smk_network | Video || 8/20

[The feed turns on and Merlin is looking at the pocket watch in his hand. He is counting under his breath and after exactly ten seconds he laughs and puts it away.]

Excellent, excellent! Well! It's good to see everyone has returned safely from this little sojourn. You all have our eternal thanks. The Dreamfinder and his spark, Figment, are resting well and soon will be right as rain. They are fine at the moment, a bit tired and a bit hungry but also, hopefully, a bit wiser.

[He ruffles off screen for a minute, a few books floating by as he tries to find something. One of them returns and none too gently taps him on the head.]

Oh! Of all the rid-oh. Oh! yes, thank you, you are just what I was looking for.

[The book falls in his hand and opens.]

Apprentices, this was your first taste of what our Kingdoms have become beyond the safety of Main Street. You have succeeded in returning The Dreamfinder, our only Kingdom Spirit. Now, I briefly spoke of them but time was not on our side-however. Now, I believe it is time to explain further.

[The feed wavers and a streak of blue lighting splits the screen. When it clears, a map of the Magic Kingdoms is shown. Merlin's voice comes over the feed.]

This is the Magic Kingdoms. A realm of imagination divided into six different lands, each one holding it's own special sort of inspiration. Each of these lands was guarded by a Kingdom Spirit, beings made by The Creator in order to help inspire the citizens living in each land.

[The feed wavers again and The Medallion is showing.]

Each one had a sigil, such as this Medallion, that was used to spread their power. Unfortunately, the Corrosion has stolen all magic from these sigils.

[The feed returns to Merlin, who has a rather dark look on his face.]

The Kingdom Spirits...are no more. This Medallion held the essence of the Jungle Spirit, Mara. But now it's no more than a dime store bauble, I'm afraid. Merely a reminder. I thank those of you who returned it so that we may give Mara a proper rest. Perhaps we may find the sigils of the others as well, they fought hard against the Corrosion-but, they fought alone.

[He clears his throat.]

But that does not mean we give up. The Dreamfinder has proven that those with a strong enough Spark can become Kingdom Spirits in these trying times. In order for that to happen, however, we must clear the lands of all the Corroded, to allow the new Kingdom Spirit to form. This is now our focus. I will be giving you your reward when the feed ends, so wait about for those. Use your time to rest up, training will begin again shortly.

The training course is open however, if you wish to make use of it. Miss Shellstrop and Miss Rosabelle, once The Dreamfinder is fully healed we will be having a proper training session for you both. I will let you know when that is.

[There is a sudden ringing sound and Merlin quickly scrambles to grab the watch falling out of his ebard.]

Oh! Is that the time! Well, mustn't let things drag on. Thank you again, Apprentices, we are, as always, grateful. Rest up, tend to yourself and I will see you all soon.

[Feed end.]
~~~~~~
As the video feed ends, a half dozen fireworks shoot up, exploding into a beautiful kaleidoscope of red, purple and blue sparks. For a moment the sparks seem to float, suspended in mid air before taking off towards any Apprentice, no matter where they are. Each Apprentice will have three sparks (one of each color) flutter around them. If an Apprentices touches them, they will get a small tingle of Adventure. That thrill that makes a heart race and a smile appear as thoughts of the next great exploration or discovery looms in their hearts.

Whatever tool, affinity token or weapon an Apprentice has will then begin to glow, pulling the Sparks deep into them and sending that thrill of Adventure towards the Apprentice in a rush. Enjoy the warmth of it for the next 3 hours.

Any Apprentice that has an element will have the nearest source of the element glow as well before the Sparks descend into the Apprentice's chests.

Tomorrow morning there will be a new announcement board right outside the castle. A list is posted on it of available missions for the Jungle. Missions are now Open!