In Memorial

    The Firefly Festival is a time of reflection and contemplation. Families gather to share the pain of loss or to simply comfort each other. Their grief is kept largely private. As a result of the war, there is no shortage of smaller, tragic gatherings. With war right on its doorstep, Eas was not spared and many have reasons to weep.

    Tonight, though, is something different. This is a celebration of memory. Beyond that, the sunset ceremony recognizes what is to come in the future. For those who have been in the area (particularly those who pay attention to the local gossip), it is clear that something spectacular has been planned. There are floating lanterns that have been made for the event. Many hundreds of them. More, the priestess has summoned many skilled Landers from around the Dukedom. Their purpose is kept utterly secret, driving intense speculation. This surprise, though, has remained hidden. It seems Wake still remembers how to keep a secret.

    The tension of expectation is growing, and children bear it only with great difficulty. They have heard that tonight, light will fly. As if to further incite their impatience, the fireflies themselves are busy in the area earlier than usual, getting about to the work of attracting each other with their glowing dance.

    Due to all of this work, the inn is filled, the concert hall has been sold out every night for a week, and the castle is packed. Every empty room has been hastily prepared and the staff temporarily tripled to support all the visitors. Even the residents have found ways to share their homes and in so doing, found comfort and friendship. New things to celebrate as these strangers all become close over shared loss.

    Sunset is near now, though. It is perhaps just fifteen minutes away. Activity is evident on the castle walls, and the Baroness and her wife are settled in the eye of the storm of activity, as it were, near the statue of the Beautiful One, where scores of children do their best to distract each other as the time moves so very slowly.

    As Elly has dedicated the Arcade of Eas to The Beautiful One and is a devoted priestess, the event has drawn the attention of many young couples, seeking to be blessed with children. Making the most of what promises to be a most romantic atmosphere, many of these have gathered in boats on the lake or setout stools and blankets to take in the festivities.

    Naturally, the gathering is supported by many vendors. The air is full of the scent of their cooking. Sweets, perfectly cooked meat, and noodles in a dozen or more varieties can all be found. Amusingly, the tailors of the area have again found a way to make their presence known by making a new set of collectible stuffed dolls for the event. It is a line that is difficult to walk, but as their work is focused on roses, fireflies, and crows, it seems few can find much fault with them (and those are more focused on demonstrating their haggling skills.)

    Reflection and contemplation aren't really Fuka's strong points. She respects others who are gathered to share their grief and has no desire to make a fool of herself at their expense, so this festival is somewhat subdued even for her. She does what she can, sharing tales with those who want to memorialize the lost, singing songs that are actually surprisingly appropriate to the occasion, that sort of thing. Still Fuka, but slightly more mellow than usual.

    That's not to say she's not enjoying herself of course. Even mellowed, Fuka's making use of the street food vendors, supplying them with ample coin in exchange for wares. Typically sharing much of what she buys with people nearby; if she knows them, great. If they look hungry, even better! She even has a stuffed crow doll attached to one shoulder, making her look like a rather exotic pirate or half an Odin, though she lacks the traditional eyepatch for either. Roses and fireflies are cute, but she's more into the fluffier things. And sweets. Can't forget those!

    Fuka sees Wake and Tae, of course, but she's not a couple and not at all interested in being blessed with children. So she doesn't fit in with that crowd, not exactly. She waves a meat skewer their way however, peering around for others she might know who somehow made it through the crowds to be here.

The music conservatory has a smaller concert hall as well, mostly aimed at students. An affair of more modest proportions, but which also comes in handy in situations like these. Everything, these days, is used to maximum capacity and then some.

Right now, however, it is not the time for concerts; it is a prelude to something hallowed: in a few moments, the sun will disappear from people's view, and if their orbits are just right, it will be the Red and Green Moons' turn to shine against the backdrop of the starry sky.

As far as Earth... or, rather, Alba is concerned, it's a moment to wait for the fireflies and lanterns to work their magic. It is not a time for concerts, but Life, somehow, manages an impromptu one anyway, in a time of mourning and remembrance. Life seems to have a sense of irony.

As far as Uta is concerned, though, today she is more on the serious side: a black kimono, as formal as the circumstances require, is decorated with silvery floral motifs; fireflies, embroidered in thread the color of gold, swarm around it. She is just standing, looking towards the horizon; focusing on her slow, relaxed breathing.

Some of those blankets waiting have been spread out by a four tailed fox woman that has become a common sight around Eas. As part of her tutalige in culture and etiquette under Baroness Wake she has been asked to help with some of the tasks to keep the festival moving smoothly. While putting her own touch on things. Earlier she had used her Enchantment skills to help create the floating lanterns and ensure they would remain lit for the lengthof the ceremonies. Now she was moving about the different activities, ensuring they were in order.

She enchanted some of the blankets to remain flat and smooth no matter how... active occupants get upon them. Never know what the beautiful view of the lake light up in festival energies might inspire in people. Now she was moving along to see where else she may need to assist, not hard to spot thanks to the everpresent flow of tails behind her graceful stride.

The Firefly Festival was something that Gwen did see as quite and imporant thing and oddly she was not bombastic or loud today. It wouldn't be in the right place with that to be honest. There were a lot of things to recall and she had a latern of her own to put. Morri and uther had come along. Also shock of all shocks Morri is dressed tasefully...

Dosbox has a very small list of people who he can think back on fondly. Mostly, people leave rather than die on him. Still, he has one person in his past that died before having the chance to abandon him, and he is here today for that purpose. For that one person, Dossy has a lantern himself to send. Though, with the throngs of people, and the shortness of his stature, Dossy might not actually be able to see much of what is going on in the first place!

    The Baroness rises a few minutes before sunset. When she does, anticipation surges and everyone not already in position around the lake moves. A tradition that will feel new to some is about to begin. The truth, however, is that it is centuries old, from the time before orcs claimed the land. An event Elly first saw in Elder Tale's offline version. Not many people knew about it. Few players hung around this place as often as Elly did in that game.

    Along the way to the shore, Elly has time to offer a wave to Fukaziroh, who she picks out from the crowd. Daiyu, Uta, Gwen (how can one miss her, especially with her entire family?), and even Dosbox. Though how she can see him is a question no one will ever know for sure (Elly's not telling!) By the time she reaches the shore, landers have already started to take out their lanterns. Candles are lit. Several orphans who live at the Links in Eas wait expectantly, carrying lanterns of their own. Tears glisten on some cheeks, but for the most, the pain has been muted somewhat by time.

    Everyone is waiting for a moment when it will become clear that it is time. And it comes as the orphan's lanterns are lit. Tae and Elly working carefully with each child to light the lanterns. Simultaneously, with the last lights of sunset gone and darkness settling quickly, lanterns rise from every wall of the castle. At this distance, they look little more than bright stars, but they rise by by the hundreds, floating slowly, gently into the sky.

    There's a gasp at the sight of it, and then more lanterns rise, not just from this eastern shore of the Lake, but from all around it. And with it, a wordless song rises, gentle, but carried by so many voices that it seems to come from all directions.

Daiyu notices several of what have become familiar faces in the crowd, giving a wave to Uta and Fukaziroh and others, but her attention is on her being an assistant to the festival for the moment. Vulpine ears twitch as oft as tails do, listening for issues amongst the crowd as it gathers. There are laterns to be prepared, and occasionally she has to pause to ensure the ones people have been given are still functioning.

It's in doing so she comes across Dosbox amonst the people, who may be small but stands out at least to her in his Adventurer statis appearing when she looks in his direction. She shifts her steps to move towards him, and bows low and elegant. "Would you require a stool or such to assist you?"

    Fuka does notice and acknowledge waves, but at the moment there's one in particular she's seen that she wants to greet more... well, not formally. This IS Fuka after all. But more officially perhaps. She makes her way over to the fox maiden and proffers a roasted meat skewer like another person might offer a handshake.

    It's not that Fuka knows the taciturn (or perhaps just shy) librarian particularly well, though they've worked and trained together in the past. But something about her appeals to Fuka, and it's probably not just a love of fluffy things. Probably. Maybe it's because Fuka's the sort of outgoing weirdo who naturally adopts introverts and wants to see good things happen to them. Good things like roasted meat skewers.

    When she's close however, she finally sees Dos with the crowd no longer between them. "Oh hi!" she says brightly. She hadn't expected someone else to be right there that she knew, and she only has the one unnibbled skewer to offer. Instead she reaches into a pocket, pulling out candy she was saving for later, and offers it to Dosbox with her other hand, grinning.

Nods and a somber smile is offered in return to each wave to Uta. Somber, but fond, perhaps acknowledging not only the person on the other side, but what they represent; how remembrance of what, or whom, has been lost is a wake up call to a deeper appreciation of what, and especially whom, we still have.

Perhaps Uta wasn't told. Perhaps she was told but, as she is prone to, forgot. Or perhaps she was told, but not even in her wildest dreams she was prepared for the sight that unfurled.

And boy, what a sight did unfurl.

As the lights float away in the breeze, Uta stares with that peculiar flavor of wonder she is renown for; mouth open, jaw loose, eyes wide, transfixed on the scene; not a word is said, but when the song begins, perhaps willingly, or perhaps, and more likely, simply by virtue of being carried along with it, without even consciously realizing it, the Spriggan Sage of Song, just as wordlessly, joins the chorus, or perhaps... the choir, in this case, given the feeling of sacrality associated with the event.

Gwen does take note of Uta and will give a wave to her along with Fuka. Daiyu is also spotted and given a look over.

"Hello! Oh Dos you are here as well!?" She grins a bit,. Still it is a somber time when you get down to it she'll be intending to do her latern later on.

Reflection and Contemplation. That sounds like Haru's bread and butter. Where is the silver haired young man? Is he late? Is he early? Is time just a myth and we are just all part of it? Reflect on that, Time!

It is nothing so existential. Haru is surrounded by children who will not give him a moment's rest throughout the day doing face painting. Yes. Face painting. And arm tattoos with /very temporary ink/ on the children. They are walking costumes. The best thing is that the ink itself reacts to the lantern light and they animate slowly when exposed. He lost track of time, only noticing it when the hues of the sunlight change at the set.

    In addition to the lanterns and the music, there are social traditions for this observance. After some time simply soaking in the spectacle of hundreds, then thousands of lanterns rising from around and across the lake, there are soft conversations.

    Family groups and improvised family groups begin to share stories of those they left behind. Importantly, it is not just about those who died. There are other ways to lose people in the world, either temporarily or seemingly forever. Some of these stories are bittersweet; others are jovial, brightened by sweet memories and deep affection. It serves as a rare moment to put aside the usual cultural walls against such profound closeness and celebrate the very temporal nature of life. After all, some things are better lost and others could only be truly appreciated in their absence.

    Even after they are released, the lanterns bob gently in the air, ascending slowly. Gentle winds are crafted to ensure that no lanterns wander from the lake, making this vision last throughout the night.

Daiyu has her own lantern amongst those being released. A general memorial for those of her home land still suffering because of the Crowns and the corruption amongst the Landers. People she can not readily see right now.

"Hello Fukaziroh. Gwen." Daiyu accepts the meat skewer in one hand daintily. "And thank you. I have not had a chance to sample the offerings yet." She takes an idle nibble, but her attention is mostly on the lake, and the glows above it like dozens of fireflies. "It is certainly quite a sight..."

The work of the best Enchanter on the server is nothing short of a sight of awe on the ground to reflect the show in the air. Haru's liquid enchantments make the children into the light of the future that give the lanterns up high a view that what they are leaving behind is bright and new. He stops at a washing basin to rinse the paint off of his face. Yes, he could menu clean. He does not. He wants to feel the cool water hit his face when he cups and splashes it there, fingers rolling back against his hair to colorfuly paint the white canvas with stray paints that are along the kids running around. A flick off the stray droplets off before he finds an Uta there. Wordlessly singing along.

"Reminds me of our first projects together," he says as he walks in through the crowd to find Uta. "Harmonics of Song against the correlation of Enchanting. With the amount of enchantment around right now, do you think the Songs here impact them?" He throws a gesture of his romantic nature in there, "I think they do. And with this array of art and emotion, those thoughts can reach anyone, no matter where. How far."

Dosbox accepts the pocket candy with all the gratitude one gives to their cat when they plant a dead mouse at one's feet. "Gee. Thanks," he says as he cautiously puts the candy in his mouth, not wanting to offend.

To Daiyu, he shakes his head, "I... should be fine. If need be, there's always a well-placed Earth Pillar."

Dossy wasn't quite prepared to see so many people that he knew. And with every person present was a different reaction to the events that were unfolding.

To Gwen, he gives an awkward smile, "Ah. Yeah, I mean... Everyone has someone they have lost, right...?"

With those words, he notices Uta, looking up at the lanterns with her somber smile, and he seems to be almost starstruck. She seemed only half-real at that point, and if disturbed, she might ripple away like a reflection in water. Despite his desire to greet her, he refrains so that she might spend a little more time in reality.

Perhaps Uta has always had a lantern with her, or perhaps she recently acquired one. However things have gone, the Musical Kung-Fu Nurse has finally managed to snap out of her reverie for long enough to conspire with a Lander Spriggan child to light hers. He seemed so eager to help, so... why not share a little bit of joy?

The lantern is finally lit, ready to launch. Uta lingers for a moment, holding the glowing item in her hands. She inhales, eyes closed, raises it to release it, and-

"Who is your lantern for?", the child asks, out of the blue.

"Zoomies."

"You miss having the zoomies?", asks the child.

"Not the zoomies. Zoomies. Devoid of article. Capital Z. The one and only Zoomies."

"If there is only one, shouldn't it be just zoomie? Or zoomy?"

Uta, still holding her lantern, lowers her chin, and frowns in concentration. "You have a point there about logic and consistency, but the issue is, natural language cares only up to a point about those."

"So, what is the lantern for?"

"Zoomies. My turtle."

"Oh. What happened to it?"

"It ran away."

"Oh. And you've never seen it since?"

"No, no, we did find him eventually."

"...but I just asked what happened to him..."

"Well, that's the -most interesting- thing that happened to him. Why does 'what happened to him' always have to refer to the last, possibly most tragic event? Couldn't it be the most interesting, happiest event?"

It is the child's turn, at this point, to frown and sink into thought.

This is deep philosophy, people.

Noticing that a group involving Daiyu, Fuka, Gwen and Borywick is starting to form close to her, likely within earshot of her last debate, Uta offers a second smile. "This is one of the most amazing sights I've set my eyes upon," Uta says, followed by "I can barely wait until I have my own lantern to release, that is going to be spectacular!", as she keeps holding onto her own lit lantern.

    Part of what makes the celebration attractive to children is the prospect of getting to stay up late. Not for any actual purpose, of course. It is simply novelty. But with a clear sky full of starts and lanterns, the perfect warmth in the air, and an atmosphere of safety, many of the little ones, having spent all day running, then eating, then resting, then running again, are quite tired. The stories of those who came before and the prayers for what will come in the future send them on their way into sweet dreams.

    The younger orphans are no exception. By this point, Elly and her wife have settled on their own blankets and are joined by those little ones. Whatever stories this married couple is sharing are whispered gently. They wouldn't wish to disturb the sleep of the children. What can be seen, though, is that there are tears being shed.

A tail tip reachs over to tap Uta on the shoulder. "Uta, dear, it's in your hands," Daiyu points out the obvious after overhearing the Spriggan. She has started to... accomidate to Uta's eccentricities. It's just easier to accept and anticipate than try to understand. Trying too hard to understand did not go well in their duels, so not worth expending the excess time to.

A nod is given to Haru as well. Fellow enchanter, one of the people she would not be here without the contributions of.

It all gets a soft sigh out of her. "I dread to think how events like this are likely meant for the homeland as well... but they've become overshadowed by the machinations controlling the majority of the population."

Gwen has been quiet, she's been very wuiet, she's looking at the children though oh she's having fun with them and she's looking over to see what Haru is working on with the kids. She smiles a bit but does not break his work. God only knows what Morri and Uther are up to...behaving and being somber.

"It really is a thing isn't it? This is a living breathing world. Aye, Dosbox everyone has. It's a part of life."

She also gives a bit of a laugh at Uta and her antics.

"I will be honest, the way to likely end this is going to be makeing the rulers of the Palace Lands eat their kharma."

Dosbox fiddles with his own lantern. "It's... Kind of ironic... Using fire to remember my granddad, since he died in a fire and all. Maybe I shouldn't think too much about that part..." He gives a nervous laugh, straining the smile on his face. Maybe Uta has the right of it, and we shouldn't be thinking about the way we lost our loved ones but how we enjoyed their time together...

"Oh, yes, our first pure research project together. Involving enchanting." There also was that time where Uta needed SO MUCH ACCESSORY FORGING for manufacturing a small batch of phonographs in a small amount of time -- to hand out as loaners to the Song Hunters, so they could record any Songs of the World they came across, but that is not exactly a research project, and it is unclear whether it involved enchanting at all. "Those were good times," Uta concedes. Thinking back to the more present time, Uta continues, "There is something about Song in this world indeed, but it seems to... not map -exactly-, or at least, not straight-up, to enchanting resonance patterns. Not functionally," She begins to pace around, her lantern bobbing slightly between her hands. "Kind of like electronic interferences of circuits into radios or such do not produce straight-up music. There are similar underlying concepts of a beat, of regularity, order and rules, but they seem to be... different." She quirks an eyebrow. "I think we'll know more of that once we find out where this Orth place is. I think I've mentioned there was an Alv, there, who could heal people with the Sheer power of Song, right?" Stop, look up and away. "I mean, I'm not one hundred percent sure how one would intend that. I've been looking into developing a musical healing technique, at some point, but I suspect that such a technique would involve Magic and Light, in some form. Or Pharmacy. Sheer use of Song... would that mean that no elemental magic is involved? No other physical farmaceutical means? The wording itself is intrig-'"

That is when Uta is tapped on her shoulders, and addressed by Daiyu. "Oh. Rigth. Releasing the lantern."

She vocalizes again, possibly to attune with the rest of the Landers. Zoomies the Turtle, this song is for you. What would be of you, Zoomies, if you could have made it to this world? Who would you be? Probably a Tank.

Once the lantern is released, Uta continues, "Although you make a point of bringing people together. Remember the first anniversary of the Apocalypse? In Alne? Were you there?" Uta resumes, "The High Priestess of the Church of Law sang the Eternity Song, and we who were Musically Inclined, somehow, knew the Lyrics. They just... started to flow naturally. As if we'd always knew them."

Dosbox finally speaks up, and at his words, Uta looks down, somber. "Oh, I'm sorry for your loss, Borywick." Silence. Appropriate looking down. "But it's at least good to grieve. To remember. And realize that... well... I don't think we would be truly human if we had never lost anything." And then, her eyes flick sideways, to look over her shoulders. She gives her wings a little flick, and rubs the tip of her pointed ears. "Well... -iman-, in this world, I guess. Some of us cannot really call themselves human anymore."

"Oh," she adds, as an afterthought. "At least I will not be bringing back any sad memories any time soon: I am completely incapable of producing even one hint of flame. Completely fireless. Zero control over the element." She has been thinking about working on that, to be fair, but this would probably be a terrible moment to bring it up.

"I try to think fondly of the ones we lost. Not about those who have caused, or are causing the loss," Uta remarks to Daiyu and Gwen's discussion of the current sociopolitical situation in the Palace Lands. Some particularly smart orphans would likely be curious about such matters, but Uta, as can be judged by her words, considers them best avoided at the moment; and she makes it known in a humble, polite manner, as not to sound overbearing, hence rude. Etiquette is important in these circumstances as well.

Haru is sure to give Daiyu a nod back. Gwen got attention from Haru in a different way across the night. For each child that Haru helped face and body paint, they had to go find a spot on Gwen's hair to plant a flower for the occasion. While Haru is creating a weird payment system, and possibly child labor law violations, the result is an impressive amount of flower are sent Gwen's way in the dozens. The petals enchant to glow in slow pulses like the fireflies of the festival.

To Elly, Haru provides a chim: 'Uta and I are by the amphitheater.'

"Leaders make decisions," Haru tells Gwen, and to a lesser degree Daiyu, as he casts his gaze skyward, "and they reap their decisions. However. They are also people. They have also have loss and memories to reflect upon today. Accountability and justice will have its due, but not this day. We are all equal in our lament." He holds in his hand the token a child gave him before, a stone etching, as the lantern light reflects off of the amethyst of his monocle. It casts stars of latern light across an amethyst sky of his lens. The blue eye is as clear as a morning sky, giving the transition of night to day on his face.

The Artificer doesn't directly look at Uta, but it is clear by proximity he is speaking to her, "If you look at the lights closely, you can see the notes lighting up in response to the melody of the song." A hand gestures up, pointing it out like someone would show another a constellation in the sky.

"Small miracles, that we might learn the flame and light through work and blessing," Haru says, not keen on the later part but not so proud not to know they have a hand in it. "Upon my ivory tower I saw many firework shows. Displays. For all those years, outside looking in, the show here contests to none. It is good that so many can come out in a means to connect with the past." It strikes him that he never made a lantern. He was so busy with the children that he didn't craft one. And he lets it go. Not the physical object. Letting go the object that was not.

"Think not of the fire, but the light the memories still shine upon your life." Being an author it is little surprise Daiyu can easily wax poetic about such topics. "Mayhaps, but a topic for another time," is her response to Gwen and Haru. "Let's not burden the already stoic souls with additional concerns." It's a somber festival, but such topics do not need to be brought up in public.

And she is still not entirely convinced that there are not spies from her former allies visiting this land. Even if the strengthing of the Uncrowned rebillion has forced them to focus more on the home lands after the invasion was repelled, they would not entirely turn their backs on an enemy.

She gives her own head a light shake. No, not the thoughts for her now, as she just said. Even if her memorandum is directed that way. It was one of hope more than mourning.

"It is facinating how much music is entwined in this world as well," she muses. That's a topic she has very little familiarity with.

Dosbox notes that Uta has released her lantern, and takes that as sort of his cue, releasing his as well. As he watches the lantern float up into the sky, he presses the candy given to him by Fuka against the roof of his mouth with his tongue. It was close enough to the flavor of candies that his grandfather used to give him so as to provide him a slight sense of nostalgia. He smiles at the lantern as it flies up and away. He had come to terms with the death of his grandfather a long time ago, but things like these allowed him to remember the only positive rolemodel he had in his life... and to pay his respects as well. "I can carry a tune about as far as you can throw me. Heh." He stops, "I am pretty light, actually, so... probably not even that far, to be honest..."

    Surrounded by sleeping orphans, it takes Elly some time to navigate her way to where Haru and Uta. Further, the path she takes crosses so many others, and each is acknowledged. It is not children that most eagerly reach out to her, but those couples who seek a special blessing. By this point, half a dozen or more fertility prayers are burnt into Elly's memory, but even so, they are only structures. Elly has to ask questions and make each specific to the would-be parents.

    So it is that the short distance from shore to Uta and Haru takes several minutes. It is not a literal snail's pace, but a crawling child could have outpaced her!

    While there is no crawling child, a toddler has been following the priestess the whole way. Clutching a blanket and soft doll in her left arm, she reaches out to tug on the skirt of the baroness.

    "Airi! Dear, I thought you were sleeping by Tae and the others." The little girl does look at least half-asleep. Without even answering, she reaches up. There are no words, but the 'I want to be held' gesture is pretty much universally understood by adults everywhere.

    Elly smiles and happily obliges, taking the time to first weave the blanket around the little girl before scooping her up and letting Airi doze on her right shoulder.

    This is how Elly is when she finally reaches the others. And it is why her voice is soft when she says, "Good evening."

Uta looks up at the sky. It is true, there seems to be some lighting up in response to the Song. "Something... something more to look into.", she mutters, somewhere on the spectrum between business determination and sense of wonder; and it is possibly helpful to point out that 'all over' is what most qualifies as 'somewhere on'.

Haru and Daiyu's discussion touch on the subject of Light and Fire. Light and Fire, hard to think the two could be untangled from each other, and placed into two different vessels, and yet, it seems exactly to be what has happened in the case of Haru and Uta. How this will evolve in the futre, it is not yet known.

"Anyone can learn anything in this world, it seems. If you can find a teacher, I'm sure you could learn to sing as well!", Uta encourages Dosbox. And then notices Wake's approach, and observes her low rate of advancement per unit of time, in silence. "Zoomies," Uta thinks out loud, with a hint of melancholy.

"Good evening," Uta whispers back to Elly.

"Good evening," Haru adds in when Elly joins in. There is a long pause between that statement and the next. A real 'deep thought' kind of pause. It ends with, "Zoomies?" He is familiar with them. Did one zoom in and out? He squints to look at the lanterns.

Dosbox only now seems to have recognized Haru as one of the people who he is speaking with, and with the presence of Baroness Wake, that makes the trifecta. Dossy is pretty nervous at this point, and it has become quite real to him that he is still wearing his Gnome outfit and not any of the fancy clothing Gwen is making for him. Nervousness increases. He moves slowly behind Gwen; as she is much larger than him, perhaps no one will take notice.

A dozen and more orphans, only wanting comfort and love in a world that's been turned on it's side to them, having found it from Elly and Tae. The sight of one sleeping against Elly's shoulder is a fine suppliment for the couple not having any direct childen of their own.

"Same to you," Daiyu keeps her voice soft. "And thank you, my friend, for allowing me to have a part in making this festival what it could be. I have learned much from the experience."

Gwen has been doing a lot of listening and thinking about the state of her life. In the end she's happy with what she has. Still its good to think about what's been lost and who has been. To forget those you lost is not a good thing she'll be by the water now kneeling down to put her lanter off and away...

    "Thank you for the chim, Haru. Oh.. speaking of which."

    She has, for a moment, the look of one hearing something from a distance. "Yes, she caught up with me. Got her right here in my arms. We will be back in a little while."

    The very poor attempt to hide on Dosbox's part gets noticed and Elly sighs. Still not dressed! Rome was built more swiftly than Dosbox's attire is proving to be.

    Fortunately for Dosbox, Elly's attention is drawn in other directions. "Of course, Daiyu! I am so grateful that you are with us and for all of your help. And especially delighted to see so many get to know you better. I trust you got some time in to relax, as well? Oh, and the lanterns!"

    Elly was really looking forward to them. It was a bit hard to describe, but it seems that other cultures have them as well. Fortunately, the exact details of making them just right so they'd slowly float and stay safely aloft until they went out was something that great crafting and some help managed it.

    "They are so lovely, Daiyu. Everyone is so pleased! And the music... is that a surprise for me? I am so grateful for it all!"

Daiyu smiles and nods back to Elly. "It was the least I could do to help, after you explained the signifigance of this festival event to me." Her tails swish back and forth with contentment.