#1 Fates of Meriel. Chains of Fatum

Chapter 6. The Spring Festival

Chapter 6. The Spring Festival

"Richard, get up!" the young man jumped up and saw Veya. She was smiling and looking at him. "The merchants have arrived! The Spring Festival is waiting!" his cousin happily reported, slowing him down.

The brother was delighted with this news; he even jumped out of bed. Lately, he hadn't even thought about travelers and the fair, because his head was busy with other things.

"Well," he muttered sleepily, not yet fully awake. "It's good that the merchants have reached us!" Richard began to think that he and Veya would do well to have a little fun, finally spend time together, buy something, and listen to the news. The last one is the most important. Did the merchants see anything strange on the way here?

After breakfast, they went out into the yard. They had to work on the beds. Wagons were moving along the road that skirted their property toward Bertleben. There was singing, laughter, music, the grinding of wheels, and the neighing of horses.

"And what is all this fuss about? Nothing special—" his father grumbled irritably, casting angry glances at the procession of merchants. And Richard and Veya could not take their eyes off the minstrels in beautiful costumes, bright trailers, circus performers, and buffoons. They accompanied their procession with dancing, juggling, and demonstrations of all kinds of miracles.

"They look happy," Veya said as the last cart, decorated with colorful ribbons and flags, passed. "That's good, so everything is quiet in Meriel," she finished.

"Yes, you're right," said Richard, as he began to place seedlings in the loosened ground. But now he was worried that he wouldn't be able to escape into the forest today. After all, strangers will wander around Bertleben, and if so, someone will notice him. He promised Veya they would go to the festival together.

Another young man was going to find out something about elves from travelers. After all, they are in different parts of the country. Maybe they have heard something interesting. You need to do it carefully, without shaking too much.

He caught Veya's thoughtful gaze on him. She narrowed her eyes and quickly turned away, pretending to be extremely interested in the flower stalk. Richard had noticed his cousin looking at him like that several times before. It's like she's trying to read his mind or even found out about his secret. No, it can't be!

When the work was done, Richard and Veya went to the house. The lunch was very tasty. Aurora and Eva did their best; the table was just bursting with viands. Here you have a roasted pig, vegetable soup, and apple pie, as well as various sweets.

After a festive dinner in honor of the arrival of spring, the brother and sister were busy with household chores until the evening, and after changing into new clothes, they went to Bertleben together.

Bonfires and torches light up the whole town. The sun had almost disappeared behind the hills, which plunged everything into a pleasant pinkish twilight. There was a corresponding mood in the air, flavored with the smell of last year's baked apples, honey, and hops. Everyone welcomed the arrival of spring, expecting a rich harvest, happiness, health, and longevity from it.

Merchants were located on the outskirts of the city. Their colorful tents and carts surrounded Bertleben in the ring.

The children, with a cheerful hubbub, rushed from one tent to another, and the burgomeister's soldiers, keeping order, slowly walked around their posts.

Musicians played, comic duels on wooden sabers were arranged everywhere. Everyone danced around the bonfires, holding hands. Fakirs waved torches, and acrobats showed various tricks to the enthusiastic shouts of others.