05) Sadi's Holiday Misadventure

Lovely Sadi, Forum Moderator and holiday planner extraordinaire! The 2019 Festival of Frost was promising to be the most festive one yet! Alas...someone saw fit to put a little...freeze...on her plans.

Episode 1: A Festive Start...Interrupted!

Twas the first of December and the Wajas were all eager to begin the Winter festivities. There was Apollo and Artemis, readying their bag of goodies for official release later this month. There was Hawker preparing his gift for Illiwio, which may or may not be a fancy leather jacket. There was Winnie and her parents decorating their Gifting Tree. The gifting spirit was clearly in the air. However, there were none as excited for Winter and Christmas as Sadi...yes, Sadi.

"Me?!" A high pitched squeak could be heard from...somew--"Oof! Sadi, get off of me! I'm narrating this story. Shoo, go decorate a tree or write up a Christmas event! You've got jobs to d-" A grunt could be heard as suddenly the narrator disappeared from view, only to be replaced by a floating head of Sadi, covered in lights. "Sorry narrator-sir, you're taking too long to get to the point! I'm hijacking this rig."

"Now then! Aren't you all excited?! There's exactly twenty-five days, counting today, until Christmas! Are you ready?! It's nearly time. I.T.S N.E.A.R.L.Y T.I.M.E!!!" The eagerness was evident as Sadi shoved her face up close and personal with the screen. "Do you have gifts for your friends? The gifting tree is back this year, I can't wait to see what you'll do with it! Read all about how it works HERE. I've also released the first round of Festival of Frost, this week it's going to be a Breeding Challenge, Traditional Art, Decorating your Gifting Tree contests. These will be available from December first until the seventh at 11:59pm. The breeding contest will run from today to January 11th at 11:59pm. I hope you'll enjoy them!"

Muffled noises could be heard over Sadi speaking. "What is it mister narrator?" More muffled noises. "Fine, fine, let me readjust the camera and get off of you!" The view pans out, showing both the narrator and Sadi in full view. Mister Narrator looks a wee bit...squished, even as Sadi gets off of him. "I'm not that fluffy, you're just overreacting!"

"I was say--SADI LOOK OUT!" A flash of white explodes, momentarily blinding all parties around the clearing. "Sadi, SADI! Are you alright?!" The light clears, but it wasn't light at all, it was an explosion of snow. "Oh no, Sadi! What have they done to you?! Hurry, clear the area! Clear the area!" The scene goes black.

Episode 2: An Icy Discovery

"Hawker, please! You have to stop blubbering. I know it's sad, but you're the only reporter we have!" Elizabeth gave a sniff as she nudged at the collapsed Hawker who hadn't moved since he'd received the news. Snow had already started piling around him, marking the duration spent laying on the ground.

"I'm allowed to cry! You're crying too! She's gone, all gone! What will we do?!" He buried his muzzle under oversize paws. A gurgled sob released.

Elizabeth whined, sitting beside him. "You report Hawker. Stand up, and do what you're meant to be doing. Inform all of Wajas what was done here this day, and together we'll find a way out of this. It's bad now, but there has to be a light at the end of this dark tunnel."

Blue orbs peeked up from under his paws, eyeballing the yellow divine. "Promise?"

"Of course, Illiwio is probably waiting for you at the end of the tunnel, and she's a fire. Her paws literally are balls of flames, so lights. So up up, your sobs are making me feel like crying." She swiped a paw across her face, removing the evidence of her tears.

Hawker stood, slowly, snow falling away from him, he gave a shake scattering the flakes that had clung to his pelt. "Fine, fine." A final sniff, and he too wiped away the tears.

He strode forward. "Snap!"

"Here Hawker!" The small Corsie stepped forward. "What do you need me to do?" Seriousness in her tone.

"Pictures, document it all. We wont let them get away with this. Eliza's right. There has got to be a light at the end of this."

"Understood!" The flash of a camera light began illuminating the damp and dark that had fallen over the clearing.

- - - - - -

Hawker here, bringing to all of Lunaria some dreadful news. As of this day, two hours prior to our release, there was an attack. While Sadi was bringing to you all good tidings and cheer and information on all the fun that she had planned, a mysterious culprit took it upon themselves to...freeze my lady in a block of ice. Included in this report, is an image directly from our very own Snap as proof of the deed done. At this time, we do not know who did it, or why. However, we'd like everyone to remain very calm and diligent, and help us find the culprit as quickly as possible. Otherwise..I fear there may not be any Festival of Frost this year beyond what she was able to get out before she was so cruelly attacked. Thank you for your aide fellow Lunarians.

Episode 3: Cairo Announces a New NPC Shop

"Ahaha, it seems that there has been a lot of...chaos lately. As such, while the staff and the other wajas in Sadi's cave try to find a solution, I'm here to offer a reprieve. Some of you may recognize me, those that don't, hello! I'm Cairo, Midground Shop NPC, adventurer extraordinaire." The Tempest lowered themself to the ground, the snow crunching beneath the weight of their form. Beside them lay their scroll case.

They cleared their throat before continuing. "I've got some big news. Almost as big as that time that I climbed Mount Arkan when I was just a wee Wooj. It was the coldest day of the year, there was a blizzard. I'd set out with naught but a rope and my map case. Made it to the top I did! If you go up there even now, you'll find a carving on a rock formation at the top that I did. 'Cairo wuz here'." They gave a low laugh. "Good times, good times!"

They grow quite, clearly lost in reminiscing about their past. 'Cairo!' You shout, clearly impatient with them for zoning out.

"Oh, right, right! The big news. Apologies friends!" Another chuckle. Clearly this waja is quite relaxed. "Anyway, WE'VE GOT A NEW SHOP! I'm really excited about this one. I'm really good friends with the owner, and oversaw the creation of the ornament shop itself. The only problem is...they are very shy. Painstakingly so. SO, to ease them in, I've stepped up and will be caring for their shop for a day or two, and offered to even host a game so you can all show your excitement. That is located HERE. I'm sure if you all go participate, they will come out of hiding!"

"Secondly, I'd like to offer a reminder on behalf of the staff that all notes should follow wajas rules and TOS. Anything over PG13, as per our TOS, is not allowed. That noted, they can see who an anonymous is if necessary, and will follow the typical warning system in the case of failure to follow TOS. So please bear this in mind." Their tone was serious here, their facial expression changed.

"Lastly, you should check out the minigame hosted by Nicola. It's an ongoing game, where one has a chance to win a cwp randomly. HERE. I thank you all for your continued support and strength during this time, and hope that you will continue being the kind community I know you are!"

Episode 4: A Nervous Gabby Reveals What Happened

'Come on now Gabby! You PROMISED if you got thirty entries on my NPC minigame you'd come introduce yourself! Don't be a promise breaker! Or I'll tell the tale as I travel around Lunaria of Gabby the Promise Breaker who breaks all of her promises even after giving a pink--" There was a muffle from the foliage behind them. "What was that Gabby?" A grin spread across their face, clearly aware their ploy had worked.

"I-I said! Don't you dare. I don't break no promises! Even when you made me promise that if you could climb the tallest tree with just your bare paws that I'd jump off the cliff at the Avian Waterfall. You know I hate water, and heights, and I still did that!" Her voice is melodious, even in her indignation. As though, every word is was a song, and it rang out across the clearing in a pleasant way.

Cairo gave a hearty laugh, their head tossed back. "Facing ones fears is a good thing! It builds character. Now come then, is introducing yourself to everyone harder than taking that leap off the cliff?"

There was shuffling, and a muffled sound. "Almost." A low sigh. "Fine, fine. I'll do it. I hope they don't hate me."

Shuffling resumed, and the sound of crunching filled the air, until finally she stepped forth, into the light. "H-hi...I'm Gabby. Gabby the Goblin." Her head was tilted down, eyes avoided meeting those of the people before her. Her shyness was painfully obvious.

"Good job Gabby! You did it! Now tell them about yourself, and show them your wares!" Cairo nudged her with their shoulder. "Go, go!"

She shot him a glare, but stepped further forward. "Uhm...As I said, I'm Gabby. I'm a Goblin...I like Gingerbread Cookies, Peppermint Tea, Hot Cocoa, and Fruit Cakes. In that order. My favorite season is Winter. I love the snow, the way the world seems to become still and quiet. I also love Christmas, as I'm sure you could tell. My favorite ornaments are handmade, glass-blown, with beautiful colors and designs. I like unique ones, imperfect ones, ones that no one else would ever desire, because those are the ones with the most character. It really hurts my feelings when someone breaks one of my ornaments, as Cairo WELL KNOWS!" She shoots them another glare.

"Hey! It was just that one time, and I've been more careful ever sense. You made me regret it when you started bawling your eyes out. Explorers honor, I'll never do it again!" They look apologetic, and her gaze shifts off of them, this time instead of returning to the ground, they cast over the crowd before her.

"Cairo thought it was a bouncy ball, and of course it was one that took me HOURS to finish, and it shattered. It really did break my heart. Moving on though. I have loads of ornaments in my shop, and I'm always happy to help! I'll do my best to add more as the time goes on." As she spoke of her ornaments and the shop, her voice became clearer, more confident, more excited.

"I do hope you'll visit!" She flashes a toothy smile.

"Of course they'll visit! You're the best Goblin there is Gabby, and your merchandise is phenomenal!" They tossed a paw over her shoulder merrily.

"Oh...before I forget. We picked the winners for the minigame! The following players will receive 1 cwp for their stories! Namine (25292), Ada (303443), Girher (2122), Alpha (351801), Catz (115859), Blure (355216). Additionally, my personal favorites and the winners of a bonus prize (don't ask what, I'll decide tomorrow), are the following: Chika (67109) and Impy (358). Thank you everyone for participating, It really put my mind at ease." She shifts, turning to scurry away before freezing, her gaze shifting over the ice block in the distance, watching for a moment as a black form circled in the air crying out.

"I know who did that..." Her hand raises, pointing towards the ice cube. "It won't be easy getting her back. You'll have to really want it." Her voice was soft and sad. "My people...they aren't like me. They are grumpy and rude and most of all, hate any sort of merriment. They did this...I don't know how to restore her, I'm sorry. You'll have to search for someone that does. Good luck." There were tears in her eyes as she scurries back into the foliage, racing towards her shop.

Cairo releases a sigh. "I don't know what to do with her when she cries. Which is often, but I better go after her. Please don't judge her for the action of her people." Cairo flashes a sad smile and follows after her.

Episode 5: Vyra Keeps Things Moving Along

"Well, well, well. Would you look at that? Once more I am the savior you lot need. Please, please, hold your praises. I promise you all, I'm doing it because I am a good, kind individual who only cares about all of Wajas kind. Though, if you did want to gift me for my acts, you know where my tree is." She gives a low laugh, her form sitting, tall and regal as she eyes the ice cube that was once Sadi, before her. "Such a sad thing, she was such a good minion. But alas, all things must come to an end, and while those mods are trying to give her Hot Cocoa and space heaters, I'm over here doing the real work!"

A low huff came forth, the air steaming with the effort. "Because of my kindness, I've released the following contest, luckily Ice Cube over there had them all done preemptively. Well I moved them out Sunday, but I couldn't be bothered to let you lot know about them until now. They only last until the end of Saturday. Digital Art, Decorating, Baking. I'm sure you all will do a good job." She shifted, a yawn released. "Doing all this work has made me tired, you better appreciate my good deed. Especially after being so rudely accused by that...ugh what was the small mods name? Ehh, it's not important."

She stood, clearly about to leave. "Oh, by the way, since I'm being such a generous being, I'll let you lot know that Santa Apollo starts on December 17th and the monthly items have been updated. Be sure to check that out, and uhh, I declared the winners for my contest, thank you to those who entered. Everyone else, make sure you are carefully monitoring the Minigames board, I'm far too busy to announce each time I host something, so it will be on you to pay close attention. First Place was : Slytherin@Heart. Second Place was : Ninja. Third Place was : Valestra. Your prizes will be sent as soon as I've taken a nap, received a pedicure, and had a snack. That's all. You may go." With that, Vyra turns and heads in the direction of her cave.

Episode 6: A Scout Checks In

"Alas, I've arrived. Not to free your...thing.." He waves a hand towards the Sadi-cube. "I just came to see you all cry. Though, it appears the festival is rolling without a hitch...what is this travesty? Does no one actually miss that Christmas fanatic? How are the games still coming out? I must report back to my leaders. Hmph."

Episode 7: The Goblin Queen Demands A Bribe for Sadi's Freedom!

"Well, well, well. You lot think you're clever do you? You think that just because Ms Frizzy and the Glitch step up to run things things can go over smoothly and it will teach us a lesson and make us return your precious iced mod to you? Well you're wrong!" Evil laughter fills the air.

"I'm the ruler of the Goblins, and the one you should fear the most. We've got plans. We'll just go through and remove all of the gifts from beneath your trees and then...then you'll cry. Finally you'll wallow in despair. We thought taking your precious Christmas Fanatic away would do it, we thought it'd FINALLY give us some peace and quiet - who begins celebrating in what was it, October!? - but no, you all just ignored our efforts and continued joyfully like nothing had happened! Now it's finally time. We'll ruin this dreadful holiday season once and for all!"

There was a pause, as though to allow the thought to sink in, before they continued. "Unless...lets make a wager. Lets see how badly you truly want your Christmas Mod back, lets see how badly you want this holiday to exist. Bribe us. If we get enough bribes, we'll allow this holiday to go on unhindered, and I'll even release that mod...what's her name? Saggy? Yeah. I'll release Saggy."

BRIBE THE GOBLINS!

"Some rules for this. You may bribe us with anything, but the cost of the item matters. We're not going to release Saggy if all you send us is roots. We like expensive things, and we will NOT return any items once you've given them so make sure you're certain you want to send what is selected. Once sent, it's ours to keep. You may send up to 10 things. Impress us, or this holiday will be ruined."

Episode 8: Thawed at Last!

"What is this? What is with this overwhelming amount of items? Do you all genuinely care about this stupid holiday and that Saggy mod? Ugh. Fine, you can have her back. You can resume your holiday cheer. We want no part of it! You did not make our heart grow three sizes larger. You did not warm us or teach us the meaning of the season. We're just returning the gifts because there's too much. Hmph. Good bye." The goblin huffs and spins around, stalking off into the distance. Behind you, you hear a crack and then something collapses into the snow.

You turn around, only to find Sadi sprawled on the ground, shivering. Maybe Admiral should have left the heaters running. You think to yourself, but step forward to check on her. She's stunned, cold, but alive. A blanket is produced and you wrap it around her.

Her body shivers for some time, but eventually her eyes flutter open. "W-what happened? Why am I s-s-s-so cold?" She's stammering to talk, her teeth chattering.

"You were froze by the goblins." A worried look is cast over her, but before you can go on a gray blur flies by.

"Saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaadiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!" The blur plows into the freezing forum mod. "You're free! I knew you would be!" Hawker is clearly excited, happy tears fall down his face and his tail wags happily.

"Ooof. Easy! I'm cold. Help me back to my cave?" Sadi leans on the divine. "What about the Festival?" Her gaze shifts to you.

"It appears that Vyra sent out your premade contests for you. She and Nicola were a huge help this time while the mods were trying to defrost you." Sadi nods slightly.

"Good good, remind me to give my thanks to V-vyra. I suppose the contests still need judging? Prizes need sending out?"

You nod quietly.

"Give me time to warm up and I'll get right on that. Thank you everyone for your help and believing in me. It means so much!" With that, leaning on Hawker, Sadi departs the scene.

For those that partook in the Bribe the Goblin event, you should have received the same number of items of somewhat similar value back. It wont be exact, think of it as a form of White Elephant. We hope you enjoy the items you received in return!



All the players of Wajas worked together to help set Sadi free! And of course in the meantime there was still a festival! Many games, prizes, and much fun was had. Even while entombed in ice, Sadi made sure the holiday was one worth celebrating.

True, there were some disagreements among the staff...some jumping to conclusion...but in the end, we got our lovely Sadi back, and a brand new shop hosted by our new goblin friend Gabby.

Definitely looking forward to next year, Sadi!