Snippet #1777505

The group from the wagon that had stationed in a ranch farm had just arrived to the core of the festival. The mage, carrying his large book and rucksack, was turning his body around while walking in one direction. He had been amazed by the sights of the Saint Magnarta festival once more. It had been one year since the annual event, and he was very delighted to see the same and maybe improved spectacular scenery. As he turned to look for the others of the group, they've already shifted into their festive moods. Ru-haji and Uriah of The Precious Sands were pulling out their wares from the box and began presenting them to every passerby they see. Archer, as nicknamed by Cedric, went off to fill himself with delicious fresh foods. The only one suddenly gone was Shaky, taking leave without saying any goodbye's to anyone. He probably went off to see other attractions in the town square.

Cedric stopped by a stall and purchased a cup of pineapple juice. The drink was cold and very sweet, much like how a Met Nymph would like their drinks to be. He was sitting down on a wooden bench, looking over the contents of his traveling journal while taking sips. He planned to write down details and thoughts about today's festival, once it's over that is. It may be a joyous day to celebrate, but he wants to do as much in order to understand the relations between the people, their cultures, and the birth of the Great Tree. Jiender certainly has beautiful surroundings, but Cedric also came to the village to meet some old friends. He admitted to himself that this village established quite an attachment within him.

He took one last sip of the pineapple juice he bought, then saw some kids ran passed by him. The little Hymas and Nymphs were rushing out to the meadows, holding onto their kites. The sight of the children amused Cedric to know that this town is doing well, which reminded him of something he must do.

'I should go see how the old mayor is doing. I'm wondering if he will recognize me or not, but it's worth a surprise visit,' he thought.

Disposing the cup he had, Cedric stood up and walked by the crowds and stalls in the square. Before he managed to leave the town square to visit him, he noticed a familiar face not far from where he's at.

"Hey!" Cedric called out to the man. A middle-aged priest in white and black clothing was watching a Tugan Hymian musician, playing songs of the mountains with her mandolin. Cedric remembered the priest as Midus Danaltha, the owner of Jiender's church.

"Hey, Midus! Long time no see!" he called out once more. Midus looked surprised when he greeted the mage.

"Cedric! It's good to see you! How have things been in the Altresta house?"

"Pretty fine. Things are the same as usual. But I spend most of my time traveling now. Don't you know that?"

The priest nodded in response. "Ah, of course," he replied.

Cedric was glad he bump to an old friend. Specifically, he's a friend to the whole Altresta family. After they made their exchange of greetings, Midus had asked Cedric to take note of the musician gathering attention.

"She's truly a magnificent with the mandolin, isn't she?" Cedric found himself astounded by the charming melody coming from her instrument and her musical talent. The foreign musician wore traditional Tugan Hymian tribal garb. As she finished a song, she took a bow towards the crowd before her.

"For a girl with such musical talent, she looks rather young," Cedric commented, which brings up a question to his head. "Did she come here all the way from Tugan Bril?" he asked the priest.

Midus simply shook his head. "People wondered about that, such as yourself. But she has confirmed that she is 16-years old, living in Haubenor. We can assume she wears those Tugan Hymian clothing to show pride of her own culture."

'16-years old? That's pretty young, but I guess it fits with her appearance.'

The two turned back to the girl with her mandolin. She announced to the crowd surrounding her in an obvious Tugan accent, "Next, I will play a song that all of you will surely recognize and love. I hope you enjoy my performance!"

'Maybe the visit to the mayor can wait. I certainly want to hear more of her music.' He stood besides Midus and readied his ears. She plucked the strings of her instrument with her delicate fingers, letting soft sounds flow. Soon, the melody became much faster as the song progressed, and the people began to recognize what she was playing. Young and old people alike started clapping to the rhythm, and some even started dancing happily. Cedric was curious about her lifestyles and how she learned to play. Tugan Hymas do enjoy music a whole lot more than any other race; he wonders why a girl like her would come all the way to Jiender to play music instead of staying at Haubenor.