He placed a hand on the cheek she had kissed, and the hug only amplified the warmth he felt. He realized now he would be sad to see her go, and already he considered her more of a friend than most. When she spun and told him she had a wonderful time, he gave a stiff bow. "I did too. Thank you." he said, and when she went to bed he put out the fire, and went to his room, falling into a dreamfilled sleep of a life he would never live. 

[hr] 

That morning the two got dressed and ate a quick breakfast, having little time to talk as they went about trying to get ready. Ali had never been good at dressing formally, though what passed as formal in the Two Rivers probably looked particularly rural compared to even a middle class dress in other areas. Though he made do, having actually made his own outfit last summer in preparation. Truth be told it was a very handsome garb. 

He wore a forest green shirt beneath a formidable brown vest that not only hugged and accentuated his broad shoulders, but still looked practical enough to work in. His trousers were similar to what he had worn last night, though it was better stitched and folded, and the belt was a relatively expensive one, made of black leather with bronze beltbuckle. To his relief, it looked like the livestock and the outer farm had not been touched through the night, which led him to believe that everything would be fine to celebrate today. 

"What is Bel Tine like in your village?" Mave asked as they stepped out of the door. She had a way about her that seemed both graceful yet brimming with an intelligent energy, yet another thing that captivated him about her. 

"Simple enough, even if a Gleeman doesn't show up, though I'm hoping one will." He said, closing the door behind her and locking it. He grabbed his staff and bid her to accompany him down the road. The morning was as crisp as the previous one, though the sun seemed to be out and about already, meaning likely the weather wouldn't be as cold as the day progressed. "All of the unmarried women will dance around the Spring Pole and the married men will sing as they do so. We'll break to eat, and then dance and sing and watch entertainers at our leisure. New couples often kiss under the cherry bush when its an hour before evening."

Mave glanced at him, and he blushed and chuckled, shaking his head. "I think we'll be exempt from that. Hopefully it will even put it in their heads we're not together since we won't do that."

"I don't know, they seem a stubborn lot. Not that you'd know anything about that." she joked. "And you mentioned Peddlars?" 

"Definitely, Peddlars always come by at Bel Tine, even if Gleemen sometimes skip it. With any luck, we'll get both. If you need help haggling, tell me. Usually the same Peddlars show up and they know some of the families here. My da has gotten good prices on various items before."

Thankfully the roads were clear and safe this day, and in no time they made it to the northern bridge. What had been a quaint town yesterday of soft chants and light hearted play was now a full blown festival. Even for such a small town, it seemed extravagant from all of the colors and the singing, and it was yet to be lunch time! What's more, there was a Gleeman there. An elderly fellow with a drooping mustache who simply sat and spoke to the mayor, betrayed by his patched cloak of many many colors. Peddlars as well, selling some of their wares and being asked to give news of far away events. 

It all halted abruptly, at least for Ali and Mave as they had just crested the bridge, when they were halted by a beautiful and shapely young woman with red hair that cascaded off of her fair shoulders. Her eyes smoldered with fire, though, and her hands were on her hips. Ali blanched, afraid this would happen. Evelyn Dal'Mara was the loveliest girl in the Two Rivers, and the most eligible and sought after young woman at 19 winters old. Ali might have come to accept her advances if it wasn't for her constantly trying to treat him as a prize to be won and a hog to be snatched and tied.    

"You..." she fumed, brow furrowed as she gazed daggers into Ali, giving a scowling glance Mave's way. Light, she acted like they were already married! "Here I am awaiting Bel Tine for you and you show up with this foreign chit?" She grabbed his freehand as if to pull him along. "We're going to see the Wisdom so she and I can knock some sense into you, you oaf." 

Turning, she looked at Mave and gave her a smile that dripped poison. "Pardon me for interrupting." and then yanked at Ali again.  
[@Penny]