During Midsummer in the year 1363DR, the Lathanderite priestess made an effort to organise a suitable gathering for the year's liveliest, penultimate festive day. Merchants were encouraged to promote their wares, artists and craftsmen their creations, and primarily - people of skill, talent and an adventurous spirit were summoned to attend contests. In the end, a King, Knight, and Mistress of Midsummer were announced in that evening and several prizes were handed out. These were Merney Valroc, Hjalmar Godefroy and Aleira Nemesk respectively - though other titles were won as well, such as that of Songmaster by Nathaniel Askovar.
The priestess attempted to persuade traders to sponsor events and for as many people to make an appearance as possible, despite the uncharacteristic chilliness of the weather. At least no rain, fog or snow graced the festivities, only faint clouds and sunshine.
Meetings
Outside of the above festival, Artemis has spent most of her time within city walls in the past tendays. She has been hosting meetings at Angel's Court 5, a building with a balcony in the Old Quarter of Sarshel, as well as in the Sailor's Star and once even in the Heltharn Theatre.
Prospectors, traders, artists, philosophers, philanthropists, idealists, craftsmen are the ones she welcomes; if she can get her hands on a 'rivetting character', she invites them. Adventurers as well! Given that Sarshel is no metropolis, though, or a sprawling hub of culture, these gatherings may not be glorious, massive or an every day occurance; but Artemis tries to make the best of them.
Among flowers, pieces of art, in warmth and in light, Artemis' goal is to nurture ideas and bring people together. Sarshel, she reasons, needs these moments all the more to recover from Mirtul 7th and to move forward during a harsh year. All the energy that summer could muster had to be used to move, mingle, manifest a better, stronger community.
During these meetings lady D'Assanthe rarely speaks herself, trying to give center-stage to her guests. Perhaps this is all the more true the past months ever since she's earned a (now rather faint) jagged scar along her jawline, which may disrupt an otherwise refined image. She keeps the meetings organised with a clear flow and structure, and entertains attendants who have a harder time interacting. All in all, she is open but always seeks to be eloquent and influencial with her convictions.An Example Pamphlet wrote:Esteemed acquaintance,
You have been invited to the Sunrose Open Affair held tomorrow at three bells in Angel Court 5. Your attendance is highly anticipated and requested, alongside any and all who are eager to harness the potential within your field of craft, trade, or artisanship.
Meet great minds, share yours, and discover here your next bustling opportunity. Where there is a 'we', there is a way.
Special guests will be Ms. Coretta Reen of the Heltharn Theatre, Mr. Orpim Quickfoot and Ms. Mersa Posht.
Host will be Artemis D'Assanthe, Dawnbringer.
OOC: While these merchant meetings wouldn't happen in game, nothing stops PCs from saying they attended them! Artemis would happily invite other characters to the meetings either as guest speakers or as guests; Maera Thlantyr, Lori Peveril, Nathaniel Askovar, Marcellus Heldeion, Wynna Blackwing, Thomas Page, Isendor Draal, Kelda and Jerek Adler, Abigail Beaumont, Westin Highridge, Perry Quietfoot, Aleira Nemesk, Merney Valroc, Casavir, (even risking Jun and Hjalmar Godefroy!) are just a few of the PCs that she would be happy to see there.