If you are one of the people who chose to answer the plea for help in dealing with possessed pumpkins - or, perhaps, simply someone who chose to pass through the wrong neighbourhood, - you're likely to see a raven fighting a pumpkin. Wait, what?

The bird hops back and forth, flapping its wings as the possessed pumpkin angrily squeaks at it in some fae language - and then speedily tries to half-roll, half-float away. The raven gives an indignant caw and chases after it, not bothering to take flight and just speedily trotting after the pumpkin. Neither is looking very much where they are going, too caught up in this (admittedly silly) chase - and if you're not careful, you're like to trip over them.

At the woodworking site Hythlodaeus tries to make use of his new powers of alchemy to help out. To his advantage is the fact that his partner Hades has been practicing the art since his arrival, and so Hythlodaeus has learned quite a bit from him already.

He kneels by a log and takes out a notebook, his lips moving slightly as he reads through the notes. Then he nods to himself, takes a piece of chalk and carefully draws an alchemical diagram on the bark; once that's done, Hythlodaeus nods to his familiar, a tiny amaro. The creature gives a soft hoot and shuffles its wings, channeling the magic - the drawing glows, and in a few moments several long planks of wood clatter onto the ground where the log was. Hythlodaeus breathes out, relieved, and turns to his fellow workers.

"Another set done. Shall we continue?"

Sometime at the start of the month Irhya, Felih and Megumi all receive a text from Hythlodaeus.

My friends! Pray keep this a secret, but as we draw closer to the winter it means that it is our dear Emet-Selch's birth season. (o゜▽゜)o☆ Though I've no doubt that he would merely grumble that 'tis not a matter worth celebrating, I believe we all disagree with that. To that end, I propose that we all come up with gifts for him and mayhap hold a modest celebration. (●ˇ∀ˇ●) For all he may be a grump about it, he yet appreciates affection. Pray let me know what you think! (╹ڡ╹ )