Submission (#408) Approved

(921 words. Permission for the using characters was received)

On the Eternia, Halloween night was the most anticipated night of the year. The forests and trees where the snugzi lived lit up with a soft phosphorescent light, and the air was filled with the smells of sweet pumpkin pies and caramel. Each snugzi eagerly prepared for the festivities, pulling out their creepiest (or cutest) costumes to participate in an age-old tradition - "Rustling." This wasn't just handing out candy, but an entire ritual that brought the entire community together.

Deep in the woods, in a tall tree, in a cozy little house in the branches, Sheepie was frantically running around the house, checking every detail of her costume. This Halloween she wanted to be the scariest witch ever with plush horns that looked slightly rotten. She decided to make them out of dried twigs and doused them with sweet syrup to create a "living decay" effect. Now her task was to find the magic broom, which she had stuck somewhere, but as usual, she forgot where.

- Wolfie, have you seen my broom? - she shouted, looking under her blankets and throwing books and toys off the shelves.

Wolfie was sitting on the balcony of their cottage, lazily chewing on a caramel stick, watching the fireflies gather around the tree. His costume, which was a ghost with huge blue horns, was long since finished. He slowly turned his head and shrugged.

- Maybe it's in the candy chest? - He suggested lazily.

Sheepie gasped. Sure enough, the broom was hidden where she kept her supply of treats for Rustling. She dashed over to the chest and, after shifting a few boxes of candy, found a broom decorated with little pumpkins.

- Yay! Now I'm definitely ready! - she said with a satisfied smile.

Meanwhile, snugzis were already starting to flock to the Tree. The time was drawing near. Adults and children were preparing to walk the forest trails collecting candy and sweets. Little snugzis dressed as creepy monsters and tiny ghosts ran merrily through the branches, leaving behind the scent of fruity candy.

A noise outside the door heralded the start of the ceremony. Wolfie lifted the edge of his ghost costume, peering outside.

- Time to come out. The snugzis have gathered, - he remarked.

Sheepie hurried to the door, clutching her broom and adjusting her horns. She looked great, like a small but intimidating witch with a touch of caramel goo.

They made their way down the tree ladders leading from their house to the main path where the others had gathered. Everyone was in costume: some had turned into a plush zombie with dangling strings, some into a glowing creature made of stardust. The little snugzis laughed merrily and shook their blankets, encouraging each other to get started celebrating.

The tradition of Rustling was to go around the forest, passing the homes of other members, and collect treats by shouting the old phrase in the ancient Snugzi language, "Rustle-Rustle, I'm waiting for treats, but don't scare me in the leafes!" After these words, the hosts handed out candy - lollipops in the shape of little bats, soft marshmallow figurines and caramel candies.

Sheepie and Wolfie quickly joined the crowd, striding along with their friends. Leaves rustled softly under their feet and fireflies danced around them, lighting the way. The festivities were in full swing as the snugzis laughed, talked, and exchanged candy. Some even exchanged homemade amulets that were supposed to ward off the evil spirits of the night.

Along the way Wolfie lifted his head and looked up at the starry sky. There was something magical about this night, when it seemed that the whole forest, every corner of it, was breathing with the life and energy of Halloween. The moon hung low over the horizon, illuminating every branch, every crumb of blankets fluttering in the wind.

- I've always loved this night,- he said thoughtfully. - It's like we're all becoming part of some ancient history.

Sheepie looked at him and smiled.

- Because we are. Every year we write that history anew.

They walked through a few more houses, picking up their treats. As they approached the home of the village's oldest snugzi, it became apparent that his house was particularly elaborately decorated. The branches were braided with glowing threads, and elegantly carved pumpkins stood at the entrance.

- Let's see what he has prepared this time,- Sheepie said with a smile.

They knocked on the door, shouting their phrase, "Rustle-Rustle, I'm waiting for treats, but don't scare me in the leafes!" The door slowly opened and the owner appeared before them, dressed in an ancient stargazer costume with a long robe and staff.

- Greetings, young snugzis! - he said with a smile. - Treats await you. But first, answer my puzzling question.

Everyone froze. It was tradition - to get a treat from the wise man, you had to solve his riddle. He cleared his throat and pronounced:

- What in the world is as soft as plush and shines brighter than all the stars?

Sheepie looked at Wolfie and smiled slyly.

- It's our friendship,- she said, looking at the old man.

Snugzi laughed and clapped his hands together.

- That's right! And for that you get the best candy ever!

He handed them a basket of delicious sweets. Sheepie and Wolfie thanked him and went on down the trail, enjoying every moment of this magical night.

Halloween on Eternia was more than just a holiday. It was a night when snugzis feel part of something bigger - a magic that connected them to the stars and the ancient legends of their world.

Reward	Amount
Glider Popsicle	1
Star Bone Candy	1
Droplitz	10
Trick or Treat	1