Chapter 14: The Festival’s Eve

The heavy doors of the priest’s chamber closed behind them with a dull thud. For a moment the twins walked in silence, their footsteps echoing faintly through the cathedral halls. The images that they'd just seen of the glowing crystal tablet were still etched into their minds, every symbol, every shimmering blessing. More than that, the sight of the heavenly council lingered, pressing down on them like a secret too heavy to speak aloud.

Lea’s small hand brushed against her brother’s as they walked.

Leo’s gaze stayed fixed ahead, his teeth grinding. “We can’t tell them, right?” he whispered.

Lea nodded faintly. The words Athnea had spoken echoed in her mind like a vow she didn’t know how to keep.

The sunlight outside struck their faces as the family stepped out into Marchten’s crowded streets once more. The shift from the hush inside to the bustling noise was dizzying. Bells tolled from a nearby tower, merchants shouted from behind their stalls, pilgrims sang prayers as they walked with candles in hand.

“Stay close,” Solan said firmly, adjusting the sword at his hip as he led them into the marketplace.

The square was alive with colors and smells. Stalls overflowed with fruits glistening in the sun, racks of roasted meat dripping with fat, trays of pastries dusted with sugar. Lea’s stomach growled before she could stop it.

Lucina chuckled softly, brushing her daughter’s hair aside. “Why don’t we try some of the food here? It will be different from what we normally have back at the manor.”

Soon they sat at a small wooden table beneath a striped awning. The vendor served steaming flatbread stuffed with spiced lamb and herbs, alongside pickled vegetables and warm broth. The twins bit in eagerly. The flavors were sharper and richer than anything they’d eaten back home.

Lea’s eyes sparkled as she chewed. “Mhm, this… it’s so good.” She caught herself smiling at Lucina but then quickly looked away, feeling slightly embarrassed. Lucina let out a giggle.

After lunch, the family split briefly. Lucina led Lea toward the jewelry stalls, where silver bangles and golden pendants glimmered under the sun.

Maybe these are some kind of magic items, like from those video games I used to play. I mean this place we live in now is like a magic fantasy world so it wouldn't be a long shot if they have stuff like that. She thought

Lea pressed her hands to one of the glass cases, wide-eyed.

“Do you see one you like?” Lucina asked warmly.

Lea’s gaze lingered on a particular earring. It wasn’t like the others, which were simple hoops and studs. This one had a unique design. Its base was shaped like a pointed feather, three delicate segments curved downward. Above that, the top half curved into a smooth golden arc, almost like a tiny clasping hand, its surface dotted with minute emeralds that flashed green whenever the light struck them.

Her heart gave a strange flutter. Why am I drawn to that? I used to be a boy… stuff like this never mattered to me. I didn’t care about jewelry or clothes back then. But now… now that I’m living as a girl, I can’t stop noticing. And I actually like it. Maybe I’m starting to adjust more than I thought.

Lucina noticed her staring. “That one, then?”

Lea nodded

Lucina smiled knowingly, handing the coins over to the merchant. Moments later, the piece was carefully fastened to Lea’s left ear. The curved arc rested neatly around her ear while the feathered tips brushed just below her lobe. It was heavier than she expected, yet it felt right, almost natural.

Lea caught her reflection in a polished bronze mirror the merchant handed over. She looked… different. A bit older, a bit more herself. Her cheeks warmed, but she allowed herself a small smile.

“Beautiful,” Lucina said, her voice soft.

Lea only nodded, clutching her cloak tighter around herself, but inside her chest, something settled.

Elsewhere, Solan walked with Leo through a row of weapon-smith stands. The clang of hammer on metal rang out as blades were tested and tempered. Racks of swords gleamed, some broad and heavy, others slender and sharp.

“Remember,” Solan said, his tone even but serious, “a sword isn’t for show. It’s not a toy. If you choose one, it must be one you can carry with confidence.”

Leo nodded, his eyes flicking over the weapons. His fingers brushed the hilts until one drew his attention: a simple steel sword with a black leather grip. Not ornate, not oversized—just clean, balanced, and practical. About the size of the wooden practice swords he used at the estate.

He lifted it carefully. The weight settled into his palm just right.

A thrill surged through him. I actually get to use a real sword now. Not that dull wooden one anymore. All those years of kendo… I thought that part of me died with my old life. But now, here, it actually matters. And this time, I’m expected to wield it. I can be good at this.

“I like this one,” he said firmly.

Solan’s lips curved faintly in approval. “Good choice. We’ll get it.”

Leo held the blade close as they paid, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and pride.

That evening, as Solan and Leo were on their way towards the city square, Leo realized that the dozen or so towers near the city walls were used by the guards to look for oncoming enemies and to keep watch of the entire area at once. They must be hundreds of metres high since there was nothing higher in sight, how do they even get up there? Leo thought.

The family was shortly reunited. Lanterns were being strung between buildings above them, and musicians had gathered with lutes and drums, filling the air with festive rhythms.

“Oh what’s this you got for Lea?” Solan asked, while Leo turned to look at his sister.

“I thought she might like a piece of jewelry of her own so we went browsing in the market and that special-looking ear cuff,” Lucina responded

“I like it, Lea,” her brother smiled.

“You know what, I don't even want to know how much that cost,” Solan sighed noticing the glinting emeralds around Lea’s left ear

“Well how much was that new sword you bought for Leo?”

“Only seven silver, I think the price was fair, I probably could've gotten it for five but I didn't bother haggling”

Soon they began heading back toward the Golden Hearth with the sounds of celebration chasing their heels.

Tomorrow would be the Festival of Renewal. The city would swell with song and flame, with prayers rising to Athnea in every corner. However, as the twins settled into their beds that night, their thoughts did not rest on the festival.

Their thoughts lingered of the gods’ sat on the thrones in the clouds. Of Athnea’s voice. Of the truth they could not share. And their newly discovered magic potential and what it meant to be disciples of the divine.