That Friday morning excitement danced through the streets. Shops would close early that day as everyone was beginning the setup for the festival. Azrael had gotten up extra early to help out around the inn as new travelers would be arriving from local villages. She cleaned the lobby and set up some decorations. Then there was the realization that they still didn’t have the flowers Azrael had promised to get.

“I need to make a trip to the florist. I never picked up the flowers you asked for.” Azrael’s face reddened in embarrassment.

The innkeeper gave an empathetic smile. “My dear that is quite alright. Here’s some money. Just grab anything you think would look okay around here. It may be challenging to get ahold of specific flowers or colors now.”

Azrael nodded and gladly took the money and headed upset stairs to grab her bag. Raden had ventured into her room looking for Azrael at some point. “Hello.”

Raden turned to see Azrael standing in the doorway. “Hey there. Where are you off to?”

“I’m going to see if I can’t grab some flowers for downstairs. I was meant to do it earlier in the week but…” Azrael trailed off but quickly shook herself out of the memory. “Anyways, if you’ll excuse me.” She gently brushed past Raden to grab her bag and out the door, she went.

Raden followed her down the stairs and into the lobby where a few new faces were talking with the innkeeper. “Would you like any help?”

Azrael turned back and smiled. “I wouldn’t turn down spending some time with you.”

Raden felt his stomach flip. What is she doing to us?

~~~*~~~

By early afternoon, most of Asra had closed down and everyone was out in the streets setting up. The inn was in full swing of last-minute travelers and it was all hands on deck for the staff. In about an hour, all rooms were taken and they were sadly having to turn people away.

Azrael had finished up with check-in and rushed upstairs to find Raden. “Go get dressed,” she demanded as she pushed him out of her room. He dug his heels in and was practically an immovable object. “Come on.”

“I am dressed,” Raden pointed out. He was wearing just a simple white shirt and black riding pants. While Azrael was busy helping out in the inn, he had gone to tend to his new furry companion in the stalls.

Azrael still pushing with all her strength huffed out, “You know what I mean.”

“Oh… you mean my festival clothing. Well, why didn’t you just say that?” Raden moved, causing Azrael to fall off balance. Raden with lightning reflexes caught her before she hit the ground. She gave a playful glare and Raden picked her up. They were inches apart and Azrael felt her breath catch in her throat. Raden leaned in a bit closer with his signature smirk. “I can’t say I’ve seen someone actually fall for me.” Then he leaned back and walked off chuckling to himself.

Azrael gathered her composure. “You Bastard!” Louder laughter was heard from Raden and Azrael rolled her eyes as she turned to change herself.

Raden had dressed quickly. He of course wasn’t one for festivals or any of this celebration shit, but he thought it would make Azrael happy and Gods know she deserved it after the week she had. He looked at himself in the mirror and let out a deep breath. He traded in his simple white shirt for a midnight blue long-sleeved shirt. He had opted to roll the sleeve up a bit. A black vest that fit quite nicely. He chose black pants and boots with some silver lining in them. All in all, he didn’t look too shabby and still felt comfortable even if this wasn’t something he would wear on any normal occasion. A witch had kindly offered to work with him so that his wings would feel more comfortable while the clothing could magically be altered around his wings. He secured his one sword to his side and then headed to meet Azrael as she finished getting ready.

He knocked on her door and heard a bit of shuffling before the door was opened just a bit and Azrael popped her head out. “Can I come in?”

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Azrael smiled. “Yes.” She opened the door wide enough for him and closed it behind him.

He turned and was met with a beautiful girl. Azrael had the simple lavender dress on but had placed a corset on that had little silver flowers sewn into it. Her hair had been placed in braids and tied in the back letting the rest fall down her back in loose curls. There were small snippets of baby’s breath woven into the braids on the sides of her head. Small clear crystal earrings dangled from her ears and she had a matching necklace.

She stood there nervously as Raden took in the sight of her. He smiled, “You look good.”

She giggled. Raden wasn’t much for careful compliments and she took it at deeper value. “Well thank you for that sweet compliment.” She walked past and grabbed her bag that had what she needed for her own little section of the celebration. “You look very handsome.”

“I always do.”

“And there’s that cockiness.” She rolled her eyes. “Are you ready? I want to set up before things begin.” Raden nodded and followed her out.

~~~*~~~

Azrael was bent over a little table Raden helped set up for her. She was setting up a small shrine for Merikh “Death” while Raden sat and watched her work.

“You don’t have to do this you know. He’s very used to being feared and hated.” Raden spoke up. Azrael was placing poppies around the table when she turned around.

“I know I don’t have to but I want to.”

Red poppies surrounded the edges of the table as she burnt sweet incense. It wasn’t much or as elaborate as the ones that people had sent up around them but it would do.

“What do you think,” Azrael asked.

Raden stood up and walked over to stand next to Azrael. “Simple and straightforward. He’ll see this as acceptable.” He glanced over at Azrael who was cupping her hands and resting her chin on them as she looked at her little creation. He smiled to himself seeing her like this.

The afternoon quickly turned to evening and the festival officially began. All walks of life had come to Asra for the celebration. Fey creatures kept close together as they roamed the streets, and a few woodland elves were seen congregating under a grove of trees in deep conversation. Wizards and witches mingled in their best attire. Beautiful vibrant robes and peculiar unique hats on display. Common humans intertwined with magic folk as they all worked on displays and shrines for Gods and Goddesses.

Azrael walked down the street taking in everything, but she wished she had about fifty more eyes. She wasn’t sure where to start though as she was interested in learning about the Gods and Goddesses that kept this world protected.

On the other end, Raden had wished he stayed in the room. While all walks of life had shown up, he still was the strangest creature to set foot here. Celestials weren’t known to make their presents known often. Sure Gods and Goddesses would walk among the humans and some made themselves known. However, angels of any kind rarely were seen in mass-populated areas. Death angels were things of myth and legends as they were never seen.

Azrael turned to look at a few wands a witch was happily handing out to some children that had run up to her. Azrael saw Raden glancing around nervously and seemingly on guard. “Raden?” He shot his gaze to her in urgency. “Are you okay to be out here?”

He leaned down to her ear. “I’m not exactly a fan of crowds.”

Azrael realized that she may have made a mistake in having Raden come along with her. “Get out of here,” she answered. Raden raised a concerned eyebrow. “I promise I’ll be fine here. Go somewhere you’re comfortable.”

Raden gave Azrael a thankful glance before turning for the inn. Azrael gave one last regretful glance watching him disappear before turning back to the wands. A ping of sadness hit Azrael but only for a second. She wouldn’t let this ruin her night or the weekend.

~~~*~~~

Each night Azrael would come back to the inn during the early morning hours. Raden wouldn’t sleep until she did.

Azrael had all sorts of stories for Raden the next morning. From dancing with a Dragonborn to learning about new Gods she had never heard of before. Raden listened intently and was happy for Azrael. She showed him some knickknacks she had acquired from the festival and then gave him a small gold bracelet. She explained that it was an act of friendship when one is given.

On the last day of the festival, Azrael had come to visit Raden that evening. She was hoping he might join her for the final night.

She knocked on his door and he came to greet her. “What can I do for your pretty little self?”

Azrael rolled her eyes and ignored the comment. “I thought I would come to see if you’d join me this evening.”

“I would much rather prefer to stay here until the majority is gone,” Raden answered in a not-so-playful tone.

Azrael’s smile fell a bit and she nodded. “Just given it’s the last night and you’ve been cooped up…”

“I chose to stay in here. I haven’t been cooped up or anything of that nature. If I wanted to leave I would,” Raden interjected rather harshly. He saw the hurt in Azrael’s eyes.

“Right,” Azrael whispered dropping her gaze to the floor. “Well um… have a good rest of your night.” Azrael handed Raden a wrapping before she turned to leave. “I thought you might enjoy this. The bakery down the street was handing out these little raspberry pastries.” She gave her signature smile although not as bright and walked out the door.

You dick. Raden instantly regretted not following her.