Sanctuary: Safe Haven

Kael approached Canna, carrying a stack of reports, his face looking unusually excited. He gestured to Canna as if asking for his attention. "Canna, we've got something important to discuss."

Canna raised an eyebrow, sensing the eager energy in Kael's tone. "What's got you so excited, Kael? You don't usually come running unless there's a serious problem," he teased lightly.

Kael chuckled, "Well, it's not a problem. It's actually something good for once. We've been tracking our food reserves, and with the new additions to the sanctuary, the supply has doubled. We've got a surplus of prey, and we're actually going to run into some storage issues soon if we don't do something about it."

Canna crossed his arms thoughtfully. "Surplus, huh? That's always a good problem to have. So what do you suggest?"

Kael grinned, "I was thinking it's the perfect time to celebrate. We haven't had a grand celebration in a while, and now, with the dwarves, minotaurs, and the new wyverns, not to mention the evolved guardians, and the rescues from the Black Thorne, I think it's the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together. We can have a feast and maybe subjugate some of the larger prey as a challenge."

Canna's eyes sparkled at the mention of a feast. "A celebration, huh? It sounds like a good idea, Kael. We could definitely use some time to relax and let everyone enjoy themselves after all the recent developments."

Kael nodded, "Exactly, and I was thinking of making it grand. We could have the chefs work on something special, and I've been thinking of adding a competition—something to get the warriors and even some of the non-combatants involved."

Canna leaned in, intrigued, "What kind of competition are we talking about?"

Kael's grin widened. "I've spoken with the researchers and the chefs. We have a bit of an issue with the King Boars—those monstrous bus-sized groundhogs that have been causing trouble in the sanctuary. There are too many of them, and they're tough to deal with. I figured we could organize teams of five to take them down. We need about 1,000 groups, and the prize would be a special feast using the very boars they defeat."

Canna laughed, already loving the idea. "So, we're turning a problem into a fun challenge, huh? I like it. People get to show off their skills, and we get rid of the excess King Boars in the sanctuary. It sounds like a win-win."

Kael nodded. "The chefs are excited too. They've been experimenting with new dishes and want to present something new during the feast. So, I think this celebration will be one for the books."

Canna tapped his chin. "Alright, Kael, I'm sold. Let's make this happen. I'll give the announcement and get everyone ready. It's about time we had a proper celebration after all the chaos."

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Later that day, Canna stood at the center of the sanctuary, surrounded by the bustling life of his people. He raised his hand, summoning everyone's attention. The sanctuary quieted as all eyes turned to their leader, who was now floating above on a small platform created by his wind magic.

"My people!" Canna's voice echoed across the sanctuary. "It's time to celebrate!"

Excited murmurs rippled through the crowd, and Canna continued with a grin, "We've had a lot of new additions to the sanctuary recently—humans, dwarves, minotaurs, and even wyverns! Our population has grown, our warriors have trained harder, and our guardians have evolved! This is a time to be proud of everything we've built together."

Canna paused for effect, seeing the eager faces of those gathered, "And now, we have the perfect excuse for a grand celebration. In two weeks, we'll be holding a feast unlike any we've had before! The chefs have prepared something new, and I've even planned a special event. There will be a competition, a challenge for warriors and adventurers alike—teams of five will face the King Boars in a test of strength and strategy. The fastest team to take down a King Boar will win special prizes."
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The crowd erupted into cheers, excitement buzzing in the air.

"Everyone is invited—warriors, non-combatants, even the children! This is a time for all of us to come together and enjoy the fruits of our hard work. We've been through a lot, and now it's time to reap the rewards. So prepare yourselves! The feast will be glorious, and the competition will be fierce!"

With the announcement made, Canna looked down at the faces of his people, smiling as the energy in the sanctuary shifted from the usual busyness to one of pure excitement.

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As soon as Canna's announcement ended, the sanctuary came alive with preparations. In every corner, groups of people began to plan and gather for the upcoming celebration.

The warriors of the sanctuary began training even harder, determined to show off their skills in the King Boar competition. Groups were forming left and right, as warriors discussed strategy and tactics to ensure they could take down a King Boar faster than anyone else.

In the crafting quarters, the seamstresses and tailors were working overtime, preparing new outfits for the celebration. They wanted to present their best work, and everyone—from elves to beastkin—was eager to look their finest for the grand event.

The researchers and scholars in the sanctuary were abuzz with ideas for showcasing their work. Some were preparing exhibits of their latest discoveries, while others planned games and activities for the children and families to enjoy during the feast.

Over in the dwarven settlement at Mountain Metal, the dwarves were hard at work, not only preparing their contribution to the feast but also crafting special tools and trinkets to commemorate the celebration. The minotaurs, too, were eager to join in, some preparing massive dishes of their own while others prepared to participate in the King Boar competition.

Even the elves, known for their quieter nature, were swept up in the excitement. They were preparing their own contributions—delicate crafts, enchanted items, and beautiful works of art that would decorate the feast hall.

__________

As the preparations continued, some residents of the sanctuary approached Canna with a request.

"Canna-sama," one of the humans said, "with everything happening, we were wondering if it might be possible for some of us to leave the sanctuary for a little while. We've heard about a riverside forest nearby that's full of monsters, and we think it would be a great opportunity to gather resources and explore."

Canna considered the request carefully, nodding. "That's a reasonable request. The portals can be opened to the riverside forest, but for safety, I'll need all of you to take Noctis clones with you. They'll act as your guardians and scouts."

The residents smiled in relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Canna-sama! We'll make sure to follow the rules."

Canna smiled, "You've got two weeks until the celebration. Explore, gather what you need, and return safely. The sanctuary will always be here for you."

As the residents prepared for their brief ventures outside the sanctuary, the excitement for the upcoming celebration continued to grow. It was a time for reflection, for celebration, and for the sanctuary to come together as one united force. The feast would be one to remember, and all who were part of the sanctuary were eager to see what surprises awaited them.