Lynna stepped out of the mayor's office, the heavy wooden door closing behind her with a definitive thud. She had left the Mayor and Elara deep in discussion over the intricacies of tax laws and the reformation of village rules that would come with their elevation to town status. Her part in the conversation had concluded, and though she could have stayed to learn more, she sensed her presence was no longer needed—for now.
Her farewells were brief, met with an absent nod from the Mayor and a soft smile from Elara, their minds already racing through the next phase of their plans. Lynna descended the stairs with a sense of detachment, her thoughts lingering on the transformation awaiting her home.
Exiting the building, the cool air brushed against her face, bringing with it the familiar scents of the nearing winter. She wrapped her cloak tighter around her as she made her way down the cobblestone path. It was then she noticed a figure approaching, one she recognized yet hadn't seen in some time—Evelyn Decker, the Mayor's wife.
Evelyn was a complement to her husband in many ways; where he was portly, she had always been willowy, moving with a grace that seemed to smooth the very air around her. Today, however, Lynna noticed a change. Evelyn had lost weight, her cheeks slightly sunken, and there was a hint of fatigue shadowing her usually bright eyes. Her elegance was still there, but it was tinged with the weariness of one carrying burdens unseen.
"Mrs. Decker," Lynna greeted her, a note of concern coloring her voice. "It's been a while."
Evelyn offered a warm smile that didn't quite reach her tired eyes. "Lynna, dear, how have you been? How are your parents managing the farm with winter upon us?"
"The cold has been biting, but they are enduring," Lynna replied, noting how the frost lingered on the ground like a persistent whisper of the chill. "We're doing all we can to ensure the livestock are sheltered and the crops are protected. And you and your husband? I trust you're keeping warm?"
"As best as we can," Evelyn sighed, her breath also misting in the winter air. "We manage, as always. Speaking of family, how is your brother Roan? Are he and his wife considering starting a family soon?"
Lynna's eyes softened. "They've been talking about it, yes. They're hopeful, as are we all. It would be a joy to welcome a new member to the family, especially in these fortunate times."
Their conversation meandered through trivialities, a gentle ebb and flow that was as much a part of village life as the turning of the seasons. Yet, Lynna's intuition nudged at her, a subtle sense that Evelyn's reserved demeanor masked more than mere fatigue.
"If you don't mind my asking, Mrs. Decker," Lynna ventured cautiously, "I haven't seen you around much. Everything has been alright, I hope?"
Evelyn paused, her expression softening into one of mild chagrin. "Oh, my dear, I've been entirely consumed with the Moon Fair festival preparations. You know how it tends to be."
Lynna's eyes widened in realization. The Moon Fair—a time of celebration that she had always assisted her family with. And yet, this year, she had completely forgotten about it.
"I hadn't realized it's already that time of the year," Lynna murmured, more to herself than to Evelyn. "I usually help out a lot with it at home. I wonder why my parents haven't mentioned anything... Could it be because of my duties…"
Evelyn gave her a knowing look, the corner of her mouth lifting in a weary smile. "Perhaps they didn't want to burden you further, considering your responsibilities as the village—no, the soon-to-be town's mage."
Lynna nodded slowly, a mix of appreciation and concern settling in her heart. She had left her childhood behind to embrace her role fully, yet she couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the times when her greatest worry was how to best light up the night sky festival with lanterns.
"Thank you, Mrs. Decker," Lynna said after a moment. "I should get involved with the festival again. It's important, isn't it? And as the official mage, I can put on a display that will leave everyone speechless."
Evelyn's smile grew into one of concern. "That's the spirit, dear. But don't overdo it."
With their conversation winding down, Lynna bid Evelyn farewell and continued on her way. The exchange had been trivial, yet enlightening. She also needed to prepare.