The Autumn King's Tidings

The Turning of the Leaves 

A king has made his arrival known, paws touching down where they always do: the First Tree’s origin point, the ground where it first broke free from the earth and into the sun’s embrace.

A hand moves forward to touch the closest dangling leaf, a whisper of mirth, and the leaves begin to communicate with one another, before shifting color. He travels across the continent, his mantle dragging behind which begins to transition from lush green to honey yellow to harvest orange, eventually coalescing into a shockingly red display.

Autumn is here.
And you are invited to partake in autumn's bounty.

A small fluffy creature appears directly before you, a letter proffered in its outstretched hand. You take it, and letter delivered, it disappears in a puff of crimson leaves, leaving you confused and curious. Opening the letter, you see the following:

"My fellow Crederians, it is with great joy that I announce The Autumn King has invited you to celebrate the changing of seasons. He has so graciously opened his heart and home, for the celebration will be held in his very court. The festivities will commence upon the 20th, and we do hope you'll manage to make it. Until then, ta ta~" 

That's.. peculiar, but you do intend on coming right? It's impolite to refuse such an important invitation, at least that's what the hushed whispers echo. The crowd feels feverish with excitement, unease, and fear. The odd angry gaze burns toward the invitation, held in paw. 

A bab nearby begins to shout, "This happens every year and every year the day passes with no notice! What does he expect me to do? Teleport? I can't be bothered to entertain this nonsense. How do you know this isn't a trick?! Have any of you ever been?"

There are nervous glances, and a few shaking heads, until one of them steps forward, "B-but, Bal, you can't talk like that, you know there's a consequence to denying the invitation. You nearly died."

"Bah! Just bad luck, doesn't mean it was because of the letter."

"How'd those red leaves appear on your boat Bal? The damn thing cracked in half while you were in the middle of the ocean, choked with vines, and that’s just bad luck?"

A sigh follows, "I just don't have time to go on a nonsense chase for someone who hasn't the manners to invite me himself. If it kills me, so be it." Bal makes a move to shove through the crowd.

Murmurs begin in earnest, some in agreement, others fearful or disregarding. Some say it's the effort that counts. Regardless of the tone, the chatter ceases when an onslaught of cold wind billows through the street. Shrieks ring out and others gasp in surprise, the wind biting through their coats. A trail of crimson leaves swirl in the sky, fluttering gently in a neat line, seemingly coming towards you, or rather, towards Bal. 

Their mass grows larger, denser, and more menacing.

Many in the crowd scatter and dodge to the side as the leaves suddenly explode outward, revealing a tall Mantibab. The leaves flutter back in and ring them like a halo, the central figure imposing, with a polite smile that does not reach their eyes. 

"My my..." The bab begins,  "I must say I'm disappointed in you Bal. Three consecutive failures to appear at my home, three slights against my most humble invitation." His hand touches his chest in a wounded gesture. "Or at least, this will make it a third time, isn't that right? Has your crop been faring well? Your boat patched up? Your kin healthy? Ah, that's good."

Bal begins to stutter, eyes wider than you thought possible, before the King holds a hand up, "No no, I can't possibly impose on you further, you've made your point. I'm merely here to extend the invitation in person, like you requested." His eyes crinkle with clear enjoyment,  "I sincerely hope you make it this time. But I must be off, much to do before it's time, do be a dear and do not make me look for you again. Ta ta" With a wave of his hand The Autumn King makes to leave, before pausing.

"Oh, and when you arrive be sure to come with some of those salted strips of fish, just one jar will do." He waits almost expectantly, eyes boring into Bal’s, as Ball shallowly nods, "Good. Now then."  His hand finishes its rotation as he turns to glance at you, one final smile on his face as The Autumn King disappears in a flurry of leaves, the rest that were suspended falling gently to the ground.

Loud Murmurs commence once more as Bal falls on his haunches in shock, staring at nothing and no one before uttering, "I think- I think I got one jar left..."

This event is available until NOVEMBER 30th, 11:59PM PST

You've been invited to celebrate with The Autumn King in his very own home. You are given no information as to where to go or how to get there, but you do have a date. Do you plan to go?

"It would be rude to refuse, now wouldn't it?"  Whispers the wind.