The Day Before the Festival
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WREN HAD BARELY TIED her horse outside Mei's General Store when Sara appeared, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Wren! Perfect timing. You're coming to the Lantern Festival tomorrow night, right?"
"I... hadn't heard about it?"
"Oh, it's amazing! Once a year, the whole town celebrates the summer peak. Lanterns everywhere, food, games, music." Sara grabbed her arm. "You have to come. Everyone will be there."
"I don't know if—"
"Please? I barely know anyone my age in town. It would be so much more fun with you there." They’d become friends over the past few weeks, and Sara was bubbling with the chance to get out and party. A transplant herself, she hadn’t had much time to spend with other young ladies, since she spent long hours at the shop.
Wren hesitated. The festival sounded wonderful, but... "It's at night, isn't it? I can't travel back in the dark."
"Stay with me! I have a room above my shop. It's small but clean, and honestly I'd love the company." Sara's enthusiasm was infectious. "Say yes. Please say yes."
"Alright," Wren found herself smiling. "Yes."
"Excellent!" Sara squeezed her hands. "Come by tomorrow afternoon. We can get ready together."
Inside Mei's store, the proprietor looked up from her ledger. "Ah, Wren! Good timing. I'm putting together your usual order of supplies, but I wanted to mention—the Lantern Festival is tomorrow night. You should come. Everyone will be there."
"Sara just invited me."
"Good. Town events are important for newcomers. Helps people see you as part of the community, not just 'that girl on the cursed farm.'" Mei's tone was matter-of-fact but kind. "Bring some of those mints if you have them. Children love sweets at festivals."
At the cheese merchant's stall, the woman smiled when Wren approached. "Festival tomorrow night. Are you coming?"
"Yes, actually."
"Wonderful! My husband and I run the grilled meat and cheese curd stall every year. Stop by, I'll make sure you get the good cuts." She wrapped Wren's cheese purchase. "Fair warning, it gets crowded. Stay near friends and you'll be fine."
Even the tool merchant mentioned it. "Festival tomorrow. Games and competitions. Are you any good at target throwing?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, you'll find out tomorrow, won't you?"
By the time Wren reached Madame Lin's shop, she was feeling both excited and nervous. The whole town really would be there.
The seamstress looked up when she entered, and her expression turned pleased. "Perfect! I have something for you."
She disappeared into the back and returned with a dress draped over her arms.
Wren's breath caught.
It was made from her forest green velvet—she recognized the fabric immediately.
But Madame Lin had transformed it completely.
The jacket and skirt had been remade into a flowing evening dress with a fitted bodice and full skirt.
Delicate cream lace had been added at the neckline and sleeves, and the whole thing had been structured to be formal but not fussy.
It was beautiful.
"I can't—" Wren started.
"You can, and you will." Madame Lin held it up against her, checking the length. "The Lantern Festival is tomorrow night. You're attending, yes?"
"Yes, but—"
"Then you need something appropriate. Your cotton work dresses are lovely for everyday, but not for festivals." She folded the dress carefully. "Good business is repeat business, dear. And you look lovely in this color. Can't have my best supplier showing up in work clothes."
"I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll wear it tomorrow night. And that you'll keep bringing me silk." Madame Lin's smile was warm. "Fair trade?"
"More than fair. Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet. Wait until you see how many people ask where you got it. You’re a pretty girl and you’ll make it look amazing." The seamstress winked. "Free advertising, my dear."
Wren left the shop with the dress carefully wrapped, her heart full. She'd been invited by multiple people. Sara had offered her a place to stay. Madame Lin had made her a dress.
She was becoming part of the community.
Really, truly part of it.