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One right after the other, people came through the tree. First through was Siggy who walked towards the Vardi's camp. His father there to greet him.
"Hello, Papa!" Siggy bellowed. He ran up and wrapped his arms around his father. "It's good to see you!"
His father hugged him back tightly. "Good to see you as well, Sigismund!"
Maybe six people stood behind Siggy, and behind them the tree began to glow again. Another ten people came through the tree.
A voice came from the back, but the source couldn't be seen. "There's more coming soon, so we should probably make space for them."
"Right," Siggy said, walking forward with his father. "We can wait over here."
Another few groups of people stepped through. Alziver and Barbara. Jodi and Balgus. The Arkanist and Venyik. Even Lord Barkwood. So many people from all of their adventures had traveled with the Dawntakers to celebrate the Festival of the Flame and see the Ancestors' Grace.
"Sigismund, how many friends did you invite with you?" Olaf asked.
Siggy rubs the back of his neck. "Um…I don't know exactly."
Toni steps forward. "What do you mean you don't know?"
Siggy cleared his throat. "Well, I started by messaging Alvie and Babs, but then I thought if I invited them then I should invite Jodi and Balgus. Then I remembered how much Willow got on with Lord Barkwood. After that I remembered the Arkanist and Venyik, but if I invited them then I should invited some of the other people from the ARBARA. Next I thought of the Sumners, and there's the member's of the crucible from Alsera. And…"
As Siggy continued rambling about the every growing guest list, Willow finally came through the tree. "Sigismund, you invited HOW many people?"
Siggy gulped as the frustrated Willow appeared. "Would you look at that time for the part of the festival where we must be silent." And he runs off towards where the rest of the Vardi are gathered around a large bonfire.
The rest of the group stifled laughs and followed behind Siggy with Olaf.
Willow took a deep breath, and her smile returns as Cricket's hand found hers. The pair followed behind the others. Upon reaching the fire, they looked up at the night sky.
Aurora light danced across the frozen landscape. Illuminating the sky in waves of colorful light and wonder. The sounds Siggy spoke of could be heard faintly, and they then understood the need for the silence.
Some held others close as they watched and listened. Willow and Cricket. Alvie and Babs. Toni and Saedie. Gwen and Tizzy. Zoe and Kaelen. And so many more. Mesmerized by the kaleidescope that played across their vision.
As the lights faded slightly, the music began. First it was low and calmer. Though it wasn't long until the jovial and upbeat tunes began. Singing and playing, the Vardi continued their celebrations. Siggy sat up playing with his father and other members of the clan late into the night. His friends and found family dancing and laughing until they could no longer stay on their feet. Sat on blankets, curled up by the fire, the Dawntakers continued enjoying the night. Celebrating and reveling in the company of all who were there.