(Mystery Egg) Castle Dormont

Amane had been loitering near the outskirts of the celebration when the man's arrival captured her attention, his giant cart pulled by the mysterious creature making a curious sight amidst the revelry, indeed. As he began announcing his intentions, she made her way over, darting between crowds of merchants, players, and yladians alike, arriving at the cart just as the man pulled the cloth that had been covering the goods within off, revealing the eggs to the eyes of everyone around it. She didn't think she had ever seen so many mystery eggs together before, save for that time a girl — she believed her name was Kit? — requested that players help find her eggs. Weren't these things super rare? The man wasn't kidding then, when he called himself a quality peddler and nature druid. She doubted anyone else could have accumulated so many.

At the mention of letting the players pick one for themselves, her eyes widened, and she casted another appreciative glance at the pile of eggs, but this time with more purpose than mere window shopping. She didn't need an egg, per say, but the thought of having a companion during the monotony of solo grinds was an appealing one. It would be great to have someone to interact with, even if the pet wouldn't be able to talk. Never mind the fact that she technically wasn't part of Astor's retinue, nor was she officially affiliated with Astorea — she was a player, and as long as she didn't bring it up, the druid wouldn't question her, right?

She had to choose wisely...she had only one chance, after all, though the eggs all looked identical to her. Amane hovered a palm over each egg, moving over to the next after a few seconds. She'll be depending on her gut instinct, then. After a while, she took a deep breath for luck, and then before she could change her mind, pointed at one of the eggs. "This one!" She said to the druid.

Egg #14​

 

Kyupin gasped as the cart of eggs were fully unveiled. She counted, what, 20 different eggs in there?! They all looked so similar. Drawn by the presence of young eggs waiting to face the world, the Felis crept closer to the cart and the old man. A chosen one... Part of her hoped that she would be the one, that the egg would choose her and she would choose it. Like a tamed bond. But if she wasn't the one, well, that was just how it would be.

After another Felis had picked her own egg to cradle, Kyupin leaned over the cart. She admired each and every egg, hands just hovering over their shells. She wanted, so badly, to pick them up and cradle them. Shower them in love. Even if they weren't destined for her, surely she could just... just show them...

Her hands drifted over them, stopping at one in the bottom row, closest to her. She picked it up with both hands, gentle and with a great care. "Hello," she whispered to the egg with sparkling eyes, "who might you be? I'm Kyupin." Maybe to a standbyer, she'd seem insane! Her heart leapt into her throat and she swallowed down the thickness gathering, her animal sensitivity trying to get a feel for any response from the creature in the egg.

Egg #8​

 

So many eggs, so many choices! The suave-looking gentleman with his overgrown chicken brought an interesting offer to the many players gathering in Dormont for the opening ceremony. He sure knew where the money was, huh? Oh wait, he wasn't selling them, giving them away instead? How nice of him, Eldhi didn't expect him to be a Druid at all, especially since he dressed like a merchant. Well, then, the Knight would gladly take upon that honor! Perhaps the egg would contain a dragon that'd one day grow strong and mighty, or it would be a cute oversized chick that'd grow like the one he had now.

Approaching the merchant as he revealed his goods, "Hmmm~" Eldhi was one among the small crowd who had gathered around the Druid-Merchant, one hand held against her chin, rubbing as she mulled over her thoughts. There were twenty eggs to choose from but... they all looked exactly the same! Yellowish white with light green splotches on the shell. "Err..." This made things harder, it would be a completely random choice. Not that she knew much about eggs anyway. Alright, fine then, she'd just pick her favorite number, King Arthur and his Round Table Knights equaled...

Egg #13​

 

Elysian had been busy munching on some sort of vendor-food when she heard it. The man's voice was loud, his lisp apparent, but something about him caught her attention. Perhaps it was the conviction in his words or maybe the large bird creature pulling his goods. The Felis quickly finished her food, licking at her lips as she quickly made her way to the front of the crowd to get a better look. She had ironically heard her name spoken, but quickly realized it was the name of the sanctuary he spoke of. She had actually heard her name used quite a bit in the game and wondered why she had picked it in the first place. It had been random, but it had called out to her, so maybe there was more to it. Maybe it was fate? Either way the druid was fascinating to her and with cat ears twitching she hung on to his every single word.

The mention of eggs got her excited, and when he said he was only going to give one and to the person it was destined for, Elysian felt her heart skip a beat. She wanted that egg! Her whole body was vibrating with awe and wonder as she peered at all of them. There were so many, and they were identical. Would she be able to pick the right one? She only had one chance, and she wasn't going to rush. So the Felis let her eyes rest on every single one, each for a few seconds trying to see which one gravitated towards her. She would know, and she would feel it in her gut.

Amber eyes scanned the rare eggs, white ears pulled back against her head in concentration, and tail swishing behind her with excitement. A few of them seemed to catch her eye for some reason or another but there was one that she kept going back to. It was almost as if a warmth was radiating out towards her, wrapping its aura around her and urging her forward. Maybe she was crazy but she could swear it was whispering to her, she couldn't understand it and it was probably just someone behind her in the crowd but she would believe it. This world was full of magic so why not? Elysian nodded her head as she made her decision, pointing at the egg as a smiled pulled at the corners of her mouth. "I choose you!"

Egg #11​

 

She had been on the fringes of their little party. She always seemed to be just on the edge of... well, everything. Even in the midst of battle Gwyn seemed to exist one foot out of step as if ready to vanish at a moment's notice in a way entirely different from a rogue's stealth or a coward's bolt. Something still sat off about the nation and the role players were beginning to take, but some of the NPCs seemed honestly welcoming of it, were accepting it and falling into line. She didn't trust it for a second, but so long as Astorea was the only hope for some of this world's occupants then she would linger in the space between the treeline and the city squares and stick her nose where it didn't belong to ensure everything was some form of alright.

The rebuilding efforts were coming along well and the ceremony and party in their honor seemed quite the lively event featuring new and strange faces Gwyn didn't care to meet. The words of one man certainly did.

Gwyn straightened up from her perch a ways away before slipping from it to move closer. He spoke of ancestral homes, of eggs, or gods and tasks and honor of a more base and natural sort. It seemed through some means they had proven to this man they deserved a piece of the lives that called Adecus Forest home. Others rose to choose and she sat back with twisted lips. It was so kind and honest a gesture. She didn't want to see the eggs raised here though. Not in the rising nation of pretenders. Gwyn reached forward to delicately pick up one at the edge of the group before she left it entirely.

# 20​

 

Leaving her booth to go for a short stroll, Temperance took in the many games and attractions that littered the festival ground. So much fun stuff to do, so many options! Lots of those volcano-diving adventurers seemed to be milling about, and most of them wandered in one particular direction... to a cart, pulled by an ENORMOUS CHICKEN. The person in the cart seemed to be giving out lots of eggs for absolutely no cost... the catch, it seemed, was that only one seemed to be real and the rest were duds.

Shrugging, she confidently walked over and got in the short line to approach the egg cart, looking over the selections already made. Looking over the remaining eggs, she tried to think how an egg giver awayer would think... and couldn't come to any logical reason for doing this sort of shit. So instead she went with her guy, and grabbed the top right egg, #5. Lifting it up in the air, her hands began to glow with holy light as she tried to look through its shell, as one might with chicken eggs.

"I've got a good feeling about yoooooou- OH NO I THINK IT'S A DUD!"

Damn her luck! Sighing, she wandered off back to her booth and put the egg down on the ground, to deal with later. A drunken farmer sauntered up to her kissing booth and religious conversation conversion center, sliding into one of the stools across from her, puckering his lips together.

"Have you come to hear about the good word of our lord and saviour?" she asked, smiling and pert.
"No I ur... came for the kiss," he muttered, scratching his balding head and glancing about in confusion.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. For and then from, buster. A-wink."
"Did you just... say the word wink, without winking?"
"Crinkly winkly. Winkaroo. Hickory winkory dock."
"I'm leaving!"
"BUT WE HAVEN'T TALKED ABOUT GOD YET, AND COMMITMENT!"
Suddenly the farmer was running, and her smile grew wider. Worked every time...

egg #5

​

 

She'd joined the crowd merely out of curiosity, but the idea of protecting a child made the young elf want desperately to join in. It was a matter of pride to Solaria, as her pointed ears seemed to perk and twitch from the voice's words. The baby in the egg would surely need to be protected and well taken care of- and with a martyr complex and as an elder sister in reality, wouldn't it only make sense for her to try to take on that role?

It took her a few moments to get closer, the crowd feeling a bit big and stuff. She was in Dormont for an event, but it no longer mattered to her as she wandered closer to the eggs, lifting one up and hugging it close to her chest. Her heart beat rhythmically against the shell within her body, wanting to soothe what hid inside.

"I'll keep an eye on this one, if I may. No matter what may hatch...I want to be there to protect it from now on." She smiled, softly, and stared with wonder upon the mysterious egg she held. Whether it was false or filled with a child to tend, she was far too intrigued to turn it down now. It was the egg with her true age she'd taken- because perhaps that number, too, held a truth of it's own.

Egg #19​

 

Huh. Well, this was interesting. She expected festivities and a lot of formality at this event, but the man with an enormous bird trailing behind him was a whole other kind of fascinating. Ash smiled and gave a short bow towards the old druid after he explained what he was doing here. "That's fascinating," she said, as he spoke of his work. "I know that your children will be well-cared for, no matter who ends up with them. I'm glad you've given this country a chance."

Though when he offered her a chance to choose herself, Ash's eyebrows rose. She hadn't expected that, though she couldn't deny that she was tempted. Sorely tempted, in fact. All the pets that hatched from these various eggs were fascinating and adorable. Perhaps the eggs he was offering were different, but that sure didn't stop Ash.

She looked over the ones remaining, noting that quite a few were gone already. It looked as if they were quite popular here. Not wanting to linger too long and take up space, Ash quickly scanned the eggs. It didn't seem one was different from the rest. Well, then she'd just have to pick randomly. She smiled as she carefully picked up one egg out of the batch, giving the man a quick nod.

"Thank you," she said. "I hope you find who you're looking for. And I'm sure that your legacy will still be carried out."

Egg #6​

 

Aden marveled at the spectacle known as Castle Dormont when he, along with many an adventurer, was invited for the festivities in celebration of the newly established Kingdom of Astorea. Every where he looked, the place was absolutely bustling with activity. From the sight of merchants promoting their wares to curious onlookers, to Guild Leaders enticing passerby with honeyed words of benefits and rewards, and of course, men and women of different age, race, and belief mingling with one another and sharing a cup of mead, ale, beer, or wine as they laughed their worries away with every sip of their drinks.

Even though he saw a few familiar faces here and there, he chose to keep to himself and act merely as an observer to it all. He had not been a player yet during the events leading to the Kingdom’s establishment, and thus did not see himself fit to participate much in the revelry going around him, only limiting his drinking to a few cups of wine.

Still, the sight of all these people genuinely enjoying themselves and just having a good time warmed the red-haired archer’s heart. He was about to spoil himself to another cup of wine when, from the corner of his eye, he saw an old man with a Chocobo of all things in tow, causing him to abruptly spit out the drink in his mouth (fortunately, nobody was on the receiving end or he’d be in a much more complicated situation.) Seriously, isn’t this game pushing its luck too far with the copyrights? Then again, they must have already gotten permission from a certain game company to use one of their ideas for the game.

Upon hearing the old man’s explanation, fiery excitement could be seen in the Archer’s golden eyes. He had always wanted a companion for himself ever since he joined the game but thought that he was simply too inexperienced to obtain one. But now, through this old man’s kindness and will to carry on his legacy, he may have just gotten the chance he had been waiting for.

”If I may be blessed with the opportunity to care for one of your children, know that it would be of the highest to raise them and have them as a companion as faithful as your friend over here.” Aden told the old man as he gently stroke the full grown Chocobo. In turn, it nuzzled up to him, warming his heart once again.

Finally it was time to pick an egg…. the only problem was that all of them looked exactly the same and it seems that others have already taken their pick before him. Hopefully he manages to pick the correct one, and hopefully still, this mystery egg turns out to be a Chocobo egg.

”Hmm… I’ll pick this little one over here.” He picks an egg in one of the columns that had not been selected by the others, hoping that this would decision would reward him with a faithful and reliable companion.

"Whoever manages to receive your child, I pray to the Elysid that your legacy be remembered for generations to come. In behalf of everyone here, i thank you for your generosity."

Egg #17​

 

What an alien experience, being part of a festival for a recent event that he hadn’t even been aware of. Mingling in the crowds, Cain Darlite drank in the atmosphere as much as he could. Though larger crowds and events had been something he was accustomed to after his travels through Stokbon, the difference between reality and virtual reality was still startling. After all, who knew that a fantasy world could be so much more populated than the largest city in Rhode Island? Shaking his head at disbelief towards the diverse crowd that had gathered about, the Muse fully planned on enjoying himself in the festival. Already, there were familiar faces around, former party members and companions, and the sizzling of fantasy foods was definitely enticing. All around, individuals were shouting out promotions for different treats. Potatoes with melted butter, kebabs of goat meat, cheesy buns, and…

…a giant fluffy chicken?

Cain blinked, before his heart pounded twice in rapid succession, unable to believe just how adorably cute that golden chicken-bird was. Other players were also gathering around the cart, coming in to take a strange egg with green splotches on the surface, but still, what caught the Muse’s enamored eyes was just how fluffy and cute the bird was. A wide gleeful smile emerged as he practically rushed forwards, almost knocking Aden out of the way to have his turn with the bird.

“Omigosh, it’s soooo cuteeeee,” Cain gushed, enthusiastically petting the giant yellow bird and practically melting at how soft and warm and huggable it was. “What’s its name, what’s its name, mister? Oh wow, it must feel so great to ride! Ahhh, gosh, why don’t we have these cutie pies back home? Guuuuh…”

For another good five minutes, Cain Darlite, Flagbearer of Miracles, Seven-Spice Iron Chef, had his fill of fun with the elderly man’s steed, greatly enjoying the abundant fluffiness of the Chocobo while completely ignoring all the reputation he had built up through the past few days. Satisfied, with his hands smelling of the pleasant, earthy yet oily scent of the steed, Cain turned back to the elderly man. A refreshing smile on the Muse’s face, he said, “Seriously, you’re super duper lucky for having such a great steed, sir. Qora’s blessing, really. And these eggs are free right?”

Right.

“Then I’ll definitely be taking one to remember you by. Cheers, friend!”

Egg #1​

 

The drunken mess that was Roland this fine evening had been bouncing back and forth between alleyways when he caught site of a small crowd gathering around a wagon he thought it might be interesting enough to take a look out. After several minutes of stumbling in that direction he finally managed to make it to the cart where he saw at least two to three hundred eggs. “Heeeeyyy…” he mumbled to what he assumed was a stranger nearby, “Wha-hicupp- wha… wha…. What’s going on here…” the stranger, seemed mildly off put by Roland’s slurring words and tried their best to ignore him, until Roland began to lean on their shoulder, after all in his current state of inebriation it was impossible to stand up by himself. Awkwardly, what was possibly a female elf tried to move away, but Roland persisted in his line of questioning, “is- is- is it free eggs? Like free –hiccup- Yoshi eggssss?” The stranger pushed Roland out of the way and off of them, sending him to the ground with a thud. Dazed, Roland climbed up into the cart, and despite the shouts to get down, clumsily rifled through the available left overs before grabbing Egg #7 and somehow exiting the cart without crushing it.

Egg #7​