Her brown gaze fell upon the gathered crowd of all kinds of animals. Horses were always the largest part of the crowd, but it didn't stop others from coming to enjoy the celebration and spectacle that was to happen on the third night. It was a moment of peace, a truce between the carnivorous and the herbivorous. Any who didn't comply were swiftly overwhelmed and pushed out, and that was one of the reasons she was so eager to arrive. It meant, even just for a time, she would be completely safe from predators, from bachelors, from others who dared to do her harm.

Her eyes opened again, her smile easily turning to a big grin as the animals in the gathered grassland meadow pranced and frolicked, chattering away. She set into a jolly pace, ears perking with interest towards groups she passed. No one seemed to pay her too much mind as she trotted along--but that was far from a slight. Her gaze flitted across some of the bushes, catching sight of the twitching and fluttering wings--watching as butterflies swept into the air as galloping foals passed a little too close to the bush. They settled right back down.

She abruptly halted as those same foals nearly crashed into her, scampering away with a cheery apology and giggles. Ewelen's own giggle joined, though she simply continued on her path.

Slowly, she picked her way towards where volunteers were starting to stockpile foods for the feast to come, her brown eyes flickering over what was already there. Fruits, nuts, grasses, herbs. Considering the Eventide had yet to truly start, the stockpile was already impressive--and she had no doubt it would only get bigger as more and more animals brought their offerings.

Further, towards the Marsh, a rather large silhouette. The depiction of the Veilspinner, chiseled from a dark volcanic stone, tendrils of silvery silk wrapped around him. His many legs were cast free from his body, forming a halo around him--monstrous in form, but his expression…a father's. Filled with love, empathy, pride and understanding. Even from this distance, she could see it--feel it. A warm welcome, from the father of all. It earned a warmth in her chest, and a small smile drew across her lips. Yes. Welcoming. Something she wished everyone could feel, all of the time.

"Enjoying the view?" a voice piped up close by, startling Ewelen. Her gaze shot over to who it belonged to, spotting a small-statured…donkey. She offered a bright smile, head tilting to the side as she responded, "Yes, I am. I love it every year I've been to the Eventide. Are you?"

"Always," he chuckled and hummed, flashing her a similar smile, "It's a breath of fresh air, seeing everyone getting along like this. A nice change, from the uh…usual brutality of the Isle."

"Agreed," Ewelen hummed, "I wish it were like this all the time."

"Truly? I think that's the first time I've heard a wild bay say that," the donkey spoke, his brows raised in surprise, "I was always under the impression you were the fiery sort."

"Excuse me," Ewelen laughed, "I am a fiery sort! But…just because it would be peaceful, doesn't mean there wouldn't be ways of flaunting our fire, our strength. There are challenges that this Isle throws at us all the time, and it's not always a predator, or another horse."

"I see," the burro laughed softly, "My mistake, then, Fire-lady." Ewelen rolled her eyes playfully as the donkey laughed a little more. A jolly type, it seemed. He wandered a little closer, ears perking as he offered Ewlen another smile, "I've a proposal for you, Fire-lady. A challenge that should be plenty of fun for both you and I."

"Oh? What do you have in mind?" She asked, brows raising as her interest was piqued. Seemingly knowing he caught her attention, the donkey couldn't help the boyish grin on his face, "A race. To the Veilspinner's statue, and back here."

"A race, hm? What's in it for the winner?"

"Well, Fire-lady…if you win, then I will do as you say. If I win…become my Eventide partner. I'd love to dance, when the time comes," he spoke, head tilting as he gave his offer. Ewelen's eyes flickered over the donkey curiously, skeptically--all in play.

"If you wanted to dance, you could have just asked," she teased, "But, since you insist on playing this challenge of speed…I agree. Let's race."