Ah, memories of Ispar! The Sho celebrate the
late spring, the anniversary of the founding of Jojii's
first monastery, with much merriment and feasting. All
have childhood memories of this holiday season. But it
has not been so in Dereth, as those who answered
Asheron's Call left behind the frivolities of childhood
to face more serious things.
But Jojii's Sword called a feast
nonetheless. The call went across Dereth, to all who
might enjoy a respite, to join the Sho in feast. It was
the 850th anniversary of Jojii's first monastery. And
with recent events -- the capture of Basho Genji, the
estrangement of Shinjin Myoken -- a good feast was in
order to bring a smile to the faces of those who had been
challenged so.
|
| Members, friends
and guests of Jojii's Sword gathered to
celebrate. The sake flowed freely, and so did the
words. Many toasts were given, especially one to
those absent -- Murasaki Tanka and even Shinjin
Myoken. The throne behind Jojii remained empty,
to honor those teachers of the ages who had
achieved their Unity with the Four Stones. The
evening was one of celebration, save for a tale
told by Talon Loneblade and Kikuchi Kentaro of a
trip to an undead dungeon near Al-Jalima. That
place, like Uziz, harbors spirits who plague the
community. |
|
| The feast was not
without its drama. B'aal, the evil henchman of
the estranged Shinjin Myoken, appeared in the
great room just as the merriment concluded. He
threatened death and disunity to Jojii's Sword.
Here, Basho Genji (center) faces the madman,
laughing off his threats. |
|