Getting Closer part 2

He gently guided the horse through the winding streets of Ryu City. Everywhere they turned, colorful fabrics swayed on the window of each house, signaling the bountiful harvest. The people's lively chatter and the sound of different traditional instruments got louder and louder as they neared the plaza. Everyone had gathered there to eat, shop, play games, and watch the fireworks.

Asahi saw a small stable nearby and asked the boy to tend to the horse while they looked around. He jumped down and offered Shiori his hand, and her hold was tight as Asahi helped her down. Asahi and Shiori seamlessly blended in with the crowd with their simpler clothes and drab cloaks.

Shiori and Asahi found themselves amidst the excitement of the annual chestnut festival. They arrived at the bustling plaza, the amusements in full swing. Shiori's stomach could not help but grumble when she noticed the irresistible scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air.

Asahi chuckled. "Are you hungry already, Shiori?"

"With this view," she said, her eyes twinkling. "Who wouldn't be?"

Shiori was looking around wonderfully at the vibrant stalls littered everywhere, each with charm. However, most chose chestnuts as their themes, such as cakes, rice bowls, honeyed chestnuts, and the classic roasted ones. Some had unique ideas, and that drew in the crowd, including her. The festival had everything from fancy crystals to cleverly designed lanterns and pretty masks, and Shiori could not get enough.

"We should go there," she pointed at the nearby Takoyaki stand while her other hand held a bag full of chestnuts. "Then, let us try those cute-looking cakes or those honeyed ones on the stick. What do you think, Asahi?"

"I think," he offered her a cup of green tea. "You should drink first."

"Oh," she accepted it with a sheepish smile. "Sorry, I got excited. It is my first time attending the festival, and I want to try many things simultaneously."

"I don't mind; It has been a while since I went."

"Really," Shiori's violet eyes widen in curiosity. "But why?"

"Ever since my brothers went missing, my father kept us close. We could no longer go anywhere without guards and generally avoided crowded places unless necessary."

"I see; though I understand his reasons, it was still sad. That was where all the fun was, you know."

Asahi smirked. "I often sneak out with my friends, though. We only stopped when my father caught me, and he told my mother."

"What a tattletale." Grumbled Shiori.

"What about you?"

"My father lets me do what I want, and we went to festivals together," Shiori's lips curved into a sad smile. "We would light a lantern for my mother, and he would tell me about their love story as we watched its journey through the river."

"Your father seems nice," Asahi's jade eyes twinkled as he mused. "I would love to meet him someday."

"Maybe you will meet him soon."

"Oh, should I prepare a welcome banquet then?"

"My father does not enjoy the attention, so he sent me here instead." She replied, looking distracted.

"I see," Asahi gestured towards the busy street. "I will endeavor to make your time worthwhile then, Princess."