A test

As Ren crossed the courtyard, the afternoon sun bled toward the horizon, staining the sky in hues of gold and crimson. She needed to finish this before darkness claimed the land.

The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine thickened the air as they wove through the bustling crowd of vassals. Tents stood tall, their canopies rippling under the fading light, while servants moved in a tireless rhythm, putting the final touches on the grand feast. They were eating lunch late.

She felt their eyes on her—curious, assessing. Instead of shying away, she straightened her spine and met their gazes with quiet resolve. These were the people she would live among, the ones who had labored without rest since her arrival. And they must know they had earned more than silent gratitude. So, she stepped forward, determined to show them what their efforts meant to her and that they would be rewarded when the time came.