Mistic Pets

Welcome to Issue 34
Created by The Mistic Pets Team

Second Annual Tarinooki Ostara Contest
Written By gemajgall

Once again, it's that time of year! The spring flowers are blooming, the birds have returned from their southern journeys, and Pandoria's birthday quickly approaches. This reporter discovered last year that a secluded glen deep within Darkwood Hollow is used to hold the annual Tarinooki Ostara Contest. Although traditionally and completely off-limits to all outsiders, this reporter was once again able to get the undercover scoop by hiding under a rock for a week straight.

As Pandoria's birthday nears, Tarinooki from all over Mistica gather to celebrate. All kinds of colors and themes can be seen, from northern to tropical to oceanic. I cannot fathom how far many of them travel, but they all seem to be in high spirits when they arrive.

They all come with fruit and nuts from their own region, compiling a wonderful feast for all to share. Centered at the middle of the feast are uncolored Ostara eggs. Needless to say, many Tarinooki eye up those eggs the whole feast—the lack of color surely must bother them.

After an entire afternoon of eating, the tails of the Tarinooki are brighter than I have ever seen. It is my theory that the feast is a forerunner to the painting; it gives them the natural dyes necessary to perform at their best. Several even make use of nearby stones in order to file—no, shape—their claws into the perfect painting tools.

In the early evening, the Ostara contest begins. The Tarinooki select their eggs, carefully examining each to ensure they have the perfect canvas. They then scatter around the clearing, finding a private place to begin their art, etching their own dyes across the surface. Some aim for realistic pieces using fine lines and intricate details while others wash their egg with bright colors for an abstract motif. Everything in the clearing is fairly silent as these small artists work. The expressions of focus and joy as they create truly tugs at the heart.

Once they finish, they line their colored eggs in a row for judging. Everyone who participated seems to be a judge, and they all analyze and vote on their favorites. I, personally, am glad I don't have that task; it is impossible. Every single Ostara egg is so unique and well-crafted that determining a winner is far from an easy task.

One exceptional egg was done by an oceanic Tarinooki. It had managed to capture the vibrant light, rigid contours, and lively vitality of Sango Reef. Light reflected off of painted coral, making the whole work seem nearly three dimensional. Another simply followed an intricate geometric pattern, one a hundred times more complicated than anything from Knotty Nook. Lines wove in and out with meticulous precision, never once deviating in the slightest.

Yet still others managed to capture brief moments in the landscape such as when the sun sets or the moon rises. Some had even attached bits of leaves, twigs, and discarded ribbon, turning their egg into a type of collage. But the winner this year was painted by a simple, normal Tarinooki. This Tarinooki had managed to capture Pandoria's likeness down to her whiskers. Every stroke added the texture of fur across her snout and folds in the fabric of her robes. Radiating energy seemed to pulse in her outstretched hand. Even her eyes seemed to sparkle with life. The winning Tarinooki was humble and gracious, but I could see pride in its work.

Once the eggs had all been judged, the Tarinooki began to exchange them with each other. My theory still stands that they give their eggs to friends and family members. With their gift eggs in tow, bit by bit they begin to exit the clearing. Some appear to say a final farewell; others look at the sky or gather the remaining food. As the sun sets, the clearing is deserted. A few Cricat begin to chirp—all signs of the festival have vanished.

And so another Ostara has come and gone. May many blessings come from and be given to Pandoria. And may these diligent artists continue their traditions; this reporter will again be waiting to see the Ostara Contest again next year.

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