Midsummer Festival

The next day around noon, the trio arrived at the village. As they stood near the gate, ready to enter Leafan, they could see the town bustling with all sorts of people. Merchants were calling out their goods, and villagers were busy preparing a large bonfire.

"Greetings, travelers," a guard said. "Welcome to Leafan. Are you merchants, adventurers, or something else?"

Elara greeted the guard back. "We are adventurers," she spoke and showed their guild token. Ella and Lilith took out their own tokens and showed them as well.

"Everything seems to be in order. You may enter. If you are lucky, there should still be some room at the Silverwind Inn. If you follow the main road straight ahead, then take the first left at the old well, continue until you reach the market square, turn right at the fountain, then left again after the bakery, and finally, you should see a silvers sign hanging from a sturdy oak beam. That's the place."

Elara nodded, committing the directions to memory. "Oh, thanks," she said with a smile. "I guess there is a festival of some sort in Leafan today?"

"Yes," the guard said, returning her smile. "It's the Midsummer Festival for the gods. There will be music, dancing, and plenty of food. The bonfire you saw is for tonight's main event. It's a great time to be in Leafan, especially for newcomers. Enjoy your stay and the festivities."

Elara, Ella, and Lilith exchanged excited glances before thanking the guard again and making their way into the village. As they followed the guard's directions, they took in the vibrant atmosphere of Leafan. The air was filled with the scent of fresh bread and roasting meats, mingling with the sweet aroma of blooming flowers. Children ran through the streets laughing, while adults busied themselves with festival preparations.

The market square was particularly lively, with stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to exotic spices. Musicians played cheerful tunes, adding to the festive ambiance. As they turned the final corner after the bakery, they spotted the silvers sign of the Silverwind Inn, just as the guard had described. It hung above a welcoming doorway, with tendrils of ivy climbing up the sides.

"Looks like we found it," Lilith said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"Let's hope there's still room for us," Ella added.

They approached the inn door and walked in. "Welcome to the Silverwind," a charming elderly elf said. "My name is Eldirk. How can I be of service today?"

Elara greeted him back. "A room big enough for two, please, and an extra pillow for our friend here," she said, pointing at Ella with a smile.

Eldirk chuckled warmly. "Of course, of course. Let me check our availability." He moved gracefully behind the counter and scanned a large, leather-bound ledger. After a moment, he looked up with a twinkle in his eye. "You're in luck! We have just the room for you. It's on the second floor, overlooking the village square. You'll have a wonderful view of the festival."

"That sounds perfect," Elara said, pleased.

Eldirk handed over a brass key attached to a delicate silver chain. "Here you go. Room 2B. Breakfast is served at dawn, and if you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Enjoy your stay and the festivities."

"Thank you so much," Ella said, accepting the key.

As they made their way up the creaky wooden stairs, they could hear the distant sounds of music and laughter from the festival. The hallway was adorned with paintings of serene landscapes and elven history, adding to the inn's cozy and enchanting atmosphere.

They reached their room and opened the door to find a spacious and warmly decorated space. Two large beds with plush, inviting linens occupied one side of the room, while a small table and chairs sat near the window. The view was indeed lovely, with a perfect vantage point of the bustling square below.

"This is wonderful," Lilith said, dropping her pack on one of the beds.

"Absolutely," Elara agreed. "Let's get settled and then head out to enjoy the festival."

With their room secured, the trio quickly organized their belongings and freshened up. Excitement buzzed in the air as they anticipated the adventures the Midsummer Festival would bring.

They bid Eldirk a good day and walked out of the inn. As the trio headed toward the festival spot, they took in the vibrant scene unfolding before them. Children were playing together, their laughter echoing through the streets. Families wandered from stall to stall, examining an array of goods.

The festival was a lively mix of sights, sounds, and scents. Food stalls filled the air with the delicious aromas of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries. Merchants called out to passersby, showcasing their colorful wares. Jewelry stalls glittered with handmade necklaces, bracelets, and rings, while other booths displayed a variety of weapons and farm equipment, each piece crafted with care and precision.

Elara, Ella, and Lilith moved through the crowd, marveling at the diversity of items for sale. "This place is amazing," Ella said, her eyes wide with wonder as she examined a beautifully crafted dagger.

"It really is," Lilith agreed, stopping to admire a necklace made of intricate silver filigree.

As they continued to explore, they noticed a stage being set up at the center of the square. Musicians were tuning their instruments, and performers were rehearsing their acts. The excitement in the air was palpable, and it was clear that the Midsummer Festival was a major event for the village of Leafan.

"Let's make sure we don't miss any of the performances," Elara said, pointing toward the stage. "It looks like there's going to be a lot of entertainment tonight."

The trio found a spot near the stage and settled in, eager to enjoy the festivities. As the day turned to evening, the bonfire was lit, casting a warm glow over the village square. The music began, filling the air with lively tunes that had everyone clapping and dancing.

Elara, Ella, and Lilith joined in the fun, dancing and laughing with the villagers. It was a night of joy and celebration, a perfect welcome to Leafan. The Midsummer Festival was everything they had hoped for and more, a memorable start to their adventure in this charming village.