"Ready?"Sara asked.
Wren picked up her purse, stuffed with mints and elephant ears and paper tigers."Ready."
They headed downstairs and out into the street, where lanterns were already being lit and the evening was turning magical.
***
THE TOWN SQUARE HADbeen transformed.
Lanterns hung everywhere—from buildings, strung across streets, floating in decorative pools.Paper lanterns in every color, painted with flowers and birds and abstract patterns.Candles glowed inside them, turning the evening into a dreamscape of warm light.
The cliff face houses were illuminated too, lanterns climbing the terraced levels like a waterfall of light flowing upward.It was breathtaking.
Food stalls lined the square, sending up mouthwatering smells.Grilled meat, sweet pastries, roasted nuts, something spiced and savory that made Wren's stomach growl despite her nervousness.
Music played somewhere—drums and flutes and stringed instruments she didn't recognize.People crowded the square in their best clothes, laughing, eating, greeting friends.
"Gorgeous, isn't it?"Sara said, squeezing her arm."Come on, let's find the organizers.You brought contributions, right?"They made their way to a large tent where an elderly woman was coordinating volunteers.
"Contributions?"she asked briskly.
Wren pulled out the bag of elephant ears."I brought these.They're still warm."
The woman opened the bag, and the smell of cinnamon and fried dough filled the air.Her expression shifted from efficient to delighted."Oh my.These are wonderful.We'll put them at the community food table.Did you want credit or—"
"They're free for everyone."
"Generous of you."The woman made a note."Name?"
"Wren."
"Ah!The cursed farm girl."The woman's expression was appraising but not unkind."Heard about your plant magic.These came from your trees?"
"Elephant ear plant."
"Clever."She took the bag."Thank you, dear.Enjoy the festival."
Wren also pulled out several paper tigers."And these, if anyone wants decorations."
The woman examined one, eyes widening."These are exquisite.Did you make them?"
"Grew them.Tiger lily plant."
"Remarkable."She set them aside carefully."I'm sure people will love them.Thank you."
As they walked away, Sara grinned."See?You're a hit already."
They wandered through the stalls.The cheese merchant waved them over and insisted on giving Wren skewers of grilled meat and a sample of cheese curds."The good cuts, like I promised."The blacksmith had made a game where people threw rings at hooks, his daughter collecting coins and laughing at near-misses.
Children ran past with candied fruit and sticky fingers.A group of musicians had set up near the fountain, and several couples were dancing.
Wren spotted the fortune teller's tent, draped in dark fabrics, mysterious symbols painted on the entrance.A line of people waited outside, giggling and nervous.
"Want to get your fortune told?"Sara asked.
"Not really.I'd rather make my own opportunities than wait for fate to decide."
A voice behind them said, "Practical."
