The Solstice Tree this year was a blue-green tanik tree. If you looked at it....
A tanik tree of this immense size could only have
come from the heart of the Great Forest. A fresh, invigorating coniferous
scent surrounds the tree, suffusing the area with an ambience of brisk
good cheer. The long, blue-green needles still retain the supple
freshness of a living tree. Long garlands of chokeberries are draped
over the boughs with careless, fluid grace. A wren's nest is cradled
among the upper limbs. The tree is delightfully decorated for the
Winter Solstice holidays with a variety of ornaments.
You see an exquisitely carved crystal
tree-topper, an ornate crystal orb, a tree bark map ornament, a broken
staff ornament, a snow-capped lighthouse, a star-incised silvery snow owl,
a delicate silver dragon, a parchment scroll ornament, a tiny silver-winged
sprite, a miniature wagon ornament, and a merry kobold ornament.
These were the ornaments upon the tree....
House Aspis
Designer: Tanager Skydancing
a delicate silver dragon
This ornament has been crafted in the miniature
form of a magnificent silver dragon perched atop the Aspis gates.
The dragon's powerful wings are spread wide, and its expression is one
of solemnity and nobility, but it holds a sprig of jade and opal mistletoe
above the gates in one outstretched forepaw. A slender scarlet ribbon
runs through a loop in one of the dragon's spines so that the ornament
may be suspended from a hook or tree branch.
Beacon Hall
Designer: Tigressah ShadowHoff
a snow-capped lighthouse
Crystal blue waves wash up the shore and lap
against the dark red brick walls of the tower. A perfect diamond
rests in the center of the actual lighthouse, reflecting colorful rays
of light. The delicate hand-painted ornament dangles from a single
red silk ribbon.
House Brigatta
Designer: Brinal MorninStar
a parchment scroll ornament
Neatly scribed upon the scroll is a short list
representing Elanthians who have been naughty rather than nice. You
see your name on the list!
Helden Hall
Designer: Kilinan E'thrias
a minature wagon ornament
Assembled from roughly-cut pieces of oak and
drawn by an elk, this small wagon bears an armor-clad warrior in a bright
red cloak, lifting one gloved hand in greeting. Piled high behind
him are casks of rum, daggers with jeweled hilts, swords, armor, and shields
of all kinds. The words "Merry Thrakmas to all...and to all a good
fight!" are painted on the side of the wagon above the crest of Helden
Hall.
House Phoenix
Designer: Heathyranne deChantal
a broken staff ornament
A miniature ivory staff, broken two thirds of
the way down, hangs from a solid gold ornament hook. A dragon's tear
ruby carved into a phoenix dangles from the hook as well. Etched
into the staff with excruciating precision are the words, "In memory of
our founders, in this our tenth year. Gone but not forgotten.
Winter Solstice 5101."
Silvergate Inn
Designer: Taniah A'rnDraiocht
an exquisitely carved crystal tree-topper
Upon closer inspection you see a group of young
children sitting in a circle playing roshambo by a small fireplace decorated
with stockings.
House Sovyn
Designer: Willowlea Gardianna
a tiny silver-winged sprite
This fragile ornament has been painstakingly
created with beautiful detail. Her blonde hair is adorned with twisting
red and green velvet ribbons. She is wearing a pale gossamer gown
edged with tiny bells of sparkling silver. Peering closely you see
the reflection of a candle flame flickering in her vivid green eyes causing
them to sparkle mischievously. Her velvety slippered feet hover slightly
above a limb making it appear as though she has just taken flight.
House Sylvanfair
Designer: Cattriona Botanica
a merry kobold ornament
Grinning wildly, the kobold is clutching a bulging
sack of loot flung over his shoulder. Drool drips down off his exposed
teeth, while a sprig of mistletoe protrudes jauntily from behind one ear.
Stamped on the bottom of the ornament you see the crest of House Sylvanfair.
Twilight Hall
Designer: Sortik Demolsitor
a star-incised silvery snow owl
Wrought from pure silver, the owl holds its wings
outstretched in a pose of purpose and resolve, its eyes set in a joyful
gaze. Emblazed with gold on a banner held within the owl's talons
are the words, "Merry Thrakmas from Twilight Hall!"
White Haven
Designer: Ilvane Fiastash
an ornate crystal orb
Suspended inside of the orb is the image of a
large white bear wearing garlands of beribboned holly and mistletoe.
Posed carefully to be sitting on a sled, the bear is surrounded by tiny
falling snowflakes. Painted in deep green along the outside of the
orb are the words, "Winter Solstice, White Haven 5101."
Willow Hall
Designer: ?
a tree bark map ornament
A map carved into tree bark with a green pin
with the words 'You are here' showing Willow Hall's location.