"Alvina, Alvina Nyx," I say trying to keep a straight face. Of course, I wouldn't give someone of her kind my real name, they thought I died on the battlefield. So I should be dead, but thankfully, I'm not.

She closes her eyes and crinkles her forehead deep in thought. Finally, she says "You will face many difficulties, your fate depends on what you do..." Her nose perks up, as her eyebrows raised in question. She then nods, as if she had found the answer. "Your secrets." Her hoarse and raggedy voice drops to a whisper. Her eyes open wide with shock "Will be found, and you will find one. Your time will come. Good luck."  

She hands me a small velvet bag, the size of my forearm. I open it up and am shocked by how much can fit into that tiny bag it was filled with many supplies. Dried food, a dagger, a red tunic, and a strip of cloth. She tells me that it's best to hide it and keep it safe, for you never know when you'll be in dire need.

"Your time has come, don't forget; your secrets will betray you in the end."

"I have to go now, Good day ma'am," I stammered.

"Goodbye Brielle." The wise woman uttered.

I walked away confused with my bag, towards the rest of the vendors, Maybe they had something we could afford. The square is a very beautiful place, too bad it had to belong to the Faeries. I hear some music playing in the background. I turn to see a group of musicians playing their instruments. Three Violins, two Violas, and one cello. Their music sweetly entices me. Oh, how I wish I could dance and flow through the everlasting peace.

I wondered what the celebration was for.

I purchased some meats and bread. I hoped it would last long enough.

I visited another stand. They were selling trinkets and tokens. Normally, I wouldn't go for that type of stuff, but some of the items on display caught my eye.

"Well, Hello there" A young, bright voice called from behind the counter "Such a beautiful Struufenmas, Isn't it?" She sighs, "I wish I could be out there enjoying it today, but my sister is out." I nod my head somberly. I purchased two of the shiny, bright rose lockets. "Thank you very much," She elaborated, "It's Aeliana, By the way," She smiles warmly at me. I tuck the pouch of lockets into my bag, careful not to damage them. We talk for a while, Her warm smile glowing amid the dark shadows. We talk and talk, Apparently, Aeliana comes from a line of Seamstresses and Blacksmiths. We talk about the weather and watch the dancers. Occasionally, some customers came to purchase some items, but besides that, she just would hum and re-adjust the merchandise.

Eventually, all of the people on the square gather into a dance. The music became louder, more vibrant, painting a picture of flowers growing beside a rapid stream in a shady forest.

Aeliana and I walked to join the crowd of dancers. We dance with the others, The crowd turning into one. We were all together. We dance through the music, the wind blows all around us, I trip a couple of times, but we eventually get the hang of it. I'm warm from all the dancing, but not for long because I remembered what Struufenmas was really about.

A chill slid up my spine. Today was the anniversary of the war. The anniversary of the Faeries taking over the Elves. Every year they would have a ten-day celebration, filled with music, exquisite food, and gift-giving. Struufenmas, they called it.

"Don't you just love Struufenmas? It's one of my favourite times of the year" She rejoiced.

Everyone stops for a break, after all that dancing. I look at Aeliana and she looks at me. 

"What a breath-taking celebration" I agreed, as I looked at the beautiful flowers and street lamps. I almost felt jealous. Jealous of how amazing it all is. I revelled in the beauty of the intricate dresses and the orange glow of the sun setting in the sky.

A new song starts as everyone joins in a circle, clapping and stomping to a traditional Faerie dance.

Sweat forms on my brow from all this dancing in my heavy fur cloak.

I feel like I could go on all night until I realize it's getting late.

 "I must go now." I stopped dancing. I curtsied and walked until I was out of sight, Then I dashed back into the forest, not worrying about getting hurt, The branches whipped at me as I ruggedly dodged them. Foolishly enough, I tripped over a large, mossy oak log.