The Companion (18+)

13. Spring Festival (NSFW)

Several days into May, Étienne surprised Aurélie with an outing to the nearest town. He had politely knocked on her door one evening and told her to get ready to go out. An hour later the pair was seated in one of the Duke's carriages, dressed in simple clothes. Aurélie wanted to wear her uniform as usual but was quickly told to wear something that would make her blend in with a crowd. Confused, she had climbed into the carriage wearing a simple navy-coloured dress, a collared robe providing her with enough warmth for their evening adventure. Étienne sat across from her and was silent for most of the ride, observing the dark landscape that surrounded them. He noticed that clouds were beginning to form far away in the distance. Only as lights started to appear in the distance did he speak up, revealing what he had planned.

"There is a spring festival that is hosted here every year. I thought you might enjoy it."

Aurélie looked at him, surprised. Her cheeks began to flush as she bowed her head.

"That is very considerate of you, Étienne. Might I ask what we will get to see?"

"The town celebrates late into the night. There will be plenty of food stalls, games and performances. I hear there is a prize for the best flower arrangement," Étienne said, turning to her. "I imagine you would do quite well in that."

"That is a very bold statement. It is a mere hobby of mine. I do not think I would be much of a match for those who practice all year for this event," Aurélie chuckled, looking out of the window once more. As they approached the town the carriage came to an abrupt stop, to Aurelie's surprise. Étienne stepped out of the carriage and held out his hand, helping his companion out. Even from the town entrance, Aurélie could already hear people laughing and singing. Lanterns lit the side of the stone pathway, leading towards the centre of town.

"Shall we?" Étienne asked, holding out his arm. "We have all night."

Aurélie took it and allowed him to lead them towards the festivities. As they reached the centre of town Aurélie gasped. Flower garlands hung between the houses, with thousands of flowers neatly arranged in several buckets around the town square. Little stalls were set up, each selling a variety of foods and souvenirs. There were several merchants yelling out special offers and trying to attract customers. A stage was set up in front of the fountain, a group of musicians playing a jig with several townsfolk gathered in front, singing and dancing with one another. Aurélie had never seen something so lively before. She stood rooted on the spot for several minutes, her eyes not willing to settle on just one attraction. A large group of people were gathered in a semi-circle, cheering on two men that were trying to chug giant tankards of what appeared to be beer. Aurélie watched in fascination, unable to understand what the crowd was yelling. The larger man of the two slammed his tankard down on the table after a while, raising his arms in victory. The crowd erupted into louder cheers, drowning out the loud belch of the victor. A young woman dressed in a yellow dress with flowers embroidered on it walked over to the man, placing a flower crown on his head before kissing him on the cheek and clapping alongside the crowd.

Aurélie felt a tug from Étienne and let herself be guided further along. As the pair continued to walk she noticed that almost everyone was wearing flower crowns or head pieces fashioned from leaves. It wasn't until Étienne stopped in front of a little stall that had several crowns on display, that she realised what he was doing. Handing the plump, smiling woman that ran the shop several coins, he took a flower crown made from yellow and white roses and gently placed it on Aurelie's head, careful not to mess up her updo.

She peered up at him. "Thank you for this. You did not have to get me one."

"We might as well properly join in the festivities," Étienne said while shrugging, picking out a crown made from several leaves and daisies. He placed the crown on his own head before looking down at Aurélie.