Imiut leaned against the wall, watching the party unfold around him. It wasn't that he was trying to avoid it; he just wasn’t quite sure how to act in such company.

"Everything okay, my friend? You seem nervous."

Next to him stood a shorter canine figure adorned with an ornate headdress and numerous accessories. His eyes were intense pools of light and color, while large fangs and a long tongue hung from his open mouth.

"I know, Xolotl," Imiut replied. "My 'one thousandth incarnation.' I'm just... not sure I really belong here." He surveyed the festive atmosphere.

The venue was decorated with balloons, and a large buffet table filled with various foods lined one wall. All the guests—mythical creatures—were engaged in laughter, small talk, and enjoying the feast. Imiut felt somewhat overwhelmed.

"I understand you just woke up," Xolotl said sympathetically, "but believe me, you definitely belong here. There's no doubt about it."

Imiut nodded. "I know. I just wish I had a bit more time to adjust before..."

"Why, hello there!" a friendly voice called from across the room.

Imiut froze. The hairs on the back of his neck bristled as another figure approached.

This one was also large but in a different manner: a fox-shaped being with four legs, wearing a nice button-up shirt and a bright purple vest. Small flames danced around him, trailing multiple fluffy tails.

"Rythven," Imiut mumbled.

"Nice to see you again, too, Imiut!" the fox beamed, reaching out for a handshake.

Imiut hesitated. A feeling nagged at him, making him wary, like shaking hands with a slimy salesman. He didn’t know Rythven, yet something in his inherited memory stirred.

But hospitality won out; he took Rythven's hand and shook it firmly, even when Rythven held it a moment too long.

"What a big event!" Rythven exclaimed. "Your one thousandth incarnation! I’m thrilled to be here." He glanced at the open box in Imiut’s hand and turned to Xolotl. "Ah. Was that your gift?"

"No, it was from Cerberus." Xolotl sounded annoyed.

"And it's a fantastic gift," Imiut defended, slightly irritated by the disdain in Rythven's voice.

"Of course! But I have a gift truly befitting a god of your stature!" Rythven declared, raising a hand grandly.

"Attention, everyone! I will present my gift to Imiut!" Rythven shouted, ensuring everyone could hear.

Xolotl shook his head. "We’re not really doing that, Ryth. Just give your present to..."

Canine eyes from all directions turned to Rythven. With a pleased grin, he began moving his flaming motes in swirling patterns, drawing eager spectators closer.

"My friends," Rythven announced, "we are here today to celebrate a momentous occasion for one of our own..."

"We know why we're here," came an uninterested murmur from the crowd.

Rythven ignored them. The flames swirled faster and coalesced into shape...

Suddenly, with a pop, they materialized into a body that hit the floor with a thump.

Dazed, you lay there on the ground.

"What... what is this?" Imiut asked, equally stunned.

"Your gift!" Rythven declared with flair. "The refreshments here hardly suit your divine nature, so I thought I’d offer you a meal worthy of a god!"

Imiut stared at you, his mind struggling to process Rythven's words.

"Rythven," a stern voice came from Cerberus, who stood at a distance among the crowd. "This is hardly an appropriate gift for..."

Rythven shrugged exaggeratedly. "Regardless of your opinion, the gift has been given!" He turned back to Imiut. "So, enjoy it, my friend!"

Imiut gulped, stepping forward and kneeling beside you.

You sat up, shaking your head, eyes widening as you took in the strange assembly of partygoers surrounding you. Imiut sighed. "I’m really very sorry about this," he whispered, keeping his voice low so only you could hear. "But I literally cannot refuse."