Chapter 4-4: A Race to Remember
Then Epel says, "Okay, no more food! We don't wanna fill up before the welcome party."
"Mrah, but I'm still hungry. Now you want me to wait…?" Grim whines, "You know, those apple lanterns are lookin' mighty tasty!"
"You said the same thing this afternoon…" Sebek says.
"Oh yeah, speaking of lanterns! I need one for my sled. I'll bet there are some good ones here," Epel says.
"Don't you already have one?" Jade asks.
"It broke during practice," Epel says.
"Well, you did mention the sledathon runs over night," Sebek says.
"Yeah, and it's real important to have a light when you're selddin' in the dark," Epel says, "Not to mention, being able to see your teammates' lanterns is reassuring. Oh, that stall's got some. I'll just pop by real quick."
Soonm, the group walks to another stall with many different lanterns.
A vendor speaks out, "Howdy folks! If yer lookin' for apple lanterns, you've come to the right place!"
"I note these are different from the ones hanging in the square," Jade says.
"They're much larger than real apples, for one thing. They're practically the size of a human head," Sebek says.
"Yeah, they wouldn't do much good lighting the way if they were apple-sized," Epel says.
Then Jade asks, "What are they made out of?"
"Glass. You light a fire inside, and the whole thing glows," Epel says.
"The decorations on it are quite elaborate," Jade says.
"Sure are. These are all handmade, and no two are exactly alike," Epel says, "They use magic to make 'em, so they're much less brittle than regular glass. They get real bright too. So if you have trouble seeing when it's dark during the race, just gather around this lamp."
"Very well. It shall be our guiding light, as it were," Sebek says.
"Hearing about it makes me want a personal one," Briar says, and picks out a red apple shaped lantern.
"It'd make a really nice souvenir. Good pick, Briar!" Epel says. Then calls out, "Excuse me, could I get two lamps please?"
Sometime later, the gang arrives at the Assembly Hall.
Grim calls out, "We're finally back!"
Epel then asks, "Wanna make another wish at the well on our way in? We could wish to win… Or rather, proclaim our coming victory!"
"I SAY WE DO IT," Sebek says in a loud voice.
"It's certainly a nice thought," Jade says.
"I can practically see the salty looks on their faces when they lose," Idia says.
"I think it's a good idea," Briar says.
"Yeah," Sereia says.
The twins nod in agreement.
"Okay, here goes," Epel says and counts, "One, two, three…"
Everyone but Grim and Trinket shout, "WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS RACE!"
And Grim shouts, "I'M GONNA CHOW DOWN ON LOCAL GRUB!"
Trinket also tinks, in her language, she wishes for the group to win the race.
"Hey, we were in sync this time! … Other than Grim and his appetite," Epel says.
"I always put food first!" Grim says with a smile.
Jade chuckles, "Heh heh. You're nothing if not consistent, Grim."
Epel then turns to Trinket, "Although, I'm not sure what Trinket said."
Briar says, "Oh, Trinket wishes for us to win the race."
"Thank you, Trinket," Epel says.
Trinket tinks in response, meaning you're welcome.