<span class="bbc_font" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 13pt;"><em>The time of long sunsets passes.<br/><br/>Agi is able to lead several of the shipwrecked mortals to his colorful pool. The mortals are amazed by the bright and wonderful things they see, and look at Agi with awe and appreciation. They gather what they can and return to their encampment, telling the others of the bounty they have found, and the wonders that Agi has created. The fiery lion is held in great esteem as a result! From time to time Agi notices the cat from the camp appear near the Prismatic Springs. <br/><br/>Bubbles finds herself now much deeper in tune with the thoughts and desires of the creatures of this island. She can hear the fish, even those who are frozen for the winter, hoping for clean water and nutrients to wake up to. She can hear the creatures of the ocean where the waters are not frozen and finds that she can swim off into the depths much further than she could before. She finds a pod of gigantic animals, whales, singing to each other as they pass the island. She learns from them, and they from her. She swims through the many underground rivers and streams and finds quick passages through the land. She sees Cor, and Cor sees her, as they travel about tending to the wilds. Many precious things will find the thaw a much more gentle and less desperate time than they are used to.<br/><br/>Rin hides in the fires from the big things and teaches the little ones. They are eager to learn from such a wise and pretty and warm spirit! Other than a curious tendency of trying to hold things with their noses, the young ones of the encampment are soon demonstrating a brightness and understanding of the island beyond their years. <br/><br/>Wish does not find many who are able to play her games and when the mortals learn what she meant many begin to attempt to cast charms against her to keep her out! They do not have any effect, but the mortals begin to whisper to the other spirits, subtlety pointing to Wish and whispering "will you keep us safe from that one?"<br/><br/>And finally, Eliza the mortal and a few of her associates follow Aqua to attempt to visit the Spirit of Blossoms. While Aqua is able to enter as always, the mortals cannot. Even if they walk the same path in the same way, Aqua slips into the Colorful Grove to find no mortals can follow. <br/><br/>The Spirit of Blossoms begs Aqua and any other spirits present not to let mortals into her Colorful Grove. She promises to explain when the night is darkest, if any spirits wish to hear, but she also urges them to consider that not all learning is happy. <br/><br/>And so as the months pass, the villagers begin to praise the names of Agi, Rime, and Aqua. The young ones keep Rin a secret, but love her greatly. Wish is acknowledged, but dreaded. The other spirits the mortals know not of. <br/><br/></em></span></span><br/><br/><hr/><br/>Wrapping up this scene, update coming next! :)