The next morning Jex is stood at the gates of Sheercleft, tightening the straps on his backpack and bringing his wagon around when the others arrive. His mood is clearly good and he whistles happily as he works. He gives a big smile and a wave to the others as they approach. "Good morning. Glad to see you are still with us Vark. Nice to have the company of you all. Shall we go?"

A frigid gust of wind whips sideways across Jex’s person exactly as he is fixed with an icy glare by Vark. There’s also a note of unpleasant surprise on the sorcerer’s face; clearly he didn’t expect the half-elf to tag along on this excursion. His eyes close with annoyance as he processes this new information, and when they open again he is looking off into the distance silently. Once they are on their way, he remains in a quiet, brooding mood and seems content to ignore Jex for the entire journey.

Thurston travels light on winter gear, wearing no protection at all on his arms. He seems happy to be on the road again. 

Bracing himself against the chill wind, Jex continues to grin, his spirits unbroken he chats and whistles as they journey, happily discussing the new temple designs with Thurston. He tries to strike up conversation with Vark several times, not put off by the silent treatment he continues the conversation one sided, talking about his plans for the town, the weather and his ideas for the library. 

The journey to Hyarantar takes three days, but the road is clear. This past week the snows of winter have begun to melt, sending fresh water gushing down the mountainside to feed the great forest. The verdant landscape feels more alive than ever, and rich with new life.

It's late in the day when the elven riders and their companions arrive, and the sun is vanishing in the sky. High above, the treetops are full of lights and music, and the mood amongst the warriors is lighter and more jovial than it has been all week. Even Gadron laughs aloud for the first time that anyone has seen.

"For our people, today is the first of Hanal," he explains. "It is a night of celebration, beneath the light of the moon. A night to give thanks for all the beauty to be found in the world we live in. A good day to come home."

The dour attitude brought about by Jex’s presence on the trip drops as they approach the elven revelry. Vark’s innocent wonder returns as he sees the lights and hears the music. His people had feasts and sporting competitions, but nothing like this. It’s enchanting, and Vark takes a meandering walk and tries to soak it all in as he heads towards Peldirion’s home. It’s very possible the man is out enjoying the festivities, but he approaches the building and knocks on the door anyway.

Thurston is clearly pleased when they reach Hyarantar and taps Gadron on the shoulder. 

" Then my friend guide us into the festivites! I would like to present my respects to the Lady and the Lord and then we could join you in your celebration if you allow us!" 

Seid stares up at the elven city with an open, child-like wonder that was a rare break in the man's normally very brusque and businesslike manner. "This place is beautiful! A wonder to behold!" He turns and looks at everyone with a large smile and a twinkle in his eye. "Thank you, for bringing me here." His attention constantly shifts from spectacle to spectacle much like a child might when overwhelmed with decisions.

Once more, Gadron leads Sheercleft's heroes to one of the broad tree trunks scattered about the glade. Slowly, they begin the climb up one of the narrow staircases that wind about the mighty cedars and off into the canopy. The fine structures are woven in ornate patterns of pale-coloured wood. It's a blend of horticulture and engineering that is characteristic of elven architecture. The delicate balustrades look as though they've been grown from the forest itself.

Up in the canopy, elves move from tree to tree on the hanging walkways, and dozens of tiny lanterns glow softly. The moon is huge in the sky behind them, bathing the village in bright, silver light, and joyful music played on woodwind pipes and string instruments fills the air. Across the village, in front of the great hall, a beautiful light show weaves colours in entrancing shapes that dance back and forth.

The door to Peldirion's tower is adorned with a piece of parchment that has been animated with an illusion to attract attention. It advertises the spectacle taking place outside the Lady's hall in celebration of Hanali.

Jex hangs back a little, he too has business with Peldirion, and he has enjoyed making Vark squirm and testing the resolve of the halforc to hold a grudge; however he was not willing to risk it interfering with business. so he stays back quietly to allow Vark to conduct his own business first.

Seeing Peldirion is not going to be available for business today, he instead heads to the general store hoping to find a buyer for his cosmetics. 

The trip from Sheercleft to Hyarantar was a trial of the mind for Bründir, one not so accustomed to such exertions. First, his mother gave him several books to read and pushed that they be read by the time he got back. One was a thick journal with local legends, short biographies and histories, and accounts of wars which divided and decided many regional borders. This one Bründir had no trouble absorbing and had finished it by the end of the first day. The next few, however, were much more daunting: language primers. One for Elvish, another for Draconic, and one for Dwarvish - not because he couldn't speak it, but because he needed refinement. Brynja insisted that these were fundamental lessons for any Bard. Until now, he'd never really had a name for what he did, just that he knew certain things had certain results.

Of the primers, he leafed through the Dwarvish the got bored. He tried the Elvish considering the nature of the caravan's escort, but got impatient with the haughty-sounding language and threw the book aside in favor of Draconic. He figured Draconic meant dragons, and that was more than enough convincing. After a couple of hours, and more than one embarrassing attempt at practice conversation, he shelved the languages. On the third day, he leafed over what he'd read before, decided a few choice words were good enough, and left the books behind. With nothing much else, he grew bored, and bored miners mean trouble. It wasn't even lunch when the dwarf asked an elf rider, "Did ye 'ear about the elf who bumped into a dwarf prostitute? They said 'e was a wee bit touched after!" From then on, Bründir was confined to Jex's cart for the rest of the day and sulked over his books.

Dorothea's shop is illuminated brilliantly by paper lanterns on all sides, and a window has been opened in the side for vending to the wooden walkway outside. The delicious smell of freshly baked jam tarts wafts from within.

Walking up to the window, Jex peers inside. He's never been one for luxuries or sweet treats but he knows how to do business and makes a show of enjoying the smell. 

"Wow, now that smells amazing, I'll take five." He says with a grin. "Perhaps I could trouble you for some advice too?"

Much like Seid, Val displays an almost child-like wonderment at the sights, sounds, and smells of the elven celebration. The several days of rest have been good for the young warrior and she can finally move about with that awful fire burning in her guts. She remained quiet for much of the trip, spending a lot of time on self reflection and wondering about all the events that have led up to this moment. "I wonder if the Lady will see us again? I... I wanted to thank her once more for her gift. It saved my life many times over." As they approach the sweets shop, Val's mouth begins to water as the delightful scents waft into her nose. "Jex! Get more than five! I could likely eat a dozen of these!" She calls out unabashedly and clearly unaware of any faux paus she might be committing.

"That'll be ten ithil!" The elderly forest gnome declares, gesturing to sign besides the window. It reads: 'Jam Tarts - 3s or 5 for 10s'.

She cracks a grin full of yellowed teeth as she starts to bag up the tarts.

"What else can I be doin'y for, young man?" Dorothy asks.

Handing over the money with a grin, Jex makes a show of greedily taking the bag and enjoying the smell and the warmth in his hands.

"Oh, it is a strange thing. I am looking to sell some goods, quite a large volume of cosmetics and some other smaller things. Would you know a trader who may be interested in a large volume purchase? Perhaps one of your suppliers?"

"Cosmetics, you say?" Dorothy replies with a thoughtful rub of her chin. "How much is a large volume? I might know somebody... why don't you come inside and show me the smaller things, and we can talk it over?"

Upon reading the notice and seeing Jex walk off, Vark goes in the opposite direction. As he walks he charges the tip of his staff with a buzzing glow hoping to make his appearance a little more festive to match the surroundings. He heads towards the Lady’s hall, eager to see whatever spectacle will be shown.

Jex grins, gladly accepting the invitation. He quickly heads to the wagon emptying the items that have little use beyond their trade value into a sack and carrying it back into the store. 

The plaza outside the great hall is abuzz with a crowd of elves and other residents stood in a wide arc around the steps that ascend to the tall doors. Half way up stands Peldirion, his hands rapidly weaving intricate patterns as a breathtaking tapestry of lights and colours unfolds above him. Golden hearts and silver spheres turn and sparkle upon a bed of twinkling stars. It's truly beautiful.

Meanwhile, Dorothy's eyes sparkle as Jex arrays the items before her. Her attention is immediately drawn to the pair of trinkets from Kung's war tent.

"Where did you comes across these?" She asks with marked interest.