[LunaeFest6] The End of The Festival

    Eira turned away from the beautiful spring and started back towards the city. She walked at a speedy pace but made no effort to run. As she looked up, she saw that the lights in the town were dim and recognized that it meant it was time for stargazing. Picking up her pace, she started with more vigor towards the Astrologists, she could look at the stars later, and she had already made her wish tonight. Tired, she just wanted to get home and spend the rest of the holiday relaxing, at least whatever was left of it.
    Her hooves clicked along the path and moved spring water into a more comfortable position for her to carry. Though she was strong and used to traveling, she was worn from all the festivities and food she had taken part in before taking on this quest. Quietly, she began to hum to herself a song her mother often sang to her during this time of year, a tune of the stories within the stars. Nights like this, she often took time to remember the wonderful time she had spent with her mother and all the stories she had been told. As a young enivi, Eira repeatedly pestered her mother about what was outside of their village. Travel was uncommon amongst those she knew. All but her mother, who had traveled far and wide when she was young, to help her parents sell the armor to other Ortusi. A small smile appeared on the otherwise calm and stoic enivi from the memories of her mother. She used to wrap them both in a scarf and give them clover tea before telling their stories.
    Another memory, this time of her mother's unyielding kindness, stirred to the surface. Their village shunned Eira's best friend Mara for her unique appearance. Eira and her mother stuck out with coats of somewhat earthy tones, but Mara was different. Her coat was not the problem; it was her bright red eyes. They shone like fire, and Eira honestly thought they were beautiful. This difference caused Mara pain because the villagers disliked the young child who was different than them. Her parents often traveled due to being warriors; she had no one to defend her from the cruel words of the adults. Eira's mother overheard the other adults scolding young Mara unfairly and stepped in. Since then, Mara would be over at Eira's house every chance she got when her parents were out of town.
     At first, Mara was only at the house to see Eira's mother. Despite Eira's best efforts, the other young enivi was cold towards her. Eventually, Eira just ignored the unfriendly child. She went about her day and did her usual drawing armor designs and whatnot. One day over her shoulder, Mara saw the design and pushed her aside. Gushing about how unique the armor was and disbelief that Eira drew it. After that, they became closer; even when Mara was cold, she wanted to see Eira's work, which Eira was happy to show off.
     When Eira snapped back to reality, she realized she was close to the temple where the Astrologist was. Her ears swivel as the town is still relatively quiet; hush whispers from those star gazing can be heard, but not much else. Taking her last step forward before she entered the temple, her hooves clicking and echoing for what felt like miles. Following the same path as last time, she came to the same Astrologist as before. Placing down the water, she bowed her head, "Here is your spring water, have a good night."
    The Astrologist's thanks follow behind her. She made her way back towards her temporary housing. When she opened the door, the smell of clover tea tickled her nose. Another smile graced her lips as she met the bright fiery eyes of her best friend. "Hello, my friend, how was your day?"
    The door shuts behind her as she settles for the night, her adventure finally coming to an end.