Early in the morning of the 19th of Ches, the aroma of roasting meat began to fill the air aound the small grove on the Lion's Way. Early arrivals would find Ashling turning the spits of venison and boar every once in a while and making sure baskets of all manner of fruits (even strawberries that somehow were kept from a certain druid), cheeses, and bread. Bottles of fresh spring water, dark ale, and druid's whiskey were placed carefully in the shade to be kept cool. It was a feast fit for this holy day. Banners of the Green Traid were placed inside the circle of statues. She stood when all was ready, looked to Emmanuel, and smiled.
Guests began trickling in, some of the Enclave, some initiates, and many, many more who were simply friends and allies. The High Ranger did her best to greet each newcomer with at least a smile and a wave as Emmanuel kept order over the proceedings. She tried to get around to speak to everyone personally, but there were just too many.
The Archdruid opened the fest giving everyone who wanted the chance to leave a gift in the very center of the grove. All sorts of gifts were left. Fruit, honey, wine, a bear pelt, and a small carved figurine of Sune were among the gifts left by the attendees.
A prayer was given for a fallen friend.
Once there were several gathered and it seemed everyone who wanted to leave a gift had, the Archdruid's voice lifted and carried across the small grove.
"Today is a joyous day! The first of spring. We hope you all enjoy yourselves on this day. It is a time of fun and feasting, celebrating the sensual side of spring! Eat, drink, and be merry! We will have music after a while, as well as some poetry and such."
People began mingling and visiting as others continues to arrive. Soon, the music began and several joined in dancing and merriment. Many songs were played by the Archdruid, Rose Winterhal, Oona, and even Ashling.
As Oona started playing there was a disturbance in the grove, but not an unwelcome one. Many were surprised to see a large tree like creature with antlers rise from the ground. Some called him The Traveller. The creature's limbs twitched with the music before it suddenly sprung out in a leaping motion across the grove, twirling in dance. Several onlookers blinked in surprised. As he moved back to his original spot near the food and drink in the grove, the leafdome overhead spiraled toward the center of the dome, much to the delight of everyone gathered. As they continued to watch, it was as if some maelstrom formed from a playful plain beyond. Loosened leaves formed into a gathered force to explode skywards into a shower of golden leaves which spread wide over the region.
After much more music, merriment, food, and dancing, the gathering began to disperse until there were just as few people in the grove as when the feast began. Emmanuel and Ashling gathered up the remaining food, the drinks, the banners, and smiled as they left the grove to pursue more private celebrations that honored Mielikki and the coming of spring and renewal.
