Chapter 1 - Starlight day

I wake up to the sounds of a parade on the street. A rare occurrence. What's today? the captain's second half-birthday? another cluster shipment? a boring old sattelite found?

I leave my room to see the people on the street all cheering, playing instruments, setting up stalls across the street.

"hey Fi!", a voice calls me from one of the darkened alleys.

aria steps out into the main street.

"did you hear? we're getting starlight", she calls

"finally, a holiday which actually makes sense"

"no need to be all moody,"

"do you really wanna celebrate another quarter birthday"

"that's besides the point," she says, her smile fading.

"wheres Julian? I thought he'd be in the crowd, making a racket."

"ah well, you know him, he's either running late or causing trouble elsewhere."

"we should probably enjoy this while it's still around."

we get lost in the crowded main streets, going from stall to stall, seeing people's wares.

"ooh get me this" aria says, pointing to a bowl.

"you have enough bowls"

"yeah, but this is an antique!"

"fine, but you still owe me back for that jumper you wanted"

"it looked cute!"

"everything does..."

i turn to the seller.

"How much value?"

"2" the old man says weakly

"if hes selling it for so cheap, its probably a fake", i whisper to aria

"just get it!"

"will this do?" i ask the old man, taking a copper flask out from my bag.

"aye, and as i understand it you're one from the order?"

"yes, sir"

"then take this with ya as well, and help me with my wife, shes having hysteria", he says handing me an old silver ring of some kind of avian.

"I accept this gift in the prayer your wife be fully recovered."

i look to aria. she's keeping in a laugh. we get away from the main street so she can let it out.

"HAHAH, you had to be all like "la de da, i accept this..."

"you done? you know i have to say that, otherwise lance will have my head.

"its still ridiculous though"

"im glad at least you find it entertaining". i let out a weak smile.

"so do you think you're gonna call you in?"

"hopefully not. This is the only holiday i actually enjoy"