"Anna! Are you almost ready?"

I giggled as the princess called to me. "I'll be out in a minute!" I looked back into the mirror, adding the finishing touches to my makeup.

I was overjoyed for Hallows Eve. Normally, Humans are very conservative about their dress, even when it came to costumes. We never really had any occasions to dress up in costumes, unless someone was hosting a costume party. Hell, even then, the "costumes" were usually fancy clothes with masks.

However, I could let loose tonight.

I decided to go as a forest nymph. I was outfitted in a flowy white dress that went past my knees, but not too close to my feet. Parts of the silk on my skirt were various shades of green. Bracelets of leaves and flowers decorated my ankles and wrists. I voided shoes to keep the natural look. I wore my hair down and adorned a crown of flowers. I used a shiny, emerald green eye-shadow and used a deep green makeup powder to make vine-like patterns on my cheekbones and forehead.

I smiled at my reflection. I...I actually look pretty! Over the past month, I noticed a change in my body. There was a certain fullness to my facial features, and I grew slightly more muscular. My skin was tanned from constantly being in the sun.

The Luna really have changed me for the better... How will things be when I go back home...? Do they even miss me? Gods, they probably think I'm dead? Should I even go back?! What if I'm rejected? Oh, gods...

"Anna!"

"Ah! Coming!" I whirled around and strolled to the door. Not today. You can think about this later. Enjoy your last few days with them.

I opened the door and waiting for me were Lissa, Maribelle, and Cherche. Lissa was dressed up as a yellow pixie, glitter covering her everywhere. Maribelle was a water nymph; a flowy blue dress and beautifully done makeup added to her sophisticated aura. And Cherche, the one who made all of the costumes, was very fittingly dressed as a spiderling. The top of her dress hugged her curves nicely, but the skirt was a pale white with cobweb patterns. Little gems were stuck to the areas around her eyes to add to the spider look.

Maribelle gasped. "You look amazing, darling!" she exclaimed.

Cherche smiled proudly. "I knew you would look amazing, but the look suits you better than I could have imagined!"

My cheeks began to flush. "Th-thank you. I really appreciate you making our costumes," I said.

"Don't mention it! Designing is my passion and I'm happy to see the results!"

Lissa tugged on my arm. "C'mon! The party is waiting for us!"

I laughed as I was pulled along with my friends. This is going to be a special night. I can already tell!

...

The party planners really went all out for this. Fall decorations were in every corner, pumpkins and squash were abundant, arrays of different types of foods were at a large buffet table, adults and children alike were dressed up in intricate outfits, and the band played a happy tune that made you want to dance.

"Whoa, if I didn't know any better, I would say an actual forest nymph was in front of me!" Vaike whistled. He was covered in red war-paint, carrying an axe almost as big as him.

I rolled my eyes. "I see you're going as yourself?"

Vaike groaned. "You're the fifth person to say that!" He frowned. "I'm an Orc! Duh!"

My friends and I shared a look. "I still don't see the difference," Lissa whispered.

"U-uh, I think it's creative." A voice spoke up.

"AH!" We all screamed at the mysterious voice, looking around to find it. It was Kellam.

Maribelle placed a hand on her chest. "Don't scare us like that, Kellam."

He was dressed in a light blue, ruffly tunic with white pants. "I've been here the whole time..." he sighed.

I eyed his costume. "What are you supposed to be?" I asked.

He perked up as I paid attention to him. "A Sylph. It's a type of fairy that's invisible." He cleared his throat. "I thought it would be fitting..."

"Hey, guys!" Stahl jogged up to us, Sully and Virion in tow. All three were elves; Stahl an earth, Sully a fire, and Virion a water.

"Hello!" Cherche greeted them with a smile. "You all look lovely!"

Sully smirked. "All thanks to you." She looked at Vaike. "Alright, now that that's over; I believe that there is some spiced ale waiting for us."

"Right on!"

Within seconds, the two were gone, along with Virion. "I don't know about you, but I'm starving," Lissa whined.

Stahl was immediately intrigued. "Count me in! C'mon!" They rushed off to get some food.

"Wait for me!" Maribelle chased after them.

It was just me and Cherche.

I coughed nervously. "U-um. So what do you want to do?" I asked. "I know Sumia and Cordelia are on guard duty so they can't be here, but do you want to try and find some of our other friends?"

She opened her mouth to reply but looked at something in the corner of her eye. "Actually, Anna, I promised that I would meet up with someone," she said. "You'll be all right on your own, yeah?"

"Wait-"

"Buh-bye!"

I stood alone. Oh gods oh gods oh gods. What do I do!??! Do I find someone else? Should I find Lissa? Oh, gods-

"Anna? Are you ok?" Chrom's voice spoke.

I whirled around to see the prince. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with violet accents. Around his eyes were shiny white gemstones, no doubt Lissa's touch. My heart started to race. Why was it racing? Was there something wrong with me?

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Y-yes, all of my friends abandoned me, that's all," I jested.

He chuckled softly and looked me over. "You look...stunning..." A pink shade of blush was coloring his cheeks.

I found myself blushing as well. Should I say something about how handsome he looks? GAH! NO! I don't think he's handsome! Wait, no. He is very good looking. What am I even saying?!?! "Thank you!" I was surprised that I didn't stutter. "Um, what are you?"

"I'm a Moonwatcher," he replied. "They're spirits that protect the forest at night."

"Ah. I see." We awkwardly looked around for a few seconds.

He cleared his throat, offering his arm to me. "Why don't we walk around for a bit? I can explain the history of Hallows Eve better."

I nodded, taking his arm. "All right."

"Like you have been told before, Hallows Eve is a night of magic. At midnight, we all watch the starts and spirits."

I gave him a curious look. "Spirits?" I asked.

"It is said that the spirits of our ancestors like to come by every Hallows Eve to watch after us," he smiled. "It is truly a sight to see."

I nodded. "So what do we do now?"

"Right now - with all of the celebrating - everyone is exciting the spirits and building magic. Look."

He pointed to the whisps that were flying around, darting between people. "Hey, I've seen those before!"

Chrom smiled. "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that." A whisp came between us, flying around our persons and then zipping off. They seemed to be taken with all of the dancers. We saw a few of our friends in the dance area. "Would you like to join them?"

I sighed. "I would absolutely love to, but I can't. My leg still hurts." I bit my lip. "I'm sorry."

He shook his head. "Don't worry about it. It's ok." My expression didn't really convince him. "Why don't we get some food and then sit down?"

"Ok..."

"Hey," he placed his free hand on my shoulder, "you are not diminishing my fun. In fact, I want to spend time with you. We only have a few days left together."

The feeling in my heart was bittersweet. "Th-thank you." I pushed my dreadful thoughts away. "Lead the way."

...

"Do you want to find a seat to watch the stars?" Chrom asked.

My heart raced with excitement. "Yeah, let's go!"

He led me to a secluded platform. "Here should be good," he said, sitting down.

I gathered up my skirt and sat down next to him. "So, what is supposed to happen?"

He put a finger to his lips and motioned for me to look up. All I saw were stars. "Uh, what am I supposed to see?"

"Any moment now..."

I gaped as I finally saw what Chrom was talking about. An aurora danced across the sky. The stars twinkled brighter and the moon reached its peak. All around me, the plants and wildlife seemed to radiate a strong, magical energy. Streaks of color wisped by as everyone cheered.

"Chrom...it's beautiful..."

I received no response from him. I looked over to see him in his wolf form, eyes transfixed on the moon. I looked around to see everyone had shifted. What is going on?

Then, from the direction of The Great Tree, a single howl was heard. Chrom raised his head and howled with the other wolf and within seconds, every wolf joined in. This created a haunting yet enchanting melody that traveled through the whole forest.

I was in awe. My heart felt at ease. I felt like I belonged. Why have I been feeling this way...?

And just as soon as it started, it ended. Chrom quickly shifted back and turned to me. "Sorry about that. I forgot to mention that tradition," he chuckled sheepishly.

I shook my head, eyes still fixed on the aurora. "It's alright... What-what was that?"

"We just gave thanks to the magic. The Midnight Howl is a staple tradition for Hallows Eve," he spoke. "Every wolf in the pack does this, no matter where they are."

I nodded. "It was amazing... I've never seen or heard anything like that before!" I turned to him, smiling. "I...thank you. Thank you so much. For bringing me here, for being my friend. All of it..." And without hesitation, I entwined our hands. "I am never going to forget this. Ever. Even when I'm back home and celebrating Grima's Night, I will always celebrate Hallows Eve in my heart."

Chrom smiled back and squeezed my hand. "I am so glad to hear that."

However...the saddened feeling in my heart refused to leave. "I...I think about home a lot. About my friends, my family, my life. Everything." I let out a shuttering breath. "I even wonder if they miss me... Do they even care? Are they glad to have Anna the Curious gone?" Tears began to fall from my cheeks.

"Hey, stop that." He reached out and wiped my tears away. "I'm sure everyone must miss you tremendously! I know I would!"

I giggled and leaned into his palm. "Really?"

"Really," he said, eyes full of warmth and mirth. "You truly are an amazing friend. You'll be able to see everyone soon enough. I'm truly going to miss you when you're gone. So will all of our friends."

His words made all of my anxieties go away, just like that. "Thank you, Chrom," I whispered. "I really needed that."

"Of course." He stood up and offered me his hand. "Now, the festival is over. It's time to go back home. Let's get back to The Great Tree."

I took his hand and stood. "All right."

As we began to walk, a flash of light danced in the corner of my eye. My head turned to see it and my heart stopped as I saw a dimly shining figure. It was a woman with long, dark brown hair and grey eyes. She smiled warmly at me.

"M-mother...?"

"What was that?" Chrom asked.

I quickly snapped to him and looked back to see nothing there. "It...it was nothing. I'm probably just really tired."

He nodded and placed a hand on my back to help guide me through the crowd.

Mother...was that really you? Are you watching over me, even from here?

*****
PERFECT TIMING FOR SPOOKY TIME. Can we get an F in the chat for Evelina? I promise again that plot stuff will happen next week, don't worry. Although, this is pretty plot heavy. XD I'm so tired. I remember this chapter being super fun to write (also describing costumes is the death of me) but at least we have both of our protagonists thirsting over each other. That's always good. Thank you so much for reading and look forward to reading more!

Link: https://youtu.be/XLW1qCevLak