The sun shone weakly through a cloudy sky as Lass continued her journey, the gentle rhythm of Astra's hooves on the dirt road a steady comfort. She had expected her path to be filled with sorrow and struggle—and it was—but she hadn't expected to hear music. Lifting her head, she followed the sound of laughter and fiddles, her heart curious.
She soon arrived at a small village nestled in a clearing, where colorful ribbons swayed in the breeze. The villagers had strung up simple decorations: old cloth dyed in bright colors, paper lanterns that bobbed in the wind, and garlands of wildflowers. People gathered in the center, where makeshift stalls offered what little food and drink they could spare.
Lass stopped Astra at the edge of the celebration, her eyes wide. "A festival?" she murmured to herself. It seemed impossible that anyone could find reason to celebrate in such harsh times. Yet here they were, trying to find joy despite everything.
A little girl with pigtails and dirt-smudged cheeks ran past, giggling as she chased a boy with a wooden sword. The boy swung the toy bravely, pretending to be a knight. Lass couldn't help but smile. "Even now, they find ways to be happy," she thought, marveling at the resilience she saw around her.
She tied Astra to a post and walked into the village square, the music growing louder. A woman with graying hair stirred a pot of thin stew over a fire, while a group of young men struggled to set up a wooden stage for dancing.
"Join us!" called a cheerful voice. Lass turned to see an older man with a long white beard and twinkling eyes. "We may not have much, but we have our spirit. Come and celebrate with us!"
Lass hesitated, her heart torn. She was supposed to be on a mission, and she didn't have time to waste. But the warmth in the villagers' eyes pulled her in. "All right," she said with a small smile. "Just for a little while."
The festival was simple, but it was full of heart. Lass wandered from stall to stall, admiring carved trinkets and tasting a piece of bread sweetened with a touch of honey. She felt a strange sense of comfort here, surrounded by people trying so hard to be happy.
Suddenly, the music picked up, and a loud voice boomed across the square. "It's time for the dance competition!" The speaker was a broad-shouldered man with a booming laugh. "All who wish to dance, come forward!"
A group of young women and men stepped onto the stage, laughing and encouraging each other. Lass felt a gentle nudge at her side and turned to see a boy, no older than ten, looking up at her with wide eyes.
"You should dance!" he said, his voice full of innocence and excitement. He had messy brown hair and wore a tunic that was clearly too big for him, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.
Lass laughed, surprised. "Me? Oh, I'm not very good at dancing."
The boy grinned. "That doesn't matter! It's about having fun." He puffed out his chest, trying to look brave. "I'd join too, but I have to be ready in case monsters attack."
She knelt down to his level, amused. "Monsters? You must be very brave to think about fighting monsters."
He nodded seriously. "One day, I'm going to be a knight. I'll protect everyone." He swung his imaginary sword, and Lass's heart warmed.
"I believe you will," she said softly. "You have the heart of a true knight already."
The boy beamed at her, and something inside Lass softened. She straightened and took a deep breath. "All right," she said. "I'll join the dance, just for you."
The crowd cheered as Lass stepped onto the stage, feeling nervous but excited. The music swelled, and the villagers began to clap in rhythm. The dance was simple, full of joyful spins and light footwork, but Lass had to focus to keep up. She stumbled at first, laughter bubbling out of her as she tried to match the others' movements.
"Don't worry!" said the young woman next to her, a cheerful girl with red hair and freckles. "Just follow me. It's easy!"
Lass copied the girl's steps, and soon she was twirling and laughing, her worries momentarily forgotten. The crowd clapped and cheered, the music carrying them all away from their troubles, if only for a little while.
When the song ended, Lass was breathless, her cheeks flushed. The villagers applauded, and she felt a rare sense of belonging. As she stepped off the stage, the boy from before ran up to her, his eyes shining with admiration.
"You were amazing!" he exclaimed. "I knew you'd be great."
Lass knelt again, her smile genuine. "Thank you, brave knight. What's your name?"
"Thomas," he said proudly. "But one day, I'll have a knight name. Like Sir Thomas the Fearless!"
She placed a hand over her heart. "Sir Thomas the Fearless. I like that. Keep dreaming, Thomas, and never give up."
He nodded eagerly. "I won't!"
As the festival continued, Lass wandered to a quiet spot, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. She watched the villagers laugh and dance, marveling at their strength. Even in the darkest times, they found reasons to hope.
"Why do you look so sad?" a soft voice asked. Lass turned to see an old woman sitting on a wooden bench, her kind eyes full of wisdom. She wore a simple shawl, and her hands were wrinkled but strong.
"I'm not sad," Lass said, though the words felt untrue. "I'm just… thinking."
The old woman smiled knowingly. "You carry a heavy burden," she said. "But remember, hope is what keeps us going. Even when things seem impossible."
Lass's eyes widened. How did this woman know? But before she could respond, the old woman stood up, her smile gentle. "Enjoy the festival, dear. And don't lose sight of the light."
Then she walked away, leaving Lass with more questions than answers. But the woman's words echoed in her heart, a reminder of the hope she needed to hold onto.
As the sky darkened and lanterns began to glow, Lass prepared to leave the village. She felt lighter, more determined. The resilience of the people, the laughter of the children, and the courage of a boy named Thomas had given her strength.
She mounted Astra and looked back at the festival one last time. "I won't let you down," she whispered. "I'll break the curse. For all of you."