The King of Ruin

Lunar New Year

29 Atlas of the year 13005

"Mari," Mylo beckons me over to the balcony. His wavy brown hair has been tied back in a short braid. It looks like Darrian's handy work.

I walk to his side and lean on the rail. I breathe deeply. My mouth waters at all the savoury smells. Breads, soups, meats, fried fritters, and other foods I can't place.

From here we can see the middle town bustling with life. The people are preparing for Lunar New Year. A celebration that starts with a three-day festival and ends with the lighting of lanterns at midnight on the last day. Back in Aletheia, we had a two-day festival. Nothing like this. This is more. It's homier.

"What are you thinking in there?"

"Hmm?"

"What's on your mind?"

"Life,"

This time Mylo hums.

"This time last year I was adjusting to life here, not to mention anxiously waiting for Val to arrive. It's strange to think it's been a whole year."

Down below three males are moving two large amphorae each. They'll be filled to the brim with wine. Kaliste has good wine. Better than Aletheia's. And I've tasted the best wine Father had to offer. Compared to Kent's, Father's was like water.

Last year the festival was cancelled due to the threat of war. From what I was told the people weren't happy. They knew Val was more important to take care of than the festival. People hung decorations in their windows. Sung softly from their balconies and provided a soft atmosphere at night. It was calming.

This year they seem overjoyed. I am too.

"Mari come help with the decorations." Myla grabs my arm and gives a soft tug. "Don't let Mylo take you out of the fun,"

Mylo chuckles to himself.

Back at the table, Kerri, Bianca, Darrian and Beck sit with scissors and paper. They look to be cutting out lanterns. Hopefully, Beck is better at this than making snowflakes. I take the open set between Beck and Darrian. The tall redhead shows me how to fold the paper and where to cut.

Seems simple enough.

Not simple enough. I manage to cut through the paper more than once and have to start over. Darrian assures me I'll get the hang of things but I'm not good at using scissors. Never have been.

As a child, I all but destroyed my doll's hair when I went to give it a haircut. Mother was furious. Apparently, it had been hers as a child and she meant for me to give it to my child. Mother promptly took it back to her rooms and I never saw the doll again. Too bad. It was a cute cut.

"What are you wearing to the festival Mari?"

I pause my cutting.

"I haven't thought of that,"

"Think nothing more, Mother has something planned," Mylo says finally joining us. He takes his seat between Kerri and Myla. Myla hands him paper and a pair of scissors. Mylo expertly cuts out a pattern.

Mylo winks. "Darrian was never the most efficient at instructions."
_____

"Fern is a wonder," I palm the shirt I'm wearing. The material is gorgeous. Elaborate embroidery flows up the billowy sleeves and along the hems. I never would have thought to wear trousers. It's genius.

Mother would have a cow.

"She sure is," Myla offers me her arm.

I grin and take it. She leads me down to the courtyard and through the large gate separating the castle from the middle town. On our way down several onlookers stop and ask if we're going to compete in the duelling.