[color=lightgray][color=#FF56A9][b][center][h3]Welcome to the Camping Event![/h3]

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The campfire crackled and hissed as the gathering of nobles drew near, drawn by the inviting glow of lanterns and the fragrant scent of pine smoke. A man stepped forward to address the crowd. He wore the uniform of a camp host, but the resemblance to Darryn Fletcher was uncanny, even if there was something subtly wrong about it.

With a practiced smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he began, [color=#7C9A50]“Welcome, friends, to Pinebrook’s Courting Season Camping Event.”[/color] His voice carried a hollow, echoing edge to it, as though coming from just behind a mask. [color=#7C9A50]“I am your host for the evening, Quinn,”[/color] he introduced himself, [color=#7C9A50]“And I am here to ensure your night under the stars is one to remember.”[/color]

Quinn’s gaze swept over the gathering, and for a moment, his face seemed to shimmer, as if the heat from the campfire made his features waver. He gestured grandly to the elegant tents, the beautifully illuminated lake, and the moonlit woods. [color=#7C9A50]“Tonight, we leave behind the comforts of Sorian and embrace the wild beauty of nature—though with the royal touch, of course.”[/color]

He stepped closer to the fire, casting shadows that danced in odd patterns across his face. [color=#7C9A50]“They say these woods have seen much through the ages, that they remember what has been lost and what still lingers,”[/color] he continued, his tone low and conspiratorial. [color=#7C9A50]“But worry not—tonight is a celebration of life, love, and the connections we may find in the most unexpected of places.”[/color]

With a raised silver goblet, Quinn offered a toast. [color=#7C9A50]“To all of you”[/color] he declared, [color=#7C9A50]“and to the bonds forged under these stars, may they lead us true through whatever trials and triumphs await.”[/color]

The crowd responded with polite applause, though some guests exchanged uneasy glances. Quinn’s eyes roamed the group, lingering on anyone who did the same toward him.

Quinn lowered the silver goblet, his smile still in place. [color=#7C9A50]“Now,”[/color] he said, his voice carrying over the crackling fire and murmurs of the crowd, [color=#7C9A50]“before we dive into the night’s grand events, I invite you all to relax, explore, and mingle. There’s a spread of delightful snacks waiting for you, carefully prepared to please even the most discerning of palates.”[/color] He gestured toward the elegantly arranged table nearby, the lanterns above casting a warm glow on the array of food.

[color=#7C9A50]“But do pace yourselves,”[/color] he added with a playful lilt, his smile twitching slightly. [color=#7C9A50]“Save room for the main event, for soon, we’ll begin our Team Cooking Competition! You’ll be working in teams with your assigned camping partner.”[/color] His eyes scanned the crowd, noting any reactions of curiosity or excitement. [color=#7C9A50]“If you’d like to participate, or if you have any questions about your partner or the competition, do come to me. I’d be more than happy to assist.”[/color]

Quinn clasped his hands together, and the firelight seemed to shimmer around him for a split second. [color=#7C9A50]“Until then, enjoy the company of your fellow guests, the beauty of Pinebrook, and perhaps a moment of peace before the friendly competition begins.”[/color] He stepped back, his eyes still keenly observing, as the guests began to disperse toward the refreshments and each other.[/color]