Spring Festival
Arwen's residence was an elegant structure sitting in one of the oldest and more respected sectors of the sorcerers' city. Arwen's healer's home was much more private in comparison to the rest of the city. Massive structures accented the skyline, while sprawling enchanted gardens surrounded and concealed the healer's abode. The interior radiated a soft sophistication with hand-crafted furniture and books strewn as though the place were alive with wisdom.
Lya noticed everything, albeit with an air of uncertain curiosity. It was a bizarre experience being in a new location where she was expected to feel at home. While guiding them to their new rooms, arwen showed them several hallways. She unlocked a door to Lya's room, revealing a charming space with a big window overlooking a peaceful private courtyard. Night blooming flowers shined with a soft, warm glow. Shelves adorned the walls and from them the gently floating books eagerly awaited being read. Fabrics decorated the bed while a subtle spell ensured a warm climatic experience alongside a rustic fireplace.
Arwen crossed her arms and said, while looking at Lya's reaction, "I hope that works for you."
Lya traced the polished wood of the writing desk with her fingers, gazing at the massive tapestry running the entire length of the wall. The tapestry bore an ancient map of the magical world. "It's simply perfect," she whispered, a half-smile creeping onto her lips. "Thank you for everything."
"Eren, your room is next door. Try not to make too much noise," Arwen added, giving him a pointed look.
Eren raised his hands in surrender. "Me? Make noise? Never."
"I was eager to meet more sorcerers. But I confess that you exceed expectations," Lya said, with a challenging look. "However, I don't know if in a positive way..."
Isolde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I hope your stay here is... instructive. Many have underestimated the sorcerer city, and that always ends badly for them."
"Don't worry, Isolde. I know that our presence here will be noticed, but I promise that we will bring more surprises than problems. After all, life is too monotonous without a little excitement," Eren interjected, with a mischievous smile.
Isolde, with an air of superiority, grabs Eren's arm, squeezing his muscles and says — You protect someone who will be your destruction. — leans into his ear and whispers — be smarter Eren. — And she leaves elegantly, but inside she seethes with jealousy, as she was not used to not having what she wants.
The evening was going to become even more fascinating.
Arwen lived in one of the most revered parts of the sorcerer city, among the very oldest. Given its secluded spot, surrounded by magical gardens and shielded by concealment spells, the healer's house was more modest than the massive buildings that ruled the horizon. As though the house itself exuded knowledge, the interior presented a quiet sophistication with books and handcarved furniture spread everywhere.
Lya watched everything with a blend of interest and wariness. Being here, in a place she was supposed to name home now, seemed odd. Through the hallways to their fresh rooms Arwen guided them. She opened the door to Lya's room to find a warm room with a big window looking out on a little, private garden where softly shining nightblooming flowers bloomed. Soft materials blanketed the bed; books hung on the shelves asking for choice. With a cozy fire, a mild enchantment maintained the room always comfortable.
Arwen crossed her arms as Lyla explored the room and said, "I hope it meets your approval."
As Lya ran her fingers over the engraved lumber of the writing desk, she stared at the sizable hung tapestry on the wall showing a ancient map of the mystic world. "Perfect," she whispered, giving herself a little grin. "Thanks for everything."
"Eren, your room is next door. Try not to make too much noise," Arwen added, giving him a pointed look.
Eren raised his hands in surrender. "Me? Make noise? Never."
The Spring Festival has been a longstanding custom observed going back to the days when sorcerers and shapeshifters lived in balance. When the planets all aligned in a certain manner every rotation, the sorcerers got together to honor magic and refresh their pledge of harmony and protection. The celebrations featured meals of rare dishes, enchanting dancing, music, and most importantly a masquerade where every participant wore garments meant to depict their magical sphere or lineage.
First since coming in this world, Lya had never engaged in anything like this; she felt real enthusiasm this time. For Lya, Arwen had picked an unique outfit: an ethereal dress fashioned of a sheer material that shaped to her body like a whisper of the moon. Dancing in the light, the silvery and bluish tones produced a hypnotic impact with each turn. While the thin, seethrough sleeves floated over her skin like a magic act, the subtly crafted neckline showcased the curve of her shoulders. Adorned with little magical stones that glimmered like stars stuck in the cloth, the long, slit skirt allowed for bold glances of her legs as she walked. Almost invisibly, a shawl dropped from her shoulders surrounding her in a mystique of enchantment. She looked gorgeous.
Lya hardly saw herself in the mirror. She glowed. Eren released a soft whistle when he noticed she, his eyes clearly filled with respect, scanned her.
He whispered, a taunting grin on his lips, "Looks like the festival will have its own star tonight.
Lya rolled her eyes and grumbled, somewhat ambivalently.
The festival was already well underway when they landed in the main square. Floating rare flower petals gently drifted about, releasing a pleasant and pungent fragrance that perfumed the air. The enchantment torches scattered around the perimeter emitted a glimmering light that changed with the music being played, therefore producing a brilliant visual show. Above, the sky was decorated with magical stars that appeared to sway to the heavenly melodies.
The festive voices of the guests combined with the music of flutes and magic violins produced a symphony resonating with the very enchantment of the spot. The musical notes carried in the air like little spells surrounded everybody in a peaceful hug. Street performers showed stunning magic tricks, and dancers offered enthralling dances link with which spectators were captivated.
With bright colors that drew the eye, stalls covered in opulent textiles featured unusual treats and strange beverages. Spread around the tables, floated a bit above, enchanted candelabrums provided a soft, warm source of illumination. The tables were covered in velvet tablecloths. Every little thing looked to have been precisely coordinated to carry the audience to a realm of magic and astonishment.
There was hardly any time left for Lya to assimilate everything before a surprise arrival appeared before her. The energy of the place was infectious, and she momentarily felt herself a central component of that ancestral party where beauty and sorcery peacefully coexisted.
Later on, Lya saw Isolde Draeven and recognized the womanillity of will. Her gown was a sight of sophistication and provocation: a lengthy black cloak adorned with golden threads that ran through the material like living runes, alluding to ageold mysteries. Under the glow of the enchanted lamps, the bold neckline showcased her golden skin; the side slit revealed a sultry peek of her thigh with every elegant step. Thin gold chains adorned her bare shoulders—hanging nearly weightless—so she was dressed exactly like the night's shadow.
Isolde came to a stop exactly before them, a deliberate grin drawing on her lips. Evaluating Lya like a hunter spotting a surprisingly interesting prey, her sharp eyes moved slowly over her.
"Not particularly so." Ultimately, you would be here as usual. I just didn't suppose you would have quite... " Her eyes ran over Lya from head to toe, and her smile became skewed," "Other corporation."
Lya crossed her arms, not backing down. Let Isolde come if she wished to test her confidence.
"I was eager to meet more sorcerers. But I confess that you exceed expectations," Lya said, with a challenging look. "However, I don't know if in a positive way..."
Isolde raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I hope your stay here is... instructive. Many have underestimated the sorcerer city, and that always ends badly for them."
"Don't worry, Isolde. I know that our presence here will be noticed, but I promise that we will bring more surprises than problems. After all, life is too monotonous without a little excitement," Eren interjected, with a mischievous smile.
Isolde, with an air of superiority, grabs Eren's arm, squeezing his muscles and says — You protect someone who will be your destruction. — leans into his ear and whispers — be smarter Eren. — And she leaves elegantly, but inside she seethes with jealousy, as she was not used to not having what she wants.
The night was about to get even more interesting.