The road to becoming an adventurer

Chapter 7: Festival of the Sea

As Fredric and Arina approached the bustling port town of Salthorn, they were met with a scene of jubilant celebration. The streets were adorned with colorful banners, and the air was alive with the sounds of music and laughter. But amidst the revelry, there was an air of anticipation, a sense that something momentous was about to happen.

Their hopes of catching a ferry to the northern island of Eogebin were dashed when they reached the harbor. The captain of the ferry, a weathered old sailor with a grizzled beard and a stern demeanor, informed them that all travel was halted until the conclusion of the Festival of the Sea, which was set to last for three days.

Arina frowned in frustration, her plans thwarted by the whims of fate. She had little patience for such frivolous festivities, seeing them as nothing more than a distraction from their mission. But Fredric's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he tugged at her sleeve eagerly.

"Come on, Arina," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "Let's make the most of it! We can explore the town, sample some of the local cuisine, and maybe even join in the festivities."

Arina sighed, torn between her duty and her desire for adventure. She knew they couldn't afford to waste time, but she also didn't want to dampen Fredric's spirits. Reluctantly, she nodded her assent, though her expression remained guarded.

"Very well," she conceded, her tone resigned. "But let's not lose sight of our goal. We mustn't allow ourselves to be swept away by the revelry."

Fredric beamed, his excitement renewed. Together, they made their way through the bustling streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival. The town was alive with activity, with vendors selling all manner of goods, musicians playing lively tunes, and dancers twirling in colorful costumes.

Despite her reservations, Arina found herself drawn in by the festive atmosphere. The aroma of freshly cooked seafood wafted through the air, tempting her taste buds and stirring her appetite. She couldn't help but smile as she watched the townsfolk celebrate, their joy infectious and uplifting.

As they wandered through the crowded streets, Fredric's infectious enthusiasm began to rub off on Arina. She found herself laughing and joking with him, her worries momentarily forgotten in the whirlwind of excitement. For the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself to relax and enjoy the moment, grateful for the brief respite from their journey.

As the sun began to set on the first day of the festival, Fredric suggested they find lodging for the night. Arina agreed, her spirits lifted by the promise of a warm bed and a hearty meal. Together, they made their way to the inn, looking forward to the adventures that awaited them in the days to come.

As Fredric and Arina immersed themselves in the festivities of the Festival of the Sea, they found themselves drawn to the heart of the town's celebration: a large bonfire blazing in the center of the bustling town square. The flames cast a warm, flickering glow over the gathered crowd, illuminating the faces of the townsfolk as they laughed and danced to the lively music.

Arina and Fredric settled on a bench near the edge of the square, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing display before them. The air was filled with the sound of fiddles and flutes, their melodies weaving together in a joyous symphony that echoed off the surrounding buildings.

Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the music shifted, taking on a slower, more rhythmic beat. The townspeople began to form a circle around the bonfire, their movements graceful and fluid as they joined hands and swayed to the hypnotic rhythm.

Arina watched in awe as the dancers moved as one, their bodies twisting and turning in perfect harmony. There was a raw, elemental energy to their movements, a connection to the earth and the sea that spoke of ancient traditions passed down through generations.