robin |
This is the first day of automn and all people of sandpoint and around have come to enjoy themselves.
The weather is nice which can only add to the enjoyment .
Several shops have stands in the square before the cathedral to take advantage of the festival. Children are running everywhere and the din of conversation is quite loud
Just before noon , Mayor Deverin ascends a stage in front of the cathedral accompagnied by Sheriff Hemlock , Cyrdak Drokkus and of course Father Zantus.
As the crowd notices her, a hush descends and all eyes turn to the stage. She smiles and begins to speak:
"Welcome! As many of you know, my name is Kendra Deverin and I am proud to serve as mayor of this fine town.
It's wonderful to see so many of you here to join us on this proud day. I'd like to extend my welcome to the many new faces I see in the crowd.
I hope you all are enjoying your stay here in Sandpoint and especially if it is your first visit here I sincerely hope that you're having a wonderful time.
And to all of the old faces I see today, thank you for coming and thank you for everything that each of you has done to keep this town strong in recent years.
I see that even Larz Rovanky has torn himself away from work to join us today! It is truly a miracle from Desna herself!
There is quite a bit of laughter and many eyes are turned to Larz who has a reputation for being a work alcolic. Larz has a sour expression on his face on hearing this .
Kendra waves gaily to him and continues.
Without further ado, let me introduce your Sheriff, Belor Hemlock!"
Belor wearing a worn breastplate and a longsword belted at his waist stands and walks to the center of the stage.
His eyes are constantly moving about the crowd. He shakes the Mayor's hand and begins to speak.
"Thank you Mayor. Even in the heat of celebration, let us not forget the sad events that brought us to this day.
And also let us not forget the souls that were lost five years ago.
I would like you to all join me in a moment of silence to remember the lives that were lost in the fire that claimed our previous chapel on that fateful night.
The Sheriff lowers his head and the crowd joins him, many of them quite awkwardly as the silence persists.
After the moment is over, the Sheriff raises his head and begins to speak again.
In remembering let us also not allow these events to repeat themselves.
I am of the understanding that a bonfire is planned for tonight. I urge you all to observe caution during this event.
He clears his throat and smiles awkwardly
And ummm... Enjoy yourselves. Let me introduce the next speaker; give your attention to Cyrdak Drokkus, proprieter of the local theatre.
He nods to the crowd and walks back to his chair, passing Cyrdakk who is already on his way up to the center-stage.
Cyrdakk is quite a contrast to the Sheriff; he is brightly dressed, sports a well-groomed goatee, and seems to be thoroughly enjoying the day.
As he reaches the center stage he loosens his collar a bit, winks into the crowd and starts to talk:
Well, thank you Sheriff for that uplifting oratory. Now I know this town has been through some hard times, but look at what we've accomplished
He motions towards the church.
And I'm telling you, they spared no expense with this place. Father Zantus' chamber pot? Solid gold.
I kid you not, our generous nobles put a pretty copper into the construction of this joint. I think the Churches even chipped in a silver or two!
I even heard a rumor that all of the Gods got together and scrounged up four gold pieces to help get this thing built!
But don't take it from me, the Padre over here is the one with the direct line, he's the one you want to hear from!
But before I let him get things going I'd like to take this opportunity to extend my personal invitation to each and every one of you to the new production of "The Harpy's Curse" starring the world-famous Magnimarian diva Allishanda as Avisera the harpy queen!
It's all premiering tomorrow evening at the Sandpoint Theatre and it is going to be fab-u-lous!
And now join me in a bit of applause for his holiness himself, Father Zantus!"
The crowd cheers as Cyrdak motions Zantus to the center stage. The young priest looks noticedly abashed at the reception set up for him.
He wears the traditional ceremonial robes of a priest of Desna and a shiny silver holy symbol about his neck.
He smiles and tries to calm the crowd down, eventually speaking when the applause has subsided:
"Ahem, thank you. Thank you Cyrdak. And thank all of you for coming to join us on this most Holy day.
Today is a day of new beginnings so without boring you with long speeches, I declare the Swallowtail Festival officially underway!"
The crowd cheers and resume talking among themselves . The inns and taverns have also put long trestles with their best dishes on them
These dishes are free to all and the crowd certainly take advantage of it especially around the rusty dragon with its curry-spiced salmon and early winterdro mead.
The Hagfish lobster chowder and the White Deer's peppercorn venison have also their adherents but they are also clearly less appreciated on the whole
After the lunch , some enterpraising musicians make the town dance . there are also some games for the children .
A good time is having had by all until the evening when Father Zanthus again takes position to the stand . He uses a thunderstone to attract the attention of everyone
during this time , Danaris and Malcolm have taken place near a cart which contains a cage with captives butterflies they intend to release . the plan is for them to release the butterflies
when Father Zanthus will have finished to relate the parable of Desna and the blind child. The dedication of the church is planned just after this .
This parable tells how Desna once fell wounded to earth nd was nursed back to health by a blind child <ho in reward of his selfless generosity was transformed in an immortal butterfly by Desna
I'll five you some time to comment some more on your actions during the day but DO NOT describe what you do AFTER the thunderstone is heard ...