Chapter 474: Winter Festival (1/2)
Loron came to life, Igna worked as Yuki taught. The duo was harmonious, her resolve to train was ironclad. Igna on the other hand was quick to assimilate the information. No stone left unturned, the assistance from Éclair became necessary. Ingredients highlighted with taste, what went well, and how to optimally prepare for the pre-decided recipe. The inexperience of not knowing much was effectively reduced to a bad-memory.
Thus, the life of Igna stabilized for the next coming months. He'd wake early and train at the multiple restaurants the other staff worked. They took turns teaching and finally at night when the group rejoined at Loron, Lady Yuki took over.
Days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months, the happenings at the Academy were more visible. Jen and Leonard were known as love-birds, their relationship spread outwards of the class.
”Good morning guys,” said Rena waking from a drooling stupor.
”Good morning, Rena,” yawned Leonard with his arms tightly wrapped around Jen, ”-it's been two weeks, where's Lampard?”
”He should be coming back today,” said she with a wrapped towel around her waist, ”-the train should be here at 10:00.”
”I suppose I should get ready,” he quietly made for the baths.
As the days went past, the training at the academy turns strenuous. The joint exercises in the battle-arena turned to the far reaches of the Azure Wall. Differing classes working as trainee adventurers on the field. News of Lampard's prowess gave him the title of the third strongest up-and-coming fighter. The second was Frost of Blade's End and the first, Anna Igusta, the prodigious battle-mage. Her fighting style was archaic, using magic to enchant her body and weapons, the limitation on her abilities was yet to be found. Tales of the front-line said she once melted the flesh off a hobgoblin.
'I feel fresh,' the steaming hot showers shut tight, echoes or what appeared so came from other cabinets. Murmurs from the guest of Block D.
”Good morning there,” said a young adult with facial hair, ”-how's Jen doing?”
”She's fine. If you're here, does that mean year 3 of Military-Arts returned?”
”Yeah, we went to the castle. A shame we didn't get to see the queen.”
”I doubt she'd come for trivial matters. So long,” the little exchange stopped without much thought.
'Rena, Jen, me and Lampard, we've become so close,' thought he entering the chatter filled room.
”Good morning, Leonard,” said a warm voice hid by the cloudy-designed blanket.
”Good morning,” without much time wasted, he reached to hold her in a princess-carry, ”-don't sleep in so late.”
”Stop treating me like a kid,” words meant one thing – the tone meant another, she wanted more time and affection.
”You two again,” sighed Rena with a nervous chuckle, ”-how can you be so in love? I don't get it,” dressed in casual wear, ”-come on, let's go greet Lampard.”
Outside came the sunny-blue sky. Multiple students returned from the somber train-station. The trio cut across the park to stand at the foot of the staircase. Instructors led the way followed by fatigued remnants of students. With the lifeless color of the now pale skin and the ire of having to climb such a hurdle, the ungodly silence was justified. Out the group further at the back, a trio of loudmouths arrived with the silent Anna batting her long lashes at Jen and Rena. Frost all but shrugged in dismissal at Lampard who turned his face away. ”I was the one who killed the One-eyed Wolf, not you, Anna, and not you Lampard.”
”Hey guys,” he vaulted over the railing.
”DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME!” screamed Frost holding the railing tight, ”-this argument isn't over,” the voice muddled by the raging stomps of upper-classmen.
”Will he be ok?” wondered Rena jokingly.
”Yeah, he'll be fine.” The softness of the grass illuminated the hardship he had gone through. The spear was chipped and scratched; the chest-plate had a chunk missing with bite marks.
”Are you ok?”
”I'm fine,” he reached for a hug.
”Hold up,” Leonard caught Lampard, ”-you're not ok,” said he with a smile, ”-come on. Let's get you treated.” The infirmary laid with plenty o' students.
”How hard was the training camp?”
”Very tough,” smiled he barely standing.
”Let me patch you up,” said Rena – her face flustered at the mere thought.
And so, the relationship of Group C solidified into one that transcended being friends. They were each best friends, Jen and Rena in particular. The two were so close it made Leonard uncomfortable at the time. Leonard and Lampard were nothing short of brothers, they'd often sneak out and wander the lonesome night. The couple was happy but not always on agreeing terms, fights and arguments were plenty. The more they loved one another, the more passionate became their disagreements. Per their perspective, the fight wasn't about who's right or wrong, but about what would be better for the other.
Thus, time passed and December returned. The cold winter settled, the roads were foggy, the whistling of wind against the buildings. Rosespire's Town Square was nothing short of a masterpiece. Artists from all over the continent were called. Sadly, when Lady Yuki and Igna worked, the Summer Festival was organized at Lai. Work overloaded per increase of customers and they missed it. This time around, the Winter Festival would be hosted at the Town-Square.
Stalls, merchants, a stage, camps with games – name it and it was there. Opportune businessmen flocked to the event to promote their wares. Loron and the neighboring restaurants didn't give either, preparations were near complete.
”The warm smell of paint and glue,” said Emma holding multiple bags.
”The frosty air,” added Emmy, ”-gosh, I love winter.”
”First time you're experiencing the Winter Festival, right?” asked Joe at the front of the group.
”Yes, Chef,” he peered to the right where multiple people dashed holding wood and other items. The redundant hammering of nails and drilling, a cacophony of construction.
”I told you,” he gave a half-smile, ”-don't call me Chef out in the public. I'm a friend, get it through that thick skull of yours.”
”Sorry, chef.”
”He never-changes,” laughed the twin-sisters.
'The winter festival,' multiple icons of people, items, and such popped onto the interface, '-it's going to be a battle. The 24th till New Year's, seven days of celebrations. Local bands, shows, and more by performers. I can't wait for it to start.'
Open and large to cells of narrow paths. Stalls didn't hold back on advertisement. Massive cutouts of whatever they sold. Some held action-heroes, others noodle bowls – the list carried on. Around said time of year, the Adventuring Academy went on holiday. Students went home, some stayed, many made plans as a group to stay at the capital for the festivities.
”Alright everyone,” the colder outside swapped for a fiery inside. Lady Yuki stood with arms crossed and a bandana. The white cloth had '-Loron's' painted in black. ”Tonight's the last night of preparations!” said she unusually hyped. Jola and Chef Igona presided over her shoulders, they added the extra 'oomph,' to her words. ”We might be a fine-dining establishment, NEVERTHELESS,” a pause followed with Jola tapping the table as if a drumroll, ”-WE'LL SERVE CUSTOMERS. Street-food is a staple of festivals, Loron will participate. Winter is upon us.”
”Don't worry about her,” whispered Emma, ”-the chef gets a little excited when it comes to holidays. Still, get ready, our reputation garners more customers every year.”
”She loves her festivals,” winked Emmy, ”-I guess it's the final event for you.”
”Yeah.”
”Outfits are on the table,” she pointed, ”-take an early night, we start early tomorrow. Rotations will be as follows, we have three cooking stalls. Igona, Emma, and Emmy will take the 10:00 to16:00. Igna, Joe and, I will take over 16:00 to 22:00.”