Chapter 372: Preparation For The Festival
The air in Grafen was filled with excitement, the sound of footsteps echoing through the cobblestone streets as people rushed from one place to another, their voices a mixture of anticipation and joy. The Festival of Renewal was only a few days away, and everyone had a role to play in its preparation. Lyan had made the announcement seemingly out of nowhere, his proposal to bring hope and celebration to the city spreading like wildfire. It was an unexpected move, but it had ignited something within the hearts of the people—a chance to forget the shadows of war, even if only for a few days.
The castle’s grand gate, usually a symbol of division between nobility and the common folk, had been ordered open by Lyan himself. He wanted the festival to bridge the gap, for the castle and the city to be one. Stalls were being set up not just within the castle grounds but spilling outside, lining the streets leading up to the towering walls. It was going to be a grand celebration, one that extended far beyond the castle itself. Lyan had personally funded it, and while it had cost him over two hundred gold coins—a fortune by most standards—he knew it was worth every piece. There were things more valuable than gold: unity, laughter, hope. And for a city that had suffered the pain and hardship of recent conflicts, these were priceless.
Lyan watched as his companions took on their roles with an enthusiasm that made him smile. Belle, Xena, and Alina had thrown themselves into the task of decorating the city. Belle, with her deep knowledge of flowers and herbs, was leading the effort to create vibrant floral displays that would fill the streets with color. She had even convinced Clarisse to join them. It was late into the night when Clarisse found herself alongside them, hands stained with the bright hues of flowers, and she couldn’t help but smile. For the first time since coming to Grafen, she felt a genuine sense of belonging.
"Hey, Clarisse! Pass me that garland, would you?" Belle’s voice was cheerful as she leaned over the large table they were using to weave the decorations.
Clarisse nodded, handing over a long string of bright blue flowers, their petals still soft and fragrant. "You really know your flowers, Belle," she remarked, admiring the arrangement. "I’ve never seen anything like this."
Belle beamed, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you! Flowers have a way of making things brighter, you know? And I think we could all use a little brightness right now."
Xena, who had been busy arranging a basket of colorful ribbons, laughed softly. "Brightness, hope, joy... it all starts with the little things. I think this festival will be exactly what the city needs."
Clarisse nodded, feeling a sense of warmth spread through her chest. The idea of bringing some happiness to the people—of giving them something to celebrate after everything they’d been through—made all the hard work worth it.
In another part of the castle, Ravia and Raine were busy overseeing the vendors setting up their stalls. The marketplace outside the castle gates was bustling with activity as merchants arranged their wares—jewelry, clothes, food, everything needed for a proper celebration. Abraham, the castle’s steward, was directing people with the help of Althea, the head maid, both of them ensuring that everything was in order. The air was filled with the shouts of vendors and the clatter of setting up stalls, a cheerful chaos that spoke of promise.
Ravia glanced over her shoulder, spotting Raine gesturing towards one of the vendors. "Make sure the canopy’s secure," Raine instructed, her tone firm but kind. "We wouldn’t want any accidents during the festival."
Ravia smiled, turning to Abraham. "Looks like everything’s coming along well. This might actually be fun."