex at their feet.
Illuwen'sbreath catches in his throat. Thoughts of all the ways this encounter could go poorly rush through his head unbidden. He briefly considers walking away, melting into the crowd, secreting himself off to some nook deep in the carnival that only the performers know. But if Madryck is right and the carnival itself is in danger, he knows he owes it to Mister Witch and Mister Light and everyone else here who's taken such good care of him over the past eight years to try and help. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he waits by the entrance for the party to arrive.
The first stars of night twinkle above the apricot sunset. Giant dragonflies whir overhead, trailing streamers, and a low mist curls over the ground. Through a floral archway, you glimpse wondrous and vibrant creatures—elf stilt walkers, dancing faeries, and painted performers. Everywhere there is laughter, pixie dust, bubbles, and the wistful tune of a whistling calliope.
The three days' travel to the carnival feel like a blessing to Scratch. He takes the time to share his story with the others, recounting his path of redemption, the blessings of the Starlit Wanderer, and the purpose he now follows. “The bonds I forged with Illuwen's and Chandler's families, though difficult and strained at times, shaped me into the tabaxi I am today,” he says solemnly. He pauses, his tail flicking lightly as he considers his next words. “They paved the way for the Wanderer to mold me into a servant of peace.”
The telling of it brings a sense of clarity. Scratch knows he’s changed, but saying it aloud reinforces the distance between the impulsive boy he was and the steady figure he strives to be.
Reuniting with Chase fills him with joy, even if there’s an undercurrent of something unspoken. He asks her question after question about her two years away, eager to hear about her travels. Still, he can’t shake the lingering guilt over not going with her. Would things have been different if he had? He doesn’t bring it up, though; there’s too much to say and not enough time.
As the journey continues, Scratch lets the others share their own stories, but his mind drifts toward the carnival. His heart aches with anticipation and uncertainty. Illuwen — if he’s there — deserves an apology, one Scratch has carried for eight years. Will he listen? And Chandler … perhaps there will be some clue, some sign of what became of him. Scratch allows himself a moment of hope but keeps it tightly guarded.
When they finally reach the carnival and stand in line for tickets, Scratch takes in the sights and sounds of the place with a quiet grin. Memories of that fateful night tug at the edges of his thoughts, but he shakes them away. Now isn’t the time to dwell. He glances at the others and chuckles softly. “So this is the proper way to enter the carnival,” he says, his voice light with humor.
Chaseexits Madryck's rustic house in a much different mood than when she entered it. She feels more relaxed and focused. Instead of dwelling on her wild magic troubles or the prospect of reuniting with her family after two years, she finds herself simply enjoying the journey with her childhood friends. True, the presence of her twin keeps family on her mind, but it’s not quite the same. There’s still a hint of awkwardness in seeing Scratch again, but as the group shares stories of what they’ve been up all these years they've been apart from each other, her personal concerns fade a little into the background.
When Scratch talks about Chandler's and Illuwen's families, Chase is reminded of the envy she felt as a younger child. The tabaxi knows she isn’t entirely past it yet, but at the same time, she can’t deny that helping them has made her brother grow into someone to be proud of. Chase doesn’t say mention this, but she watches him with a quiet happiness in her eyes. It is not reflected in a smile, but it is visible nonetheless. Instead, she teases him, playfully poking his biceps as she jokes about how strong he looks ("My! Look at those arms! Have you been exercising, Scratch!?") and compliments him on how well the suit of armor suits him ("I bet boys and girls alike blush when they see you walking by, little bro!").
Chase talks about what she’s been up to, though not entirely. She shares stories of the places she’s traveled, how she ended up meeting Orym —the twins' elven grandfather— and how curious it was to discover that they share the same mismatched eyes. She mentions that Orym is skilled with magic but avoids talking about her own magic or the real reason she left home. "I just wanted to travel a bit,"she says casually, "and finding our grandfather seemed like an interesting mystery to solve."It wasn’t exactly a lie, but ... it wasn’t entirely true either. (ooc: Deception 22)
When they arrive at the carnival, the orange tabaxi stands in front of the ticket counter, hands on her hips. "Well, here we go, I suppose. Wonder what they charge for a ticket? I don’t have much money. What about you, guys?" she glances at Scratch, Isyand Lex before adding, "Though, people in the Feywild don’t trade in gold, right? What do you think they’ll ask for? Let’s ask that goblin over there." Without waiting for a response, Chase saunters up to the counter, leaning casually on it as her eyes sparkle with a look that suggests she’s never seen a nicer goblin in her life. In the most honeyed voice she can muster, she says, "Hello! My name is Chase Lindailin. And what’s your name, sir? My friends and I would absolutely love to visit the Witchlight Carnival. We’ve traveled such a long way to see it! I wonder, what’s the price to enter? Please, tell me it’s not too much. We don’t have much on us, to be honest!" (ooc: Persuasion 17, in case it helps us get "cheaper" tickets?)
While Illuwenwaits on the others to buy their tickets, he thinks back on his time at the carnival, trying to remember what he's heard about the fey crossing. Who does he remember hearing about it from? Does he know anyone who claims to have been there, or who know where it is?
Isythin takes the time to get to know the others, but also sets herself up as a bit of a taskmaster. She knows what has to be done each night, and as she realizes the others skills, she assigns them things to do to set up camp, even if they would have done them already. She listens to Scratch's discussion of his god(ess?) and his years helping the other families, and Chase'sstory about her grandfather.
She reciprocates by telling about how she qualified to be in the special forces, and some funny stories from training. Like when someone was trying to learn how to use a spear and somehow flung it towards themselves instead, or when someone decided to do a classic trick - replace sugar with salt - and barely anyone noticed, because the sea was salty already. "We only found out when he asked us how it tasted. Over and over." She talks about the rest of her squadron, how they met, why she is on land, and most of all, about her missing friend. She has many stories about Kathline. She adds, "The person who told me to go to his house said Kathline was in the Feywild as well, so I'll be looking out for her. Let me know if you see any Triton."
When they approach the carnival, she looks around, taken back to the wonder those many years ago. She shakes it off quickly, however, and replies to Chase "I have some money... and off she goes," watching Chase approach the ticket stand.
"Oh hello there! My name is Nikolas Midnight." The elderly goblin shifts his spectacles on his nose and turns his ear horn upwards as he looks up at you from his till. "Tickets cost... Wait. Did you say your name was Chase? That means you must be Isy, Lex, and Scratch? Honestly, after the 3rd night I wasn't sure that you would show up at all but here you are."
The goblin reaches under the counter and pulls out an ornate wooden box with a silver clasp and the monogram N.M. He opens the box to reveal 4 carnival tickets. "An anonymous benefactor prepaid for these tickets and told me that you would be coming to claim them. I must say, their description of you was impeccable!"
He hands each of you a ticket, a carnival map, and a set of fake butterfly wings. He goes on to explain how the carnival and tickets work. "Each ticket is good for eight attractions. If you would like to sample more of the carnival's offerings then you must return to me a buy another ticket. Most attractions in the carnival have a cost of 1 ticket punch. After the eighth punch, a ticket becomes a worthless keepsake. These wings signify to other carnival employees that you are a paid guest. You will be expected to wear them, or at least carry them around, at all times. Also, tonight is the last night the carnival will be here before moving on. Because of this we will be crowning the Witchlight Monarch! One lucky guest will be chosen and crowned. It's the most spectacular sight! Any questions?"
Scratch accepts his wings and ticket. He holds his wings up, remembering how he never wore a pair eight years ago when they were here. His inner child can't help but grin as he admires the whimsical ornaments. Ignoring his brain's whispers of anticipated embarrassment, he slips the wings on, working to get the straps over his armor and around the longbow on his back. Puffing out his chest, he asks Chase, "How do I look?" But as she is answering, his eyes slip past his sister and land on a young male elf just past the gate. Their eyes meet, and Scratch catches his breath in a quiet gasp. "Is that ... ?" He takes a few steps toward Illuwen, but then stops and tentatively raises a hand in greeting. He watches his old friend for signs of ill will, suddenly afraid there may be lingering repercussions from their parting.
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Looking at Isy, Madryck responds to her first question. "Unfortunately, I can't even presume to know what form the fey crossing currently takes, how well hidden and protected it is, or where within the carnival it may reside. I encourage you to explore the carnival thoroughly on your own."
Addressing the whole party, Madryck adds, "Zybilna is a fairy godmother to mortals. She created the carnival as a means by which mortals could enter her realm and beseech her aid. Last I visited the carnival, it was run by a pair of shadar-kai named Mister Witch and Mister Light. I assume they still run it to this day. I dimly recall that they acquired the carnival more than a hundred years ago from an eladrin who's name was... it was... uhh. I can't remember."
"Prismeer is a domain of delight ruled by Zybilna, who dwells in the Palace of Heart's Desire. It is a magnificent structure in the heart of the domain. Zybilna can assume many forms and is brilliant, secretive, and wise. When she presents herself to mortals, Zybilna usually assumes the form of a statuesque woman with long white hair and a small tattoo shaped like a chicken's foot below one eye."
[Everyone roll a d8. If you get the same number as someone else, reroll.]
6
It's only forever, not long at all ♫
7
7
Reroll 4
1
As each of you hear the description of Zybilna from Madryck, certain specific memories begin to resurface in you minds. These memories feel new as if they have just happened, but they also feel old as if they had been long since forgotten.
Chase remembers that as a very young child she use to have a problem speaking. Sometimes she would stutter. Other times she would have a lisp. Then there were times where she couldn't speak at all. Then one day a woman matching Zybilna's description put her hand on your head in a very caring manner. The woman was nowhere to be found after that, but your speech problems were gone as well.
Isy remembers that there was a time when she got very sick, almost deathly ill. Her parents tried all manners of tonics and tinctures, but none worked. Sparing no expense, her parents sought out the help of the most gifted healers and posted a reward. One day, a woman matching Zybilna's description answered the call. She came to Isy's bedside, waved a hand, and as light blue ripples and sparkles appeared from her motion Isy felt better. The woman was gone before she could accept the reward that had been offered.
Lex remembers a time where he was walking home and had fell through the ice over a pond. Struggling to get out, his cold body couldn't manage to pull himself to safety. Just as he thought it was over a woman matching Zybilna's description came and fished he out of the pond. She wrapped him in a blanket, carried him home, then left without a trace.
Scratch remembers a time when Juniper and he were playing alone in the forest. None of the other children could play that day, and Chase was napping by the fireplace. Though they were having loads of fun, it all ended when the two of them were separated. Scratch's heart sank as he searched and searched the forest with no luck. What was he going to do? Everyone will be so sad if he didn't come back with Juni. Then, out of the fog emerged a woman matching Zybilna's description. This woman was holding Juniper in her arms and came to reunite the two. She told them they should probably head back, then she disappeared as quickly as she had come.
"I know it's asking a lot of you, considering your past experience with the dark side of the carnival. But that's precisely the reason I summoned you four. Also, another has been recruited for the cause and has been instructed to find you at the carnival, should you accept my request."
As Madryck continues describing Zybilna, something unlocks in Chase’s memory. “Zybilna… Oh, I remember her! How could I have forgotten? She was so kind to me when I was a child. She helped me when I had trouble speaking. How would I even be able to…” She trails off, realizing she hasn’t told anyone - not even Scratch - that she can cast magic now.
But yes, how could she possibly cast spells if she still had a stutter? “Damn, I really don’t want to return to the Witchlight Carnival, but at the same time, I’d love to thank Zybilna.” Chase pauses, her thoughts spinning. Wait. What if Zybilna was the answer? What if she could help her control her wild magic? Wouldn’t it be amazing to wield magic without fearing the side effects?
“Yes. Yes!” Her voice rises with sudden excitement. “I want to help. And I’ve got to say,” she adds with a mischievous grin at Scratch, Isithyn, and Lex, “a place called Heart’s Desire sounds like it’s worth a visit, don’t you think? I don’t know about you guys, but my heart desires a lot of things!”
It's only forever, not long at all ♫
Scratch's single-minded focus on returning to the carnival in order to find Illuwen and perhaps discover answers about Chandler is interrupted as Zybilna is described. His memory of a woman with that exact description helping him find Juni takes over, filling him with wonder and peace. He smiles, and as Chase speaks, he looks at her. Helped her when she had trouble speaking? He reaches back in his memories, trying to make sense of that sentence. When did Chase have trouble speaking? He mentally shakes his head, not remembering anything of the sort. Something else to talk about when they get the chance.
Lex’s face screws up at the sudden flash of memory, the feel of the icy water and the hopelessness, then being rescued. He shakes his head a bit. Pensieve, he thinks for a moment more then says, “I’m in. I’ll help in this mission. Would be nice to have a guarantee we can handle Mr. Witch and Mr. Light if they threaten to drop us off in the planes somewhere. But I think we should be able to manage them.”
Isythin remembers the sickness. The weakness, and the worry of her parents. If this Archfey was the one who helped her, when even Persana couldn't, it was only right to repay the help. She had already decided to help before, but the memory cemented the decision in her mind. "I am willing to help. Not only for Kathine, but for your patron herself. No one should be without any help they deserve."
"Oh wonderful! Ok, you must be off right away. I'm not sure how long the carnival will stay in it's current location and you have 3 days travel ahead of you!" Madryck rushes you out the door and gives you general directions to the location of the carnival. Your party sets out on it's journey to the past within the present while looking towards the future.
[Feel free to roleplay the journey]
After three long days of travel with your childhood friends, you arrive at the Witchlight Carnival. You find yourself standing near a ticket booth by the entrance at twilight, just as the carnival is about to open. What awaits you beyond this point?
...........................................................................
Three days ago, Illuwen was approached by a friendly faerie dragon in the service of a human warlock named Madryck Roslof. This faerie dragon foretold the arrival of adventurers seeking a path to the Feywild through the carnival. Although you’ve heard that the carnival contains a fey crossing, you’ve never gone to the trouble of finding it. The faerie dragon thought you might want to help these adventurers. It even went so far as to imply that the fate of the Witchlight Carnival might hinge on the success of their endeavors.
As twilight draws near, a large crowd begins to gather outside, eager to buy tickets and enjoy the carnival’s many attractions. As you gaze upon the crowd, a few of the visitors catch your eye. Something about them suggests they’re not the usual rabble. There's a familiarity about them.
Illuwen didn't know what to make of the visit from the dragon. He agreed to help the adventurers, more out of politeness than anything, although he wasn't quite sure what Madryck expected him to do.
Afterwards, a swirl of questions ran through his head. Why him? Surely there was someone out there who knew more about the fey crossing than he did (assuming it even existed, and was not just another rumor.) And if the situation was that serious, shouldn't Mister Witch and Mister Light be involved? He was kicking himself for not thinking of any of this while the dragon was still here to answer, but it had left already.
Scanning the crowd of visitors, Illuwen quickly realizes what his connection is to this quest, and why he was chosen for it. He spies the two tabaxis first, still joined at the hip after all these years, just as he remembers them. He scarcely recognizes the triton with them, walking with the confidence of a trained soldier, but then realizes she must be Isy. She's grown quite a bit since Illuwen last saw her. And as the crowd shuffles around them, he finally catches a glimpse of Lex at their feet.
Illuwen's breath catches in his throat. Thoughts of all the ways this encounter could go poorly rush through his head unbidden. He briefly considers walking away, melting into the crowd, secreting himself off to some nook deep in the carnival that only the performers know. But if Madryck is right and the carnival itself is in danger, he knows he owes it to Mister Witch and Mister Light and everyone else here who's taken such good care of him over the past eight years to try and help. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he waits by the entrance for the party to arrive.
The first stars of night twinkle above the apricot sunset. Giant dragonflies whir overhead, trailing streamers, and a low mist curls over the ground. Through a floral archway, you glimpse wondrous and vibrant creatures—elf stilt walkers, dancing faeries, and painted performers. Everywhere there is laughter, pixie dust, bubbles, and the wistful tune of a whistling calliope.
The three days' travel to the carnival feel like a blessing to Scratch. He takes the time to share his story with the others, recounting his path of redemption, the blessings of the Starlit Wanderer, and the purpose he now follows. “The bonds I forged with Illuwen's and Chandler's families, though difficult and strained at times, shaped me into the tabaxi I am today,” he says solemnly. He pauses, his tail flicking lightly as he considers his next words. “They paved the way for the Wanderer to mold me into a servant of peace.”
The telling of it brings a sense of clarity. Scratch knows he’s changed, but saying it aloud reinforces the distance between the impulsive boy he was and the steady figure he strives to be.
Reuniting with Chase fills him with joy, even if there’s an undercurrent of something unspoken. He asks her question after question about her two years away, eager to hear about her travels. Still, he can’t shake the lingering guilt over not going with her. Would things have been different if he had? He doesn’t bring it up, though; there’s too much to say and not enough time.
As the journey continues, Scratch lets the others share their own stories, but his mind drifts toward the carnival. His heart aches with anticipation and uncertainty. Illuwen — if he’s there — deserves an apology, one Scratch has carried for eight years. Will he listen? And Chandler … perhaps there will be some clue, some sign of what became of him. Scratch allows himself a moment of hope but keeps it tightly guarded.
When they finally reach the carnival and stand in line for tickets, Scratch takes in the sights and sounds of the place with a quiet grin. Memories of that fateful night tug at the edges of his thoughts, but he shakes them away. Now isn’t the time to dwell. He glances at the others and chuckles softly. “So this is the proper way to enter the carnival,” he says, his voice light with humor.
Chase exits Madryck's rustic house in a much different mood than when she entered it. She feels more relaxed and focused. Instead of dwelling on her wild magic troubles or the prospect of reuniting with her family after two years, she finds herself simply enjoying the journey with her childhood friends. True, the presence of her twin keeps family on her mind, but it’s not quite the same. There’s still a hint of awkwardness in seeing Scratch again, but as the group shares stories of what they’ve been up all these years they've been apart from each other, her personal concerns fade a little into the background.
When Scratch talks about Chandler's and Illuwen's families, Chase is reminded of the envy she felt as a younger child. The tabaxi knows she isn’t entirely past it yet, but at the same time, she can’t deny that helping them has made her brother grow into someone to be proud of. Chase doesn’t say mention this, but she watches him with a quiet happiness in her eyes. It is not reflected in a smile, but it is visible nonetheless. Instead, she teases him, playfully poking his biceps as she jokes about how strong he looks ("My! Look at those arms! Have you been exercising, Scratch!?") and compliments him on how well the suit of armor suits him ("I bet boys and girls alike blush when they see you walking by, little bro!" ).
Chase talks about what she’s been up to, though not entirely. She shares stories of the places she’s traveled, how she ended up meeting Orym —the twins' elven grandfather— and how curious it was to discover that they share the same mismatched eyes. She mentions that Orym is skilled with magic but avoids talking about her own magic or the real reason she left home. "I just wanted to travel a bit," she says casually, "and finding our grandfather seemed like an interesting mystery to solve." It wasn’t exactly a lie, but ... it wasn’t entirely true either. (ooc: Deception 22)
When they arrive at the carnival, the orange tabaxi stands in front of the ticket counter, hands on her hips. "Well, here we go, I suppose. Wonder what they charge for a ticket? I don’t have much money. What about you, guys?" she glances at Scratch, Isy and Lex before adding, "Though, people in the Feywild don’t trade in gold, right? What do you think they’ll ask for? Let’s ask that goblin over there." Without waiting for a response, Chase saunters up to the counter, leaning casually on it as her eyes sparkle with a look that suggests she’s never seen a nicer goblin in her life. In the most honeyed voice she can muster, she says, "Hello! My name is Chase Lindailin. And what’s your name, sir? My friends and I would absolutely love to visit the Witchlight Carnival. We’ve traveled such a long way to see it! I wonder, what’s the price to enter? Please, tell me it’s not too much. We don’t have much on us, to be honest!" (ooc: Persuasion 17, in case it helps us get "cheaper" tickets?)
It's only forever, not long at all ♫
While Illuwen waits on the others to buy their tickets, he thinks back on his time at the carnival, trying to remember what he's heard about the fey crossing. Who does he remember hearing about it from? Does he know anyone who claims to have been there, or who know where it is?
Isythin takes the time to get to know the others, but also sets herself up as a bit of a taskmaster. She knows what has to be done each night, and as she realizes the others skills, she assigns them things to do to set up camp, even if they would have done them already. She listens to Scratch's discussion of his god(ess?) and his years helping the other families, and Chase's story about her grandfather.
She reciprocates by telling about how she qualified to be in the special forces, and some funny stories from training. Like when someone was trying to learn how to use a spear and somehow flung it towards themselves instead, or when someone decided to do a classic trick - replace sugar with salt - and barely anyone noticed, because the sea was salty already. "We only found out when he asked us how it tasted. Over and over." She talks about the rest of her squadron, how they met, why she is on land, and most of all, about her missing friend. She has many stories about Kathline. She adds, "The person who told me to go to his house said Kathline was in the Feywild as well, so I'll be looking out for her. Let me know if you see any Triton."
When they approach the carnival, she looks around, taken back to the wonder those many years ago. She shakes it off quickly, however, and replies to Chase "I have some money... and off she goes," watching Chase approach the ticket stand.
"Oh hello there! My name is Nikolas Midnight." The elderly goblin shifts his spectacles on his nose and turns his ear horn upwards as he looks up at you from his till. "Tickets cost... Wait. Did you say your name was Chase? That means you must be Isy, Lex, and Scratch? Honestly, after the 3rd night I wasn't sure that you would show up at all but here you are."
The goblin reaches under the counter and pulls out an ornate wooden box with a silver clasp and the monogram N.M. He opens the box to reveal 4 carnival tickets. "An anonymous benefactor prepaid for these tickets and told me that you would be coming to claim them. I must say, their description of you was impeccable!"
He hands each of you a ticket, a carnival map, and a set of fake butterfly wings. He goes on to explain how the carnival and tickets work. "Each ticket is good for eight attractions. If you would like to sample more of the carnival's offerings then you must return to me a buy another ticket. Most attractions in the carnival have a cost of 1 ticket punch. After the eighth punch, a ticket becomes a worthless keepsake. These wings signify to other carnival employees that you are a paid guest. You will be expected to wear them, or at least carry them around, at all times. Also, tonight is the last night the carnival will be here before moving on. Because of this we will be crowning the Witchlight Monarch! One lucky guest will be chosen and crowned. It's the most spectacular sight! Any questions?"
Scratch accepts his wings and ticket. He holds his wings up, remembering how he never wore a pair eight years ago when they were here. His inner child can't help but grin as he admires the whimsical ornaments. Ignoring his brain's whispers of anticipated embarrassment, he slips the wings on, working to get the straps over his armor and around the longbow on his back. Puffing out his chest, he asks Chase, "How do I look?" But as she is answering, his eyes slip past his sister and land on a young male elf just past the gate. Their eyes meet, and Scratch catches his breath in a quiet gasp. "Is that ... ?" He takes a few steps toward Illuwen, but then stops and tentatively raises a hand in greeting. He watches his old friend for signs of ill will, suddenly afraid there may be lingering repercussions from their parting.