Weavers of Arachne (storyline)/2025-10-28 - Winterbriar Finale (log)

Winterbriar Quest Finale

CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD

Summary

This is a quick and dirty summary of what happened during the Winterbriar portion of the finale.

The domania and the cailleach were joined by several denizens of Naidem and other adventurers, and they all discussed a variety of options of things to do. Several suggested gifts and apologies, and after much discussion, the coblynau, who was hard at work removing the last of his vandalism of the cabin, suggested the actual elders try to apologize for what their predecessors had done.

As a side note, the coblynau explained himself -- he was upset his business had done poorly and that there were so many premium ferns and such in the forest he couldn't go get because of the crone. In a fit of tipsy pique, he painted the tree, broke branches trying to get through the forest, and when he found the cabin, painted 'witch' on it. He was apologetic and said he had learned his lesson. He called out apologies in case Yamatatha heard.

The elders called out their apologies for the treatment of Yamatatha, and the cabin suddenly had an opening guarded by a bear. Yamatatha made an appearance and lectured them a bit, saying they could stay until the Eve and then they should go. She disappeared back inside and the coblynau fled in fright, yelling he was sorry again.

Soon after, however, she was pulled from the cabin and transformed back into her old self, no longer the scary crone, and she was carried up toward the sky, and it appeared she was transformed into a star in the Naidem twilight.

Winterbriar Finale Log

This is an edited log from Xynwen's point-of-view. She has tried to remove a lot of extraneous stuff while not removing the RP and so on, and she apologizes in advance if something got cut that a player said or did (and others are also welcome to add more complete logs in another page too!).

2025-10-28 Winterbriar Neighborhood Storyline Quest Finale

A voice calls out, "Denizens of Naidem!  Join our Winterbriar neighbors near the newly discovered cabin in Darkbriar Woods to discuss the problems of Yamatatha.  All are welcome!"


[Darkbriar Woods, Glade] (8089135)
The glade is a wide expanse of ferns, grasses, and wildflowers, and the auroral sky glimmers above.  A lichen-covered cabin sits near one edge of the tall, twisted trees that surround the glade, a neat vegetable garden bordering one side and several examples of native Naidem flora on another.  Small animal trails make their way across the glade and into the woods, each bordered by a dense thicket of brambles.  While most of these trails appear too small for people, a narrow trail offers an exit.  You also see a group of Naidem denizens, a silver-limned spider web, an intricate spider web, a dew-laden spider web, a half-formed spider web, a dew-laden spider web, an elderly cailleach, a tall domania and a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.
Obvious paths: none

Ordim just entered the clearing.
>
Ordim ponders.

Speaking to a tall domania, an elderly cailleach says, "I do still believe your methods are wrong."

Qualeric just entered the clearing.
Qualeric's group follows behind.
>
The domania sighs.

An elderly cailleach says, "We are getting quite a crowd.  I do hope this is a good thing."

An elderly cailleach frets.
>
Qualeric nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Qualeric says, "Klysmar can scout out for things."
>
Qualeric points at a red-tinged grey vesper bat.
>
The grey vesper bat lets out a series of shrill noises.

The domania states, "We've been here for days, so I am sure we are fine.  And we need to discuss this."
>
Ordim glances at a red-tinged grey vesper bat.
>
Loralaii just entered the clearing.
>
Ordim nods to Loralaii in greeting.
>
Loralaii nods to Ordim in greeting.
>
Qualeric nods in greeting.

An elderly cailleach says, "Yes, yes, I am sure you are right.   We shall give everyone time to gather.  I believe the elders said we would start at the top of the hour."
>
Vaeldrys just entered the clearing.
>
A lithe forest green teadragon with forest green wings darts into the area and up to Vaeldrys.
>
Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a lithe forest green teadragon with forest green wings.
>
Vaeldrys glances around the area.
>
Loralaii tucks a silvery fusion token into a small pocket inside of her dark grey coat.
>
Vaeldrys inclines his head.
>
Speaking to a lithe forest green teadragon with forest green wings, Ordim asks, "Would you like to be pie?"
>
Loralaii tucks an enruned stone cube into a small pocket inside of her dark grey coat.
>
Vaeldrys stares at Ordim.
>
Vaeldrys reaches a hand down, whistling softly, and a lithe forest green teadragon with forest green wings whips its tail up and cheerfully waddles over to him, curling up in his proffered hand and giving a lizardly purr.
>
Speaking to Ordim, Vaeldrys says, "She is not for eating."
>
Ordim nods slowly at Vaeldrys.
>
Loralaii darkly says, "Everything is for eating."
>
Qualeric seems to be trying to conceal a wispy spectral puppy surrounded by a flickering silver mist from view.
>
Meril just entered the clearing.
>
Vaeldrys says, "That would depend if one is capable of acquiring the thing to eat it."
>
Ordim ponders.
>
Ordim says, "Thats a very philosophical question."
>
Ordim furrows his brow.
>
Loralaii darkly says, "I can eat everything."
>
Qualeric glances between Loralaii and a silver-limned spider web.
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly at Loralaii.
>

An elderly cailleach says, "Perhaps we should not eat too much here...."

An elderly cailleach looks a bit nervous.

The domania states, "Well, perhaps if we ate the weird creatures coming from the forest, we ourselves won't be eaten

An elderly cailleach sighs at the domania, a look of disapproving on her face.
>
Missoni just entered the clearing.

Starsworn just entered the clearing.
>
Loralaii accepts Qualeric's peppermint candy.
>
Starsworn says, "Hello."
>
The domania throws her hands up in the air and says, "I know, I know.  It is not the answer."
>
Tearieyes just entered the clearing.
>
Missoni glances appraisingly at a tall domania.
>
Callayne just entered the clearing.
Callayne's group follows behind.
>
Riend just entered the clearing.

An elderly cailleach paces nervously.
>
Littlemelody just entered the clearing.
>
Liras just entered the clearing.
>
Missoni hopefully asks, "Everyone is well?"
>
Starsworn agrees with Missoni.
>
Vaeldrys says, "It is a pleasant evening."
>
Riend amusedly says, "We are all well."
>
A sluagh pulls herself away from a small group of denizens milling about and clears her throat.  "I would like to thank you all for coming,"  she says.  "We are here to discuss what to do about the creatures coming from these woods, and indeed, what to do now that we have penetrated so deeply into these woods as well."  She turns to the domania and says, "Perhaps you would like to start?"

Missoni lightly says, "Hopefully we will stay that way."
>
Tearieyes gasps.
>
Missoni glances appraisingly at a tall domania.
>
The domania nods once and begins to speak, "First, I would like to thank everyone who has assisted these last several days, as we have tried to stop the influx of unusual creatures into Winterbriar."

Ordim fidgets.

'It feels as if we are not making any progress," she continues, "and I, for one, am open to any and all suggestions."  She nods to the cailleach, as if inviting her to speak.

Jaired just entered the clearing.
An elderly cailleach says, "Yes, I do believe we are both at a loss."

An elderly cailleach sighs.
>
Perigourd just entered the clearing.

An elderly cailleach says, "We've found the perpetrator, and he is cleaning even as we speak."
>
Missoni nods in agreement.
>
The coblynau waves down at everyone then goes back to scrubbing the last bits of vandalism from the cabin.

Starsworn nods perfunctorily to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.
>
An elderly cailleach exclaims, "I also do not think the creatures even are that dangerous!"
Liras waves at a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.
>
Missoni remarks, "They have not seemed so."
An elderly cailleach asks, "I've not heard of any hurt by them?  Have any of you?"
>
Ordim nods approvingly.
>
Vaeldrys shakes his head.
>
Liras shakes her head at an elderly cailleach.
>
Vaeldrys says, "Not to my knowledge."
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Perigourd says, "There was a nest.. and what appeared to be blood south of the altar."
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat asks, "Is this why most places in this place won't let me in?"

Qualeric says, "Mysterious creatures were much more dangerous in the olden days."
>
Qualeric nods sagely.
Perigourd says, "Though what it was from is hard to say."
>
An elderly cailleach asks, "There were a great many thorns on it too.  I wonder if it was not just a mere cut?"
Perigourd acknowledges, "The vines were quite aggressive."

The domania mutters, "The creatures could stay if I knew they meant no harm, but I still thought they were because Yamatatha was troubled, and that that would help her."

An elderly cailleach says, "Yes, and the woods have always kept us from coming this far."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "I do worry that we will upset Yamatatha just by being here."
>
Tearieyes softly says, "It's too bad they can't write a message saying they mean no harm in their webs."
>
Missoni says, "Surely she would not be upset at a peaceful gathering."

An elderly cailleach turns toward the domania and says, "And pounding on what could be her cabin surely wasn't working!"
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Qualeric says, "That is a very smart idea."
Tearieyes nods enthusiastically at Qualeric!
>
Starsworn agrees with Qualeric.

With a frown, the domania nods in aquiesence.
>
An elderly cailleach looks a bit lost for ideas.
>
Vaeldrys glances at a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Perigourd says, "One would hope it's been long enough for her to lay her anger aside and for folk to move forward."
>
Qualeric inquires, "Have you all tried to talk with her?"
>
Vaeldrys asks, "But how many would reinforce that with their actions?"

An elderly cailleach says, "We've not been able to find her."  She points over at the domania, "My companion here has been pounding on her cabin to no avail."."

Qualeric mumbles something about texts and references.
>
>
Riend carefully ventures, "Perhaps she is elsewhere?"
Speaking to a lichen-covered cabin, Ordim says, "There isn't even a door."
>
Ordim furrows his brow.
>

"You have to understand," says the domania, "we have all been taught the legend of Yamatatha and that she will eat us if thwarted!  We are perhaps quite frightened of her and needed to calm the woods down."
>
Clucking in exasperation, the cailleach says, "And again, that is why I said we should stay out of the woods!"
>
An elderly cailleach asks, "Perhaps we should listen to the others....please what ideas do you have?"
>
Tearieyes softly asks, "Well, does anyone know what she likes? Maybe we could give a peace offering to show her?"
>
Qualeric says, "I can't tell from here, but is there a chimney on that cabin?  I have an idea if so."
>
Qualeric glances between Jaired and a lichen-covered cabin.

The domania states, "She likes the woods."
>
Tearieyes softly says, "Maybe we could make a tapestry with pictures..."
>
Tearieyes softly asks, "Showing what we want to happen?"
>
Ordim removes a spindly blue-black twig from in his charcoal wool cloak.
>
Ordim carefully places a spindly blue-black twig on the ground.
>
Ordim nods.
>
An elderly cailleach says, "I do not have the skills to make a tapestry, but she was a weaver originally."
>
Ordim says, "A little more woods."

An elderly cailleach smiles.
>
Starsworn ponders.
>>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Missoni asks, "What sorts of things did she weave?"
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "Maybe we invite them to our knitting circle?  The lure of gossip."
>
Speaking amusedly to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Riend asks, "Our knitting circle?"
>
Tearieyes softly asks, "Bring her fabric?"
>
Qualeric asks, "Perhaps you can leave various woven signs out around to arrange a meeting?"
>
Littlemelody says, "Maybe put a piece of letter on a birds foot, that says please live in peace and it fly around til it finds her."

An elderly cailleach asks, "It has mostly been lost to time, but I believe she was one of the spinners of cloth and perhaps one who knitted?"
>
Qualeric nods at Littlemelody.
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "You know excatly the knitting circle I mean."
>
Perigourd says, "She seemed to admire the beauty of things, if the legends are true."
>
A small crow preens quietly on Qualeric's shoulder, folding its glossy wings back with a soft rustling sound.

Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Vaeldrys asks, "To further Missoni's idea - did she have a particular material she was fond of weaving with?"

An elderly cailleach says, "It is just a travesty what happened to her and her companions."


An elderly cailleach says, "If she did, I am not aware of it."

Sheressa frowns.
>
Vaeldrys nods slowly.
>
With a subtle tilt of his head, Vaeldrys's long finger taps lightly on his bottom lip as he becomes lost in thought.
>
Wiggling a bit, Vaeldrys's forest green teadragon settles herself on his shoulder, her white tail swishing back and forth along his neck.
>
>
The domania mutters, "Maybe the elders should apologize."
>
Ordim ponders.
>
Qualeric nods to the tall domania.
>
Meril says, "Is it not the spirit-wardens of the woods, the tathyrala, who summon her in the legends? Perhaps it is they we should try to find."
>
Tearieyes softly asks, "Just, belt out an apology?"
>
Missoni agrees, "An act of kindness, perhaps."
>
Speaking to a tall domania, Qualeric asks, "They could also offer snacks, or perhaps a bottle of wine?"
>
Missoni cocks her head at Meril.
An elderly cailleach says, "I do not believe there is anyone left in the neighborhood who was here at her time."
>
Sheressa asks, "Maybe some yarn?"
>
Jaired's black ora manacle pulses and he suddenly looks drained!
>
Ordim ponders.
>
Tearieyes softly says, "Oh snacks, everyone likes snacks."
>
Riend looks thoughtfully at Meril.
>
Tearieyes claps her hands together in delight!
>>
Perigourd says, "An offering could be made to her altar, as it's been restored."
>
Perigourd nods slowly.
>>
Tearieyes nods in agreement.
>
Qualeric agrees with Tearieyes.

Speaking softly to Qualeric, Tearieyes says, "Maybe some cheese."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "I do not know of this tathy...tath...something, but if you can find them, we can always try."
>
Qualeric nods at Tearieyes.
>
Perigourd extends an open hand toward the acorn amulet, inviting a small forest green will-o'-wisp to come out.  After a moment, the will-o'-wisp flits over to his hand, hovering in a circular motion.
>
Speaking to his forest green will-o'-wisp, Perigourd says, "Much like these."
>
Perigourd nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Meril nods at Perigourd.
>
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni asks, "That is a tathyrala?"
>
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "Similar if not the same."
>
Speaking curiously to his sentient potato, Starsworn asks, "Are you a tathyrala?"
>
Perigourd says, "Perhaps more powerful than this fellow though."
>
Meril is no longer protected by the shimmering field of energy.
>
Starsworn places a knobby sentient potato topped with a wild strawberry on his shoulder, which somehow stays put.

Qualeric says, "Is there a library in the area?  They usually have many answers in their vast wisdom."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "We want to make sure she is not bad with us for the vandalism.  We caught the vandal and such."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "Mad even, I am so flustered, there are so many here today."
>
An elderly cailleach blushes a deep shade of red.
>
An elderly cailleach says, "The vandal over there is not representative of who we are now."
>
Riend thoughtfully says, "Perhaps there is something to what Miss Meril says, the legends say that Yamatatha had a particularly special bond with the tathyrala. Perhaps they would be able to coax her out."
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Qualeric asks, "If she sees and is mad about vandalism, she would see an apology note there also?"

Tearieyes softly asks, "Show her by punishing the vandal?"
>
An arrachd runs up to the cailleach, exclaiming "It worked!  We've managed to clean off the black willow!  The area looks good as new now; the trees have responded very well to that botanist's alchemical concoctions."

The cailleach smiles warmly and says, "Thank you, dear one, that is excellent news."

Liras says, "Any of us could make mistakes. The vandal is trying to make things right again."

An elderly cailleach says, "We are already making the vandal do penance."
>
An elderly cailleach points at a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.
>
The coblynau states, "I promise, I am very sorry.  I did realize I would wake up the woods!"
>
An elderly cailleach says, "And they just managed to clean up the willow, which I believe is especially precious."
>
Tearieyes softly says, "I didn't mean anything that harsh."
>
Speaking to Missoni, Qualeric says, "I am also unsure how well that works in town here."
>
Vaeldrys asks, "That..is not the point. Why do it in the first place?"
>
An elderly cailleach calls out, "Do you hear that, Yamatatha?  We are trying to undo what was done!"
>
Missoni says, "Perhaps if she had some assurance that the citizens of Winterbriar are trying to live in harmony with the Darkbriar, and opposed to it."

The coblynau almost loses his balance as he tries to answer, "I was angry, all right?  My shop was doing poorly, and there were all these good ferns and such deep in the woods I wasn't supposed to get to."
>
Tearieyes glances uneasily around the area.
>
Speaking to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin, Qualeric says, "Be careful!  Or aim for a web if you do fall."
>
Perigourd casually observes his surroundings.
>
Liras asks, "Should we judge all by only the mistakes they've made?"
>
Liras shakes her head.

After regaining his composure from his near fall, the coblynau continues, "I got a bit tipsy and got angry with the crone for keeping us out!  So I found a way in and did some damage along the way."
>
Liras says, "I don't think so."
>
Aevilir just entered the clearing.
>
Riend glances at a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin and slowly exhales.
>
Tearieyes softly says, "I suppose that depends on how many they made and if they learned from it."
>
The coblynau sighs deeply and says, "I promise, I am very sorry."  With that, he turns back to his work, and continues scrubbing the last of the paint from the cabin.
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "Sounds like you've done the work of stitching the proverbial wound, but it'll likely require a bit of patience and improved hospitality for it to continue healing."
>
Speaking to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin, Qualeric suggests, "You should also bake her a cake."
>
Starsworn agrees with an ethereal blue-eyed black cat.
>
Qualeric agrees with an ethereal blue-eyed black cat.
>
Speaking to Qualeric, Ordim says, "Bake her into ... that doesnt sound helpful."
>
Ordim furrows his brow.
>
Missoni nods approvingly to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.
>
Speaking to Ordim, Qualeric says, "No no, a regular cake, for her."
>
Ordim says, "Oh."
>
>
Ordim says, "That might work."
>
Ordim nods once at Qualeric.
>
Speaking to Ordim, Liras exclaims, "A cake to eat!"
>
Liras laughs!
>>
Tearieyes softly asks, "Fly shaped?"
>
Qualeric begins chuckling at Tearieyes!
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Liras exclaims, "Sure!"


The domania steps forward and says, "I will say it again...elders, you represent the neighborhood both past and present.  Make it right."
>
Qualeric agrees with a tall domania.
>
Speaking to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin, Vaeldrys says, "Perhaps an offering from you as the original aggressor. Beyond cleaning up the mess. Even something just symbolic."
>
An unnatural susurration fills the air.
>
Riend furrows her brow.
>
An elderly cailleach says, "So many of you have come to help, it is remarkable."
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Liras asks, "Then perhaps we give time for the behavior to change?"
>
Qualeric says, "Elders apologizing and them baking her an apology cake seem a good combo."
>
Qualeric nods.
>
The sluagh steps forward and calls out, "Yamatatha, if you can hear us, we apologize on behalf of the elders before us and before them and so on.  You were wronged, and we would undo it if we could!"
>
The webs along the edges of the glade quiver, but nothing else happens.
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "Mm-hm. We may also appear as a mob out here."
>
Vaeldrys raises an eyebrow.
>
Riend agrees with an ethereal blue-eyed black cat.
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly.
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Ordim says, "We should be so lucky."

The coblynau stops his work and says, "What sort of sym...whatever should I make?"
>
Ordim says, "Not even a single torch amonst us."
>
Ordim surveys the area.
>
Jaired begins chuckling at Ordim!
>
Perigourd says, "An hourglass."
>
Perigourd says, "Red preferably."
>
Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd.
>
Liras waves a cloth-tipped wooden torch around.
>
Perigourd says, "Or.."
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Riend suggests, "Perhaps if you started that knitting circle we might appear less dangerous."
>
Liras says, "Kidding."
>
Liras smirks.
>
Perigourd says, "Her altar had a symbol."
>
Perigourd ponders.
>
Speaking to Liras, Ordim says, "Well..."
>
Jaired glances at Liras.
>
Ordim giggles.
>
A crested hawk flexes its talons on Liras's shoulder, ruffling its feathers as it scans the area alertly.
>
Qualeric suggests, "Perhaps ensure the younger inhabitants get a lesson on this to learn for the future."
>
Speaking to Ordim, Jaired says, "Look what you did."
>
Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni says, "A loom."
>
Speaking to Jaired, Ordim says, "I'm used to hearing that."
Tearieyes waves a pair of gleaming silver knitting needles around.
>
Vaeldrys says, "A loom..."
>
Tearieyes waves a pair of gleaming silver knitting needles around.
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat asks, "A knitting mob?"
>
Vaeldrys asks, "Could the community craft a loom to offer?"
>
Jaired looks thoughtfully at an ethereal blue-eyed black cat.
>
Qualeric agrees with Vaeldrys.
>
Ordim says, "I lost my shuttle... but I know where to find more."
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Liras exclaims, "My kind of mob!"
>
Ordim giggles.
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Jaired asks, "We could show up randomly at various places... knit, gossip, voice displeasure?"
>
An elderly cailleach asks, "Oh, a loom is an excellent idea, if she would still want one?"
>
An elderly cailleach says, "Perhaps we could have one crafted and just left here?  It will take quite awhile to make one worthy of her though."
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Vaeldrys says, "I think at the least, it is an acknowledgment of who she was and perhaps still is, as a person."
>
Qualeric agrees with an elderly cailleach.
>
Liras agrees with an elderly cailleach.
>
Qualeric says, "And in the meantime, cake."
>
Sheressa asks, "Could we provide materials?"
>
Sheressa asks, "We could make it fancyy?"
>
Missoni says, "That seems sensible."
>
Liras exclaims, "Many hands, light work, all that!"
>
Jaired nods slowly at Riend.

The coblynau calls down, "Find those who are solitary and offer them what we did not offer her."  He leans back, looking smug as a group of elders stares up at him in astonishment.
>
Vaeldrys smiles.
>
Vaeldrys inclines his head.
>
Riend gazes thoughtfully at a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin.

>
Speaking to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin, Qualeric asks, "Friendship or cake?"
>
(Vaeldrys is silently pleased with the coblynau's understanding and growth.)
>
Speaking to Qualeric, Perigourd says, "Acceptance."
>
Perigourd nods thoughtfully.
>
Vaeldrys stares off into space.
>
Missoni suggests, "Both?"
>
Qualeric says, "Oh that is also good."
>
Qualeric nods at Perigourd.
An elderly cailleach says, "Oh...what a lovely idea."
>
Liras exclaims, "Both!"
>
Qualeric nods at Missoni.
>
A stunted bear wrapped in briars runs by, followed by dozens of palm-sized spiders.
>
The coblynau yells, "I am sorry, Yamatatha, and I will make sure to open my hearth and home to any like you in the future.  I promise!"
>
Ordim folds his hands behind his back.
>
Perigourd surreptitiously glances around the area.
>
An elderly cailleach calls out, "As will I, Yamatatha!  I promise to teach any who wish to learn my skills and give a place to any in need."
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "I do love a good redemption arc."
>
Speaking to a short coblynau perched on a ladder against the cabin, Riend says, "You may even be pleasantly surprised at what comes from opening your hearth to those in need."
>
An elderly cailleach The trees rustle in an unseen wind, and the skies above shimmer with auroral twinings.
>
Ordim giggles.
>
Qualeric says, "And make sure to feed your local bats, Klysmar says."
>
Liras yells, "And I can make you mittens, Yamatatha, to keep your hands warm for weaving!"
>
Several denizens step forward, each calling out their vows to be more accepting.
>
Liras removes a porcelain knitting bowl glazed with twining ivy from in her tan leather backpack.
>
Liras waves a porcelain knitting bowl glazed with twining ivy around.
>
Liras raises her knitting bowl skyward!
>>
Tearieyes waves a pair of gleaming silver knitting needles around.
>

Liras nods at Tearieyes.

A two-tailed squirrel chitters from a tree and leaps off it and scrabbles down the cabin's chimney.
>
Something large and unseen moves just behind the trees, rustling the undergrowth.
>
Liras yells, "And some nice socks!"
>
The trees surrounding the glade begin to rustle and sway, and suddenly several halfling-sized spiders drop down from glistening ebon webbing, dangling themselves from the uppermost branches.

With a loud grating sound, several stones of the cabin move and an opening appears.  So also does a fairly large leaf-dappled bear standing protectively in the opening.
>
Liras's jaw drops.
>
Starsworn raises an eyebrow.
>
Sheressa gasps.
>
Ordim adopts an agreeable expression.
>
Starsworn says, "Hello, bear."

An elderly cailleach blinks.
>
Meril clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.
>
Vaeldrys smiles.
>
An elderly cailleach says, "Oh my."
>
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "Bear again!"
>
Perigourd ponders.
>
Qualeric says, "Good evening spiders and bear."
>
Callayne glances at a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Missoni glances appraisingly at a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Vaeldrys inclines his head.
>
Tearieyes's jaw drops.
>
Sheressa curtsies.
>
Vaeldrys says, "A Fair eve to you all."
>
Riend gazes with interest at a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Tearieyes softly says, "Bears, when you least expect them."
>
Tearieyes shakes her head, clucking her tongue.
>
After a few moments, the bear disappears inside, and a stooped, old crone appears.  Her dirty linen shift is ragged, bits and pieces dragging behind her as she moves to stand by the coblynau.  Her gait looks awkward, one knee bending backwards with each step, an ankle that looks not quite aligned, and her left elbow bending to the side.  Despite this, she moves with alacrity, and once at her destination, she stares at the coblynau, who has frozen in place on the ladder and looks as if he will soon have a second death, this one caused by fright.  After a moment, she turns her gaze to everyone else.

An elderly cailleach breathes, "Yamatatha...."
>
Riend blinks.
>
Missoni nods politely.
>
Liras shifts her weight.
>
Perigourd furrows his brow.
>
Ordim beams!
>
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "Hello!"
>
Tearieyes waves.
>

She opens her mouth, and for a moment, it grows unnaturally wide and shows unnaturally sharp teeth, but in a blink of an eye, it is just a normal mouth, and she is speaking.

"You dissssturbed my foresssst," she rasps, her tangled and matted ebon hair falling to frame her face.  "I could eat you, you know."  She turns back to the coblynau, who shrinks back.  "But I am more gracioussss than those who hurt me.  You may ssstay until the Eve.  Then the way will clossssse for now."

With that, she turns to walk back inside, and just before she disappears into the dark interior, you notice a second mouth with venom-coated fangs on the back of her head.

The opening slides shut, and the spiders ringing the glade climb back up their webbing and disappear into the trees.

The coblynau scrambles down the ladder and runs out of the glade, yelling, "I am sorry!"
>
Riend inclines her head.
>
Tearieyes cringes.
>
Vaeldrys appears to be trying hard not to grin.
>
Sheressa winces.
>
Missoni marvels, "She *does* have a mouth in the back of her head."
>
Perigourd nods thoughtfully at Missoni.
>
Jaired nods at Missoni.
>
Sheressa says, "Definitely needs a new loom."
>
Ordim nods enthusiastically at Missoni!
>
Qualeric warns, "You really shouldn't anger someone with that many mouths."
>
Speaking to Missoni, Ordim whispers aloud, "I want one!"
>
Speaking dryly to Missoni, Jaired says, "It is for backtalk."
>
Qualeric nods.
>
Riend slowly empties her lungs.
>
Sheressa says, "Maybe a basket of thread and yarn to go with."
>
Ordim skips in a merry little circle around a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Tonari frowns.
>
Qualeric nods.
>
(Starsworn peruses his volume muttering about references to creatures with a mouth in the back of their head, then sighs, unsuccessful, and slams it shut.)
>
Speaking to Ordim, Missoni whispers aloud, "One could eat two fishcakes at once."
>
Speaking softly to Tonari, Tearieyes says, "What's with the bear."
>
A small thunk emanates from Ordim.

Ordim giggles at Missoni.
>
Vaeldrys says, "I believe that went about as well as could be expected."
>
Jaired agrees with Vaeldrys.
>
Starsworn gazes hopefully at the anatomy volume in his hand.
>
The grey vesper bat circles lazily above.
>
Qualeric nods at Vaeldrys.
>
Tearieyes softly says, "No one got eaten."
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Tonari exclaims, "That's what I want to know!"
>
Riend nods faintly.
>
Missoni reasonably says, "It does seem like progress toward a relationship."
>
Tearieyes stares off into space.
>
Liras exclaims, "Even with two mouths, no one got eaten!"
>
The glade suddenly stills, and the auroral sky above gleams brightly as the cabin is suffused with an ethereal light.  Yamatatha floats out of the cabin, and before your eyes, she is transformed.  Suspended in cobwebs of iridescent light, she no longer resembles the scary crone you just saw; rather, she is merely a caoineag in a simple linen shift, holding a two-tailed squirrel in one hand.  The squirrel chitters happily and darts off into the forest as the woman begins to ascend towards the Naidem twilight above.

A voice whispers across all of Naidem, "My Sylerille, betrayed yet never a betrayer.  Take your place forever in the skies."  A figure is pulled toward the skies on cobwebs of pure light.

As she disappears into the skies above, you hear Sylerille call out, "Winterbriar, watch over my woodland children.  You owe me this, and they mean no harm."

With that, she disappears, and a beam of incarnadine and blue-green light shoots across the sky, weaving itself into its ethereal fabric.

Tearieyes gets a blank look on her face.

Meril gazes up into the heavens.
>
Liras gazes up into the heavens.
>
Missoni tilts her head up.
>
Sheressa gazes up into the heavens.
>
Perigourd furrows his brow.
>
Liras blinks.
>
Starsworn gazes up into the heavens.
>gasp
>
An elderly cailleach gasps.
>
Jaired takes a deep breath.
>
Ordim gazes up into the heavens.

Vaeldrys gazes up into the heavens.
>
Starsworn's eyes scan the heavens.
>
Qualeric glances up.
>
Riend furrows her brow.
>
Ordim mouths, "Wow."

The domania gasps and clutches the cailleach's arm.
>
An elderly cailleach asks, "What...what did we just see?"
>>
Speaking quietly to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Jaired asks, "Someone you know?"
>
Ordim says, "First time i've seen a nice old lady turn into a sky spider with a two-tailed squirrel."
>
Starsworn agrees with Ordim.
>
Speaking softly to Tonari, Tearieyes says, "Did you see the squirrel."
>

Riend gazes with interest at an ethereal blue-eyed black cat.
>
Qualeric agrees with Ordim.
Vaeldrys smiles.

The domania murmurs to herself, "I was so, so wrong in my approach.  I will watch over the glade."
>
An ethereal blue-eyed black cat says, "Someone we will all know, I would say."
>
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly to the tall domania.
>
Aevilir hums happily to herself.
>
Missoni smiles.
>
Liras exclaims, "There's room for all creatures!"

Tearieyes softly asks, "Did she...become....a star?"
>
An elderly cailleach says, "I...I have no words."
>
Qualeric says, "And feed all the multitailed squirrels."
>
Vaeldrys blinks suddenly, his gaze tracking something unseen.
>
Qualeric nods to the tall domania.

Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Perigourd says, "Perhaps her own forgiveness drew her from the darkness haunting her."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "I do believe she did."
>
Purring with affection, an ethereal blue-eyed black cat pads around the area, as if soliciting attention.  As quickly as he started, the cat lifts his tail and slinks away with an air of disinterest.
>
Meril says, "So that is how one departs Naidem at last."

An elderly cailleach nods at Tearieyes.
>
Perigourd's eyes grow wide and his features fall slack as he slips into a deep trance.
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Tonari says, "Two tails, pretty unusual.  At least we'll know it if we see it again."

Perigourd blinks several times as he slowly comes out of his trance.
>
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd says, "It seemed so, at any rate."
>
Meril cocks her head at Missoni.
>
Speaking to Missoni, Jaired says, "Seeing it never gets old."
>
Ordim ponders.
>

An elderly cailleach says, "I...I do not know.  She went somewhere."
>
Qualeric says, "Back in my day, we were much nicer to the eccentric squirrel ladies."
>
Qualeric grouses irritably on the subject of today's misguided youths.
>
>
Sheressa grins at Qualeric.
>
Liras grins at Qualeric.
>
Aevilir looks thoughtfully at Qualeric.
>
Wiggling a bit, Vaeldrys's forest green teadragon settles herself on his shoulder, her white tail swishing back and forth along his neck.

Far above, what looks to be a single star twinkles amidst the auroral twilight.

Starsworn's eyes scan the heavens.
>
Ordim gazes up into the heavens.
>
Tearieyes softly says, "Take your place..."
>
Speaking softly to Tonari, Tearieyes exclaims, "Like a constellation!"
>
>
Starsworn smiles contentedly, gazing at the sky.
>
>
Missoni smiles.
>
Speaking to Missoni, Perigourd asks, "You don't think the squirrel is Nutterz.. do you?"
>
An elderly cailleach says, "My dear friend," She turns to the domania, "Shall we stay here and watch the glade?"."
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Tonari says, "Or a single spot as part of one."
>
Tonari rubs his chin thoughtfully.
>
Speaking simply to Perigourd, Missoni says, "Too many tails."
>
Speaking to a tall domania, Vaeldrys says, "Make sure these lessons are remembered here in this eternal twilight."
>
Liras smiles at the cailleach.
>
Speaking softly to Tonari, Tearieyes asks, "Think I could get a firework like that?"
>
Tearieyes grins.
>
Warm light filters through the panes of a hook-topped wrought iron lantern, bathing the area in the warm tones of a late autumn sunset.

The domania nods and clutches the cailleach's hand tightly.
>
Vaeldrys gazes up into the heavens.
>
Riend frowns.
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly to the elderly cailleach.
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Tonari exclaims, "Too hard to read the sky here to figure anything specific out.  And maybe!"
>
Tonari grins at Tearieyes.
>
Qualeric agrees with Tonari.
>
Vaeldrys rubs at the joints of his long fingers for several moments.
>
Vaeldrys smiles.
>
The denizens murmur amongst themselves and finally, the sluagh who spoke earlier stands forward yet again.  "Winterbriar friends, let us go to our homes and begin to work to be worthy of Yama...Sylerille."

Missoni nods approvingly.
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly to a group of Naidem denizens.
>
As Meril rubs her doe symbol it glows momentarily with a soft golden light.
>
Ordim adopts an agreeable expression.
>
A flicker of movement crosses Vaeldrys's lips as a thin wisp of shadowed smoke drifts silently from his breath.
>
Tearieyes gently lowers her silver knitting needles into her knitting bowl.
>
Several leave, but still others stay, milling about and glancing with wonder at the skies above.
>
Perigourd nods in agreement to a group of Naidem denizens.
>

An elderly cailleach says, "Your help was immeasurable, all of you."
>
Starsworn smiles at the cailleach.
>
Sheressa asks, "Should we bring materials for a loom?"
>
Liras beams!
>
Ordim gazes thoughtfully at a lichen-covered cabin.
>
Missoni says, "I am glad to see things smoothed over."

An elderly cailleach says, "And I for one hope we continue to see these squirrels."
>
Vaeldrys inclines his head.
>
Starsworn put an ensanguined anatomy volume in his membranous cloak.
>
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "Yes!"
>
Missoni agrees with an elderly cailleach.
>
Speaking to an ethereal blue-eyed black cat, Riend whispers aloud, "She specifically means you."
>
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "With even MORE tails!"
>
Missoni cheerfully says, "They are cute."
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Vaeldrys says, "They are adorable."
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Perigourd says, "They're quite interesting."
>
An elderly cailleach says, "Perhaps we should commission a loom and maybe offer a spot for people to learn to weave."

An elderly cailleach says, "In her memory."
>
Qualeric asks, "We should feed the squirrels.  What do they eat?"
>
Qualeric mumbles something about texts and references.
>
Perigourd nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Liras nods enthusiastically!
>
Qualeric asks, "Nuts?"
>
Tearieyes softly exclaims, "Yes!"
>
Qualeric agrees with an elderly cailleach.
>
Ordim nods knowingly.


The domania says, "Tails apparently."
>
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Missoni says, "That would be a lovely tribute, I think."
>
>
Tearieyes softly says, "A loom for the people in dedication and remembrance."
>>
Qualeric exclaims, "Here you are, squirrels!"
>
Qualeric waves a handful of reddish-brown chestnuts around.
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Vaeldrys says, "That would be a wonderful way to honor her true memory."
>
Speaking softly to Tonari, Tearieyes says, "Neverending weaving."
>
Qualeric says, "I'll put them over by the cabin."
>
Tearieyes falls over.

An elderly cailleach says, "I am going to go visit those coblynau in Thistlegear after the Eve.  Maybe they can help us build something."
>
Qualeric carefully places a handful of reddish-brown chestnuts on the ground.
>
The trees shift and sway, but no wind is evident.
>
Tearieyes sits up.
>
Qualeric dusts off a handful of reddish-brown chestnuts.
>
Jaired asks, "A public loom?"
>
Tonari grins at Tearieyes.
>
Ordim glances out.
>
Missoni agrees, "They are industrious over there."
>
Qualeric nods encouragingly.
>
Riend bites her lip.
>
Tearieyes laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.
>
Speaking to Tearieyes, Tonari says, "Your own personal heaven."
>
Callayne says, "I think weaving in things from the crevice would be good to add to the loom."
>
Ordim says, "They helped make a chicken making machine."
>
Ordim nods.
>
Callayne says, "It's a part of their home."
>
Jaired says, "Oh, that's what we can name the knitting circle-mob... Looming Large."
>
Speaking to Ordim, Vaeldrys asks, "Chicken....making?"
>
Riend glances at Jaired and slowly exhales.
>
Vaeldrys raises an eyebrow.
>
Speaking to Vaeldrys, Ordim adds, "Machine."
>
Qualeric nods at Jaired.
>
Ordim nods approvingly at Vaeldrys.
>
Speaking to Jaired, Riend says, "Remind me to introduce you to the Yarnivores."
>
Jaired begins chortling at Riend.
>
Vaeldrys nods.
>
Missoni nods appreciatively at Riend.
Speaking to Ordim, Qualeric asks, "Isn't that just an egg?"
>
Speaking to Riend, Jaired says, "It could be an event name."
>
Vaeldrys says, "Alright."
>
Speaking to Missoni, Riend says, "We can bring him to the next meeting."
>
Speaking to Qualeric, Ordim says, "I hear that a lot too."
>
Ordim furrows his brow.

An elderly cailleach says, "I do hope you will forgive me if I grow a bit silent again for awhile.  I feel I must think on all we just witnessed."
>
Speaking to Riend, Missoni says, "We must."
>
Qualeric raises an eyebrow.
>
Riend nods in agreement at Missoni.
>
Ordim nods understandingly.
>
Liras nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Jaired nods.
>
Vaeldrys nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Jaired says, "Rest."
>
Qualeric nods to the elderly cailleach.
>
Riend nods.
>
Tonari lightly scratches Tearieyes's back, his hand moving in small circles along her spine.
>
Speaking to an elderly cailleach, Qualeric says, "It is a good time to nap. I think?  It's hard to tell time here."
>
An elderly cailleach leans against the domania, and the pair gaze about the glade, both deep in thought.