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| - The celebration and revelry has ended in , yet many have lingered to enjoy the festival treats they won from carnival games and to trade for those last few Jade Wind Orbs needed to obtain the prized Dragon Mask from a newly-arrived collector. Despite the mysterious appearance of the demonic horde that terrorized Shing Jea Island shortly after the start of the festivities, the Dragon Festival was a huge success. With the leadership of Captain Rujiyo and the aid of numerous volunteers who took up arms against the threat, Shing Jea has been cleansed of the demon invaders and the citizens of Shing Jea have resumed their normal daily activities. Not to imply that the battle was easily won—far from it. The demons fought with an unnatural strength that far outweighed the soldiers stationed on the island. If more experienced soldiers from the mainland and Tyria had not been in attendance for the festival, our beloved monastery would surely have been overtaken by the beasts. Fortunately, the rifts have all been sealed, and the demons appear to have been pushed out of our lands—for now. Despite the demonic invasion, most festival-goers were in high spirits and participated in the many carnival games set up outside the monastery. Many played throughout the night and on until dawn in the Nine Rings and Rings of Fortune. Others tested their skill in the Dragon Arena or chased hatchlings in the Dragon's Nest. The games weren't the only part of Shing Jea Island to be packed with happy celebrants. Many brave soldiers, from right here in Cantha and as far as the distant shores of Tyria, answered the emperor's call for aid in defense of our beautiful homeland. Whether they came for adventure, fun, or duty, voyagers from all known regions of our world were in attendance of this most extraordinary Dragon Festival. The final day of the Dragon Festival came sooner than I wished, but I withdrew back to the monastery to witness the finale, which lived up to my expectations in every way. The battle against the demonic invaders was all but won, and the emperor arrived to reward those who aided in the Canthan victory with a Dragon Mask. (I am proudly wearing mine as I write this scroll.) And then, amid the celebration, the demonic beasts attacked the monastery! We valiantly guarded the Celestial Essence that they coveted and after a furious fight repelled their wicked army. As a reward for our courageous defense, the Imperial Sorcerers put on a grand show in the sky, complete with presents that descended into the very hands of the festival-goers. What a fitting end to a glorious Dragon Festival! Despite the attack, Cantha remains stronger than ever. Our victory has a special significance because it echoes the purpose of the original Dragon Festival: to celebrate the survival and endurance of our fine empire in the face of treachery and danger. I would be so bold as to say this was the greatest Dragon Festival to date. Praise be to Dwayna for smiling upon us these last few days, and long live the Dragon Empire!
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![[RDF Data]](/fct/images/sw-rdf-blue.png)