The days leading up to the festival passed quickly. Everyone setting up stalls and booths were working feverishly, fresh pork, beef, bread, candles, and even fresh shoes. If that were even a thing. I watched it all from the stalls, also working feverishly on my own job, trying to keep the horses and Mr.Tucker happy. By now all the stalls were full, hosting the steeds of the guests from Dravenfall.
Looking up to the Repository I saw tents being put up and the pre-assembled booths being placed down, surrounding the usual stoic building in a myriad of colors. Everyone was out around today, placing flags and ropes of colors around the entirety of the town.
The day continued and after finishing work I got roped into tying decorations for the festivities. Slowly, as the sun dipped into the sky, the festival was ready for the morning. Everyone wandered tiredly back to their shops and homes, excited for the ensuing day. I too followed the throng of people heading in the direction of the plains, sleeping as soon as my head hit the pillow.
I awoke to the sound of rapid knocking on my door.
"Hurley! Today's the day!" Came my mothers voice, too cheerful for the early hours.
"I'm getting ready. I'll be done soon."
Finally bringing myself to sit up I ran a hand through my hair and contemplated whether any of this was worth it. Yes, it is.
With that I got onto my feet and pulled open my door to see my mothers shining face waiting for me. She stood, mostly leaning against the couch, with a blue vest in her hands.
"Wh-what? Mom, we can't afford anything for the festival."
"On what could be the most important day of your life! Of course I could do something."
"But how? I mean, we have no money left."
"A few people heard I was making jars again. They came by a few days ago and I offered a sale to them If they would use the money to buy this. Here here!"
She tossed it to me and I carefully slipped it on, admiring the deep color and smooth leather feel to it.
"Well, let's get you on your way. Grab your shoes in the kitchen. Your trousers are already washed, scrubbed, dried, and laid out for you right here." She said patting the pair on top of the couch. I ran over before she could continue and hugged her tightly.
"Go! Time for hugs later, you'll already be late by the time you arrive."
Giving one last squeeze I turned and ran out the door, throwing a wave over my shoulder as I went to what could be the most important event of my life.
*********
I had barely made it a mile before my legs stalled out on me. Endurance definitely was not my strongest suit. I wasn't a stick, the stable-hand job made sure of that, but I wasn't bulky either. At above average height I could sprint pretty well, but only in short bursts.
Taking a break, I put my hands on my knees and took a few deep breaths. Year-round the temperatures were pleasant, but still warm enough to break a sweat after walking or running to and from. I looked out across the countryside, enjoying the gusts of air that passed over the grass to rustle through my hair.
Inhaling the fresh scent of the sea and grass I stood fully to begin the rest of my journey.
"Move! Out! Of! The! Way!" Boomed a voice.
I immediately threw myself to the side of the road, not even checking to see if the command was addressed to me. It was a good thing I did, because moments later a man thundered by. He was wearing a dark blue robe and matching hat. The wide brimmed hat caught the wind and blew off, landing next to me.
His robe billowed out from underneath him as he kicked his horse, urging it to go faster. He continued to blur down the path until he reached the base of a hill and paused. His horse came to a halt and the man patted his head, realizing he had lost his hat.
Suddenly the man reared his horse up and turned around blasting back my way. I scrambled to my feet and grabbed his hat, brushing off the dirt. He soon reached me again and studied me with a quizzical look.
"Hm did you pick up my hat? Hm here here. Ah, good thing it has no dirt. Dirt would be bad. Very bad. Not pleasant at all. Hm not at all… You boy."
"Yes?"
"Are you attending the festival over yonder? Hm?" He asked flipping his hat back onto his head.
"Yes sir I was just making my way there."
"Are you? Well. You're very late. But considering I'm the one authorizing the whole thing I guess I could let it slide. After all you did rescue my hat. Hm, yes. I've decided to give you a ride. Hop on."
Deciding it was best to accept the generosity, and not question the eccentric mage, I hopped up behind him. Holding onto the sides of the saddle he barely gave me a second before I was forced to hold on for dear life, yet again blasting off in the direction of the Arcane Repository.