We stand at the top of a hill, looking down on the celebration below. Laurel tenses for just a moment, eyes unfocused, likely recalling another day standing in this exact spot. I watch as her eyes find every single Royal Guard stationed around the valley, assuring herself of the security of the event. While I wait for her to be satisfied there are enough guards, I look out at the breathtaking sight before me. Snow-capped mountain peaks surround the valley on all sides, sharp ridges eventually softening to rolling green hills. The ground is thickly carpeted in thayar flower, the crimson petals swaying gently in the breeze. There are tents set up along the entire perimeter of the valley, and fae and humans alike enjoy the warm spring air. Children chase one another through the fields of flowers, their mothers’ calls to be careful ignored. A large tent at the farthest end of the valley appears to be hosting a Skran tournament, and music filters through the air, mingling with the sounds of the revelers.

“It’s so beautiful,” Silene says, eyes wide with wonder, and Laurel smiles. Arm in arm, the two of them make their way down the small hill to Moormyr, Fionn and me in tow. When we reach the floor of the valley, it’s easier to see that the tents circling it belong to merchants and vendors of all kinds, selling everything from steaming and fragrant food to jewelry, clothing, and artwork. Silene and Laurel have already pranced away, and I’m happy they’re spending quality time together, even if being away from Laurel makes my skin itch.

“I guess it’s just you and me today, brother,” I say to Fionn, who laughs before leading me to a stall selling what looks like Thayarian street food. The smell is divine as we approach, and Fionn orders one of everything on the menu, insisting I’ll love it all. Apparently, he’s tried them all in Arberly these last months while I’ve been preoccupied with Laurel. When the food arrives, I nearly groan at the look of roasted meats skewered on sticks and fried stuffed dough. Fionn murmurs an I told you so as my jaw drops open, mouth watering. Food in hand, we find a makeshift tavern, where tables sit amongst the flowers. Seated and with ale in our hands, we dig in, both of us groaning at the taste of Thayaria’s rich and unique food.