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"Colour Amidst the Grey" by kalnya
The Lunar Festival was supposed to be the most joyous holiday on the Shenkuuvian calendar. Throughout the empire would normally be seen bright colours, and be heard reciprocal well-wishes, against the backdrop of Neopoints chinking into the hands of gleeful merchants. Now, mere weeks to the start of the festival, the atmosphere felt distinctly lacking in festiveness. Though the people still went about shopping and preparing for New Year as usual, their smiles were more forced, and the jingling of their wallets less pronounced. Even on the other side of the world, the encroaching Grey Curse cast a pall over Shenkuu. The muted morale was further compounded by the absence of the revered Emperor, who was attending an emergency council in Altador. Crown Princess Lunara was troubled over how to lift the people's spirits and asked various officials for advice. Eyebrows were raised, however, when she announced her intention to consult Imperial Astrologer Yueling; there was a famous joke at court that the Princess kept the keeper of the Shenkuu Lunar Temple at a distance that sought to rival that of Kreludor's from Neopia. The post of Imperial Astrologer demanded of its holder to not only maintain the official lunar calendar, but to also serve as lore-keeper and diviner.

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