As you tend the tree, it begins to perk up, and magic begins to swirl around the sapling and you. The magic fills you, bringing with it pure light and joy. Your body begins to glow, the blessing of magic infusing you momentarily before it flows out of you, a golden light entering the tree. The essence of the magic within the world seems to gather, infusing the tree with its glowing golden light. Before your eyes the tree begins to grow, branches spreading and the trunk thickening. It is as if a hundred years of growth infuse it, along with the magic, as leaves grow and shed, endless cycles of years passing in mere moments. For a moment, the magic fills the area completely, a quite noticeable presence. It's as if all the threads of fate led to this point, this moment, blessing the brave Quirlicorns like yourself who put aside their own needs to help the deities, to help your world.
The tree's growth slows, reaching its final stage. Before you where a sapling once stood, choked by dark magic, is now a fully grown and impressive Sacred Dew Tree. The tree's branches sway slightly in a gentle breeze, and a single dew falls to your hooves, not like any seen before.
The Deities gathered around the Sacred Dew Tree, or rather, the original Sacred Dew Tree. The discussion over the Dark Artifacts had progressed little, no Deity truly knowing what to make of the strange objects.
But the discussion came to a halt as magic rushed around them, their full power returning. Gasps of awe came, and murmurs of shock, as magic swelled, and the original Tree began to glow, shimmering light racing up its trunk, over its branches, and through its leaves.
"Magic is back," Frysil sang, his eyes glittering with awe. "Back in full force!"
Anevay stomped a hoof. "Finally!" she said, with a huff. Keir agreed with a snort of his own.
Jagmeet nodded in agreement. He was a lot more contained in his excitement, as was Haukea, but both of their eyes held that same shine of joy.
Aberfa was quieter about it, her expression a bit more troubled.
"It does seem to be so," Zahavah said, gazing up at the tree.
A moment of silence fell over the gathered Deities as they stood in wonder of the free-flowing magic.
"We must reward our helpers," Jagmeet said, and the others nodded.
"I shall keep watch over these Dark Artifacts, and study them further. Go, and attend to your heroes," Zahavah said, and the Deities nodded and dispersed.
Haukea found herself retracing her steps, swimming through sky and sea to return to her adventurers. Her mind was flowing like the ocean around her, relatively calm but much lay under the surface.
These were troublesome times but... The Deity smiled to herself. She would help ensure no one was unprepared.
Her adventurers had worked well together, and she was pleased. But as she emerged from the ice, surprise overtook her warm feelings. There was a tree, a full grown tree!
"How interesting," Haukea murmured to herself as she rose from the ice, looking at the fully grown Sacred Dew Tree.
"Haukea, you have returned!" Ceto called from where they rested, having hot chocolate and cake.
"Goodness, whatever you did must have worked and then some," Haukea said with a smile, looking up at the tree.
"And it dropped these weird things!" Hjalmar said, jumping to his hooves and gesturing to the dews.
Haukea moved closer to investigate the strange dews, eyes widening in surprise. "The tree thanks you for your help indeed," Haukea murmured. "These dews contain Icy Region Magic."
"Magic?" Oruka asked, peering closer at the dews.
"Indeed. You three have accomplished great things here," Haukea turned toward the trio, her tone warm with pride.
Oruka looked down, a bit embarrassed. "We only did as you asked," he said.
"More than that, you three have contributed greatly to the restoration of balance within my region, and for that I would like to gift you as well," Haukea replied.
That certainly caught their attention, as three sets of eyes fixed on the Icy Region Deity.
"Hjalmar," Haukea said, starting with the brave stallion. "Your adventures shall be spoken of for many years to come. For you, I give Magic Boat. You can summon a boat to you, wherever you are. Even on land, it will float."
Hjalmar seemed a bit stunned before making an extravagant bow. "Thank you, Haukea."
"Oruka," Haukea turned to the second stallion. "For your steady sense of self, I gift you with Peacemaker. You may use this magic to calm others and diffuse tense situations," Haukea said, her eyes glittering as if she had seen everything that happened since she last left.
"And for you, Ceto," Haukea turned to the mare. "I gift you with Inspiration. This magic will allow you to see the patterns behind puzzles, to be able to unravel mysteries."
The magic settled over the three like a chilled breeze, lingering around them before sinking into them, becoming one with them.
"Thank you three for all you have done," Haukea said.
Hjalmar considered the magic within him, then nodded. "Would you like some cake?" he asked.
"Don't mind if I do!" Haukea said, with a smile.
(888 Words) +4 Chimes (750 Lit +3, Event +1)
