:

Are we done with WWS 5 then?

I had a great time!

Can't be done yet... last one had "to be continued" on it... or was that "continued next year" ? :)

Lucien is sitting comfortably in Squirrely's with Willow nestled on his lap. "Can I fly with you, Uncle Lucien?" she asks in her most winning way. "But of course, cherie," he begins and the catches Geranium's questioning gaze and adds "when you're a little older." "You're too young!" scoffs Chester. "You can't be a real adventurer like me!" "Can too!" Willow shoots back, and then sniffles as a tear runs down her cheek. "Okay, you two, time for bed," orders Branch, taking willow off Lucien's lap and grabbing Chester's paw. "Give Lucien a break. He's been recounting that battle all night!"

As the two young ones are bundled off to sleep, Ingrid puts a mug of mulled holiday wine down in front of Lucien. "I serve to you, but I'm tinking it is not a patch on good Vetan ale!" "But helpful with its warmth," Geranium says. "How awful it must have been to have Tanaka so close to death!" Lucien nods. "Kristoff had aimed the bolt right at him. He was too involved in the fight to see the sneak attack. It was just that Clytie flew faster and the bolt hit her instead." Izzy looks up from her coffee. "Tan was devastated with the prospect of her dying to save him." "She would have, too," puts in Pugsy. "If Lysandra hadn't wounded Kristoff herself, and then grabbed that healing herb from that little faerie village garden." "That was the really strange part," agrees Izzy, "especially since so much of it was damaged by the nearby conflict. Lysandra wouldn't go near it after that. She just scoffed at 'that silly stuff' while Chiasa spent days repairing it as best she could." "What happened to that Kristoff fella?" asks Branch, coming back down the stairs. "Who knows?" Pugsy shrugs. "He retreated, and he was badly wounded, but who knows with those guys."

"That seems to be the recurrent theme here," Squirrely muses as he loads sausage and hot kraut onto plates for the adults. "Who knows why all this happened and what's behind it? There are so many mysteries here." "Ah, mon ami, how true that is. Someone is pulling the strings, and all of Crystania and Falcor have much to lose, perhaps even Sinhae." "Or the Wayward Squirrel itself," adds Branch. I wouldn't want anything to happen to them. They saved my life." Squirrely nods. "Hopefully, we'll be able to all put our heads together and figure some of this out. In the meantime: Happy Luminaire to us all!"

As the Sengari campfires burn and dancers swirl in Luminaire celebration, Irella gazes into her crystal ball, asking a question that has been preying on her mind. The mists in the ball slowly clear, and the hands on the timepiece near the ball turn backward. Then she sees her--a little girl with bouncing curls and a pale blue dress happily planting little herbs in her faerie village, one she has lovingly built with her own hands in hopes that faeries will really live there some day. So engrossed is the child she doesn't notice twilight come and deepen, nor the sinister form that appears behind her. As hands reach to grab the girl, the ball becomes murky and Irella sobs. "Oh, my poor little one, my dear, dear child. No wonder you knew where it was. No wonder you couldn't let her die. Your faerie did come at last--just a little too late..."

At the Gearwork Goose, the stage is alive as always, and the Crystanians in the backroom celebrate with their friends from the Wayward Squirrel. Nancy wraps her arms around Hayao's neck and gives him a resounding kiss on his cheek, causing him to blush profusely. "Your automatons were the hit of the show!" she laughs,"Just the perfect backup soldiers for my girls! Now that the Coppelias are no more, we're packed every night for the holidays!" Hayao exchanges a glance with Thorson. Both men know that these soldiers are more than just backing for Nancy's chorus line. They are guardians to be stationed along the Clockwork Corridor that connects Crystania to the Wayward Squirrel. Recent events have not happened by chance. Someone is looking for something, and their shared perusal of ancient texts have left them to wonder. What if it IS real? What if that so-called mythical place really does exist? If it does, then how much of its surrounding legends are true? They do not know, nor can they be sure. But they can prepare, ah, yes, they can do that. Winton raises his glass. "Happy Luminaire, all my friends!"

Yes, for themselves and all they hold dear, they must prepare!

(OOC: Hope to see you you for WS6. Happy Luminaire, darling Squirrels! )

Mew...beautiful conclusion of WSV

Hope to see you back!

ooh intrigue xD -snuggles- happy and safe holidays to you and yours

: Organized thanks you profusely for once again providing us all with a wonderful adventure and a compelling story. Happy Luminaire and a joyous Yule Season!

Lovely adventure as always. Happy Luminaire and Joyous Holiday Season to all.

Happy Luminaire and thanks again for giving so many your lovely stories with that vivid imagination ! You have so many fans... had a glorious time!

Way to go.

Happy luminaire fellow Squirrels.

Thank you so much for another wonderful adventure and hours of fun! Happy Luminaire and all squirrels! <3

Merry Lumi to you (and to everyone)! I confess rather sheepishly that while I love the writing here I think my favorite part is the use of the word "profusely". Clearly, expecting me to have a normal favorite is outside the bounds of possibility.

Lysandra's tale tugged at my heartstrings, and I rather hope we get to see more of her temperamental self, perhaps learn more of her story.

We may not know who is holding the strings, but we do know one thing: if they're going up against the Protectors, they're gonna lose! <3

dear gods I thought your siggy was the jellybean-poopin' reindeer, and my kindle just wasn't showing it right. Then the shit hit the fan. giggling

- Thank you for such a wonderful time! I can't wait for WS6! :D

Lovely characters and stories as per your usual deliciousness!! Loved being here and watching and cheering (and helping a tiny bit) on the fun and mischievousness!! hugs, smoochies and happy Luminaire, my darling ❤

: I had a lot of fun making that animation. Happy Luminaire!

Great ending and I can't wait for the next one! :)