Submission (#4962) Approved

So total should be 9 EC (6 for submission and 2 for over 900 words, and 1 for Pomus being included with Lantern form and decoration!) and 1 AP for Regional affinity (Ealei)

So I don't need to put the 6 EC for Submission, just the bonus 3 EC right?

Regional Affinity: [Ealei]
Elnin: [https://worldofeyre.com/character/ELN2821]

It was another dawn in Ealei, and Naida awoke from her resting spot. Another day far from home, and yet it was not any reason to be sad. Today Naida was going to be meeting up with her friend Ailea! It has been so long since she saw her fellow kittom. As she performed a morning stretch, she took a deep breath in, taking in the ocean-scented air.

Naida looked around to see the eldertree that anchored Ealei, Yggdrasil itself, and its roots were everywhere, creating a maze-like network that Naida found both enchanting and intimidating. Still, the natives were able to make it inhabitable, and it was here in Port Pthalo where she’d see her friend and have some fun. Apparently Ailea had some activities planned for them together.

Using a walkway, she headed towards the designated spot where Ailea would be waiting for her. and it wasn't long before Naida met up with her friend.

"So, what do you think of Ealei?" Ailea asked Naida.

"It's unlike any other place I've ever been." Naida replied, taking in the breathtaking scenery around her. "I mean, it’s not as good as Palu’au of course, but still, the ocean is clear, and the coral reefs are spectacular. It’s just that you guys have all this wood in your water. Ours is root free.” Naida teased. “Still, it's all so incredible."

"I know," Ailea agreed. "And the people here are so friendly and welcoming."

Naida smiled and nodded to her friend, feeling grateful for the opportunity to explore this unique and fascinating region with her friend.

Ailea told Naida about the Pomu Lantern decorating exercise they would be doing later that day. "I've learned it's a custom they have here in Ealei," Ailea explained. "We decorate Pomu lanterns with different symbols and colors that represent our hopes and wishes for the new year."

"That sounds lovely," Naida replied. “Where to then?”

“Right this way!” Ailea exclaimed as she led the duo to their destination.

As they made their way through the winding tree-roots, they marveled at the beauty of their surroundings, eventually reaching a workshop that was bustling with activity.

The specialized Pomu Lantern Decoration Workshop hosted groups of individuals from all over the region who wanted to work together to create the most beautiful lanterns. Using the best materials, Elnin everywhere could better enhance the looks of their anima crystal’s and Pomu Lanterns. The air was thick with the sweet scent of jasmine and lotus blossoms, and the sound of chattering and laughter filled the space.

The pair decided that they would help each other, giving pointers and guidance to one-another. They began by carefully selecting the materials they would use - colorful silks, delicate rice paper, and beautiful dyes. With nimble paws, the two worked together, twisting and shaping the materials until they formed a delicate orbs of light. They added intricate designs to their lanterns, using paints and dyes to create patterns that danced in the lantern's soft glow.

"Isn't this great?" Ailea asked, grinning. "I love coming here. It's always so busy and full of life."

Naida nodded, feeling a sense of excitement grow inside her. She had never been to a workshop like this before, and she was eager to see what else people had made.

"So, Naida," Ailea asked, "what do you want to represent on your lantern?"

Naida thought for a moment before replying, "I'm going to paint a symbol of the ocean, to represent my love for the sea."

Ailea smiled at her. "I love that. I think I want to paint a pattern of a clouds, It represents freedom and adventure, which are two things I found here in Ealei."

Naida and Ailea continued to work on their Pomu lanterns, each lost in their own thoughts. After a while, Ailea broke the silence.

"I'm glad we could do this together," Ailea said. "It's been a while since we've had a chance to catch up."

Naida looked up from her work, smiling. "Me too. I've missed you."

Ailea smiled back. "So, what have you been up to lately?"

Naida paused, considering how much to share. "Well, I've been traveling a lot. In the Palu’au islands of course…. Exploring different parts of it, meeting new people. It has been an adventure. Settling down into my new home that is."

Ailea's eyes widened. "That sounds incredible! I wish I could have joined you. It would have been fun to see where you live now. Still, it must have been hard."

Naida nodded. "It has been, and also challenging. I've been trying to figure out what I want to do with my life, you know? And every new place I visit, I feel like there's so much to see and do, it's overwhelming sometimes."

Ailea listened intently. "I understand that feeling. It can be hard to know where to go next."

Naida nodded, grateful for Ailea's understanding. "But being here with you, doing something creative and fun, it's reminding me that sometimes it's important to just take a step back and enjoy the moment."

Ailea smiled. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe this Pomu lantern will inspire you in some way. Think of the friends that you’ve made and that we will always be here for you."

Naida considered this, looking down at her lantern. It was still a work in progress, but she could already see the potential. "You know, you might be right. I always decorated my Pomu Lantern myself. But it’s special when you have your friends helping out."

As they continued to work on their lanterns, Naida felt a sense of calm wash over her. She didn't need to have all the answers right now, maybe she just needed to trust that the universe would guide her to where she needed to be. And as the pair finished up their lanterns, they admired each other's handiwork. Naida couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what they had accomplished together.