2nd of Dayhelm, 1372
In the end, she had accepted Roderick's suggestions. Though she found it distasteful, she recognized it wouldn't negatively impact most that would travel through the Eldergrove. It'd only inconvenience merchants hauling goods through the valley who usually avoided paying their dues and sought the cheapest or easiest options available to them. Those who could afford to pay wouldn't mind the small price tag for traversing a dangerous region.
So she signed the agreement with the delegate from Kerkenberge on behalf of the town before bidding farewell to him and the traders who accompanied him to see the road's current conditions. She hoped no one would cause problems along the route.
Settlers for the new town were set to arrive in midsummer next year. She assumed Xellos might show himself around that time as well.
Ebonheim planned to visit with them in the interim. She wanted to help them establish themselves, and she had plenty of knowledge to impart to their leaders and workers to facilitate their efforts in the right direction. She hoped she'd get to assist the settlers even after Xellos' arrival...though she suspected their attitude towards Ebonheim might change once he became their patron god instead. Only time would tell.
But Xellos would first have to gain their trust and win their favor before they considered him worthy enough to serve. And given how secretive he'd remained thus far when it came to establishing settlements...she had little evidence of what to expect from his methods. All she could do now was wait and ponder what the future held for everyone involved.
That's where Ebonheim found herself now—staring blankly across her bedroom while she lay atop her bed...worrying herself sick about what-ifs and maybes. She let out a frustrated growl as she turned over onto her side.
Tomorrow's the start of the summer festival. Everything should go well. I hope...
She glanced at her wardrobe where she'd stashed the gown she planned to wear the next night—a gift from Evelyne. A shimmery white fabric embroidered with golden leaves and ivy vine patterns sewn throughout with golden thread, matching perfectly with the golden accents adorning the dress. It'd suit her hair and skin tone beautifully...and highlight her physique in ways her simple dress usually didn't.
She smiled softly before shifting back onto her front with another groan. "Ahh...why can't all this just happen faster..."
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At long last, the summer solstice celebration had begun.
Torches blazed along the pathways leading into the market square. Strings of golden lanterns wound along balconies and rooftops above while music wafted throughout the plaza alongside laughter and cheering. People gathered around booths selling various goods while others danced merrily about the street. Drinking games were being played by some, resulting in roars of joy from victors while grumbling echoed from other tables where competitors lamented their bad luck.
Ebonheim watched the festivities from her shrine, which had been relocated for the occasion from its usual spot near the town hall. The area around it had become an outdoor banquet venue for anyone to freely come and eat their fill from the various buffets laid out for all to enjoy.
Kelzryn sat beside her beneath a nearby oak tree, seemingly content with observing the proceedings. She'd half expected him to wander off after the opening ceremony earlier in the afternoon, yet he surprised her by staying beside her still.
So far, everything had proceeded smoothly without any incidents worth noting. Evelyne and Roderick handled most of the preparations perfectly, allowing Ebonheim to relax and enjoy the festivities instead of fretting herself silly over potential problems or last-minute emergencies. She couldn't be more thankful for their hard work. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to reward them sometime soon.
"You seem preoccupied," Kelzryn noted from her side. His attention remained fixed forward where a pair of fiddlers played an upbeat tune. "Have the celebrations soured your mood? Or perhaps there's something else you're worrying about?"
"No no! Nothing like that..." Ebonheim waved a hand dismissively. "Everything's wonderful so far. Everything's great. Evelyne deserves praise for how well this whole evening went off."
He nodded once but didn't reply immediately. Instead, his gaze drifted towards the crowd milling about in front of them before returning to stare at her. "If not concern regarding the festival...then what troubles you?" He arched one brow questioningly. "You seem distracted—like you want to be elsewhere. Is something amiss?"
Ebonheim sighed softly. "Well...not exactly. I guess you could call me restless right now. But not in a bad way. Or...well..." She trailed off lamely, unsure whether her thoughts came across correctly. "Ahh...maybe I don't know how I feel myself," she admitted ruefully. "But I think everything will work out fine. Everything should continue smoothly for now...so I suppose my mind wandered off towards the next few steps after tomorrow."
The corners of Kelzryn's eyes creased slightly—a smile hidden within those brilliant pools—before fading again without a trace. "Ah. Your ambitions push you onward as always," he remarked quietly. "I should've guessed...but well—it never hurts to inquire before presuming matters."
He lifted himself off the ground as he spoke and offered his hand. "Shall we walk around? We won't gain clarity sitting here by ourselves while the crowd celebrates." When she accepted the gesture, he helped pull her upright beside him. "Come on, let's wander around together."
They strolled along slowly, moving through clusters of people gathered in groups chatting amongst themselves. Occasional laughs could be heard here and there as various conversations flowed around them without stopping or pausing when Ebonheim or Kelzryn passed by.
There were quite a few newcomers present today judging by the faces staring back at them curiously or with awe as they wandered along. Some greeted them warmly or wished them well. But most simply watched silently as they walked by. A handful stared longer than what might be considered polite before turning away quickly when Ebonheim glanced their way.
"This is the first time there have been visitors at our town's festivals," Ebonheim murmured to no one in particular. She smiled shyly. "I admit, I didn't expect so many folks from Kerkenberge or other nearby settlements would come out to join us in celebrating. Makes me a tad nervous...not knowing who they truly are or what they'll do to pass the time..."
Kelzryn remained silent throughout the exchange until finally he said simply, "Don't fret over such details tonight." A hint of warmth tinged the edges of his words. "Relish in the joy of your success." His hand fell lightly atop her head—not quite petting yet ruffling through her hair—before slipping away moments later. "You've earned this break."
Ebonheim wanted to argue—to deny the notion that she deserved special treatment—but stopped herself. The look he gave her made it impossible to refuse. She relented with a sigh. "Fine. No more worrying about tomorrow for now. Promise!" Her lips parted into another smile. "Tonight...I'll indulge myself."
She bowed slightly before turning her attention towards the crowd and starting forward once more. Her pace increased slightly as she walked amongst those gathered within the square. Kelzryn followed close behind her, keeping an eye on things as always—she'd come to understand how important this action meant to him—but letting Ebonheim lead nonetheless.
After making several rounds around the square, Ebonheim spotted Brevin and Lilin among the crowd munching on skewers near one of the buffet tables set out earlier. The two seemed deep in conversation judging by their expressions, which suggested whatever topic was being discussed wasn't exactly pleasant given how animatedly they gestured and waved their arms every now and again.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
Several others from the Deep Miners of Gordandale stood alongside them sipping ale from large tankards. All appeared equally invested in whatever they argued about between themselves. So much so that none noticed her approach until Ebonheim tapped Brevin's arm.
Brevin broke off his current debate mid-sentence with Lilin to turn towards her. He flashed her a broad grin before raising his half-drunk tankard in salute. "Greetings to you and yours, goddess!" he bellowed cheerfully as he swept the tankard in a wide arc towards the other gathered Deep Miners behind him. "Please join us! We don't bite!"
The rest echoed their approval while thumping the table energetically.
Ebonheim laughed softly before taking her place next to Brevin. She took a moment to glance around curiously, taking notice of everyone present. "What were you arguing about? Anything exciting? Or shall I pretend this is the first time I arrived and not interrupt?"
"Nothing serious—just having a lively discussion over our latest expedition into a cavern system," Brevin answered easily enough. "Lilin disagrees with the way I handled the exploration process..."
"I didn't mean to question your methods, chief," Lilin interjected defensively. "It's just...you know my concerns about safety. I don't want accidents to occur because of complacency."
A murmur ran through the group. Several voices joined the debate while a few more offered their own opinions here and there.
Ebonheim stayed quiet throughout this exchange—listening attentively to all points raised—and chiming in every now and again as needed.
Out of all the groups that Ebonheim welcomed into her realm, she had spent the least amount of time interacting with the Deep Miners of Gordandale. They'd kept mostly to themselves aside from their monthly report and occasional requests for assistance with their mining projects within the mountainous terrain north of town.
On the surface, they seemed quite aloof—but she understood how they operated. Their reserved nature merely reflected how they prioritized hard work over idle conversation or frivolous interaction—something she deeply appreciated about them. They were all kind and courteous individuals, who treated each other equally regardless of their social status. A group she was glad to welcome within her domain.
Still though...perhaps she'd been remiss in giving them less attention than others. From here on out, she'd try to remedy that particular oversight on her part. She'd strive to learn more about them and the lives they led every day.
"Brevin." Ebonheim tapped Brevin lightly upon his forearm. He turned slightly towards her, cocking an eyebrow expectantly. "You mentioned you recently discovered new sections deep beneath your mines. May I come along the next time you explore one such chamber? I admit I'm curious to see what you uncover."
"Certainly!" Brevin exclaimed loudly without hesitation. His expression shifted to something resembling excitement—his mouth curving upward into a broad grin. "Absolutely. I don't see why not! It'll give you a chance to assess our safety procedures yourself too..."
Lilin cleared her throat pointedly at that last remark.
Brevin shot a sheepish smile her way. "Err...I mean," he hastily added, "you can also review our guidelines to ensure there aren't any flaws that might endanger us. I mean...if our goddess herself says we need changes made? How could we refuse?"
Several other miners laughed while clapping Brevin on the shoulders. "True enough! Who'd want to contradict our patron's wishes..."
The discussion went back and forth for quite a while. No one brought up further arguments after that point though they continued discussing their expedition for a while after.
Eventually, the conversation died down as people wandered off towards other pursuits. Ebonheim excused herself, leaving Brevin and his friends to enjoy themselves for the remainder of the evening.
With all her obligations fulfilled for the time being, Ebonheim found herself back at square one: wondering what to do next. It wouldn't hurt to wander around alone a little bit longer—she enjoyed the opportunity to observe how others interacted with their peers or family members, whether they were residents or travelers staying briefly.
But before she could decide which direction to start heading in...her gaze landed on Evelyne sitting by herself on a bench near one corner of the market square. As always, she looked stunning dressed in an elaborate golden-threaded green gown. Her hair had been braided intricately into complex patterns woven around several small flowers while her skin seemed practically glowing under the light of the lanterns overhead.
She appeared lost in thought—sitting still with hands clasped tightly together in her lap.
Ebonheim walked towards her without any forethought regarding what to say or do afterwards. She didn't stop when she got close either; instead she plopped unceremoniously onto the empty spot next to Evelyne.
"You seem pensive...for someone whose plans for today worked out perfectly well," Ebonheim remarked casually as she leaned against one armrest. She flashed Evelyne a teasing grin. "Is everything good? Anything troubling you?"
Evelyne broke out from her daze and glanced upwards at Ebonheim's voice. Her face instantly brightened into a smile. "Ma déesse! You're finally here—I've been waiting for you," she purred, reaching over to pull Ebonheim into her arms.
Gwah!
Ebonheim barely managed to avoid falling sideways on the bench and squirmed awkwardly as Evelyne smushed her cheek against hers. "Okayokay—you can stop...! Let go already...!" Her cheeks flushed scarlet as Evelyne continued hugging her like some kind of stuffed toy.
They remained locked in their embrace for a while longer before Evelyne finally let Ebonheim go. She gave her a playful peck on the forehead before releasing Ebonheim's hands and leaning away.
"You're awfully cheerful," Ebonheim commented dryly. Though she secretly enjoyed receiving Evelyne's affection—even though she acted so embarrassed about receiving them in public—she felt compelled to tease her a little too.
Evelyne gave Ebonheim a wink as her expression turned mischievous. "Why shouldn't I be? Everything's gone splendidly tonight. Everyone's having the best time! And here I sit with our patron goddess right beside me."
She hummed softly to herself—a melody Ebonheim vaguely recalled hearing her hum during times when she crafted something new in her workshop—before continuing. "So yes, ma déesse. All my worries have vanished. It'd take an awful lot for me to be unhappy tonight. And right now? I'm content."
Her hand reached towards Ebonheim's face, cupping her cheek gently while she spoke. "Very content indeed."
"Good to know~" Ebonheim chuckled. "Well then! Since we're both content...why don't we take this opportunity to enjoy the rest of the party before calling it a day?"
"Indeed. Tomorrow marks another step in Ebonheim's development as our domain grows and our reputation flourishes," Evelyne concurred, before finally noticing Kelzryn standing beside her. "Ahh...Kelzryn...good evening."
"Evening." Kelzryn nodded curtly in response.
Evelyne pouted at his aloofness. "I know you've already spent quite a bit of time with her this eve. It's my turn to monopolize her company, mon ami..." she huffed while making shooing motions towards him. "I mustn't allow anyone else to hog her attention. So please...shoo! Go talk with Roderick if you're so bored."
"You both sound like squabbling siblings when you bicker," Ebonheim noted matter-of-factly. Both shot indignant looks her way. "Oh come on...you do. Don't deny it! You fight over the smallest details sometimes..."
"We're simply passionate about ensuring we maintain our positions as top favorites in your life," Evelyne countered with a giggle. She wrapped one arm tightly around Ebonheim's shoulders while looking pleased as punch. "You'll find few in town who aren't devoted to earning their goddess' favor~!" Her other arm waved Kelzryn away dismissively.
Kelzryn's expression remained inscrutable despite this clear provocation. After regarding both women for a heartbeat longer, he offered a faint smile and a shrug. "As you wish, miss Evelyne. Enjoy yourselves—I'll see you both tomorrow. I intend to retire soon as it is."
With that said, he bowed graciously towards them before taking his leave.
"You're really mean to him," Ebonheim chided Evelyne even as she settled back into their shared hug. "Why must you keep trying to provoke his ire? He's nice!"
Evelyne turned an incredulous glance at her. "That's exactly why! He acts too nice—and so composed. All the time! I want to see him flustered or annoyed or surprised at least once. Just one reaction will suffice!" she emphasized with a shake of her fist. "Otherwise he's no fun to tease at all..."
Ebonheim couldn't suppress the urge to laugh. Despite Evelyne's rather callous words towards Kelzryn, she knew deep down he didn't bear any ill feelings towards Evelyne or her antics. Both understood how these playful jabs worked between them. It had become their way of interacting after all these years.
"Besides," Evelyne continued, "He needs to toughen up. He doesn't stand a chance if he can't handle some friendly teasing." She rose from her spot on the bench while dragging Ebonheim along with her. "Come—let us enjoy the festivities while we still may. I sense tomorrow shall prove hectic as well!"