Anniversary and Winter Blooms

As Bard stretched, he made sure not disturb his sleeping wife. The sky was still that dark hue, signaling that it was fairly early. Bard couldn’t help it. His stomach flipped with his nerves on edge. Somehow he had managed to sleep, but that hadn’t helped his stomach, or his heart.

He pulled back the covers and slipped out, silently closing the door behind him. Kai’s head appeared at the edge of the balcony. Bard motioned for him to stay quiet before slipping down the stairs. He passed the kitchen to the storage and began moving aside the things he had placed in front.

Eventually he found the stone and pried it open. Inside were a few of her favorite treats and the first gift he had planned. He unpinned his earring and replaced it with the one in the set. Then he pulled everything out and moved it to where he knew she would see it.

After arranging it, he left a note and headed to the next location. Amir was waiting for him, and he handed the next gift to him, counting on him to set it up. He then headed to Elvira’s place, and Ruegar kept their children from reaching for the gifts. Bard promised to get them something later, which helped them calm down.

The sun was already beginning to rise when he made it to the craftsman, and they were grinning as they handed him the final product. He thanked them and delivered it to Elwood, who had waited nearby.

While Elwood returned to his place, keeping the gift hidden, Bard headed to the woods near the lake. He met with Keith and Sparring tree and the two carried him up the hills. Pathfinder greeted him and showed him to the final spot. While there, he cleaned off the grime and opened the small hole he had found on his few explorations here. Inside was a change of clothes and a few things he had stashed here for today.

As he changed and laid things out, he thought of their journey.

One year. That’s how long they had been married. The same amount of time it took for them to travel to each of the Elders and complete their trials. He hadn’t expected to gather so many together and create his home, but he was grateful Sen had interviewed that day. Her consistent reach had helped place in a community, and her consistent outreach had helped him gather all the people of Sal Shefa together.

In his own way, he wanted something to honor that journey. He most certainly was sure that he wouldn’t go this far next year, but this one… it felt natural to have her go on a symbolic journey.

Amir was her first challenge she overcame, proving to him that this would work. Elvira and Ruegar were the first friendly people that helped craft the idea of the city. Elwood had helped gather in the Dryads and his wisdom had shaped the place. Keith and Sparring Tree had played their role too, and they felt the most similar to what Bard and Kai were to Sen, a part of her family that became more important as they spent time together.

The remaining Elders began to gather, one by one, around this place and Bard was grateful they were on their best behavior. Especially after that scuffle last night. He didn’t have to wait long before Kai gave a short howl, signaling that Sen was coming. He waited as patiently as he could, talking with the Elders about a few of the things that he hadn’t received reports on.

How the education was going, how the people were doing in receiving their tokens and how the Elders were faring. Most enjoyed the change of pace, though Craft wished for more to learn under her. Bard promised to reach out to the catfolk and see if they would come, much to her delight.

Before he could ask Perspective, Kai appeared and dashed over. He slowed so not to spray any of the rocks, and Bard rose from his resting spot, patting off any dirt that had clung to him.

Sen appeared shortly after on Sparring tree. She rode with her dress high on one side, helping her climb and remain steady in the branches. It amused Bard, but what impressed him more was when their gaze met.

Sen quickly began to move and jumped down from Sparring Tree, much to Keith’s surprise. However, as she ran over, he left quietly.

She came close, but Bard could tell she was out of breath. On impulse, he ran down to her. She outstretched her hands, and Bard had a split second to brace himself before she jumped at him. His steady hands caught her, and he twirled her around as their laughter filled the air, blending with the sounds of the Elders.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere!” she shouted.

“I know,” Bard laughed. “Come,” he said, placing her down and taking her hand. Sen bit back a retort and took his hand, eager to see what was in store. Now that she wasn’t moving so much, he was able to admire the gifts on her. A fitting dress made by the catfolk. They had forgone the sun motifs and embroidered the stars and a canopy of leaves around the edge. The dress was a bit darker color, and it would only grow more beautiful like the night sky as her hair became white with winter. Even now, it was stunning, just like he had hoped it would be.

As if sensing his stares, she twirled around and stopped in a sweet pose.

“I’m told you picked this. Do I look good?” she asked. Bard rolled his eyes as he smiled. He scooped her up and began to carry her up the hill.

“You look beautiful,” he said. “As beautiful as the night of our wedding, and more elegant than I could have imagined.”

Her eyes lit as she looked at his ear. She had noticed the matching earrings.

Before she could make any comments, he set her down in front of the Elders, and Sen looked at them before bowing. Bard followed suit and then pulled out his flute. He took one steadying breath and began to play. Sen looked back sharply before smiling and joining in song.

The two stayed there for a while, talking with the elders and reminiscing on that fateful journey. The foods Bard had packed were eaten and only when they could stay no longer, did they ride Kai back to their home at the edge of the wood.

“Happy first anniversary, Sen,” Bard whispered as he held her close.

“That’s today, isn’t it!” Sen said and Bard laughed.

“Yes. Yes it is,” he chimed back. Sen embraced him, but it was interrupted as people cheered and sunstones became uncovered.

“Just kidding!” she chuckled, looking him in the face before casting her gaze out. “You didn’t think I forgot, either?”

Bard was shocked as her family came over. Most of the folks who had interacted with them a lot were present.

“I found him!” she shouted, waving her hands at them, and the others laughed. “Happy first anniversary, Bard. May many more come our way!”

They were guided to the house where a small feast had been made. As the night grew, they were surrounded by friends and family, playing music, dancing, eating, and sharing tales. It felt festive, though Bard was grateful when everyone left, and it was just him and Sen again. The two cleaned up and Sen packed away over half of her treats, saving the rest for another time. Kai was let in, and they tucked in for the night, enjoying each other’s company.

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Bard gave his orders as people around him moved. The day of the festival was fast approaching and with the larger crowd and chill, the people had asked for a gathering hall, where they could eat in comfort and then dance to their newfound love of music. Places were set aside for those who needed a bit of reprieve, and a yard was being set aside for activities.

With the amount of snow that had gathered, Bard didn’t want to have any snowballs thrown at him, which was a growing problem. He found ways to keep moving and avoiding the teens who urged the kids on in their pursuits.

Those who managed to catch him were retaliated against by the workers he started to surround himself with.

The cheery attitude that was infecting the place left him unable to respond or react. It was just too foreign to him, however, he smiled through it and let the people do what they would.

The catfolk shared trinkets they had made for the festival, and now it was becoming more of a founding day for the city, than just a celebration about getting the work done. Some whispered about having this become a yearly thing, but Bard wasn’t so sure he liked that. At least, he didn’t want a large one, as this was becoming, to happen every year.

The work progressed, ice fishing contests were crafted as the lake had solidly frozen over, and he was stunned by how the large the ice had thickened when they pulled it out. The kids slid across the ice and carved into the chunks that had been extracted.

Kai was busy being groomed, and his furs were becoming a prized treasure in the village. Sen was busy helping organize the music and competitions. That left Bard to oversee the main project while Elvira and Ruegar worked on the foods, medical stations and entertainments. The catfolk did what they did best and had stalls set up, peddling their wares.

On the day of the Festival, Bard was shaken roughly by Sen. He roused, though not eagerly, but her expression and hasty run to the window brought him out of his stupor. He moved next to her as she pointed out something strange.

As Bard saw it, he jerked and fled to get his boots on. Sen, in her confusion, followed after. He flung open the door and froze.

Flowers bloomed through the snow. Their gentle petals of blue with white centers brought a tear to his eyes. Bard heard the songs of many dryads singing, encouraging the flowers to grow and bloom. Sen grabbed his hand, her eyes full of concern.

“What is it?” Sen asked, worried.

“Sorry,” Bard said, as he wiped the tears. “It’s the flowers I told you about, the ones near Healer.”

“The winter flowers that glow?” she asked. She looked out at the changing landscape, and Bard wondered how this could be. They had already had one winter pass without seeing them. Then again, Healer hadn’t been here last winter. Perhaps he had brought them. Sen shifted her cloak, looking at all the flowers around the city and festival grounds. Bard kneeled down, brushing some of the snow away from one of the delicate things. His heartfelt light as he looked out, an excitement stirring in his soul. Tonight would be magical.

They gathered with the others at the hall and in the yard.

As the sun set, the flowers blossomed, offering their glow. The children were stunned, the adults were filled with wonder. Many plucked them, but with so many remaining, it was as if the whole land had become blue. To top it off, even the sky blossomed with shades of pink and green lights that danced across the sky, playing off the shattered moon and stars. Music filled their hearts, and even the young ones stayed up late.

So much laughter, and festivities happened, that soon they let their cares and worries drift away. A few activities had some hiccups, but nothing that really detracted from the night.

Bard gathered a few flowers and brought them home with Sen. He placed them at the window of their room as they enjoyed the night together.