Story
As you approach the Windswept Plateau, it is as if the stars have draped themselves over the greenery of the land; crystals glimmer where they are strung on golden threads, and festive lanterns bathe the land in a cheery orange glow. Reedcleft resonances are draped on most every tree, their misty trails all pointing towards the Cloudsong.
When you arrive, the Cloudsong itself seems to dance to the music coming from those upon it. A skydancer beams at you from a gently swaying stand, where numerous masks are tied to bamboo.
“Greetings, greetings! I hope the winds were most favorable on your journey here,” they say. “We are so glad you could make it.”
They gesture to the masks around them. “Have you heard the saying, ‘the best way to know someone is to fly a mile in their wings?’ No? Well, perhaps the idea has been phrased differently to you. The idea is the same, though, and our flight has decided to expand on it.
Many flights have masks. Beastclan, too. Some of the ones we have made for this year’s festival will allow you to fly a mile in their wings. Or claws.”
You glimpse past the Skydancer’s feathery plumage and find the aforementioned masks. Some are gnarled and adorned with various carvings and etchings, while some are ornate and delicate, as if a slight touch would render them broken. You cannot help but to notice their strange thrum of something unseen, as if pulling you to them. The Skydancer gives you a wistful grin, propping up their long maw on top of a propped up arm.
“Wonderful, aren’t they? Oh yes, mysterious and magical and altogether mesmerising…” They coo with a growing affection. “A pity! They do not last long, the magic is strongest here and now. If ever you were going to try one…”
The Skydancer’s voice draws out with an underlying sales pitch you do not fail to catch. They smile at you and their long tail gives a feline flick from behind neatly folded wings. The masks draw you to them once more and you can feel yourself growing more tempted by the thought of experiencing such a rare opportunity.
more to come~
