It seems like talk about Rystice has begun to become more and more frequent. With the celebration being held about a month away, preparations were beginning to take off all over Mylera. Luna hasn't had much conversation yet about Sylis’ contribution, but any day now, she'll be heading back home to begin collaborations for the event. She wants to ensure that the goods brought to the festival are of top quality and favorable.

Luna walked into Pav’s Tavern. The tavern seemed steady with business, with quite a few patrons filling the establishment. “Lady Luna! Welcome in!” Luna brought her attention near the bar, where Pav, the owner, was shouting to greet her. “Hello, Pav,” Luna responded warmly.

“Your friends are sitting on the side over there. Do you want your usual?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

Luna turns her gaze to her left, the back side of the tavern. Her friend group was there, chatting. As she saw them, they looked up and noticed her too. “LUNAAAAAAA!!!” shouted Pip, ferociously waving to her. A few of the patrons turned and looked at the table. “Shut up,” Jess mumbled under breath, punching Pip on the arm. “You don't need to yell.” Pip childishly stuck her tongue out back at her as Luna approached the table.

“Hey, we were just talking about Rystice,” said Mandi, as she pulled out Luna's chair next to her. “I'm super excited!” Erietta chimed in. “I actually wanted to do something special for all of us this time.” She started twiddling her fingers as she averted her gaze down towards the table. “I was thinking…maybe I could make all of us matching outfits?” Everyone at the table had a look of pure sweetness on their faces.

Jess: “Aww, Eri! I think that's a really cool idea! We'd look so cute.”

Mandi: “Yeah, that'd be pretty cool. Did you have a certain idea in mind for how the outfits would look?”

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Erietta: “Um, not really. I mean I have a vague idea of how I would go about making them but I still want to finalize some things and then run it through with everyone.”

Mandi: “I'm sure whatever you come up with will be awesome! And we can help, of course. Especially since Rystice is coming up in a month, we wouldn't want you to do all the work by yourself.”

Erietta: “Oh you don't have to worry about that…but if you want to help you're more than welcome to.”

Erietta then turns to Luna, a look of soft curiosity on her face. “Are you…planning on going this time?” Luna opens her mouth, about to respond when Pav arrives at the table with her drink. “Here you go, my dear.” He places a Honey Nectar Delight in front of her. “Thank you, Pav.” As he walks away, she picks up her drink and turns her attention back to the group. “I'm not sure if I'll be attending.”

Pip: “Boooooo. You're always missing out. Can't you come for just a little while? It'll be fun!”

Mandi: “Yeah, not to pry in your business or anything, but is there a particular reason why you always skip out?”

Luna: “Oh, it's nothing really. I just have other things to tend to around that time of year. But who knows? I may consider going this time…maybe.”

Luna takes a sip of her drink. The sweetness of the honey nectar mixed with hard cider instantly warmed her body, making her slightly more relaxed. She knew this conversation was going to happen sooner or later, and she would hate to disappoint her friends again. This would be the fifth Rystice in a row she would be missing if she decided not to attend, and the fact that she has chosen not to be present over the last couple of years always makes other Mylerans question her absence.

Erietta: “Well there's no pressure of course. But it would be pretty nice to have the whole group attending together.”

Jess: “I agree. I think you should consider coming. Plus, I'm sure the princes would love to see you there.” Jess started to giggle.

Mandi: “Ooohh, maybe one of them might even ask you to be their date. Would that make you change your mind?”

Luna rolled her eyes, the other girls smirking and giggling at her. “Even if they did ask me to attend, I can't say for sure that I would.”

Pip: “Mhmm, that's what you say now. I'm calling it, if one of them asks you to go, you're not gonna reject them.”

Luna: “My relationship with them is not that casual. Plus, I'm sure they'll be too busy with their own preparations to even care if I'm there or not.” Luna took another sip of her drink. “But that's beside the point. I'll let you know soon what my plans are. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.”

“No, it's not an inconvenience at all!” Erietta said shyly but insistent. “I can at least draft the outfits for now and see how things go later.” 

Luna lightly nodded. Her friends were hoping she would be there, so is it wrong for her to even consider denying them the time they want to spend with her during such a special occasion? How will the Royals feel about her absence this time? Should she abandon her usual routine? These thoughts began to race through her head. Maybe she should start going again, at least for a couple of hours. Have a drink or two, dance with her loved ones instead of alone. Besides, Rystice is supposed to be a fun and exciting time. Everything should be just fine…right?