Tales of the Leaf and Dragon:
Friday, October 31, 2014
Ashland, Oregon

Sir Thomas Leaf, Lady Etain, and Cian – the Prince of Endurance crashed in town the previous night in preparation for the fabled Halloween activities that were to be held today in historic Ashland, Oregon. The longest running event in the Rogue Valley, Ashland was rumored to host one of its most spectacular events of the year. Sir Thomas Leaf was hoping it would equate to that of Manitou Spring’s Coffin races and Halloween events, but not quite the same, albeit some elements of fun from the likes of Manitou Springs in Colorado and the extinct Castro district Halloween of San Francisco. From cute to naughty the streets held their promise. They opened shop by 10 am, with face painting appointments already eager to get painted. Last minute costume needs flowed through the doors of the Leaf and Dragon. Sir Thomas Leaf and Lady Etain tried frantically to keep the Prince occupied and the customers needs attended the best they could. At times it got crowded and others a lull for a breathe of relief. Lady Etain took the young prince in his chariot off to the parade to view some of the festivities and marvel at the glorious costumes running around the streets. Young Cian got in his 2nd year of trick-or-treating with a nice pumpkin bucket full of goodies. Back at the Leaf and Dragon, Sir Thomas Leaf was greeting little gremlins and princesses giving them baggies of non-sugar treats from glow-in-the-dark rubber duckies, spider rings, pirate coins, fruit snacks, and pirate booty puffs. They depleted the booty box. As evening fell Lady Etain headed over to the grocers for some finger food, fruit, hummus, and pumpkin pie for their evening guests while Sir Thomas Leaf brought out the Kraken, Druid’s Fluid, Mead, Fruit Juice, and drinks for their soiree. A small gathering of friends came into the doors after the shop had closed to join their friends for Halloween cheer. Musical tunes off Pandora with Zombie Girl, Faun, Omnia, and the like while great conversations were had. After 9:30 pm, Sir Thomas Leaf, Lady Etain, prince Cian, Sir Gypsy Spinner, and Lady Krista headed off downtown to view the amazing costumes, convers with strangers, and make ghoulish. Lady Krista ‘tricked’ and ‘treated’ every single passerby with a ‘high five’. As the prince of Endurance lost his energy the parents were soon off for their commute home to put him to rest. On the way out of town they passed a pumpkin patch which apparently was having a massive jack-o-lantern carving contest they enjoyed viewing from afar. The night was had, fun was enjoyed, and the adventurers watched some Halloween flicks for a night well done.

Photos from downtown, the parade, shop, and activities: