Mistic Pets

Welcome to Issue 20
Created by The Mistic Pets Team

The Annual Tarinooki Ostara Contest
Written By gemajgall

Many know of the Tarinooki's love of art and painting. However, very few realize that Ostara is an extremely special holiday for the little critters. In fact, it is many Tarinooki's favorite holiday. The spring muses are in full bloom, the vivid berries have returned, and, most importantly, it is time for the annual Tarinooki Ostara Contest!

For years, this contest and celebration has been off-limits to outsiders and so few have acknowledged its existence. However, this year this reporter was able to get in close for this exclusive article by disguising herself as a tree for eight days straight. Hiding in the hollow long before the first Tarinooki arrived, she watched without moving as Tarinooki from various regions entered and greeted one another. They all brought fruit and vegetables to share and many came in carrying plain Ostara eggs.

After a large communal feast with much chattering, each Tarinooki broke from the others carrying an egg. They took various places in the treetops and on the floor of the clearing, placing their eggs carefully to receive optimum sunlight. They would look around furtively, making sure no other Tarinooki was spying on them as they began to work. Some even made a veil out of branches to protect themselves from prying eyes, making a temporary art studio for themselves.

Then, they painted. For most of the afternoon the clearing was quiet which contrasted the prior feast. Every single Tarinooki was intensely focused on their artwork. This reporter longed to move and view the creative processes, but moving would have surely disrupted this festival which was clearly very important to them.

Just before sunset, all the Ostara eggs had finished drying. With extra care, the Tarinooki carried their work to the middle of the clearing, covered over in leaves so that no one could yet see the final product. They lined them up side-by-side and took a few steps back, forming an audience around their masterpieces.

One by one, they stepped forward and unveiled their artwork. This reporter has never seen more vivid or intricate Ostara eggs ever. One was made which such complex lines and patterns that it made your eyes dizzy trying to follow it. Another was painted with leaves so realistic it was nearly impossible to tell it apart from the meadow's floor.

Among the best, judging from the reactions of the Tarinooki present, was an egg inspired by Aurelius. Its colors were so radiant they seemed to glow—a person could lose themselves in the hues. Another was based on a flock of Skillow flying into the sunset as shadow fell across the grassland. Such attention was given to detail that it looked like the Skillow would fly off of the shell at any moment!

However, the winner by popular vote was a Tarinooki whose egg was based off of the daydream sprites. Smooth tree bark had been added and painted, giving the egg the appearance of wings. Every color in the rainbow had been used and more. When it was unveiled, the watching Tarinooki burst into applause. Granted, some other contenders seemed sulky and reluctant to admit their art wasn't quite as impressive; however, this one was the winner in the end.

In a final display of Ostara spirit, the Tarinooki exchanged their eggs, giving their work to a Tarinooki whom this reporter is guessing is a close friend or family member. They all parted on amicable terms as the sun set, carrying wonderfully decorated eggs with them.

This reporter hopes that in the future, outsiders might be more welcomed to participate in this festival. She also knows that at this time next year, she will be pretending to be a tree again just for the chance to witness it one more time.

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