...
The stars glittered like diamonds scattered across a black canvas, but even their glorious radiance couldn't outshine the fire and string of lights that lit up the city of Polis.
Everywhere Abby Griffin turned, she saw something so breathtaking and alive that made her heart drum with excitement. She wondered if she would ever get used to the Capitol's beauty. From the circle of dancing men that juggled flaming sticks in the air to an awestruck crowd, to the flickering torchlights and glowing lanterns that hung by the numerous market stores she passed, and to the children that chased each other down the streets, waving colourful flags into the air. From the smell of smoke, wine and freshly cooked produce that attacked her senses, to the laughter and cheers and booming chants that resounded throughout the air. The city breathed with life like a Dragon being awaken from its sleep, and it took Abby's breath away.
Abby glanced at Marcus, who was walking by her side, snacking on a bowl of purple grapes freshly picked in the Polis market. Abby smiled, glad that he persuaded her to leave her tent that night.
Since Lexa had announced that they were at war with the Ice Nation, the Arkadians had journeyed back to Polis. The Council had worked hard day and night, planning out their military strategy and organising the troops who would be joining the Grounders to battle. Marcus had spent considerable time training the new cadets to defend the Camp whilst the guards were away at war, and Abby had organised the supplies that the soldiers would need during their journey. Although Abby was still technically Chancellor, since Lexa had branded Marcus with the honor of being their commander, Abby had largely left the duty of discussing their military strategy with Lexa to Kane.
Tonight was their last night in Polis before their army would march out into the Ice Nation's territory, and Abby had planned on spending every minute of it ensuring that the Arkadian soldiers were as well prepared as they could possibly be. That was until Kane had found her in her tent, rummaging through the medical kits and running her eyes over the planning board. After much persistence, he had managed to convince her to join in on the celebrations outside. After all, the Grounders had thrown it to honor them and all of the brave soldiers marching out tomorrow morning.
And it was spectacular. The two had spent their night sampling the city's local food, examining the festival's entertainment and laughing and chatting and staring in awe at their surroundings. Abby hadn't enjoyed herself this much in a long time.
"You would never have thought that we were about to go to war". Abby finally said, tearing her attention away from the celebrations and back to her friend.
Kane nodded. "The Grounders don't see bloodshed and loss when war comes, or fear it like we do. They find honor and bravery with their battles. They celebrate war".
"Well, we haven't had much to celebrate these days. And by the looks of it, I don't think the Grounders have either," Abby paused, staring at the festival once more. "It makes you think, doesn't it? We couldn't have thrown celebrations like this back on the Arc. But these people, they do it so often, and they look so...liberated and happy. They're not just surviving, but living. I'd almost forgotten what that was like".
Abby suddenly felt a small tug on her hand. She looked down at a beaming girl with braided plaits, who was pulling Abby along. Abby looked around and saw a string of children rush down and circle around her and Marcus. He gave her a questioning look and she shrugged her shoulders back in return, repressing a chuckle as she ran after the girl.
The thunder of hands beating against drums and claps resounded throughout the air as Abby and Marcus chased after the children. Soon, the two of them found themselves joining Jackson and Sinclair in the middle of a circle of dancing children, who were twirling around them and waving their flags in the air to the beat of the music, pulling the adults along by the hands and encouraging them to join them. Abby soon found herself spinning around with the children, a chuckle bubbling in her chest.
