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[center]𝓐𝓮𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪 𝓑𝓮𝓵𝓶𝓸𝓷𝓽𝓮
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The moment Noelle’s arms wrapped around her, Aedrianna froze. Her mind went utterly blank — not out of fear, but because the world seemed to stop.

That warmth… that scent of sea breeze and lavender. It was the same as she remembered.

For one long heartbeat, she let herself exist only in that memory — laughter echoing between them beneath the stars, Their singing together as they walked along the roads they traveled. And when the fair lights reflected in the water that last night, Aedri had promised herself that friendship like that didn’t fade.

But now… it looked like it had been stolen from her.

When Noelle stepped back, stammering apologies, Aedrianna blinked away the tears that threatened to form. Her chest ached, but she managed a fragile smile all the same.

[color=#f7b6d9]“You could never insult me, Noelle.”[/color] Her voice trembled softly before steadying, her words threaded with emotion she couldn’t quite contain. [color=#f7b6d9]"We traveled together for a year and a half almost! I'd like to think we understand each other well enough to greet each other warmly...right?"[/color] She chuckled nervously, suddenly wondering if maybe the memories that she'd regained weren't all that right. Did Noelle not remember her? 

"You helped me find the Skythorn blossom...and we traveled to the Ryke fair together...I know that doesn't sound like a lot but..."[/color] she hesitated, suddenly feeling hyper self conscious. Perhaps those golden memories weren't all that golden.

The words faltered. Suddenly, every memory she’d held so dearly felt fragile, uncertain. Perhaps what she remembered wasn’t the whole truth after all.

A gentle movement drew her back — the tiny mana beast pup in her arms squirmed, letting out a soft, crystalline chirp that broke through her spiraling thoughts. Aedri’s gaze softened. The small sound grounded her.

Before she could say more, the Pavilion’s crystal chimes rang sharply overhead, scattering the moment like shards of glass.

[color=#D6A420]“Performers! Please gather — performance numbers are being assigned! First round begins shortly. Number one will open the stage!”[/color]

Aedrianna glanced up as the glowing sigils flickered to life above the stage. Her number shimmered faintly — 13. The last to perform. Of course.

Her eyes drifted to Noelle once more and she offered a delicate smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Somewhere, beneath the polite composure, a quiet ache lingered — hope that maybe, just maybe, she’d misread that reaction after all.