The Post-Pennons Animal Show... no, that's a mouthful.
The first (but perhaps not last) annual 'Samhain Silverwolf Showcase' went off well - at least, as far as anyone remembers.
Aiden comes out of his shell to showcase his steeds to the visitors, making many connections and potential trading agreements. Similarly, Nadeen has her hands full with the whirl of political engagements and managing guests, but handles things with aplomb.
Thistle finds that not only are her porcelain offerings accepted and admired, but she also has people coming for HER. The Bes Din may not be boggans, but they still gossip, and word has gotten around! She soon has a list of commission requests, or at the very least, a list of names of folk who are interested in her work!
Willy also finds that she is expected to participate - at least, she has to, because otherwise her shop itself will become inundated with visitors! It seems that everyone wants a genuine set of Silverwolf shoes for their steeds - rumour has it that they bring luck and health to the horses shod with them, and who's to say it may not be true?
Art flies under the radar, which suits him - he finds plenty of work to pick up from other Silverwolf members, and accrues favors to cash in later by taking on a couple patrols, serving duties, and cleanup from various folk who then are able to enjoy the celebrations more fully. He even offers to squire for Knight Lavender for the Joust!
Linnea is able to watch the joust with Chief Hewitt, and they even hold hands in public! What a scandal!
Danica takes a bit of a break from Thane duties to drag off a (willing, if slightly intimidated) male for her own unseelie wiles - the Aesin Lord is returned to his party intact, if bruised and smug, and with a newfound appreciation for the... let's call it, might, of some common folk.
Julius has taken Madern under his wing as Junior Steward, especially now that he is (if very minor) a part owner in his vineyards. This is a mixed bag, because now he also is expected to taste and recognize a number of different wine flavors and varietals in addition to his normal work!
Gwen finds herself the Belle of the Ball - the Tennis Ball, that is. All of the visiting hounds have 'heard' from Ivan and the local canine crew about her, THEIR SPECIAL KENNELMISTRESS, and insist of paying tribute to the stone-skinned trolless. Her hands may be worn out by the end of the weekend from all of the pats and scratches that are demanded of her. The visiting houndmasters and mistresses also insist on hand-SHAKES, and she has a list of requests for future litters out of Silverwolf. After Ivan dominated the Schutzhund event with surprising Agility for a dog of his breed and carraige, he also finds that he may be in demand as a potential stud... it seems like just yesterday he was but a puppy!
Dee rules the day when it comes to the Joust - or she would, if Dagmar had not attended! They had quite a match... who won? Well, that's up to a dice roll. Needless to say, all were entertained, and Connor was very proud to be the Squire of the Hour! Art, having been conscripted to play squire to Dee, finds himself watching the Pooka Lad for cues and clues. Connor is very helpful and friendly - even if somehow Dee finds her saddle put on backwards before the Joust... it's all good natured and good for a laugh.
Sylvi finds that her Peacock nature is well-suited to an Unseelie event, and at the Ball that follows the main events, she has no lack of potential partners. Many of the locals at Silverwolf remember her fondly from her help earlier, or having been told about her hand in conquering the Fell Flu as it is now being called. Some ask her if she offers classes in Spring arts! The local satyr hairstylist, Sydney, monopolizes her attention for several dances as they discuss cosmetics and dyes! If Sylvi is willing, they'd love to do a collaborative YouTube video at some time!
Bluebell is a bit jealous of the attention that Sylvi gets. If Sylvi accepts the punch that the pooka offers, she'll find that she has a dark purple-toothed smile for the rest of the night! Then again, that may backfire as many of the eligible bachelors and bachelorettes vie for a chance at getting a purple kiss-mark. 😘
Did Colton come? Did Sylvi see him? Well, perhaps... who knows? Anything is possible.
Lordling Casimir finds that Countess Elsinore is quite impressed at how he has 'managed' Nadeen and wrapped her around his finger in such a short time. If that's not exactly the case, well, who is he to correct the local Countess? He finds that he has an invitation to the County Seat, if he tires of the 'rustic' appeal of Silverwolf and wishes to visit a freehold with more modern amenities.
At the end of the Feast and Fete, following the Dance, Lord Aiden mounts his favored steed, whistles for his hunting hounds, and bids the Fae to join into the Wild Hunt! Of course, this request only hits those who have remained until Samhain Eve - any who chose to depart early, or retire to their rooms before sundown, did not hear the call and were thus excused.
However, those who remained felt Samhain stir their blood, and must resist a WP Check (Diff 8) to refuse the call. Those Called to the Hunt find that steeds await, or they may run with the hounds, as the Huntsmaster cries, the hounds wail, and the steeds scream a challenge into the night! Woe unto any who fall across their path - Fae are conscripted along the way or run down as prey, to awaken the next day with the most terrible hangover. Mortals they come across are spared if they wear costume - Children are saluted in respect as they show honor through facepaint and costumery to the Wild Host.
Those mortals who do not respect the Dreaming and the Hunt are torn to shreds... chimerically, and the next day awaken with shouts of horror and cold sweats, remembering only the most terrible of nightmares to plague them for some days to come - and hopefully, a healthy respect for Halloweens future.
All in all, a good time had... by most!
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