Lyarea adjusted her hood as she walked through the town. She had arrived in Arcia two days earlier, and was currently staying at a nearby inn. Why the Council insisted she leave the town she was staying in every year was beyond her. Was it because she'd begun to put down roots?

[i]Not precisely, chrysalis,[/i] a few voices said. [i]It was dull, true, but there are more important things.

Like a festival,[/i] another voice said. This was followed by a burst of laughter and excited murmuring from the others. Lyarea had seen the people setting up the streamers, posters and other decorations, and she was curious.Who was Elizabeth Tite, for the entire town to celebrate her wedding in this way? 

[i]And there'll be a play! Chrysalis, you [/i]must[i] go. We insist on it.

I did no such thing.[/i] It was the voice which had spoken to her all those years ago. She had not heard it since leaving her birthplace. [i]Lyarea, attend the festival and go to the play if you wish. It is of no consequence to me and every importance to you.[/i]

Lyarea blinked. What did it mean by that? 

[i]Were you asking us, chrysalis?

No[/i], she thought. [i]Be silent now.[/i] They obliged. 

It would be interesting to go, she mused as she reached into her cloak pocket. There would be songs and dances, and food. 

[i]And people,[/i] She finished as she put her mask on. Her skin tingled faintly as the enchantment slid over it. [i]With purses.[/i]