Volume 2 Chapter 18 - The Feast of the Wind
The sun dipped low over Aerith Vale, painting the valley gold. Lanterns flickered to life one by one, hanging from trees, roofs, and fences, until the whole village glowed like a constellation scattered across the earth.
Cindy stood in the manor courtyard, hands on her hips, smiling as servants hurried about setting up tables and chairs. Long wooden tables were lined with baskets of bread, roasted meat, fruit pies, and bowls of steaming stew. The scent of herbs and spice filled the air.
"This looks amazing," Puff said, eyes wide as he floated beside a tray of desserts.
Cindy gave him a look. "Don't even think about it."
"But I'm tasting for quality!" he protested, tail twitching.
She laughed and handed him a small tart. "One. Only one."
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Preparations
The idea for the feast had come to Cindy that morning.
After all the help, hard work, and trust the villagers and servants had given her, she wanted to show gratitude in the best way she knew — through care and warmth.
As the cooks prepared meals, Cindy herself decorated the courtyard with ribbons and wind-chimes, using small gusts of magic to make them dance softly in the breeze.
Children giggled as they chased the floating ribbons, and even the more reserved servants smiled as they worked side by side with villagers.
For the first time in years, Aerith Manor was filled with laughter.
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The Celebration Begins
When the sun finally disappeared behind the mountains, the feast began.
Music filled the air — fiddles, flutes, and drums — and people danced beneath the lights.
Cindy sat with the elder and several families, sharing stories about her travels. She listened more than she spoke, genuinely curious about their lives.
Puff, on the other hand, had become the life of the party — performing small tricks, summoning bubbles of light that floated above the children's heads.
"Look, look!" he said proudly, creating a glowing hare made of mana that hopped through the air, bursting into sparkles when touched.
The children squealed in delight.
Cindy couldn't stop smiling. "You've become quite the entertainer, Puff."
"I take my duties seriously," he replied, munching on yet another tart.
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The Toast
As the night deepened, Cindy stood and gently raised her cup of sparkling cider. The music quieted, and all eyes turned toward her.
"To everyone here," she said, her voice soft but carrying through the air, "thank you for welcoming me and Puff into your home. Aerith Vale was silent when I first arrived — like a place that had forgotten how to breathe. But now..."
A soft wind circled the courtyard, lifting petals and lantern light around her.
"...now, it's alive again. And it's because of all of you."
The crowd cheered.
"To Lady Aerith!" someone shouted.
"To Cindy!" others echoed.
She blushed lightly but smiled, raising her glass higher. "To Aerith Vale — may the wind always carry us forward."
They drank, laughed, and the music resumed — brighter and livelier than before.
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Quiet Moments After the Feast
Later, when the last song faded and the villagers began their walk home, Cindy sat beneath the glowing willow tree in the garden, shoes off, her feet sore but her heart full.
Puff flopped down beside her, his ears drooping. "That was the best day ever."
"It was," Cindy agreed softly. "Everyone looked happy. That's all I wanted."
A gentle breeze brushed against her face, carrying the scent of candles and flowers. The wind-chimes above them sang a slow, calming tune.
"Do you think it'll stay peaceful like this?" Puff asked sleepily.
Cindy looked up at the stars, her expression thoughtful. "I hope so... but the wind never stays still for long."
Somewhere far away, thunder rumbled faintly beyond the northern mountains.
But for tonight, Aerith Vale slept in peace — wrapped in warmth, laughter, and the soft whisper of the wind.