Avoid The Lead, No Matter What!

38. The Nineteenth year

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Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months, brought the changes in the Seasons, and like a swift breeze, the Nineteenth year was here!

There was a spectacle at Blixia's Central Square, and the gathered crowd consisted of some of the Capital's poorest, who watched in awe as the dazzling beauty spun in the air before them, casting spell after spell.

Her first spell added a glimmering sheen to the falling snow, making it seem like glitters showered down on them.

"Oooooh!"

"Aaaaaah!"

The dazzled crowd applauded, and gasps filled the crisp night air as the next spell set off a string of magnificent fireworks which brightened the night sky!

"Momma! Look!" Children began pointing at the sky, jumping in excitement as the fireworks first formed the greatest elves in Luxia's history, then swirled into an image of the Palace, and finally disintegrated into little beautiful images of the sun, the moon, trees, flowers, little bunnies, and other cute animals.

Finally, with a wave of her hand, beautiful light streaks surrounded her, then moved to weave around the onlookers, before shooting into the sky and spelling,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The onlookers gleefully applauded as the lady floated down to her feet, her silvery white hair and red gown settling around her.

"Happy New Year!" Celia greeted them all with a humble bow. "The Scarlett Family, Magic Council, and the Noble Houses celebrate with you all!"

There was a rain of thunderous applause!

This hadn't always been a tradition, but word had it that the Scarlett daughter, whom everyone was now calling 'Lady Celia', had rallied the Magic Council and Noble houses to celebrate each new year with the poor, and not just in Blixia, but in all of Luxia!

This was the second of such celebrations, and the people looked at Celia as if she were an angel!

And with a bright smile, she continued addressing the crowd before her. "This year, there will be more free schools and health tents! The adult groups will also be accepting more men and women who want to learn a trade!

"But for tonight, the noble houses will begin sharing a hot meal, drink, wine, and some wealth! Please proceed in an orderly manner, and come to me if you're left out!"

This was met with more applause, as she gave a final bow and disappeared in a swirl of colours.

"So humble!" An old beggar stated, and several others nodded their agreement, as the crowd began to disperse, heading to the noble households.

Meanwhile, Celia reappeared atop a high manor, hiding in the shadow of its chimney, but she gasped softly as an arm wound around her waist, and a familiar aura wove itself around her, making the chilly winter air feel warmer than usual.

'Taze!' A smile broke out across her face as he spun her around to face him.

"Celia!" Taze pushed back the dark green hood of his cloak to reveal the features of someone Celia had once called, 'Nineteen-year-old Taze'!

The years had seen them blossom into the familiar looks from their memories, and though they had watched it happen, it was still a bit shocking to see.

Taze leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she flushed, wondering how she was still so fluttery in his presence!

"All of Luxia is singing your praises!" Taze was saying with clear pride. "That's not exactly new, but it's a lot more in this life. Father even threatened to kick me out, if I ever offend you, and I get the same death stares from perfect strangers, whenever I so much as 'speak' with a Lady!