Atreal made his offer. In exchange for a gem I've carried for a couple of cycles of the 'rifter, he would give a Fall Festival token. And if I so wished, he would send the token to my lady. I considered the offer for a moment but then declined. I had other plans for that gem.

The smith works with metal, heaves around massive chunks of iron, makes tools for farmers and weapons for fighters. But he can also turn his hand to the most exquisite, the most intrically detailed, pieces when occasion demands.

He examined the gem, took a look at the rough picture I'd drawn of what I had in mind, and set to work. I started worrying when he began chipping away at the gem - though I knew it had to be shaped the sight of him taking a hammer to the precious object was slightly alarming.

At last Denion finished working his own type of magic on the piece, and with a final polish passed it back to me for examination. His work took my breath away. It was more, much much more, than I'd imagined. I'm always amazed at the tiny details those broad arms and large hands can produce. And I have absolutely no idea how he was able to introduce colour into a gem.

In my hand lay a heart, intertwined around which were two roses. One red, one white. A remarkable item, the exquisite gift I'd pictured to mark a special day.

Since the visit to the temple with Broutac, I've been sleeping more than usual, trying to recoup some strength before Fall Festival gets under way. When awake I've spent some time farming - though truth to tell it's been a rather half-hearted imitation of farming - and more time passing messages or chatting with friends at the Inn.
There have been a few happenings of some note.
Recently I was roaming around Kili, and happened upon Azure and Jaltz in the grove. The trees have been under attack from some rather unsavoury creatures, and one of the family who farm the grove was seeking assistance. Along with a few others who had made their way to Kili, we took the portal to Dundee to hear her pleas for assistance. It's hoped that those who are able will spend some time helping to clear the grove and allow the trees to recover.
The Inn has been refurbished ready for FallFest, and is looking quite grand. The Viscontessa and the Devora visited a couple of days later, to examine our handiwork. They seemed quite satisfied with the result. While there, they asked us to tell them of a Fall Festival outfit we'd like to be able to wear. My suggestion of what I referred to as a 'not-so-great Korunga suit' seemed to please the immortals, and the Viscontessa gave me a Fall Festival token. It was, she explained, the first to be seen in the lands this season, to allow me to be one of the first to claim a costume. Lucius was judged to have had the best idea. He was given a box of ducks, so he would have some company. And the Devora Jane reached out with her hammer to lightly touch Lucius - and all his hurts were healed and he was restored to full health. I remarked to Azure that though I've seen many strange sights in these lands, that was the first time I'd seen a true miracle.
The Viscontessa returned to the Inn a day or so later, accompanied by the Ridder Zeric, who she wanted to see we mortals as we pass our allotted span of time.

I've been left in something of a quandary, facing a moral dilemma. As I mentioned, the Viscontessa herself presented me with the first Fall Festival token of the season. Such a gift is unique - not only the gift itself but also in the fact that it was personally given to me by one of the Gods - and it could be said that there is much reason to keep the token as a memento. On the other hand, it was given so that I could be one of the first to obtain a costume for Fall Festival, so keeping the token would be acting against the Viscontessa's wishes.


Fall Festival is now very close, and already some have publicised plans for events. I wish all in the lands a happy time in this season. Personally, I have reason to look forward to FallFest.