Maxi inspected her reflection in the mirror. Her flowing, pearly gown was adorned with a colorful girdle, and a golden cape draped her shoulders. She looked more radiant than ever.
The freckles that usually dotted her face were hidden under a layer of powder, the one she had brought from Balbourne without Riftan's knowledge. She admired her reflection for a moment before turning to Ludis.
"How do I look?"
"Stunning, my lady," her maidservant replied while deftly braiding Maxi's hair. "Of all the festival-goers today, I doubt any will make a more beautiful dryad."
Maxi gave a bashful smile before looking back at her reflection. Once, she would have dismissed such praise as empty flattery. Now, she responded to the words as a sincere compliment. Even she could not deny the charm of the silver-eyed woman smiling at her in the mirror.
Lost in thought, she barely noticed Ludis finishing the intricate braid.
"All done, my lady," Ludis announced with a look of satisfaction.
Maxi carefully inspected her maidservant's work in the mirror and turned back, beaming. "Thank you. It's beautiful."
With her preparations complete, Maxi tied a pouch of silver coins to her waist and stepped out of her room. A thrill of excitement coursed through her. The time since her return to Anatol had been dreamlike, but today promised to be even more special. She descended the stairs, feeling as light and airy as if walking on clouds.
Reaching the bottom of the staircase, she saw Sidina and Anette emerging from the kitchen. She hastily spun around. For just this one day, she did not wish to be their captive. She tiptoed back up the stairs, hoping to go unnoticed, but it was too late.
"Max!"
Stifling a groan, Maxi turned to face them. Sidina raced up to her, her eyes twinkling.
"What a coincidence! We were coming to find you. Are you on your way to the festival?" With a bright smile, Sidina waved the long girdle adorning her vivid yellow dress. "I was told that women attending the Spring Festival in Anatol all wear girdles like this. The maidservants gave this one to me this morning. Isn't it pretty?"
Maxi managed an awkward smile, but Sidina was too excited to notice her friend's less-than-enthusiastic reaction.
"You know we've been mostly cooped up in the castle since we were deployed here during Paxias," Sidina rushed on. "I've been eagerly awaiting this day since I heard about the Spring Festival."
"It has been rather dull lately," Anette concurred, blowing at her bangs.
A troubled expression rose on Maxi's face when she realized that Anette, too, wore a plaited girdle in white and yellow. Both women brimmed with festive excitement.
"It's wonderful that we get to create some happy memories before returning to the Tower!" Sidina exclaimed.
"Has the date already been decided?"
"We leave in two days," Anette replied, visibly relieved. "We received word yesterday from the mages stationed east. The Temple Knights have tracked down and eliminated the last of the dragonians, which means we are no longer required here."
Sidina and Anette were currently in Anatol to sort through and organize the reports sent from mages across the continent back to the Tower. At least, that was the official reason.
In truth, Anette had come to visit her brothers, who had decided to settle in Anatol, and Sidina had chosen to tag along.
Maxi looked at her friends, who had become her pillars of support, with a tinge of sadness. "Have either of you considered a permanent post in Anatol? If you were interested, I could ask the Remdragon Knights to…"
"I'm grateful for the offer, but I have decided to dedicate my life to research at Nome Hall," Anette said firmly. "I'm fine with the occasional deployment, but I refuse to be tied to a single master."
Anette's voice carried a hint of aversion. Maxi guessed that her friend's disdain for the master-servant dynamic had only grown after being pestered by various feudal lords in Balbourne.
Maxi sighed. She had hoped that Anette, with her astute mind and outstanding capabilities as a mage, would stay in Anatol instead of her brothers. The twins, while talented in magical device creation, only possessed the innate abilities of low-level mages.
As if reading her mind, Anette gave a bitter smile. "I know the twins are far from the best, but I hope you look after them. They truly love it here."
"I'm not dissatisfied with them," Maxi assured her quickly, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm grateful that Alec and Dean have chosen Anatol."
There was no question that the brothers were a great help to Anatol. They had markedly improved the weaponry and armor, and most recently, they had come close to rediscovering the smelting technique for orichalcum, the so-called ore of God. This breakthrough had the knights abuzz with the prospect of new swords forged from the ore.
However, as mages, Alec and Dean left much to be desired. They were closer to blacksmiths than spellcasters. The two had even abandoned their speciality in magical devices to spend all their time in the smithy. Ruth, whose impatience with them had been steadily growing, was on the verge of exploding.
"The estate has flourished over the past few years," Maxi added, hoping to persuade them, "and so has the Remdragon Knights. Anatol needs more talented mages."
She shot Sidina an expectant look. Her friend's response, however, was similarly lukewarm.
"I don't plan on requesting deployment anytime soon, either. I've only just become a senior mage, and I don't want to miss the chance to advance my studies. Still, since the church has loosened its rules on forbidden magic, I might consider a post in the future. And Anatol will be at the top of my list."
"Someone else...would have taken your place by then," Maxi replied sullenly.
Sidina affectionately linked arms with her. "No need to sulk. I'll be sure to visit often."
"What I need is someone to help with the workload, not have tea with."
"Be patient," Anette said, giving Maxi a hearty smack on the back. "I'm sure you'll soon be flooded with volunteers. Many mages are dying to serve under your husband."
Maxi stopped pouting, not wanting to burden her friends who were about to embark on a long journey. She shook her head in resignation. "I understand. I won't press the matter anymore."
"Great, then let's stop the chatter here and get going. The festival will be over if we keep dallying," Sidina urged, tugging at Maxi's arm.
Maxi hesitated for a moment before allowing herself to be dragged along. It seemed that her plans to enjoy the festival alone with Riftan would have to wait.
With a small sigh, Maxi cut across the garden with her friends. Sidina must have made a request in advance, for a carriage was already waiting for them by the gate. Two knights, their faces hidden beneath black hoods, looked up as the women approached.
Maxi's eyes widened when she recognized them. "Will you be escorting us, Sir Ursuline?"
"We cannot have just anyone guarding you, my lady," the knight replied, his expression aloof as always. "Shall we get going?"
"But..."
"The city is full of visitors," Elliot chimed in, removing his hood. "We cannot afford to be lax with security."
Maxi hesitated, wondering if it was appropriate to involve the two men responsible for various administrative duties on the estate in her festival plans.
Noticiting her reluctance, Elliot leaned in and said, "Truth be told, we volunteered for a bit of respite, my lady."
"Goodness," Sidina sighed in sympathy. Then, pulling the knight's arm, she exclaimed, "That settles it. Let us all enjoy the festival together."
With that, she dragged Elliot into the carriage. After watching the two with an incredulous expression, Ursuline sighed and nodded at Maxi and Anette.
"Please get in. I shall follow on my horse."
"Why not ride with us? Your arm is still healing," Maxi replied.
"I am fully recovered, my lady," the knight answered stiffly. "After following the daily exercises you recommended, I can now move my arm freely, and I can feel everything as before. There is no need to worry."
Realizing that she might have wounded the knight's pride, Maxi hurried into the carriage without another word. Once Anette was seated, the carriage began to roll forward.
Maxi gazed out the window at the city, now packed with stone structures. Where a birch forest once stood, there was now a lively hub of peddlers and an array of shops. The shabby wooden houses had given way to densely clustered three-story buildings. She watched the thriving city, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. Resting her arm on the window sill, she took in the view of the rooftops bathed in the warm glow of the spring sun.
The carriage soon came to a halt in the square. After climbing out with Ursuline's assistance, Maxi glanced around with curiosity. The field that once hosted the festival was now a large market, forcing the stalls and attractions to scatter throughout the square and along the main street. Colorful tents lined the roads, and every tavern and inn was jam-packed with patrons.
"I was told the stage is on the hill where the sheep used to graze. Shall we escort you there, my lady?'
Maxi immediately nodded. It was so congested here that it was nearly impossible to slip out of the crowd, let alone browse the tents. The group promptly followed the narrow road, teeming with peddlers toward the city's outskirts.
When they finally managed to break free from the busy commercial district, Maxi spotted a group of women dancing in a circle on a verdant, gently sloping hill. Her face lit up with a broad smile.
The lyrics of the ancient song echoed over to them along with the cheerful tune of a vielle.
The knight gathers the pieces
Of his body broken asunder
And rises to the heavens
His beloved oak tree
Alone on a hill
Waves slender branches in the wind
Oh, dearest beloved,
When the snow melts
I shall rend my body
And with my new leaves
Sing a song for thee
Oh,
How I wish the wind
Would carry my voice to thee
Maxi's heart soared upon hearing the song she had yearned to experience again. She grabbed her friend's hands and sprinted up the hill, crying, "Let's join them!"
Though initially startled, Anette and Sidina followed her up the grassy hill and began dancing in a circle. Maxi joined in between two women shaking tambourines.
She kept dancing until a wave of dizziness hit her, forcing her to stop and lean against a nearby fence. Sidina spotted her and began to spin even more enthusiastically, as if to flaunt her superior stamina.
Not to be outdone, Maxi promptly rejoined the circle. The women's movements quickened, matching the vielle's accelerating tempo. Maxi twirled and leaped around the field until she was drenched in sweat. Only when she was overcome with thirst did she descend the hill.
Elliot and Ursuline, leaning against a fence, were quick to offer her something to drink.
"There are activity stalls over there, some which ladies can also enjoy. Would you like to see them?" Elliott asked.
"Yes! Let's go right now!" Sidina exclaimed.
The group headed toward the tents behind the hill, where they began to peruse the offerings. This area of the fair, away from the bustling city center, was refreshingly uncrowded. They tried archery at the shooting grounds near the castle wall, and Maxi even bought some unique accessories from a peddler from Lakazim. After that, she participated in a wreath making event.
Her wreath, ambitiously woven from an array of colorful flowers, turned out so gaudy that she felt a bit embarrassed wearing it.
Anette shook her head as she eyed Maxi's creation. "You really are bad with your hands."
"It is just that you are exceptionally skilled," Maxi retorted. "I believe I'm rather ordinary."
Anette snorted, to which Maxi looked askance at her before deliberately placing the wreath on her head. Meanwhile, Sidina, who had been intently focused on weaving her stems, finally finished her wreath. The three women then continued to explore and enjoy the fair.
"Let's go dance again!" Sidina cried.
Apparently enamored by Anatol's traditional dance, Sidina rushed off toward the hill like an excited colt. Maxi was about to chase after her when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Elliott pointing toward the back of a tent. Her eyes widened at the sight of her mare, Rem, tethered there.
"Sir Rfitan is waiting for you, my lady," Elliot murmured.
Maxi jerked her head back to face him. The knight placed a finger over his lips before motioning for her to follow.
After shooting an apologetic glance at her friends, who were dancing happily on the hill, Maxi discreetly made her way to her horse. She removed the cumbersome wreath from her head and hung it on Rem's saddle, then followed Elliot away from the fair.
They walked along the city wall for some time, until Elliot veered down a narrow path.
"This way, my lady."
He pointed to a small, arched entrance that was clearly meant for soldiers. Maxi took in the dark alley with a puzzled expression before cautiously walking Rem through. A dense birch forest lay on the other side, cut through by a leveled path.
"Where are we going?" Maxi asked.
"Sir Riftan requested that I escort you to the hill behind the castle."
A bright smile lit up her face. She and Rfitan often took rides there.
"I can go by myself from here," she told Elliot.
Before he could object, Maxi hopped onto her mare and galloped away. When she reached the end of the shadowy forest, a hill with a large tree emerged for her. Riftan was waiting at the top.
She quickly reined in her mare and rushed into her husband's arms, showering him with kisses. "Did you wait long?"
"I did," Riftan replied sullenly.
Maxi pulled away slightly to give him an apologetic look.
Riftan crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Did we not agree to come to the festival together?"
"Well, what happened was..."
"After my short visit to the guild house, I was informed that my heartless wife had already gone out to enjoy herself in the city," he said, bringing his face down to hers. His expression darkened. "What is your opinion regarding this dire betrayal?"
"Must you phrase it like that?" Maxi said, her gaze dropping shyly.
Riftan pinched her cheek and said with mock severity. "I believe you owe me an apology, young lady."
"I am sorry."
"Good. I forgive you" He released her cheek with a smile. "But only because I know your friends are leaving soon."
He then whistled for Talon, grazing behind the stout tree.
"We can enjoy the rest of the festival tomorrow," he said, unloading a wineskin and bundle of food from Talon's pack. "For now, let's have a picnic."
A flicker of discontent crossed Maxi's face as she stared at the back of her husband's head. He had not said a word about her appearance, even though she spent the entire morning dressing up.
Lately, Riftan's manner with her had become rather familiar, as if she were a younger sibling. While it was nice to see him so relaxed around her, she also missed the times her mere presence made him visibly flustered.
She was watching him spread his cloak out on the grass when a thought struck her. Grabbing the wreath from her saddle, she crouched beside him and softly cleared her throat.
"Riftan... I have something for you."
He looked at her in surprise. With a grin, Maxi whipped the garish wreath out from behind her back and placed it on his head.
"A gift. You will accept it, won't you?" she asked, her eyes pleading.
Riftan blinked as he gazed back at her. He did not appear as flustered or embarrassed as she had anticipated. Instead, he seemed taken aback by something. Maxi tilted her head, puzzled, as he took off the wreath to examine it. His lips curled into a gentle smile.
"Thank you. It is a splendid present."
He then leaned in to give her a feathery kiss. Maxi looked up at him, awash with a strange sense of deja vu. Somehow, it felt as if she had known those kind eyes far longer than she could remember.
A confused expression rose on her face at the inexplicable longing, but it soon gave way as she returned his smile.
The picnic Riftan had prepared was nothing short of delightful. After having her fill of a delicious pie and cake stuffed with pickled fruit - the expert creations of the castle chef, no doubt - all washed down with premium wine, Maxi leaned against the broad tree trunk.
The field below was bathed in spring sunlight. A gentle breeze swept across the grass and shook the tree leaves overhead. Faint singing from the city's outskirts carried over on the wind, and Maxi found herself humming along.
When she noticed Riftan yawning widely, she tugged at his sleeve and patted her knee. "Here, have my lap as payment for leaving you earlier."
Riftan arched an eyebrow but did not resist. Chuckling, Maxi gently brushed aside the messy locks covering his forehead. He closed his eyes, seeming to relish her touch, and soon drifted into a light sleep.
Overwhelmed with happiness, Maxi silently gazed at her husband's serene face. Right at that moment, a strong gust swept up the hill.
Maxi looked up. The lush leaves of the tree rustled as though in a song. The old ballad's lyrics mingled with the music of the leaves, recounting the tale of a woman and her one and only love. Without being conscious of it, Maxi murmured the final verse.
I shall love thee
Until my dying breath
Feeling Riftan gently squeeze her hand, she squeezed back. As she rested her head against the tree trunk, a single thought entered her mind.
Nothing could be more peaceful than this moment.
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