I feel a fool even writing this down. \n\nAfter dinner, I saved the sturgeon’s bones. Every last one. They weren’t golden, like in the fairy tales. But I placed them in a bowl, poured seawater over the bones, and spoke a wish anyway. \n\nWoke up this morning, and my boat still leaks. Useless, stupid story. At least I got a warm meal out of it.

The Test

Wishing Bones

Tried to repair the leak myself. I’d been at it for hours when I heard music coming from the shore. A strange, warbly flute that rose as the sun set. \n\nThe sound of music came closer, until a masked stranger stepped out from behind the trees. They lowered the flute and smiled at me. \n\n“Well met, well met! I’m hosting a little fishing competition, and I heard of a lonely fellow who happened to be one of the finest anglers on the island.”

An Unexpected Visitor

Repairing the Leak

I’m not one for flattery, so I was going to shoo this strange jester off. But then they came closer. Their eyes glinted golden behind the mask, in the light of the setting sun. \n\n“There are prizes for the biggest, most magnificent catch! Please do come. A party’s merrier with more guests!” \n\nDon’t know what made me follow. Maybe it was the music, maybe it was the chance to brag.

Flattery

Masked Flattery

Caught the biggest sturgeon of the year, and you know what the grand prize was? \n\nA new boat. The masked musician presented it to me with this knowing look, and I didn’t know what to say. \n\nNext year, I’ll search for that musician as soon as summer comes around. And I’m saving every fish’s bones.

Everfall Summer Village Chapter - NWGuide Database of Lore

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