Highspring Festival (Date 1/5/21)

Plans were made to send Shelby Oborne and a large contingent of soldiers back to the mines with the Prince and his party, but first the road would need to be cleared to accommodate an army on the march. Also, the nation’s one-and-only holiday, Highspring, was only days away – held yearly at the end of the third week of May. So while the way was being cleared for the kingdom’s army, the Prince and his companions made ready for a party.

Euwyn was approached by his aunt, the Councilor Illora Pavan, and not-so-subtly urged to get a date for the affair, strongly implying that people were beginning to talk. But Euwyn dragged his feet, and was in short order, presented with a young noble lady by the name of Relania Bell. Euwyn was hesitant and dismissive at first, but once the two were left alone to talk, he found he actually liked the girl, and when he opened up and was honest about his situation and feelings, found her to be understanding. “It’s just a dance. We can go together, and get everyone off your back. It doesn’t have to mean anything.”

At the picnic before the ball, Lex approached Treasurer Viecelli and managed to secure a retainer (bribe) in return for his assistance keeping “things” moving in the right direction. Marty presided over the blessing ceremony but still made time for some frolicking and swimming with Lumi and the other young people of the kingdom. “We should do more of these days!” he exclaimed. Hedge stood silent guard.

At the dance, the prince’s entourage assembled on the periphery, and talk turned to politics once Relania was introduced. She suggested Euwyn and his friends should take over more of the council, moving Euwyn to the role of Magister and naming Lex Marshal, and then eventually pushing Marty to the High Priest’s position. Euwyn found her intellect and affability enchanting, and when he tried to close the night with a quick kiss she corrected him with a longer more practiced one.