Jet descended the mountain leading to the central portion of the Garden of Light where the enduring plane and it's unknown danger a sign caught her eye.

The Harvest of Bonnyton is underway. All are welcome.

Jet hesitated, while she felt the need to continue her quest, her avatar was fatigued. She was at ninety percent effectiveness. In the Colossal Machine it was possible to go days without rest, but in hardcore mode a player's avatar would suffer without rest.

A small break wouldn't hurt. I need to be rested for the whatever was waiting for me.

Jet decided to make a detour toward the village. The closer she got to the village, the vegetation improved. The white substance was less noticeable. Something rustled in some nearby bushes. She thought she saw something out of the corner of her eye. After a moment of looking, she dismissed it. A lot of small animals hunted in the woods and meadows nearby. She followed a curved path for what seemed like hours. It narrowed as it led into an outcropping of woods. The sound of running water indicated that one of the main rivers was nearby.

The plain is just beyond these woods.

As she entered the wood, a rope bridge and the village of Bonnyton were just ahead. Festive music consisting of violins, lutes, flutes, and guitars filled the woods with merriment. She was looking forward to meeting the villagers. Perhaps she would rent a room at the local inn.

"Stop! Who goes there?"

Jet shot a glance in the direction of the voice and didn't see anyone.

"I'm just a humble mage," Jet said.

"You are more than that," the voice said.

Jet couldn't tell the gender of the voice. It sounded different, similar to that of a child. Moments later, something poked her with something blunt, like a broomstick.

"Ouch,I mean you no harm."

Several halflings emerged from the behind trees. Some disguised themselves as scrubs or other vegetation.

"We are the town guard and you're trespassing here."

"I have not left the path. And besides, I'm here for the festival."

"Oh, well, that's not for you. Now I'd suggest that you get a move on before I screwer you with my spear."

"Very well, then please accept my apologies. I shall be on my way."

Jet raised her staff and started the incantation that would transfer her to the nearest waypoint.

"She's the Grand Magi!" another voice shouted.

Her casting was interrupted by another poke from a stick.

"Stop it," Jet said.

"Oh, please forgive him. He's just trying to protect the village. We recently suffered an attack from a group of Trombocrocks," a woman's voice said.

An old woman approached. Jet couldn't tell her age. She was surrounded by several attendants.

"Well, that explains your hostility, but why advertise a festival when you have no intention of inviting others?"

The old woman gave her a look of embarrassment.

"I'm afraid the festival is canceled for outsiders. Jonbo, the festival organizer, must have forgotten to take the sign down."

"As I told your town guard, I wish your people no harm."

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Of course, you are the Grand Magi, the purest of heart and soul. Forgive our lack of manners. I'm Sarafen, the steward of the village."

Jet bowed before the woman. Even though she was significantly taller, she did her best to appear less imposing.

"The Grand Magi shall be invited to the festival as an honored guest."

"Of course," the guard said.

Jet was led into the village without further incident. Jet knew the halflings as peaceful people. If they started attacking outsiders, then there was a reason for it and it wasn't just the Trombocrocks.

She kept pace with the old woman as they entered the village. She didn't want to risk insulting these people.

"How did you know I was the Grand Magi?"

"You dress like a lessor magic user, but I recognize you."

Jet looked confused.

"I attended the proclamation ceremony when you ascended. But something is different."

"Some of my powers were taken away during the transference into this realm," Jet said.

The old woman looked sad.

"The constructs are failing, you are our only hope at restoring them. But my people will help if we can."

The music of the festival intensified as Jet and Sarafin entered the center of the village square. The nearby structures resembled mud huts more than any man made structure. Most of the villagers wore no shoes. The woman wore long dresses, and the men were dressed in leather. A group of villagers danced while others prepared food and made up tables for an upcoming feast. Children chased after each other and played games. She followed the old woman to a group of seats overlooking the town center. A group of attendants brought Jet a human sized chair and placed it next to the old woman's.

"Sit, we shall discuss as we watch the celebration."

Jet was surprised at how comfortable the chair was. Trays of food and drink were offered. Several of the dishes she didn't recognize, some of the entrees moved.

"This is leafen. It is made from grub worms and cabbage. It sustains the body, but isn't very tasty. The trick is to eat it as soon as you lay eyes on it."

A sour taste permeated her mouth when she took a hesitant bite. She didn't want to risk a diplomatic incident and more pokes with the guard's spear, so she ate the leaf substance as quickly.

Jet enjoyed the hospitality of the villagers well into the evening. One of the many dances intrigued Jet. A younger woman danced in front of a series of boys about her age. She picked one to dance with at a time. The remaining boys stomped and clapped in time with the music. The energy built as each boy danced. Soon, they all danced together as onlookers cheered.

"What is this dance called?" Jet asked.

"It's called the paring ceremony. When a girl is confirmed as a woman, she may start the courtship process."

"How are the suitors selected?"

"The parents of the girl must approve of any possible mate. She is free to spend time with a potential suitor. Intimacy is forbidden until the mating ritual is complete."

Jet was fascinated by the amount of complexity the online world had. The development team hired writers to develop the backstory for each race in the Colossal Machine. That's why it took months, sometimes years, to develop an expansion. During previous play testing sessions, she had given a lot of focus on the magic and leveling process. She was happy that she took the time to explore the world in more depth. If the constructs fell, then this world would be wiped and started anew. She shuddered to think of what evil Lord Aldoor had in store. Jet was broken out of her thoughts when cheers of excitement filled the square.

"The girl has selected a mate. Now, they both will be tested."

"Tested how?" Jet asked.

"The female will be sent on a vision quest to determine her leadership potential. The male will undergo the trials of manhood."

"So, are males not allowed to lead?"

"During the trials, each candidate will undergo the ultimate test of readiness. If either fails then they will prepare for their lives together. If one fails, then they will need to wait another cycle before allowed to retest."

These people have strict rules on ascending to adulthood.

Jet yawned.

"Is there an inn I can rent a room for the night?" Jet asked.

"No, you shall sleep in my home tonight. We have much to discuss."

One in-game hour later, she found herself in an oversized chair across from the old woman. The fire in the hearth raged on and cast strange shadows.

"The Garden of Light has been corrupted and I fear that it may be the end of days if the pillar of Hope falls," Sarafin said.

Jet's eyes widened. She had not shared the nature of her quest with this woman or anyone else.

How can she know?

"The quest of Icarius is legendary and only can be completed by the true Grand Magi. Many have attempted it and failed. But I know in my heart that you are the true Grand Magi."

The old woman handed jet a brown cloth tied with a silver string.

"What's this?"

"Something to aid in your quest."

Jet pulled on the string. Sparkles emitted, they tingled as they touched her fingers. A soft yellow light filled the immediate area as the center was revealed. A stone, slightly smaller than the palm of her hand, emitted a warm radiance.

"What is it?" Jet asked.

"An Apostle's stone. Only the worthy can wield its power."

Sarafin took the stone and silver string from Jet and fashioned it into a necklace.

"Wear this. It will help you in your time of need. Now, forgive me as I must retire. The hour has grown late."

"Thank you... I hope I can repay your kindness some day."

"You already have."

The old woman left Jet to her thoughts. It was a long time before sleep came.