"Elara....it's time to wake up."
Snapping out of a deep sleep Elara abruptly sat up.
"You were drooling my love."
Gabel chuckled and brought his sleeve to her mouth.
"As much I as I want to let you sleep some more, we need to head back to the village. The celebration has already begun no doubt."
Elara nodded while letting out a sleepy yawn.
"How long was I asleep?"
Gabel stood and brushed off his pants before holding his arm out to help her.
"Almost two hours...I was half tempted to take you home and let you rest in our bed."
After standing Elara rushed over to her steed.
"We need to go get Cassian. I have been away
from him all day."
Gabel picked his cloak up off the ground and folded it over his arm.
"Lady Calypse has promised to bring him to the celebration tonight....Elara why don't you ride with me? I can tie your horse to mine."
"No as I have said before I wish to ride my own horse."
He sighed.
"Very well, but you will ride with me to the celebration. We can return your horse to our stable on the way."
Not wanting to bicker about it more, Elara nodded and followed behind as they made their way back.
At the house Gabel helped her off then led her steed towards their stable.
Elara walked over and mounted his horse.
When he returned he quickly mounted behind her, then beckoned his steed towards the village.
The distant sound of music carried through the air.
When a large wood building came into sight she felt her stomach tense.
Crowds of people were scattered about the streets dancing and drinking.
Gabel led his horse to a small stable located behind the hall. He helped her down then took his steed inside.
When he returned he grabbed her hand, "Come, let us go get a drink then find our son."
A huge wave of anxiety hit her and she pulled back on his hand.
"I do not know any of these people and..."
Gabel squeezed her hand, "These people are mostly here to drink and dance my love...it will not be as you are imagining i'm sure. And even if it is it's alright. Let us enjoy this time together okay?"
Elara swallowed, remaining silent.
"Just think of it as the spring festival then aye?"
She nodded her mind relaxing a little.
"Alright."
A smile spread over his face.
"That's my girl. Now come."
Gabel led them around into the overflow of people in the street.
Her eyes wondered over the flocks of faces they passed by. Children ran about the street with long colored ribbons in their hands while the men and women danced to the musicians tunes.
Elara watched in awe.
Never before had she seen such a gathering of merry looking people.
Seeing the village maidens dressed in their finest made her feel a little less nervous about being dressed so lavishly herself.
