a fable about a cursed child ; a tale of DECEIT , betrayal , manipulation. of lying. being the blame of the calamity that rotted away the world. running away from the past. promises made , and promises broken. of death , of being a puppet - a mere chess piece to a larger game. of sorrow, heartache, joy, anger, laughter, seriousness, curiosity. a tale of a found group who grow together - of found family. of change and growth. of hope. of facing the past head on, and make the time start to flow once again.
As soon as the other man grabs onto him Kurogane is certain that this is indeed the idiot mage in the flesh; and it brings with it a reassurance he hasnβt felt before but that he lets settle into his bones. Sure, theyβd known since Hanshin there had been a chance they would find look-alikes of their travel companions, but not before this world had Kurogane actually thought to brood on it; still, as he grumbles and effortlessly makes space for the otherβs weight against him he can feel this is Fai, with his own secrets, certainly β but the kind Kurogane has become used to keeping the man company even if they never acknowledge them with speech.
It is a great relief, he would never admit to, and as if mocking him for that it does not last.
Β βSeparated again then,β he grits out, and as Fai has not attempted to hide his annoyance (worry, but only one of them need do that Kuroganeβs brain insists) neither does he. β...βleast if itβs like last time it means the manju is with them.β
The boy and his princess were resourceful enough for their ages and Mokona was, well, useful or she could be when she cooperated. If anyone was going to get the thing to actually do its damn job and find them all in a new world together it would be those two.
βA month, huh? Thatβs more than we had to work with last time. And my last memory was of LeCourt, soβ¦ could be some messup on the time side of that time-space witchβs damn nonsense.β
Kurogane might be able to feel powerful magic the same as any other energy but it did not mean he understood it - not Tomoyo-hime's, not the witch's, and certainly not whatever power the man in front of him hid.
...Or not so much, as he thinks back to their last moments in Lecourt; still, they could discuss that later. The kids were more important, as was getting the lay of the land.
(And it would be good to get that expression off the mage's face if he could; real as it was, Kurogane never enjoyed seeing a companion in pain).
"So?" Kurogane says, tugging him along by the arm still in his; "tell me about this place. Those weirdos up at the Tower weren't super helpful but they weren't like those guard dogs either. ...Seems mostly peaceful."
"All we can do is hope that they are together, after all. They were last time, so we just have to wait again this time, as well.
LeCourt huh... well, that's actually good news for the both of them. Or well, it definitely was for the mage anyways. Knowing and having that confirmation that Kurogane and the other's haven't managed to go to another world without him brings a sense of relief that washes over him in that moment, a tension releasing within his shoulders he wasn't even aware of that he was bearing. Even if its only a momentary reprieve in the end, its still a moment of relief. One moment to give him a chance to breathe, to allow his worries to wash away for only a farce second. The silent reminder beneath that he hasn't messed up entirely. He hasn't failed his mission just yet. He couldn't. Because its only a second later when his thoughts go into overdrive once more - yes, this could very well be some sort of mix-up with the Witch of Dimensions. But...that doesn't seem likely at all. At least, he assumes its not anyways, after his month of being here so far, and what he's managed to observe in previous travels. "I'm not entirely sure if this is really Yuko-san's doing, actually. This isn't like the time we ended up in the world with that one island. Um, the one with the small creatures on it, and the trees with the wind issues. Idol country, right? I'm pretty sure that one was her doing.. but here? No, I don't think this is her work." Those who are connected and working with her... they hold a different aura about them. The readiness to be there to support the crew and housed them until they're ready to move onwards. And he's yet to cross paths with people like that. But that also begs the inquiry and makes him wonder if this is his doing - Reeds doing. Was this part of the mans plan, a chess move of his on the game board to throw his opponent off? Its... devious enough, but Fai doesn't think it could be him either. He may not know much of that man's plan and what everything is suppose to entail for their ending fates, but being here... he doesn't think that's also the case... Its... to safe of a place for this to be that man's doing. Not like Jade country. Not like who and how Kyle was. is.
( Those are the thoughts and comments though that he keeps to himself. He can't risk allowing the other to know the truth about everything.
Not yet, anyways. )
When the other tugs on their arms as an indication for them to move, those thoughts end up vanishing for now. His thoughts now focused again on the present, on the man beside him and their surroundings. Fai follows easily after him too, never one to ever fall behind, keeping his place right beside Kurogane as the two of them proceed forward finally and getting out of the way of the others around them. "It is peaceful actually. You might actually hate it here," he teases lightly, breaking the serious tension from prior between them and gives an easy smile. "There's no one here for Kuro-tan to fight. But that's okay too ~, I have seen there is a boxing ring? I believe that's what it was, on the map. You might enjoy that. And the food here is really yummy too! There's such a wide variety, you might even find things similar to what you use to eat back in your own dimension. Which, speaking of food - you said you wanted a drink, right? There are a lot places around here that sell good alcohol and beer. We can find a place to have lunch and a drink while we continue talking there. How about that? I'll even pay too~. I still have some funds left over currently since I've only had to fend for myself."
Any further information Kurogane had attempted to get from the sentinels at the tower had been... ineffective. The various items he had been given have been stuffed into his jacket pockets (oversized gloves included) and since then he'd taking to wandering and cursing Mokona's name.
It was usually a surefire way to find the pork bun
Still, here the man was in the flesh. Or it at least appeared so. Kurogane squints - still not entirely sure how this new world works or if the other can even understand him. So he tries a different approach, one they'd taken to in Yama.
"Fai?" The name still sounds odd coming out of his mouth, but he thinks he at least has the accent down now. "That you? It really better be. I need a drink, now - after we find the kids." He adds, in hopes the man can actually understand the last part.
When Fai first arrived to this new world, waking up alone within the Terminus Tower, one of his newly acclaimed fears had come to life - he was here, alone. There was no Mokona around him. No kids, and especially no Kurogane (this time). Waking up here alone, stranded, set a whole new panic within the mage that he wasn't even aware existed until this very moment. Of course though, he knew it was bound to happen sometimes- becoming separated from the others. Its happened once before already, back in Yama. With him and Kurogane arriving a half year sooner than the children did. The difference between then and now though is that, he was with Kurogane, at least. He had someone from his group with him. Especially considering the language barrier issues they encountered without having Mokona around (at least, luckily for Fai, Kurogane was able to understand the dialect and communicate for the both of them while there), but even more so with the Fai's own appearance being something that stood out the most compared to the others. But, point being - he wasn't alone.
Here, he is alone.
And that was the problem; He was alone. Which only made the panic flare for him. Would the others ever find him? Would they ever end up in a place like this? Would he be able to continue the journey - his mission? Complete his promise? Dimension jumping was already a tricky business to begin with, and then when separation comes into play, what might be only days here could in reality be shorter by mere hours, or it could longer by days, weeks, months, even years. And that was the true issue he was dealing with - how long has he really been apart from the others? How much time has truly escaped him?
And as the days ticked by, with no sign of them of them arriving as of yet, those thoughts and feelings only consumed him more & more. On the outer surface, he smiled like always. Talk to the locals, even befriended his new roommate as well. But inwardly, the worries, the doubts, the fears, they started to bubble up within him.
Until today. Until this very moment - while out in the markets, the alleyways and shopping districts, trying to familiarize himself with the place he would call home for now on, he finally heard him. He heard the sound of that gruff voice he's grown so accustomed too over time finally breaking through the crowd, the sound of his name being said. His own name being said makes him freeze in place. Its his name, not the nickname that the ninja always calls him - but his name. The last time he heard the attempted version of his name being said was back in Yama. But there was absolutely no mistaking it. He's been here for weeks now and could confidently say that there were no other versions of the others here in this place. So this meant that finally, finally, one of them had arrived.
With his brows raised high in shock, the mage finds himself slowly turning around until he's able to finally see the man who matches the sound of that voice. And when he sees him standing there, looking at him with that same confused look he gets whenever they appear into a new world, a new dimensional, a smile breaks across the mage's face. A real smile. Not the same kind that he wore in every other situation. No, this was real as part of his worries and doubts had finally begun to subsided. "Kuro-pon!" he practically chirps, happily, excitedly even, while abandoning the item that was being held between his hands so he can cross the streets and close the distance between them, reaching out once close enough to latch onto the slightly taller mans arm. "You're here! I wasn't sure if and when you would arrive." He exclaims briefly, his words rushed with excitement. But as he takes a peek behind the ninja, his smile disappears some, "....where -- where's Sakura-chan and Syaoran-kun? Mokona?" confusion now settling in when he doesn't see the kids, his smiling dropping even more. It becomes clear then that the ninja has arrived alone. No mokona, no kids in tow. Just him. His smile drops entirely then. Even though he is grateful that Kurogane has finally arrived, there's just a pit in his stomach that has started to form now that holds a bit of mix emotions of not seeing the others in tow with him. Its like being in Yama all over again. " I ... I was hoping they were going to be with you - When I woke up, I was alone. I've been here already for about a month, give or take, and there's been no sign of them."
ππ πππ ππππ π π πππ glimmer of his eye that star - sovereign looked upon the mountain peaks and far - off pines , and an even greater fondness with which he spoke , tones hushed in the quiet of morn .
β you see , i suppose this aevum realm reminds me somewhat of midgard . and so i cannot help but be taken with it , β he admitted . β no matter how much my brother may detest this lingering endearment , i am afraid that my heart cannot be swayed . β
"Before here, I've already traveled to many different dimensions. Most of them are not the same; many have humans, some sort of civilization even, though there are some worlds that do not. And yet, I've yet to land in a place that resemble something similar to this place..."
Its extortionary really how quickly a switch be can flipped internally while never once daring to break-face or dare to even show a flicker of that flip on the surface. The subtleness of things being fine, to not being fine in a matter of seconds. Like, this very moment actually - This exchange between the two of them, this mere pure innocent interaction of two traveling men who are just bonding and reminiscing about their previous travels before arriving here. On the surface, as the two chatted and interacted, the mage's lips curled upwards in just the smallest uptick, showing the hints of a soft smile beginning to form while his gaze is filled with nothing more than this sense of gentleness. Chin pressed into the palm of one hand, while the other is currently holding his own glass. On the surface, he looks and acts perfectly at peace with their current conversation. And for the most part, he absolutely is.. was.
But beneath the surface, there's a sudden influx of mix of emotions that has manage to make the mage feel like his was temporarily drowning. The subject of brothers was always such a rough subject for himself to bear. Whenever those subjects would be brought up, his throat would always begin to automatically tighten with guilt as his thoughts would be forced to think about his own brother, his twin ( yet he would never talk about him with anyone ). A secret that he was always forced to keep within the depths of himself. A sudden tidal wave that'll emerge from his hollow depths, the overwhelming surge of emotions that'll submerge him from within as he's forced to remember all that has transpired over the centuries to put him in this current position. The range of thoughts of emotions that cannot be quelled, the hurricane that brews. On the surface, he looks at peaceful, but in just those few minutes that simply tick by, he is the furthest from that.
Within minutes, he will experience a whirlwind of emotions. A sudden typhoon that will rapidly appear, and quickly disappear with the same force; that quickly brewing storm beginning with a sadness for the state of his own twin's current condition. Sadness for robbing his twin of the life he deserved to live if he hadn't existed. If he was never born - would they even be on this current journey? Those same repeated thoughts will soon blossom once again into a longing and yearning to see his brother again. To tell him he loves him and that he's sorry. Guilt riddles him from within as he forces himself to take a drink to act as a way to push down the brewing bile starting to salivate within his mouth. Guilt over his own existence and the choices they made that fateful day that led to this very moment in time. The clock cannot be turned back, and the dead cannot be saved. But that's not something Fai is willing to admit to himself just yet. No, there were promises made, and promises that he must keep. His, their lives, depended on those promises. But at the end of the this hurricane, the last boom of thunder that rings is the sound of jealousy. Jealousy because at least this stranger was able to grow up with his own brother, have a bond with his own brother. He gets to have those typical fights brothers have, that special bond that cannot be explained when he himself was robbed of all those possibilities. Being born a twin was a curse to begin with - and yet... and yet.. to have his own brother to be ripped away from him, robbed of ever developing any sort of bond with him. To leave his brother behind in that cold, snow filled world, forever in a slumber in the bottom depths of that pool. Even further than where his dear king laid and slept currently. There, he would remain.
Fingers twitch, readjusting their position around the mug they were currently wrapped around as that storm now settles and begins to move away. The way he's perfected those minimal episodes by now. Not even his smile has flickered in the matter of those mere moments. His head tilts just the slightest to the side, cheek settling a little more into the palm of his hand.
"This place though seems to be the... calmest place we - I have experienced as of yet. I can see why you are taken away with it. Would you mind telling me a bit about, midgrad ? Is that what you called it? What kind of place is it?"
And every time someone new enters my life, I find myself wondering: how long will you stay? How long will this last?
On any given day, you could simply decide to walk away, without warning.
And then, you'll shatter the pieces left of my heart, which, by now, has no strength left to put itself back together.
"Adventurous you say? I would say lets go to the ROSEWOOD district then ~. We could definitely find something fun to do there ~. I heard there's this bar called Evening Spirits that's supposed to be good with knowledgeable bartenders, and then we could wander around afterwards and see what else is there."
this world is not long for rules, as it seems even less for its own gods.
he isn't halfway through the door when that booming noise of a voice penetrates his peace, rekindles all soreness of awareness that unfortunate as it were, he was going to be sharing his sense of space with someone else. because why allow new denizens to simply rely upon their own bearings and natural instincts to instead settle in on their own accord?
just as people would rather walk through life with their sight to the ground rather than cast their questions to the skies above? for all things are, in fact, false when looked upon intensely enough. a pause when he hears the words tumble from the other's mouth-the blatant butchering of his name undeniable. he doesn't expect much from the isles when his own colleagues back home barely exercise their frontal lobe for much of any sound logic-not to mention beyond the box. but if he is to home with another, at the very least, he can teach them how to say his name properly. the scholar's lone eye narrows in scrutiny, a hand gesturing in expectance.
β is that your assessment? incorrect. listen well, because i will only tell you this once. the correct pronunciation is a-nak-sa-go-ras. rule number one, do not call me anaxa. rule number two, never interrupt me. if we are to be roommates at least try not to interfere with my personal research. other than that, i couldn't care less. i suppose a proper exchange is in order. your name is? β
"An-naks-a-gor-as? " he mimics softly to himself, repeating it once over to make sure he has the word correct while the... roommate continues talking. The first thing the mage immediately notices though is that, LANGUAGE BARRIER. Or better yet, the lack of one actually. While his roommate was truly the first person he's spoken too since arriving, there's a mental sigh of relief that happens when he can actually understand the other without having Mokona around. He's already suffered in one world where there was a language barrier, to imagine having to suffer in another one, while alone. He absolutely did not want that. Though, he can't tell if that being able to understand the other is really this worlds doing, or the doing of his own magic charm on his ankle. Maybe its combination of both? He's yet to decipher that, but he will soon enough. After all, they've both only just arrived.
With being able to understand him though, the next the thing mage notices rather quickly is that this man was direct and to the point when he spoke. Before this point, Fai has already traveled to many dimensions, many worlds, all with their own unique bodies and languages. All with their own unique personalities as well. And he can confidently admit to himself that he doesn't believe he's yet to run into a man like him. Maybe.. maybe not even back in Celes was someone ever daring enough to be so brazen when speaking. Especially against his former king.
And yet, the two of them haven't even been in their shared living quarters for a whole five minutes and the other man had already laid down his ground rules. This just makes the blonde tilt his head just a bit to the side, listening of course, curious even. Its like he's repeated these two rules over and over again. And yet, there's just no way Fai would be able to follow such rules. At least one of the two anyways. Though, it might vary on day, or even topic... But today he would oblige, be nice. Respect the other as he finally stands up from the couch.
"Well, my name is sort of long, so there's no need to know the whole thing. You can just call me FAI. That's what everyone else calls me." He smiles while bowing forward just a bit. Old habits of course. Always bow to greet your company. "You mentioned research a moment ago, may I ask - what kind of research do you study? Was there something in particular you were working on before arriving here?"
Clearview Stadium brings no refuge for the wilting magician, with its lack of covered fields to prevent the early summers blazing sun from beaming its rays right down upon him. Don't get him wrong, its an absolutely beautiful day for having the Olympics. But that doesn't mean it not hot, or that he's yet to fully become acclimated to such intensities. Yet, he's already having seconds thoughts about all of this; the first being that he even signed up for the archery trials, because its hot. The second being that he showed up early before his own event begins, simply so he could watch the other matches as well. Experience new things he's yet to witness still. He didn't need to be here right now, he had time before he needed to actually arrive... and yet, here he was.
By the time Fai manages to find the first hint of (salvation) shade and water, is when he finally realizes that he's wandered as far over to the track and field section of the event, than where his own area is suppose to be. He hadn't even noticed either, truthfully. Not until the speaker crackled loudly, pulling him from his distant thoughts as it asked for all the runners to arrive to their field in x-amount of time. Oh, well, oops. He hadn't meant to travel that far, but he's here now anyways, right? And there's still time before he needs to arrive back to his own area anyways, so he might as well watch the race after it starts, right?
He wanders around the track sidelines aimlessly, with his attention in every other direction other than in front of him. Normally, the mage would be... more alert of his surroundings, of where he is and who was around. But that's obviously not the case, or how else does that explain the full body collide he has with one of the runner participants? He makes an "oof" sound upon immediately contact, gaining his composure mere seconds later as he glances upwards to meet the person who was unfortunate enough to be the one who to be in path at that very moment. He has... very pretty eyes, he notes mentally.
"Oh my - I'm so sorry about that. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. Ha ha, how clumsy of me. Are you okay, by chance? I didn't harm you or anything, did I? I just got so caught up looking at everything around here..." cerulean blue hues glance the gentlemen over once, eyes drifting downwards and back upwards again. "Are you by chance one of the participants?"
"A -NAX-A ~" The mage practically singsongs loudly as he comes bursting through the front door and crossing the distance to the kitchen island that he shared with the other man, while placing the recent festival flyer down upon the surface. "I figured most things may not be up to your interest - but I thought this one here, you might be interested in. Maaaaybe you might be even interested in going together with little ol' me ~." His finger is pointing ( tapping more like it, really ) to one of the entry posts on the paper. Down at the bottom of the paper, below all the listed events and challenge descriptions, there is an image of the Viderenox Observatory, specifically of the telescope. "We can even go during the day~, before the gala events happen so we can maybe get some time to explore the skies here before everyone else is also trying to do the same thing those nights. hhhmmm- what'cha say~? "
One of the best ways for the mage to learn about the current world / dimension he's ended up in, is by joining in the activities, of course ! So a fun festival is just fun way to get better accumulated with this world ~!
Things and Places where you can see Fai during the festival;
The Lunar Tournament - Fai might not be the best fisher, but its something he finds fun and would be willing to give it a try, at least.
Nighttime Shimmers and Glow - fireworks, sprinklers, poppers, and plenty of fantastically sweet and savory treats??? Yup, you can bet that mage's attention has definitely been captured and you'll be able to spy him among the crowds, eyes glued to the sky as he watches in amazement the different shows that are hosted through out the event.
Aevum Olympics - Fai is a contestant for the archery segment of the event. But is definitely seen walking around as a spectator before and afterwards at the other meets. ( plotted w/ @bloodei )
Sunflower Feast - learning how to make new dishes & brews while also being able to try so many new things at the same time? Sunflower wine? Yes please.
Gateway Flea Market - A market full of rare items? books, clothes, tools? How could the mage not be interested, honestly? ( plotted w/ @anaxa-goras )
Solstice Ball - don't forget to save him a drink ~. He does enjoy good wine, after all. And a good waltz
like for a adventure with the mage β₯ either specify or if we can plot one out together :)
Throughout the beginning of the summer season, Isle residents gather in multitudes during the day and the night to celebrate the natural world and the communities that share in it. Many traditions find the Aercon and Echoes alike visiting the sandy shores of the Lunar Coast, cleaning up the environment, and showing goodwill to their neighbors with plenty of gifts.
Please refer to the ARCANUS ISLE COMPENDIUM for creature and plant references.
OVERVIEW:
The Sunflower Festival
The Sunflower Festival is a month long event taking place from the beginning to the end of June. While the festivities do not last for the entirety of the summer season, residents of Arcanus Isle take great care to enjoy the warmer weather.
Festivities take place during the night and the day. In the daytime, events like the Sunflower Parade or the Lunar Tournament can be enjoyed in the Lunar Coast and Downtown Arcanus Districts.
Each night, in the early evening, Arcanus residents end off the day's festivities with bright fireworks that light up the night sky.Β
The Solstice Ball
Takes place during the 18th - 30th of June.
The festival concludes with The Solstice Ball, a spectacular event where everyone dresses in their best to dance under the glorious Golden Moon. (see: Notable Legends down below.)
Like last year, the ball will be hosted in the Viderenox Observatory. See HERE for details on the observatory.
ACTIVITIES:
NOTE:Β Other activities such as sea shell collecting, beach parties, garden parties and so on are all celebrated during the Sunflower Festival.Β While you may create member-run mini parties and events during the festival, only interactions with the listed activities/areas will be considered valid forms of festival participation.
For a limited time, a number of Sunflower Festival wares can be purchased (for free!) from the Aevum Marketplace using the Sunflower Festival Voucher.
Some of these wares include:
Shimmer and Glows Sprinkler - (available only with participation in Nighttime Shimmers and Glows.) An endless sprinkler that sparks and changes color! They are also non-flammable.
Lunar Rod - (available only with participation in the Lunar Tournament.) A gold-flaked fishing rod with a special tackle that is highly attractive to the local aevum fish.
Fish Charm - (available only with participation in Fish Spy) a small charm in the shape of any fish, made from stones, shells, or wood.
Olympic Flag - (available only with participation in the Aevum Olympics) A one-of-a-kind flag with the icon of the sport participated in.
Garden Bracelet (available only with participation in Charms of the Garden Activity. Garden Bracelets may be gifted.) A custom bracelet made with several unique charms and beads of flowers.
Keepers of the Land, Sky, and Sea Shirt (available only with participation in the KLSS) A cool, breathable t-shirt displaying the logo of the volunteer organization.
Homeworld Wares (available only with participation in the Gateway Flea Market) These items are custom to each Echo, and are subject to the rules detailed in the event below.
Requests will be processed from June 22nd - May 3rd. All requests should include a link to the thread, ask, or drabble that shows the participation in said event, in addition to the stats, and thread pages.
(NOTE: with the exception of Garden Charms, these items cannot be gifted to other muses.)
Downtown Arcanus.
Sunflower Parade
One of the many highlights of the Sunflower Festival is the Sunflower Parade! It is a warm welcome to the summer sun and the influx of Ivurie Aether that comes with it. Downtown Arcanus has been decorated with balloons, paper sunflower petals, and plenty of other party decor. Music can be heard throughout the streets during the day. Especially nearby the Arcanus University campus.
During the cooler hours of the late afternoon and early evening, a float parade is conducted by residents who choose to participate. These floats range from large to small, elaborate to simple.
As usual, to announce the event on her very own float is is Arcanusβ own Opal Luminous.
Notably, the East Tower Company and the West Tower Society are known to be highly competitive during the parade. Each year, they create more and more elaborate floats. The not-so-rumour has it that they may even be trying to outdo each other.... While the other rumour has it that they've even gone so far as to try and sabotage each other's floats!
It seems that the director of the WTS has been making massive steps in pushing a positive image for her company after recent events.
While many floats are crafted by various other notable figures and local businesses of Arcanus Isle (Echoes will find a representation of almost every Aerconi-owned business!), the Echoes are equally encouraged to create floats of their own for the parade. Or join in other floats to assist their performances. (Or sabotage other performances!)
Charms of the Garden
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
A favorite activity amongst festival-goers is creating unique garden bracelet for their friends and family members. There are dozens of different ornaments to choose from, each with their own meaning. All ornaments for Charms of the Garden are created by students at Arcanus University, and the proceeds return to the school's funding.
The charms provided are as follows:
Echo Tree Nut ( peace in change )Β
Field Fish Feather ( brings good people into your life )Β
Sapeng Wool ( aid with memories )Β
Moonview Spring Stones ( rejuvenation )
Lunar Coast Shells ( wealth in the summer )Β
Heavens Mirror Bead ( mourning lost loved ones )Β
May Flower Bead ( protection )Β
Zephyr Lilly Bead ( guidance in dark times )Β
Orb Flower Bead ( good wishes )Β
Sunflower Bead ( happiness )Β
Aether Rose Bead ( balance )Β
There are multiple locations for bracelets to be created along campus grounds.
NOTE: The charm bracelets may be gifted to other Echoes participating in the Summer Festival. Upon voucher redemption, a link to the thread or ask featuring it is required to put this item on your stats page.
The Lunar Coast.
The Lunar Tournament
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
The Trawler Docks are open and bustling with activity! During this time of year, the ocean is flourishing with many forms of sea life.
Some locals offer scuba diving tours of Arcus Cove's coral reefs, while others will gladly rent out boats for other residents to enjoy the clear blue waters.
Of course, the docks are also host to the largest fishing competition of the year: The Lunar Tournament.
There are three main categories that one could enter into:
Biggest Fish (measured by weight and length)
Most Fish (measured by total weight)
Rarest Fish (judged by leading Marine Biologists of Arcanus Isle).
The competition has a catch-and-release policy upon completion of the final scoring.
Winners of each category will receive a cash prize of 1,000 keys, a trophy representing their category, and a brand-new fishing rod!
Fish Spy
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
Primarily marketed towards families with younger children, Fish Spy is an event taking place in Arcus Cove. Participants are given a bingo card and taken out the coral reefs. There, they can snorkel in the waters while looking for many breeds of fish on their cards. (The cards are water proof!)
Some fish to find that are native to the Arcanus Isle include:
Comet Fish
Gem Fish
Illumenoctopi
Ripple Kelpies
Successfully filled-out cards can be exchanged for a variety of fish charms.
Nighttime Shimmers and Glows
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
In brilliant displays of wonder and light, a fireworks show is held every Sunday evening along Halycon Beach. Many gather all across the Lunar Coast just to watch the astonishing display. The firework shows change almost every night, with each display being more even grand than the last.
The show is hosted by Vander Bard of the Comet Promenade. Many enjoy watching the show on the Comets Ferris Wheel, especially with friends and loved ones.
Along the Comet Piers and Comet Promenade many shops offer great selections of fireworks, sprinklers, poppers, and plenty of fantastically sweet and savory treats the likes of fair foods.
The Clearview District.
Aevum OlympicsΒ
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
Attention all sports fans! Hosted at the Clearview Stadium is the most highly anticipated events of the Isle! The Aevum Olympics. Aercon from all over Arcanus joing together to compete in various sporting events and prove their mettle. Sporting events include but are not limited to:
Track and Field (split between marathon and half-marathon sprints)
Swimming
Wrestling and Boxing
Various sports (e.g., soccer, football, baseball, tennis, etc.)
Pole Vaulting
Gymnastics
Ice Skating
Ping Pong
and many others!
Note: The Olympics can also include sports from an Echoes' homeworld.
All are welcome to come and spectate or participate! Thereβs just one universal rule:
No Cheating.
Cheaters will be forced to repeat their event against an Olympian Android. (Specifically, one designed by the event's biggest sponsor, the East Tower Company)
It never loses.
Of course, Aevumβs Tossup is one of the most popular sports. Over the spring, the four teams have been preparing near-endlessly for the playoffs that occur during this event. Now, it is finally time for the four biggest teams to compete for the championship title.
See here for information on the local sport.
Make sure to follow Aevum Daily for updates!
Fanalea District.
The Golden Harvests
No people are more excited about the Sunflower Festival than the residents of the Fanalean Farmlands, and Echoes are encouraged to join in! Beneath the Golden Moon, the Fanalean community ensures that their fields are fully revitalized for the coming crops to grow.
Plenty of help is wanted, and Fanalean farmers employ any volunteers to pick up a trowel to clear the fields of Whisper Thistles, care for livestock, harvest the last spring produce, sow summer seeds, and prepare some fields to lie fallow for the season.
Up to 500 keys per day will be offered to participating echoes.
At night, the workers watch in awe as fields of sunflowers begin to glow brightly across the fields, matching the Zephyr Lillies around them. The sunflowers absorb sunlight in their petals, and then under the golden moon, they glow a bright golden color.
Sunflower Feast
During Sunflower Festival, locals will often spend time experimenting with new dishes and flavors. When new recipes have been concocted, chefs of all calibre gather around the bonfire at the center of Fanalea to share them. In fact, the whole community comes together!
Sunflower is a key ingredient in many of the foods found. A glowing, golden tea - called Golden Cortania - is made from the petals of the sunflower. It is especially a fan-favorite. Tins can of Golden Cortania be bought from select shops in the Vesper Town Trading Post.
Some of the foods that can be enjoyed include:
Sunflower Seed Muffins
Pumpkin Sauce Pizza
Eben Root Stew, and many others!
Honeyglow Meadery is also offering Sunflower Wine, which is only available during this festival.
The Aether Reserve.
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
Keepers of the Lands, Skies, and Seas
As nature is the focal point of the Sunflower Festival, the Padedue Temple, Whisperwind Hacienda, and West Tower Society have combined efforts to create volunteer programs to help clean up and protect the natural world of Arcanus Isle.Β
As this is a joint effort, the Hacienda is focused on education, the Padedue Temple is focused on volunteer work, and the WTS is responsible for funding and advertisements.
Information booths with petitions written by the West Tower Society will be posted all throughout Arcanus. Signers will pledge to protect the environment and spread awareness about ways residents can keep Arcanus Isle spick and span.
Those who sign on to the petition pledge will be made automatic volunteers, where they will be assigned a location to clear up any trash and resident-made debris. These trips involve waking up early, and are often an all-day event. Supplies are provided to the volunteers by the West Tower Society, and Willow Westson has designer a cool shirt with βKeepers of the Lands, Skies, and Seasβ written on it. βThey're tie-dye!
Most volunteer work will be found along the Lunar Coast. Primarily: Halycon Beach, Arcus Cove and Arcus Reef. Downtown Arcanus' Quill Pillar Shores, the Aether Reserve's Moonview Springs, and any of the parks across Arcanus are also available as volunteer locations.
Merchant Town.
Gateway Flea MarketΒ
This activity is eligible for festival redemption.
In the center plaza of Merchant Town, a giant, mysterious tent has appeared seemingly overnight! Instead of the various food stalls and market shops, there now sits a wondrous pavilion called the Gateway Flea Market.
This tent houses brand new stalls full of Aercon selling or trading their random assortment of goods to anyone who may find a home for them.Β
While many of of the prices come cheap, many other items may only be acquired through trading specific items that may take hours to find. An Echo dead set on a ware may find themselves embarking on a long and arduous Exchange Quest.
Curiously, in some of these stalls Echoes may come upon strange wares. Instead of the usual bits and bobbles however, what makes these wares so strange is that they may be familiar to the Echoes themselves.
These items range from books and journals, to trinkets, toys, jewelry and clothes, tools, decorations, and other such similar items. As with any item, these come at a price, and some merchants drive a harder bargain than others.
The rule of the game? One man's trash is another man's treasure.Β
Be warned if you see one of the Pyrite Pawners triplets! They are all ruthless in their pursuit of unique items to sell in their shop.
Note: The following restrictions apply:
The Items can:
- Be items that exist in an Echo's native world
- Be pulled from any point in time in the Echo's world, regardless of an Echo's current or potential canon points.
- Be minor canon items, background items, and major canon items.
The items cannot:
- Be any belongings found on an Echo's application, current or future.
- be weapons or magical in any way.
- be eligible for the Tier Four Homeworld Redemption item.
- Be larger than a two-foot cube.
- Be items that canonically belong to another character or from a world separate to their own.
All items redeemed must not serve a largely important purpose. e.g., Bilbo Baggins could not find one of the Ten Rings.
These items must be found in either thread or drabble form in order to keep them. In which, a brief description of what the item is, and may be used is required. The thread or drabble must be submitted to the Aevum Marketplace as proof for approval to put on one's Stats page inventory.
Requests will be processed from June 18th - July 5th.
Viderenox Observatory.
Solstice Ball
During the last two weeks of June, the main event held inside the observatory is the highly anticipated Solstice Ball. At the twin moon's apex, the ceiling of the conservatory opens, allowing for the light of the golden moon to shine upon the dancers below.
In order to attend, the invited must present their golden letter to the attendants at the gate. Inside, arrivals will find the well-decorated room full of people dressed in their finest, fanciest attire.
Attendants walk between guests with trays of drinks and hors d'oeuvre, though larger portions may also be found at the open bar and snack tables. The food has been catered by the famous Chef Trop Chere, owner of the Casa Nova restaurant. The featured wine is, of course, Honeyglow Meadery's Sunflower Wine.
The telescope is also open to those who may wish for a closer look at the stars. Janus Astrophel can be found assisting visitors with the equipment and teaching them about Aevum's galaxy. The studies and offices are closed during the event. Echoes who prefer to explore will find these doors have been locked. Fortunately, other exhibits may be explored, creating quieter areas of rest during the party.
Of course, the main activity of the ball is the dance!
A live orchestra fills the hall with beautiful music, while the dancers pair and waltz under the stars. In some of the dance numbers, the floor of the observatory matches the night sky above. This creates the appearance of literally dancing among the stars.
NOTABLE LEGENDS:
The Golden Moon
The twin moons of the Aevum Isles have always held a certain air of mystery to them. Most scholars agree that these moons are a symbol of Ebenos, while the sun represents Ivurie's qualities. As Aerconi understanding of the Aether grows, studies have shown that during select periods of time, one Aether may influx so greatly that its influence may even reflects upon its counterpart.
One of these select periods is in the beginning of summer. During this time, Ivurie Aether burgeons so greatly that it reflects in the largest of the two moons, turning it bright golden color. As the light of the golden moon bathes Arcanus in its glow, it can be noted that plants grow much faster than usual, and the wildlife become more active and present in day-to-day lives.
Many speculate that this phenomena is the Aether replenishing itself in all forms of life. There is, after all, no other time of year where Aevum sunflowers glow as they do during the summer nights.
Now, residents of Aevum Isles look to the glowing, golden moon and her many stars for glad tidings, good luck, and rejuvenation.
