Keso, a street urchin, Peanut, an oversized mastiff arrive, following Aleksei.

Driskell collects the items from the group and sets them in the basket, having his helper hold it for him. "Gods be with you, blessed Roran." he offers before stepping back as the event begins.

Driskell picks up an autumn apple pie with spices and honey.

Driskell picks up an ivory teapot with a meditative lemon lavender herbal tea.

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Felicia before departing.

3 Grimhall House Guards arrives, following Valdemar.

Mirari Corsetina arrives, eyes squinted up at the sky as she pushes her hood from her head. She settles near the edge of the group, hands folded in front of her as she observes the people gathered here.

The outskirts of the grey forest shows growth, the tree's planted the year before taking root and the turmoil of winter gives way in this early spring to a good thawed ground. The whole day has been filled with Volunteers, devotee's, disciples and anyone with two good hands starting to set things up. Archscholars and Godsworn alike have been out digging holes in preperation for the main event. Burlap wrapped tree's with roots protected, lay in wait to be settled further into their new home. Maple, Oak, Birch, Hawthorn, Pine, Walnut and even a few fruiting ones are placed beside their respective holes. Tables with small bags of seeds wait to be sattered by old and young alike. Families of all the echelons of the the city are gathering here in the very early afternoon in anticipation of the First Bloom. Two area's marked off, soil undisturbed with one bearing tree's waiting and the other a small table bearing one of those sacks of seed and very long. A table heaped with planters filled with soil are starting to dwindle in number as people take one home with them, the promise of blooms to grow.

Felicia doesn't even get to make it out into the field before there's a messenger trying to get her attention. But after a brief pause and a look at the message received, she's content to tuck it into her belt and keep going to join the slowly growing crowd.

Derovai hands his plate over to Driskell, slice of pie finished. "Thanks. Happy to help, as I said." He adds something else more quietly, and then grins at Tibaltus' response. "Tell that to some people," he remarks lightly, moving from the table where he'd been sitting and stepping back to give due deference to the ceremony.

Springbottom, the ravenous pygmy goat, Teonia, a clever maidservant arrive, following Sorrel.

Lethe looks around with a curious gaze as she looks at all of the holes and plants.

Aleksei strides in, looking a bit harried, which makes sense, considering he's a bit late. He manages to restrain himself from bursting out with a greeting and apology, considering there's a ceremony going on -- or beginning to start, maybe -- but his gaze does hunt the saplings due for replanting until his gaze lands on some brilliant red leaves. "It's my tree!"

Alban arrives fashionably late, or maybe he just got lost, either way, he is a bit late! He does finally find the location though nearly falls in a hole in the doing but then he 'Ahs' to himself and nods to himself. Making his way around the holes he offers polite nods of respect to the others who managed to arrive early or on time as he looks for friendly faces.

Jeffeth has joined the Hawking Plain.

Felicia has joined the Hawking Plain.

Aleksei has joined the Hawking Plain.

Alban has joined the Hawking Plain.

Sorrel seems to be in quite high spirits as she makes her way out to check on the tree plantings. She's humming something jaunty as she makes her way down the path. "Freedom and beauty and springtime! Oh what a glorious day! All of the wonderful choices -- Of where to plant trees today!" she sings spontaneously, and spins a graceful pirouette, dancing her way through, careful of holes. She is, after all, one of the best dancers in the city.

Tibaltus's gaze from his inflexible mein, once again, falls upon Aleksei - who seems to not be able to escape it today. The man is silent. Only perhaps a neary imperceptible tightening of the jaw meets the late arrival and outburst.

Thorley arrives, following Violet.

Mirari has joined the Hawking Plain.

Being late seems to the choice for the day and slowing her own path, Emily Deepwood gives a cursory glance around. A thoughtful expression draws her brows into a furrow. Her gaze slips over the other figures to have joined the celebration and quietly steps to the side, observing the Princess Sorrel in her dance amongst the prepared area. She holds her breath, as if expecting her to misstep and finally looks somewhat relieved as she carries through without event. Her gaze slips to a small grouping and noting a face she recognizes, begins that way.

Emily has joined the Hawking Plain.

Near a massive hole, and with an equally massive tree, the Archlector of Lagoma in that gleaming white Aeterna and hands already dirty from his days work, clears his throat. A flip of all that black hair that flows with a slight wave from having been in a braid all this time but now free. Back behind his shoulders it goes. Hands motion for people to come. "Gather round, as we officially start the rite of First Bloom."

10 King's Own Guardsmen, Zelda, the royal messenger arrive, following Alaric.

Valdemar begins to cross the field, watching the holes as he does so, making his way toward the crowd that has begun to form. He, too, is somewhat late, smiling at those he knows when he sees them. There is no time for him to greet anyone otherwise, however, before the Archlector calls for people to gather for the ritual. He moves to join, watching the proceedings intently.

Violet is not late! Not by much anyway. And she comes with Thorley. Dressed in blue she seems to be in good cheers. The only thing marring her a purple bruise on her forehead. "Oh, see, and you thought we'd be too late," She tells the knight as she overheards the Archlector. And so she moves in the diection of the rest gathering.

Apologies made, Thena watches people filter in with a dark, oblique gaze, and then stations herself near the table full of little planters with her sociable face on, offering to everyone as the go by, "Don't forget to take a planter home with you when you leave!"

Elegance arrives, following Daemon.

"I was just saying it would not be my fault if we were late." Thorley responds in a dry tone as the knight has taken up the escort of the wounded Crimson Blade, the pair of them moving and avoiding holes to join the grouping preparing for the start of the festival. There's a glance towards Violet at the mention of planters, and a raise of his brow. "Pretty sure if I took one, it'd be dead in a week."

Wilhelm the Iron Messenger arrives, following Sparte.

A man of metal is an odd thing in the middle of the forest, perhaps. Daemon is one such man! Today he's come equipped with a spade, no larger than a handle and head. In the place of his usual twin swords is instead a shovel and a low-hanging bags of seed. What kind of seed, who knows? Daemon probably doesn't either. He's all smiles and cheer however as he marches out into the forest to join the others in this festive tree-planting!

Alban shares a brief greeting with Felicia before the Archlector calls the gathering and he starts to make his way around holes, and trees, towards the gathering but he pauses on the way to smile softly towards Emily and offer her a politely deep bow, "Lady Deepwood. A pleasure. Lord Alban Farshaw at your service." He tilts his head to the side curiously, "Are you unaccompanied tonight? Please, join us." And he offers the Lady his arm, if she wishes to take it.

Derovai murmurs something briefly to Thena, but then he steps away from the table where he's been, hands still apparently dusty from digging. He spots Valdemar, offering a little flick of his gloved hand towards the man, but his voice is quiet as he draws near.

Thena holds out a planter temptingly in Thorley's direction. Loooook! Pretty! Then she turns to blink at Derovai, with whom she has just been in quiet converation, and laughs a little. "Oh! Yes, I did. Sorry, lot on my mind."

Alaric rolls in with his usual multitudinous retinue, all decked out in their immaculate Crown tabards and shiny expensive armor. Ah, royal excess. As usual, there's lots of smiling and waving from the King of the Compact to all the various inbound deferential gestures he gets as he walks. Few would say that his elbow elbow wrist wrist is not on point, and most of those few people are just intentionally being contrary. His guards do a very good job of protecting the royal ankles from an unfortunate hole-in-the-ground incident, and forthwith he proceeds to join the gathering crowd around the Archlector. Up front, naturally.

Sorrel has joined the Hawking Plain.

Ezekiel the German Shepherd, 2 Sea Rover Bodyguards arrive, following Artorius.

Sparte has shown up with a small crew of Iron Guard volunteers, all ready to get their hands dirty for the sake of this effort. Where there may usually be pikes, instead they're brandishing shovels or spades.

Derovai nods to Thena as he draws away, a shrug to connote that it's no problem.

Surprise shows upon Emily's face after exchanging another word with Jeffeth so that when Alban offers to accompany her she looks ot his arm and nods, "I would be grateful, Lord Alban, thank you," she remarks. She lifts her hand and sets it upon his arm before she tilts her head, leaning in to speak with him, "Have you already chosen which tree or flower you wish to plant..I am partial to the Elm...they tend to be lovely trees when full grown."

Sparte has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

Violet smiles at Thena and glances up at Thorley's comment. "I'll take that," She says and does so. "My brother," She explains to the knight as she holds up the baby plant. "Or we can find a spot to plant it outdoors too." There is a sweet smile cast his way. "Ahhh, you choose our team?"

Sorrel offers a cheerful smile to Alban as she joins the little crowd nearby him. "Lord Farshaw! It is good to see you today," she says brightly to him as she approaches. "I hope all is well with you and with House Farshaw!" Spotting Felicia, she offers the woman a smile and a wave, easily delighted.

Tibaltus clasps his hands at the thumbs before him and observes the rite from a small distance back. He appears to be standing aside to first ensure all those not of the Faith have first dibs on the planters, before joining himself.

"Winter has come. Leaves fell, we huddled around the flames in our hearths and we laughed. We lifted our hands to warm them. At night, we stoke our stoves full so that come the morning we can lean down and blow on the embers that are left, safe and warm under the coke and ash." Roran pitches his voice to be loud and heard in the back even as hands clasp together. "We wonder when the snow will leave, even as we are grateful for it. The snowballs that we can make with them to throw at our siblings and our parents. The gleaming while when we look out the windows. Or how it gives some brother Torvall one more task to do in his daily contemplation and goes about sweeping it from the paths in the shrine."

"But then the days turn, longer and longer is the sun out and warming the ground beneath us, soil thawing. Spring." Roran moves to that tree, touching a palm to the large birch. "I will not lie. Flammas holds it's appeal as favourite holiday but it is the First Bloom that I look forward to the most. I know, I know." Hand goes up. "Blessed Roran, of course you do, it's change and you like change." Both hands move as if encouraging those who might be on the verge of saying it to say it. Somewhere in the populace someone does. "You do like change!" He reaches out to wag the tip of a finger in that direction. "There is no shame in that! None at all!"

But then hands come together, palm to palm, tips of forefingers touching his bottom lip. "Warmth, banishes cold. Death, entropy, and stillness, gives way to life. From seemingly nothing, comes something. From a small seed-" Those eyebrows of his drawn down. "Can grow the largest tree." And then they reach up, as if they might escape off his face even as his hands gestures to the large tree beside him.

Thena picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Mirari picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Felicia picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Aleksei picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Emily picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

In a soft sweep of shimmering silks that swirl about her diminutive form Mailys along the path towards the gathering that has already begun. Although Spring is on it's way the early chill of the air still finds the young woman tucked within a form fitted and tailored cloak that breezes out behind her as she moves. Emerald eyes trail along the ground, careful with her steps, the lacing of her boots peeking out from beneath the side slits of her dress when her cloak wisps to one side.

Eventually making her way towards familiar face a smile blooms even as Roran begins to speak. Mailys circles quietly around, a hand grasping at the side of silk and fur a moment to miss one of the plantings before skirting on, ever fashionable late.. and fashionable as usual.

"It is yours. May it bring you joy," Thena tells Violet with a smile, handing the planter over. She then grows quiet and turns her gaze to Archlector Roran as he speaks.

Daemon has joined the Hawking Plain.

Derovai has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Mailys picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Valdemar has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Jeffeth has left the Hawking Plain.

Jeffeth has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

Alban listens to the presentation and he murmurs, "A little life is always a good thing, especially now." More to himself than anyone else before he smiles at Emily, "Then the elm it shall be, if we can get to your chosen tree before someone else does." Which it seems they manage to do without to much trouble. He smiles at all the others who are collecting plants and then moves with the woman he accompanies towards a hole, also of her choosing.

Mirari smiles towards Mailys when she sweeps into the area, moving to stand a bit closer to her cousin. She leans in and quietly speaks to her for a moment before something catches her attention.

Lethe has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

Mailys has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

Mirari has left the Hawking Plain.

Mirari has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

With the arrival of the King, Thorley offers what is probably considered his best formal bow. "Your Majesty." is offered to Alaric as the entorauge passes by on the way to the front. Then his attention turns to Violet and he quirks a smile. "Suppose that means you have chosen our team/"

Daemon has left the Hawking Plain.

Daemon has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

Violet bows her head to Thena and she too turns her attention to Roran. As he speaks her eyes drift slightly to her companion, Thorley, and then back. That is when she sees the King and curties deeply as they pass. When she stands it is slowly and she peers a bit after Alaric and his enterouge, curiousity more than anything in her expression. "Me? No, you choose." She tells the knight at her side.

Artorius arrives a little bit late, but he makes it just in time to hear the presentation! He's flanked by guards, who await near the entrance while the Count mingles. He smiles to faces that he knows, offering waves here and there.

Thorley has joined the Hawking Plain.

Felicia might not be on duty today, but it doesn't stop her from straightening at the presence of his Majesty, the barest sketch of a nod offered to her fellow knights currently watching over him. Her attention drifts back towards the presentation, posture and attention just that little bit sharper.

"And so, we plant these seeds." A godsworn steps up to pass him a palm sized bag of seed that he opens, fingers drawing the neck open and tilting it so all can see. "Wildflowers, grasses. They will root and grow. They will provide shade and shelter when they are big enough. We bid farewell to winter and it's snow. And bid welcome to the warmth and the showers of spring. We will bask in all that Lagoma embodies. Dig our hands in the soil and plant these tree's that someday our children and our childrens children shall sit under, climb and play around. And when we are done, we will gather round to share food, a warm drink, good words and perhaps see who can dig a hole the fastest-" Roran points an open palm to Derovai. "I'm placing my bets on you Master Voss." There's a wink. "Or who can throw a handful of seeds the furthest." He doesn't seem to have a favourite there. "And celebrate another step in the cycle of change. So I bid you, pray with me, get your hands dirty, and then rewarrd your hard work with something to eat and drink." Hands lifted, out to either side of him, Roran dips his head.

Violet has joined the Hawking Plain.

Derovai laughs readily at Roran's comment. "Already did it. No need to show off," he calls over from his conversation with Valdemar. "But I'll take the bets for whoever's doing it." In turn, he nods at Sparte and his retinue, waving a dustily gloved hand to suggest a good potential pick.

Tibaltus looks from archlector to those attending to assess the general response to the ceremony. At this moment he has also chosen to now move toward a hole to get his hands dirty, as suggested be done.

Tibaltus has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Lethe has left the Boar Hunt Glen.

Lethe has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple arrive, following Aureth.

Thena continues to catch people as they arrive and push planters at them.

"Thena!" Aureth calls with a vigorous wave, his voice overloud. "I was going to offer to loan you all my wheelbarrow but it looks like you managed without!"

Was smiling mentioned? Yes, it was, but there is definitely enough smiling from Alaric to be featured twice in a row. Smiles for random subjects like Thorley, smiles for off-duty knights like Felicia, all in all the King of the Compact is positively radiating a sunny disposition like he means to singlehandedly motivate the seeds to start sprouting with sheer sociability. Upon attentively listening to Roran's sermon through to the end, he applauds politely at its conclusion and then strides up to meet him. "Well spoken, Archlector Roran," he declares approvingly. "I don't believe we've had a chance to speak more than briefly before. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Isla, a small silver fox, 1 Velenosa House Guards, Claudio, the chivalrous knight arrive, following Cadenza.

Thena lifts a hand to wave at her cousin. "Aureth, hi! No, it's all right. Blessed Roran had it all under control. Which is good because I was late. Want a planter?" She shows off the one in her hands enticingly, like a cart model.

Artorius bows when he sees the king arrive, but then his attentions is back onto the speaker, Archlector Roran. "Well said." he agrees then as he bows his head to say a silent prayer to the Gods. aid in the fight, aid in the growing of his house, and aid for the future.

Aureth has joined the Hawking Plain.

Standing near the Elm with the Lord Alban, Emily pauses in her faint conversing to smile for the Archlector, glancing aside at those with her before she leans in to speak faintly with the Farshaw lord.

"Blessed Lagoma, Lady of Change. We stand on the cusp of spring and great change. For the better or the worse we do not yet know. But together we stand, united. As we place these tree's into their new home, spread the seeds across the ground and partake of the company of each other, we ask that you bless them. May they feel your wamrth wherever they go. May they know your mercy, wherever they tread. May we witness in the years to come, the change that our actions lead to today. Blessed Lagoma, Lady of Change. We are ready. We are willing."

Another moment of silence that unfortunately is broken by a plaintive mewl that has Roran dropping one hand to slip into one of the many pockets on his robes. "Tatters offers his prayers as well it seems, Blessed Lagoma. Forgive him, he doesn't know better. Where were we. Ahh. Yes. Thank You Blessed Lagoma for this opportunity and I pray that we do not let you down." And with that, the dropping of his other hand, Roran lifts his head. "Pick a tree. Any tree. A Godsworn will help you if it needed. After some time has passed, we will have a friendly competition to see who can dig a hole for a tree fastest. For those not of greath strength or stamina or are young, we will see who scatters seeds the furthest. Go forth! Incite change!

Alban picks up gloomy elm.

Cadenza would slip inside, making her way silently in so as not to disturb anything going on. Dressed for another event but since this was about spring the colors should suit. Catching the end of the prayer she'd wait quietly to see exactly what's going on.

Rinel follows Cadenza in quietly. The woman is wearing a simple white robe stained with some dirt around the knees.

Alban straightens up when the King passes, after he finally notices and offers a proper bow before the prayer, stilling his conversation with those near him in order to pray to Lagoma in silence, or as close to it as their can be with this many people. After the prayer he smiles towards Emily and nods to Thorley before he moves over to snag the elm tree, hefting it up with care and effort so as to not drag it anywhere. He returns the elm to Emily and murmurs, "Your tree my lady." And smiles before moving with her to the chosen hole that will house the elm.

Aureth gestures at Thena, scoops up the planter close, and then tilts his head over towards the other half of the Lost Gods duo, and says, "I'll catch you after we've done some good beginnings, hey?"

Thena picks up A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Cadenza picks up sugar maple.

Emily glances up from her place kneeling upon the ground, pausing to dip her head to the King. Though the sight of the Valadrin Lord makes her laugh a little, "Why thank you," she says and makes room for it to be set down as she braves a hand into the hole to be sure that there is enough room for the roots to grow into the sole, fingers digging in and loosening the sides.

Violet is on her hands and knees, hands in the dirt of a hole loosening the sides for the young roots of an oak sapling. Thorley stands nearby among others. She looks totally content and at home with her hands in the dirst.

Violet picks up smallwoods oak.

Artorius is on his hands in knees, his hands in the dirt as he looks around then, looking at the oak tree.

Mailys picks up red maple.

Derovai steps back from the conversation in the smallest circle, as the others start to work on their trees. True to his words, he doesn't start planting anything of his own, content to watch and keep his peace for the moment. Rinel's entrance makes him glance her way, blink, and then look back to Thena, dark brows raising for a moment. But it's only a look amidst the crowd.

Mailys drops A planter filled with colourful spring blooms.

Alaric greets and Roran bows, dark hair slithering over shoulder and staying there as he rises. "Your Majesty. A pleasure to see you out here. I suggest one of the mighty oaks to the far left, to be planted if you are looking to get your hands dirty." Roran offers his hand out to Alaric to clasp. "It is good to see you up and hale. Congratulations on your new famiy as well. I am overjoyed. Two. The Mother of beginnings smiles down upon your family I am sure. I shall say a prayer for them before the flame."

Violet drops smallwoods oak.

Mailys drops red maple.

Cadenza drops sugar maple.

Valdemar picks up black walnut.

Emily is overheard praising Roran for: For his lovely words to ring in the spring.

Felicia's one of those standing near Violet and Thorley, though it seems for the moment she's foregoing planting a tree in favor of waiting, patiently, attention on the crowd.

Cadenza would pick up a tree and looked around she'd find a spot as she would kneel down. Humming softly she would find a spot and slowly sit down. Because why not? Seems it's planting time.

Rinel sighs despondently. "Goodbye, lichen," she mutters, kicking at a stone ruefully. "See you next year."

Alban drops gloomy elm.

Claudio walked over to Cadenza, whispering softly before she stood back up. And just as quickly as she had come, the Velenosan was gone.

Isla, a small silver fox, 1 Velenosa House Guards, Claudio, the chivalrous knight leave, following Cadenza.

Lethe chooses a tree to plant and gets to work. She looks quite content as she places the tree in the hole and takes her time with the planting.

"Likewise, Blessed Roran," Alaric replies regally, clasping the offered hand because he is a man of the people like that. "And thank you kindly for your kind words about my family. The arrival of the continuance of the line is always a great day for the Compact, that we can look to the future and see stability in rule. And it certainly doesn't hurt that I couldn't be prouder as a father of how the Princess and Prince are positively adorable," he adds brightly. "So, a mighty oak is the recommendation you've got for me, eh?" he asks, turning to look to the far left as he starts to roll up his sleeves. "Sounds excellent to me. If you like I'll get to it and leave you to your ceremonial officiating, then, I'm sure you've got a lot to do here."

Sorrel lifts her voice in song once more: "Circles go round themselves, titme after time // So too the meter of songs as they rhyme // Renew the body to be in its prime // Every season a new paradigm!" She seems to be in a good mood, making her way through the crowd here and there, joyful.

"I have hole digging to oversee. Do not forget to see Dame Thena to bring home a plant. It would make me smile to know it's in the palace somewhere, tended to by the king himself." Unlikely to happen. But there it is. A bow for the oak focused King, Roran is moving forward to help others with their tree's. "Who needs help?" He calls out.

Stepping not far from the circle he was speaking with, Valdemar picks up a black walnut tree with relative ease. He brings it with him back to a hole near where he had been standing, setting it down within and then stooping to push dirt back into the hole, covering the roots. Once he is satisfied with his work, he returns to stand near Derovai, speaking quietly to him.

It is clear, as Aureth squats amongst the holes to root around in the dirt while humming to himself, that he has not _entirely_ forgotten everything he learned in order to plant trees last year, but--

Aureth checked intellect + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 2 higher.

-- it's a little bit of a close call.

As Mailys casts her gaze about for a neat little spot, a smile is offered to those who've come. A small planter is curled in one arm, the tiniest she could manage to lift at the very least. She moves a little off from the gathering about her though not far as she inspects a place already partially dug. She dips into a kneel that settles her rear upon the heels of her boots. A soft sweep of her free hand draws her skirts from the upturned soil to drape to the side as she sets the planter down. Despite the jewels on her fingers, they dig further into the soil, pulling little handfuls out with care and setting them into a pile before placing her little planter in.

Valdemar drops black walnut.

Thena is tidying the planter table and getting ready to move on to distributing the seeds after a little eyebrow-off with Derovai, but she holds up one of the planters winningly when Roran voices his hope to Alaric. Is verra nice!

Derovai's eyebrows, nowhere near as fearsome as Roran's, settle at their twin peace as he nods once at Thena, before going back to his quiet conversation. He grins at something Valdemar says, shaking his head before responding to the small group he's with.

Alaric has joined the Hawking Plain.

Daemon is off to plant some delightful, homegrown greenery! The knight in shining armor was on his hands and knees, digging at the dirt with a mixture of spade and digging his hands in deep with his own special brand of dirt-digging gloves! They were ordinary leather, but to him they were special. It was that belief that drove him forward as dirt and muck was shoved behind himself, making a messy (yet organized) pile of dirt. He's getting there, slowly but surely. "Fall in?" He calls back to his companions, namely Mirari. "Nonsense! The last time I was stuck in the dirt was when I buried my head in the sand to see if I could hear crabs! I learned my lesson quite well."

Mirari watches Mailys with a slightly amused smile on her face. She shakes her head at Daemon, taking a step away from the holes as if to indicate that she's strictly here in a observational capacity, gesturing briefly to her clothes.

"Did you hear crabs though?" Roran calls out to Daemon even as he's helping a small family plant a very small sapling.

"I'm all for it." The huge knight murmurs to Mailys with a grin. Also stepping away, Jeffeth watches Mailys and Daemon with a light smile. He goes to stand next to Mirari, his hands clasping in front of him, one large arm bumping into the woman gently as he casts down a smile at her.

Having arrived here to... plant trees, Theron casts a glance around, clearly not that used to the prospect of needless manual labor. Still, at least he has a spade, in case something needs digging. Upon spotting Daemon, he approaches in that direction. "Sir Daemon, Sir Jeffeth," since the huge knight happens to be nearby.

Popping back up with a bit of crumbling dirt clutched in his hand, Daemon turns his attention to Roran. "No! But later that day when I approached another crab, it clenched onto my lip and I was swelled up for a week." He replies back cheerily. "Also a seagull defecated on me. It was an eventful, yet tragic day!" His emerald gaze travels onto Theron, waving at the man with a dirt-encrusted glove. "Lord Theron! A pleasure to see you've joined us for this celebration of Spring!"

"My Lord." Jeffeth says warmly to Theron, bowing deeply at his arrival. Straightening back up he leans in to murmur something softly to Mirari, standing with a light grin. When Mailys starts waving her dirty little fingers, the huge knight blanches a little. His tabard is fresh and new. The knight takes an instinctive step back.

Rinel quietly plants a small oak sapling, a thoughtful expression slowly replacing the frown on her face. Before long, the scholar is turning over rocks in search of... is that a worm?

"Blessed Lagoma, Lady of Change. We stand on the cusp of spring and great change. For the better or the worse we do not yet know. But together we stand, united. As we place these tree's into their new home, spread the seeds across the ground and partake of the company of each other, we ask that you bless them. May they feel your wamrth wherever they go. May they know your mercy, wherever they tread. May we witness in the years to come, the change that our actions lead to today. Blessed Lagoma, Lady of Change. We are ready. We are willing."

Another moment of silence that unfortunately is broken by a plaintive mewl that has Roran dropping one hand to slip into one of the many pockets on his robes. "Tatters offers his prayers as well it seems, Blessed Lagoma. Forgive him, he doesn't know better. Where were we. Ahh. Yes. Thank You Blessed Lagoma for this opportunity and I pray that we do not let you down." And with that, the dropping of his other hand, Roran lifts his head. "Pick a tree. Any tree. A Godsworn will help you if it needed. After some time has passed, we will have a friendly competition to see who can dig a hole for a tree fastest. For those not of greath strength or stamina or are young, we will see who scatters seeds the furthest. Go forth! Incite change!

A fair amount of the tree's have been planted, soil heaped around them to cover roots and give them the best change at a good start. Roran moves toward that cordorned off spot, cups his hands around his mouth and calls out. "Three people, a competition. Who can plant a tree the fastest. No holes pre-dug for you. Three contenders are needed!"

Tibaltus rises from his knelt position and steps back to look at planting job he's done. He seems to add a silent prayer as well, before turning his attention elsewhere.

Thorley checked composure at difficulty 15, rolling 3 higher.

A spill of laughter escapes Mailys lips once more at the reaction from Mirari and Jeffeth at the threat of fresh earth upon her small fingertips. She lifts the back of her hand, clean of dirt to press against the back of her lips to still it. The veil of her gaze half lidded and keen to their reactions, calculating. Eventually it falls and whatever true expression that laid beneath as slipped into a jovial smile. "Very well," she relents before flickering her fingers again to the side. While Daemon may have brought a spade and gloves, it seems she's not without some preparation. A deft move flicks her cloak to the side as a hand dips in without touching silk to draw out a soft cloth to clean her hands.

Driskell has been here the whole time, a small book is being written in while he's off to the side observing the first bloom activities.

Violet is doing a good impersonation of a were-tomato as the King approaches her small group of arborists. It goes well with her blue dress and blond hair at least.

Mailys calls softly, "Do they get a shovel at least?"

Aleksei has left the Hawking Plain.

"As temptingg as it would be to make them dig with their hands, I do stil have to seed the shrine and plant there. So yes, shovels!" Another forlorn mewl from the pocket. "Tatters agree's, shovels."

Tibaltus makes his way to Roran and bows before offering the archlector some words in private.

Sparte and the iron guards with him are prepared for the task, spreading out to offer assistance to others who either lack a shovel or don't want to dirty their silks.

"Thought I'd stop by and help plant some trees. I don't know if I'm up for that competition. Think I should be?" Theron asks of Daemon. And toting his own shovel, who knows if the Sword of Ostria might, indeed, meet the challenge. The King's presence has him freezing still for a moment and bowing in that direction, whether or not it's acknowledged right away or not. He straightens, then speaks again to the Oathlander knight, "Am I late to the event?"

Indeed, Daemon has come prepared. And whatever flowers he was planting have ended up safe and sound in the hole he dug. But he is not without his cleanliness and he is swift to also begin piling the left over dirt across the ground, an even-spread across the soil. Almost obsessively and meticulously done so. With an eye back to Theron, he gives the man a beaming smile. "There's still plenty of plantation to be had, my Lord! Things are underway but many a-tree still need a good home within this fine earth. Come, assist us!" He gestures over to the gathering of like-minded folks. Mirari, Sparte, Mailys, and Jeffeth. "It is our god-given duty to spearhead these plants to their chosen homes!"

Mailys can't help but glance down to the mewl from Roran pocket, another smile alighting her face along with curiosity. "Well for the brave and the brawn here, I will volunteer then!" she calls before giving a sweep to the crowd at large. Indeed, it seems that despite her diminutive height and the flourish of silks, furs and rings she has no issues stepping forward for the challenge. Which will surely end in tragedy.

"Master Voss! Surely you will come as well. Brother Driskell!" Only one volunteer, he'll voluntold people instead apparently. Tibaultus' words are listened to and a smile, nod. He clasps the other mans hand. "I appreciate it Brother Tibaltus. Will you join us in the seed throwing?"

Having distributed planters and seeds, Thena finally takes a small sapling and withdraws to the far edge of the crowd to dig quietly.

Driskell is voluntold, and he hands his journal to the Silent before he makes his way towards where the contest is happening. "I'm told that I can dig myself in a hole very quickly with certain topics. Just giving you fair warning." he says in a flat tone to the other competitors.

"Forgive me, Archlector," Derovai replies, shaking his head and raising gloved hands to decline the challenge. "But I'll nominate Officer Fatchforth in my stead, absolutely." His words have become a little more solemn at the small circle, and he shrugs at something Valdemar says, replying, "Not likely, anyway," before lowering his voice in reply.

Artorius Artorius doesn't partake in the seed throwing, rather, he simply leans against one of the walls with a big smile on his face, happy to see people with so much cheer over such an event.

Rinel makes her way to Thena and kneels beside the woman. "Dame Greyhope," she says demurely.

Tibaltus gives an affirmative nod to Archlector Roran as he shakes his hand, and after doing so brushes his hands together to clear away the fresh soil.

Bianca returned from her short trip to the lodge with Sir Alren at her side. As she returned to the site of the holes, Alren remained back at a polite distance. The Archscholar was still lightly dusted from earlier digging. She wandered toward the previous grouping she had left, brow arching slightly though amusement clear as she glanced from Derovai to Sparte, stilling beside the latter.

Mailys shifts across the way from her little circle as they quietly speak amongst each other. Despite the flat tone, she give Driskell a smile before looking up as another is volunteered. She does take a moment to unclasp the fur about her throat to let it slide over bare pale shoulders. It is neatly folded and set aside in a little clear path upon the table before slipping towards the competition area though a soft ribbon has been pulled from it to draw her long cascade of raven locks back. She ties a small ribbon to let it fall in a tail, unmindful of the bare back of her dress as she moves.

Mirari watches her cousin warily, sighing a lament for the seasilk that she is about to ruin. Her eyes don't miss Bianca's arrival and they narrow a bit before she glances away.

"Your enthusiasm is contagious as always, Sir Daemon." Theron states, somewhat skeptically for a moment of their duty in spearheading the efforts, but he follows suit anyways. Digging up what needs to be dug up and planting what saplings need planted.

Glancing over at Mirari, a little nudge of his elbow is given before he's glancing back to Mailys. A beleagured sigh is given before the man is going to pull off his tabard over his head. Jeffeth goes to fold it before handing it to Mirari with a hopeful look, like a boy handing his mother a coat so he can go play. A grin is delivered down to her.

white-tailed eagle arrives, following Thesarin.

Aureth tilts his ear to something that one of the disciples says to him, sighs a little, and goes, "I see." He straightens, and says, "Gods bless, Lagoma nad Petrichor with you all," before turning to sidle through the lines of holes to try not to fall in any on his way back to the city.

Aureth has left the Hawking Plain.

Binky, an asshole crow, Gregory, an unassuming disciple leave, following Aureth.

Thesarin makes his way toward the gathering at his usual measured pace. He's late, but unhurried, and dressed light for the weather.

Rinel has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Bianca has joined the Deer Hunt Glade.

Theron has joined the Boar Hunt Glen.

A huge hideously ugly mastiff have been dismissed.

Pyotr, a harried-looking Solace acolyte have been dismissed.

Roran looks to Sparte who seems to be occupied and then gestures to the newcome. "You, good sir. You are volunteered" Thesarin is told. "Join in a friendly competition. Dig a hole for a tree and be the first to the food."

A messenger arrives, delivering a message to Driskell before departing.

Tibaltus responds with a nod to Roran's whisper and steps aside, making his way back to where he planted his tree.

Bianca's hand lifted in distant, but fond greeting to Sorrel!

"Am I, now." Thesarin looks to Roran and gives a slow nod, looking for all the world like a shav'arvani warlord dressed up like a Grayson nobleman. He's still for just a moment, and he gives a slow shrug and moves toward the shovels. "Folk usually dig for me, these days, but reckon I recall the gist."

With the three voluntold's approaching, Roran gestures to the cleared area. "On the count of three, grab your shovel, starrt digging. Each of you has a tree. Dig, plant, cover up with soil and then make your way to the tables laden with food. First person to get something to eat, wins. Are yu ready?"

Whether they are or not, Roran's lifting a hand then drops it. "One, two, three, Go!"

OOC: Roll luck for me. Do this three times. @check luck at 7=Roran The highest combined total wins.... first dibs on food!

Tibaltus checked command at difficulty 15, rolling 12 higher.

Driskell moves to the starting area giving a bow of the head to Mailys and Thesarin. "It's probably not poisoned, I don't think this is a Lyceum event." to his fellows.

Thorley has left the Hawking Plain.

Thesarin grunts toward Driskell, and starts to work planting. It's not entirely clear he registers that it's a race; he takes his time at the digging, one clod of earth at a time, seeming to be enjoying himself.

Emily has left the Hawking Plain.

Driskell moves fast! Off he goes from the start and in one motion he grabs a shovel while the other motion grabs a tree. Dirt is tossed quickly as the hole gets deeper and then he unceremoniously plops the sapling in it before he starts filling it back up. Shovel stabbed in the dirt near the tree baby, black robes flutter as he runs past Thesarin to head to the table of treats!

And the game is afoot! In a flair of silk and raven tresses that flick about the bare of her back, Mailys grasps a shovel close at hand. She lifts quickly onto her heels before spiking it into the dampened earth. The first strike drives the blade halfway into the soil before her sleek little frame steps forward unto the flared blades and with a hop sends it clean through. Her weight drops back to use the handle as a lever that spills the soil in front of her. It's a curiously dance of silk that somehow amazingly manages to avoid most of the splay of dirt itself as she circles around to make an amazingly neat and fairly deep whole. It's a drag of the tree for her to tilt in, planted and dirted piled back on as other move to grab their own. Patted down, the sleek raven-ahired young woman streaks off towards the table of food in another flash of silk and plucks one delicious treat from it. Which is promptly plopped into her mouth.

Mailys is the first to make it to the table, the delicious treat in her hand even as Driskell is managing to get his tree into the ground. That, is how fast the woman was with that spade. Yet even as the priest of Tehom is sinking his teeth eventually into a treat from the table, Thesarin is still plugging away at the hole. Which leaves Roran laughing and clapping. "Someone help the man finish planting the tree. The rest of you, help yourself to the food, drink, and carry forth with the planting. Lagoma's blessings upon you all!" Declares the Archlector.

Alban smiles at the interplay between the King, Felicia, and the others over near where Felicia and the King plant their trees but then he receives a messenger and frowns, "Highness, Lords and Ladies. I am afraid I must be off." He then turns and starts away, murmuring towards Felicia as he passes, "It is a very good name." with a soft smile and then he is gone back to the city.

Alban has left the Hawking Plain.

Driskell is overheard praising Roran for: For planting those little seeds of hope in the Faith.

Sorrel gets a message and prepares to go. "It's a lovely tree, Dame Felicia," she says reassuringly. "Good luck!" she calls as she moves to head out.

a black robed Silent Reflection have been dismissed.

Alaric checked composure + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 10 higher.

Sorrel has left the Hawking Plain.

Springbottom, the ravenous pygmy goat, Teonia, a clever maidservant leave, following Sorrel.

Sparte checked stamina + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 11 higher.

That is one regal planting of an oak tree over at the edge of the Hawking plain over yonder.

Sparte continues to go around, assisting people with digging holes or filling them as needed here or there. The other Iron Guardsmen with him do much the same. They arn't interested in being front and center for this, just helping out where people want it or need it.

Felicia checked stamina + agriculture at difficulty 15, rolling 6 higher.

As the competition is underway, a small group in the Deer Hunt Glade are led in a brief prayer by Tibaltus.

Felicia takes extra time to make sure that her sapling has a goodly amount of water and sufficient soil around him, after having nearly committed accidental plant murder on the poor, innocent sapling, before rising to dust her hands off on her pants. With so many having already slipped away, she seems set to join the exodus, expression turning pondering as she goes.

Felicia has left the Hawking Plain.

Thesarin takes a half step back as the Guardsmen move to help him finish the tree. Sparte gets a low, rather solemn nod from the Prodigal Count. "Master Sparte."