It was an unusual time for a meeting. Exactly 3:06 AM.
The executives were used to such an occurrence and were more than happy to take part.
Some time had passed since the Long Night ended, and the mood surrounding the Elder's death was still in a large bubble above their heads.
But the thought that their trusted leader had a plan was able to calm their minds. The sudden late-night call was always one that was met with good news, as Fishy believed the best news couldn't wait till morning.
"Sorry for calling you all out so late," Fishy said as he stood at the end of the elongated table in the candlelight. "But I needed to tell you this as soon as possible."
The group was on the edge of their seats, anxiously looking at Fishy as if they were in trouble with a teacher.
"First," Fishy said, "What is the situation with the villagers? How is everyone dealing with things?"
"The Elder's death is still hurting a lot of people, mainly the kids in school." Tin said, "But seeing the daylight again has already improved our crop yield, and trades with the druids have resumed. People are happy to be in the sun, and are eagerly waiting for the weather to warm up."
"Interesting… Perhaps we should plan some events for Spring then?" Fishy leant back in his chair, thinking.
"Most people enjoyed the festival that was held around the first time you arrived. Perhaps we can repeat that?"
"The first time I arrived… It's almost been a year already, huh?"
"A lot has happened," said Clara.
"Alright, I've got it." said Fishy, "We'll add two public holidays. One for the anniversary of the village, which will be the day of the festival, and one will be the date of the Elder's death. These days are to be used how people want, as banks will be shut."
"I see…" Tin smiled, "A day for people to enjoy it how they wish, a day to free themselves of stress whilst possibly celebrating an important event. Kinda like Christmas."
"Exactly like Christmas. Christmas and New Year are bank holidays, after all…"
"Is that another thing from your hometown?" Clara asked, almost strangely suspicious of Fishy. As if after all this time and all he had down, she was only now wondering about his strange traditions that no one had heard off.
"Of course. You gotta give people days of rest. We're already halfway through January. Soon we'll be in February, then Valentine's day, then back to Spring for the festival."
"Valentine's day?" The crowd all looked towards Fishy with laughable eyes.
"Yeah, Valentine's day? You all don't have that here?"
"There are stories of a famous jester called Valentine. His every action caused trouble, but he made the king laugh so he stayed. But, one day his actions caused the destruction of the kingdom."
"Basically the same thing. My Valentine tried to save love and was beaten to death then beheaded…"
"So what is it?" Silmor asked, "What do we do on Valentine's day? Do we all laugh and hit each other?"
"Actually it's the opposite," Fishy explained, "You give gifts, usually chocolate, to the person you like most."
"Person, you like most?" Tin almost blushed thinking about it. "I'd be giving some to my triplets then."
"That's fine. It's a day of love. Usually, you give it to your partner, but some people give it to their closest friends or family."
Tin's mind was already spinning with thoughts of what she could do for such an occasion. Love was all that was on her mind. Her eyes turned over to Clara who always sat on the chair closest to Fishy. She could feel the inconsistent gazes she gave off and was already formulating a plan.
"Then I shall prepare an event for Valentine's day. I shall inform those around of such an event and make chocolates for them all."
"Good idea, that'll raise everyone's spirits." Fishy said, "But don't forget to charge them for the chocolate, we need as much money as possible."
Their heads turned with confusion at Fishy's comment, but couldn't deny that the opportunity was right.
"Excuse me," Ziu said from the sidelines. "Can we please continue this meeting?"