Preparation

[Verrath]

A festival! A real festival!

Annie was giddy with excitement as she began her preparations for the journey she would be making. With Osclow. With her Osclow! The thought still sent pleasant flutters through her stomach - and still filled her with surprised wonder.

She arranged for her various tasks to be taken care of by some of her fellow Druids - they would each do a share of her daily chores around the Grove, as she would willingly do a share of theirs should they need to leave the valley for a time.

She felt a little anxious, though - he seemed to have told all these people so much about her - what if she disappointed somehow? He did tend to embellish and exaggerate - he was a bard, after all. My bard...

What if she fell short of their expectations? Above all, she hoped little Tia would like her.

After some brief struggle with herself, a tightly wrapped bundle of soft, red fabric also joined the modest stack of clothing she prepared for packing. Just for him... and just in case, she told herself, blushing.

[Silas North]

He was so excited to return to Navil.. to home once more. Osclow's last trip was not that long ago and he could not help but dwell upon the playfully sarcastic thought that if everyone was actually starting to get tired of him visiting so often.

"At least this time around, I am sending a bit more warning, eh my little friend?" the bard gently stroked the breast feathers of the midnight-black raven perched obediently upon his arm. A familiar she may have been, but it was doubtful that Heska truly understood everything the bard said. Still the attention and occasional treat of salty crackers was more than enough for her to pretend to be interested. However, with the familar weight of the note upon her leg and the particular way the bard chirped as he opened a window with his free hand hand, Heska knew she had a job to do. The bright black eyes gleamed, head tilted with a loud caw escaping her.

"Back to your mistress.. back to Esmee.." Osclow spoke softly before releasing the black raven from his tavern room. Quickly catching a breeze, the familiar was off into the distance, one last caw almost seeming to signify its fairwell to the bard.

The Windwish Festival

Every year in the town of Navil this festival took place just before the Shaundakul holy day known as the Windride, a day when the faithful were carried off in the winds of their god, to land upon where their destiny, or at least where their next venture awaited.

The Shaundakul followers that called Navil home, or at the very least a home away from home, aided the small town by donating a small share of whatever coin or reward they took in from their various exploits around Neverwinter and the Sword Coast. Normally, this consisted of protecting trade caravans or explorers and often brought in a surprising amount of wealth. In return, Navil provided comfortable lodgings and even a temple in dedication to the Rider of the Winds.

The Windwish Festival was a way for Navil to give thanks to the god who had given them so much and to wish a safe journey to the faithful before the Windride. Though officially in honor of the clergy of Shaundakul, all in Navil were welcome, and encouraged, to partake in the festival's activities. Such often included singing, dancing, food and drink both local and foreign, and often a brilliant fireworks display that could be seen from Neverwinter.

All this the two of them would be able to enjoy. He, and Annie

Sweet beautiful Annie...

It was no wonder why he was particularly excited to visit this time around. The festival was something worth looking forward to indeed, but the fact that he would be there with Annie.. his Annie made his heart race with excitement just thinking about it and brought an ever-growing swiftness to his steps as he continued to pack.

Annie..

His time with her had been unlike anything he had ever felt before. No woman made him smile the way she did, or made him feel so at ease. With her, he could flirt freely and be unconcerned with making the words sound just right. With her, he could keep a look of bright joy upon his face even in the darkest of days.

And now, finally, everone in Navil would be able to meet her, to meet the woman who very well could end up becoming his...

...perhaps it was just a little too early to think about 'that' just yet...