After the Festival
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WREN WOKE TO SUNLIGHTstreaming through the window and the smell of fresh bread from the bakery next door.Sara was already up, dressed in a simple work dress, humming as she tidied.
"Morning!I didn't want to wake you, but I have to open the shop soon."Sara smiled."Sleep well?"
"Very well.Thank you for letting me stay."
"Anytime.Seriously, it was fun having company."Sara paused."And the entertainment value of watching half the town try to figure out the Jin, Viktor and Wren situation was worth it alone."
Wren groaned but couldn't help smiling.She got up and changed back into her cotton dress, folding the beautiful green velvet carefully.
"Before I go," she said, reaching into her purse."I wanted to give you something as a thank you."She pulled out a small cloth bag she'd prepared with soapberries, cosmetics and a delicate strand of the pearl-like beads from her string of pearls plant.
Sara opened it and gasped."Wren, this is too much!"
"It's not.You gave me a place to stay, helped me get ready, introduced me to people.You've been a real friend."Wren smiled."And I was hoping...maybe you'd come visit the farm sometime?For tea?I'd love to show you around."
"Really?"Sara's face lit up."I'd love that!Oh, but I'm working the next few days—my uncle's going out of town and I'm covering the shop alone.Would later this week work?Maybe in a few days?"
"Whenever you have time.Just send word through Walter, my squirrel, or stop by."She grinned.“The tea is always ready.”
"A tea party at the magic pun farm with the girl everyone's talking about?"Sara hugged her impulsively."I'm so excited!Thank you!"
They said their goodbyes, and Wren headed to the gate on her wooden horse, where her dandelions waited patiently.They’d been allowed inside the gates at night, and the guards had made friends with them.Now the guards smugly told their friends that they had lion helpers at the door, making their buddies envious.
The ride home was peaceful.Morning sun, clear roads, her property coming into view with its thriving trees and sparkling stream.
Home.
She dismounted and the dandelions pressed close, checking her over like concerned parents.
"I'm fine," she assured them."Just tired.It was a long night."
Walter appeared immediately."Welcome back, madam!How was the festival?"
"Complicated.But good, I think."She started unloading."Sara's coming for tea in a few days.I should prepare."
"Excellent!I'll make sure the house is spotless."
Wren spent the rest of the morning settling back in, replanting a few things that needed attention, checking her trade goods inventory.
But her mind kept drifting back to the festival.To Mei-Lin's easy friendship, Viktor's smooth charm and clear interest and Lyra's fury.
To Jin, standing in the lantern light, sayingnot just the town.
She touched her lips, remembering the moment when she'd thought—
No.Too early for that.Way too early.
But maybe...
