Worth the Trip

Traveling during sunset had always left Cinn feeling torn, the beauty of watching the glowing Sun dip below the horizon often distracted them. Yet, with the sun and all of its cascading colors firmly behind them, Cinn pressed on. The Starfire Festival would not wait for them just because they could not stay focused long enough to get there. The Kubai Desert was familiar to them, having visited on more than one occasion to forage for fossil and minerals to sell or trade, but Cinn had never ventured far enough to reach B’Haddu proper. They couldn’t wait to see what the city, and by extent the Skyfire Festival, had to offer.

Perhaps it was this excitement or their wandering mind that kept their feet moving forward but soon Cinn found the soft glowing city looking back at them. The sky had barely an hour left of light remaining but the Starlight Festival was already beginning. The distant hum of song and story pulled Cinn further within B’Haddu but they did not make it far before the smell of something delicious brought them to a plaza covered in small stalls. In the dying light of the day, B’Haddu’s bountiful harvest of gemstones sparkled, its metals adding to the festival’s glow with their reflective glimmer. Even that was eclipsed by the jewelry at the next stall. 

Cinn had been enthralled by the beauty and craftsmanship that they almost missed the stall’s owner begin to speak.

“Welcome to the Skyfire Exchange, would you like to try anything on Dear?” 

“Oh no, I’m just looking, this smith work is beautiful. Is each piece unique?” The shopkeeper smiled at the compliment.

“Why thank you! Each of these pieces is hand made with the materials we can gather from the mines.” They were always happy to discuss their craftwork with travelers. “Most of the designs are unique or have alterations off a base design but I do have some that were made for the festival that are more traditional.” As they spoke, the shopkeeper shifted a few of the pieces closer for Cin to see. Those themed specifically for the festival were no less illustrious than their unique counterparts. The way the crystals were set into the metal was beautiful.

“Well, as gorgeous as everything is, I am here for the festival, I should get a piece that commentates it.”

“Of course, were you interested in our Colombina, Collar or Band?” They gestured to each of the designs as they spoke.

“The collar please.” One exchange later and Cinn was the proud owner of a new necklace, as they turned to head further into the exchange they were greeted again with a delicious smell.

“If you’re looking to get a lucky treat, they’re sold at that stall on the corner. I’d move quickly. They smell fresh and always sell out.” Cinn nodded enthusiastically before following in the direction the shopkeep had pointed them in. There was already a small line forming leading towards the stall but the waiting gave Cinn time to watch.The Exchange was continuing to fill up as the sun continued to set. Many people were milling about, fluttering from one stall to another, greeting neighbors and newcomers alike. Usually night's darkness brought a chill with it, but standing here surrounded by friendly faces, there was a warmth Cinn had never experienced before. 

They had shuffled to the front of the line before Cinn had time to notice, too busy watching the market behind them. It took the stall owner clearing their throat to snap Cinn out of their wonderment. 

“Oh! I’m sorry, I just-” Cinn was already apologizing as they spun around.

“It's alright, dear. Is this your first time attending the festival?” The stall owner simply smiled at Cinn, it wasn’t an accusation, but a gentle knowing. One that clearly meant Cinn was being an obvious tourist. 

“Yes, it’s just... so beautiful to see. It’s hard to explain, I’m not quite sure I have the words to do it justice.” 

“Well I’m glad you’re having such a wonderful first time. If you’re here before I sell out I’m guessing someone recommended you try one of our Lucky Treats?” Cinn happily nodded.

“They smell delicious.”

“If you like mushrooms, I promise they taste just as good as they smell.” The shopkeeper said while they exchanged for the treat. 

“ Mushrooms?” 

“ They grow the best here, and mixed with some spices, they end up being very aromatic. Also every 1 in 3 will have a ticket inside that you can exchange for a prize.” Cin brightened more at the idea of a prize but before they could excitedly ask for more details, the person behind them cleared their throat.

“Oh sorry.” Cin shuffled off to the side to give the shopkeeper space to take care of their next customer, they hadn’t realized how much time they’d spent talking. Cradling their treat, Cin wandered out of the market place. 

The sky had rapidly darkened after the sun had fully dipped below the horizon. Without the hustle and bustle of the exchange, it was easier to hear the true merriment of the festival. Scattered around the outskirts of the town were small groups taking part in either songs or stories. Fire gently danced between them, illuminating the smiling faces of those gathered to share in the revelry. Cinn slowly walked through the clusters, looking for an open space to join in and enjoy their treat when a voice called out to them in a hushed tone.

“Hey, over here.” Cinn turned to find someone bright green waving them over. They were perched up on a ledge a few feet away from one of the larger groups. “The view is best up here.” 

“View of what?” Cinn questioned, keeping their voice down as they scurried up to join them. 

“You’ll see, I promise. You can hear the best stories and see the view from right here.” Cinn just nodded, they had nothing to go off of so they might as well settle in.

“If you say so.”

“Oh I know so, and I’m Bug by the way.” Bug stuck out their hand to in greeting

“Cinnamon, but just call me Cinn.” Cinn placed their lucky treat carefully on their lap before reaching to shake Bug’s hand. “Thank you for helping me find a place to sit.”

“My pleasure... Was it a winner?” Bug eyed the Lucky treat resting in Cinn’s lap.

“I haven’t checked yet, I wanted to sit down first. Did you get one?” Cinn picked up the treat, inspecting it further now that they were sitting.

“Yeah it was unfortunately a dud, but at least it was tasty.” 

“Well, let’s see.” Cinn slowly tore into the lucky treat, examining its filling for any tickets before pouting. 

“Whelp, there's always next year.” Bug patted Cinn on the back. Cinn nodded before trying a bite of the treat and hummed.

“Oh! That is delicious.” Bug nodded before turning their attention to the sky, leaning back on their palms. They settled there surrounded by the comforting murmur of stories being told amongst the crackling fires. Some time later, while Cinn was distracted by a group that seemed to have broken out in song, Bug tapped their shoulder.

“Look” They directed Cinn’s attention to the sky where bright streaks of light had started to appear. 

“Wow” Cinn stared in wonder, others around them seemed to be doing the same. Soft gasps or whispers of fascination trickled through the crowd as the stars continued on their journey.

“See, I told you. Best seat in the house.” Bug nudged Cinn playfully as they watched the sky. Cinn smiled to themselves but nodded in agreement. There, surrounded by others, awestruck by the beauty of the world around them, Cinn found themselves excited to come back and do it all again.