18.00 PM
The sun was already dipping toward the west when Elian and Mira arrived at Eldergate. Its golden rays bathed the streets, casting long shadows as the city bustled with activity. The marketplace was crowded, and the energy of the people heightened with each passing moment as everyone prepared for the Full Moon Festival, a celebration marking the second month in the Aeloria calendar—Lunaris.
"Wow, look how vibrant and beautiful everything is!" Mira exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she ran ahead of Elian, pointing at the colorful lanterns hanging above the streets. "We need to buy lots of lanterns, brother! We have to decorate our house!"
"Alright, but we also need to get some food," Elian replied with a smile, unable to resist Mira's infectious enthusiasm.
As they continued walking through the lively streets, the aroma of different foods wafted through the air, tempting their senses. "Look at that, brother!" Mira pointed at a cart selling freshly baked stuffed bread. "Can we buy some?"
Elian nodded. "Sure, but let's manage our coins wisely." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a few copper coins. "We have enough for some bread."
After purchasing the bread, they moved on, making their way toward the heart of the marketplace. The sound of children's laughter mingled with the calls of merchants advertising their wares, creating an atmosphere of joy. Elian felt a sense of contentment watching the cheerful faces around them, but there was also a lingering concern at the back of his mind, stirred by the rumors about unrest near the border.
"Do you feel like something's off?" Elian asked Mira as they passed through the crowd. "I heard some traders talking about trouble at the border."
Mira furrowed her brows. "I don't know, maybe they're exaggerating. We should focus on the festival!"
"You're right, let's enjoy our time here," Elian agreed, though the unease refused to leave him completely. They continued shopping, gathering various items they needed for the festival—meats, fruits, and spices.
"Look! They're selling lanterns already!" Mira exclaimed, rushing over to a stall where an old vendor was displaying shimmering lanterns. "Brother, that one is beautiful!"
Elian followed Mira and inspected a pair of blue and silver lanterns that twinkled in the late afternoon light. "Let's get these two, shall we?"
After purchasing the lanterns for 4 copper coins, Mira was eager to keep exploring. "We should find Lyra! I want to show her the lanterns!"
"Alright, let's head to the apothecary," Elian suggested, taking the lead. The apothecary where Lyra worked wasn't far, tucked away in a quieter corner of the marketplace.
When they entered the shop, Elian immediately noticed the unique atmosphere. The walls were lined with shelves filled with colorful potion bottles, and dried herbs hung from the ceiling. The gentle sound of trickling water from a small fountain in the corner added to the shop's mysterious vibe.
"Lyra!" Mira called out, her voice brimming with excitement upon spotting her friend.
Lyra Starweaver turned around with a bright smile. Her silver hair fell straight down her back, and her pale blue eyes, speckled with silver, gleamed in the dim light. She was dressed in a deep blue robe with intricate silver embroidery, resembling constellations scattered across the night sky. Despite being a novice witch, she carried herself with an air of confidence.
"Mira! Elian! Are you both here for the festival?"
"Yes! We've bought lots of things already!" Mira beamed, proudly showing off the lanterns they had just purchased.
"That's wonderful! You can't miss the Full Moon Festival, after all," Lyra said cheerfully, though Elian sensed something off in her tone. Beneath her smile was a faint hint of worry.
"Is everything alright?" Elian asked, his instincts picking up on her unease. "I overheard some rumors about tension at the border."
Lyra's smile faltered as her expression turned more serious. "Yes, the situation isn't ideal. Archmage Louis, who usually oversees Eldergate, had to leave for Aether, the city of mages, to help manage the tension there."
Elian felt a tightness in his chest. "So without him, Eldergate is...?"
"Yes, we're more vulnerable," Lyra confirmed, her voice soft but resolute. "But we must carry on. We can't let fear ruin our spirits. That's why we celebrate. To remind ourselves that light prevails, even in the darkest of times."
Mira looked confused, her brows furrowed. "But what if something bad happens?"
"Don't worry, Mira. We'll be alright," Elian assured her, though a part of him was unsettled. "As long as we're together, we can face anything."
Lyra nodded, her gaze steady. "And besides, we have magic to protect us. I've been working on some protective potions that we can use during the festival. It's important we come together and show that we're not afraid."
Elian was comforted by Lyra's words. The tension in his chest eased as he saw the confidence on her face. "By the way," he added, glancing around the shop, "where's Lady Seladris? She usually scolds you about your potion displays."
Lyra sighed, rolling her eyes dramatically. "My mentor is busy at the city council. She's meeting with the mayor to discuss Eldergate's defenses. Even though we're far from the border, we still need to be prepared."
"Ah, that makes sense," Elian said. "But enough about that. Show us these potions you've been working on!"
Grinning, Lyra eagerly led them to a table where several gleaming vials were lined up. She picked up a small bottle filled with a shimmering blue liquid. "This is a protective potion," she explained, holding it up to the light. "It will form a barrier around you in case of danger. And this one," she said, picking up another vial, "is for healing. I've been perfecting the recipe."
Elian inspected the potions carefully, feeling a bit more at ease with every explanation. It helped knowing that Lyra had been preparing for anything that might happen. After thanking her, he and Mira bid farewell to Lyra and stepped back out into the busy streets.
The sky had darkened considerably by then, and lanterns had been lit throughout the marketplace, casting a warm glow over the city. The atmosphere was festive, with music and laughter filling the air as the townspeople gathered for the main event.
"Look at all the lanterns lighting up!" Mira's face lit up in wonder as she gazed at the sky. "This is going to be so beautiful!"
"Yes, we should head over to the festival grounds," Elian said, excitement building within him. "Let's hope everything goes smoothly."
As they made their way to the main square, Elian couldn't shake a lingering feeling of unease. He glanced up at the darkening sky, hoping that the peace and joy of the festival would overshadow the ominous rumors.
"This is a time to celebrate, so stop worrying!" Mira teased, sensing his thoughts. "Everything will be fine."
Elian smiled, her words giving him a sense of comfort. "You're right, Mira. Let's enjoy the festival!"
With that, they dashed off toward the heart of the celebrations, joining the throngs of people laughing and cheering beneath the glowing lanterns. For tonight, at least, they would celebrate unity and hope. Even as the shadows loomed beyond the walls of Eldergate, Elian was determined to make the night one of joy and remembrance, a beacon of light in the darkness to come.
--> To be continued