*This is a standalone story with recurring characters. You can find other ones featuring these guys [in my profile]( https://www.reddit.com/user/cresserelle/comments/gxvp4t/list_of_stupid_stuff_i_wrote/).*
***
It was near sunset. Though it’s been drizzling throughout the day, and clouds still rolled heavy through the sky, it was warm; typical fickle Kontarian summer. The weather would definitely not deter the festival bonfires, which were now starting all throughout the Ritual Field.
One went up by the forest wall, where some three dozen people were already gathered. A young man named Aerin sat on a wooden log and watched the wind foam the tall grass. It was strange that life was carrying on as usual. So much had happened over the past few months, so much had changed.
Someone patted him on the shoulder, and sat down by his side. It was his friend Moyna, and her crooked smile.
“Watchya thinking about?” she asked.
“Stuff,” he replied.
“Where’s Gabrielle?”
Aerin smiled. “She’s with Haedde, getting ready.”
“Excited about the ritual, is she?”
“Kind of stressed, but that only makes her put on a brave face.” His smile grew dreamy. “You know what a dork she can be.”