Chapter 5: Freday

The village of Freday transformed into an enchanting wonderland during the festival.

Musicians filled the air with the rich sounds of their fascinating instruments, and the lively chatter of busy men and women selling their goods created a melody all its own.

Relia rarely had the chance to be outside, and even more rarely at night.

In fact, this was her first time out alone at night.

And it was wonderful.

Magical, even.

The bustling stalls overflowed with vibrant wares—spices that perfumed the air, brightly colored textiles and fabrics, delicately crafted pottery, and even playful toys. The vendors called out loudly, each vying for her attention.

One stall caught her eye in particular. It was adorned with an array of flowers, and hanging among them were exquisite flower crowns woven from the loveliest blossoms.

She smiled wistfully, knowing she had no silver on her to purchase one. With a soft sigh, she turned away.

A loud parade grabbed her attention next. Jugglers danced in the street, tossing flaming torches high into the air. Her eyes widened in awe as one of them extinguished the fire in his mouth, only to breathe it out again like a dragon.

She gasped in delight.

Nearby, acrobats performed breathtaking feats, forming towers of bending bodies before flipping through the air with practiced ease. Relia stood rooted in place, her jaw dropped in astonishment. She had only ever read about such spectacles, and they were even more dazzling in person.

As she wandered, she noticed men and women mingling freely, interacting with a casualness that felt foreign to her. Nobles didn't behave this way—not openly, and certainly not so vulgarly. Such impropriety would be scandalous!

She moved along, trying not to stare too long at a man placing a flower crown on his wife's head. The scene felt oddly tender.

It's nauseating, she thought. Or perhaps... she was just jealous.

She giggled to herself. That was certainly something Rosalinda would accuse her of.

Her wandering brought her to a lively corner where people were engaged in archery. She couldn't resist the pull of curiosity and scurried over.

Of course, only men held the bows, aiming and releasing arrows with varying degrees of success. But something in her itched to try.

Relia boldly stepped forward and took a bow and arrow from the person distributing them.

Her attempt to nock the arrow was clumsy, to say the least. She fumbled, her cheeks warming with embarrassment.

"May I?" a deep, familiar voice murmured from behind her.

Before she could protest, strong hands enveloped hers, steadying her grip on the bow. It was him. She knew it before she even turned.

He guided her movements, helping her nock the arrow properly. With his hands still holding hers, she released it, and the arrow soared straight into the marker point.

The small crowd gasped in amazement.

He didn't stop there. Taking another arrow, he held her hands firmly in place as he aimed. Three arrows flew in quick succession, each striking the marker with precision.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

Relia turned to thank her unexpected helper, but her words caught in her throat when her gaze met his face.

"You!" she breathed.

His lips curled into a playful smile, revealing a flash of white teeth. "Yes, me," he said smoothly, his eyes alight with mischief.

And just like that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving her breathless and bewildered.