Asra was buzzing that weekend. Shop owners closed early and wouldn't be open until after the festival. People were up early preparing for the celebrations and the square was being transformed into a colorful ray of shrines.

Azrael was up early laying out everything for Death's shrine. She was double checking the items making sure everything would be perfect. Orange chrysanthemums, frankincense incense, and small shavings of chocolate. It wasn't much and definitely wouldn't be as spectacular as most here, but it would be there and that's what counted.

Raden stirred hearing Azrael talk to herself. Azrael peered over meeting Raden's tired eyes. "Well, good morning!"

He didn't answer.

"You know we have a perfectly decent bed." Azrael bunched up the mums and tied a bit of twine around the bundle to keep them nice. "I don't know why you insist on sleeping on this nasty floor."

Raden piled blankets on the floor the first night but he hadn't slept much. Azrael had offered a few times to share the bed but he would brush her off every time with some excuse. He brushed off her offers with 'I've slept in worse places.' or 'It's easier to hear footsteps.' Azrael finally gave up and just went along with it.

"It's not that bad."

"Whatever you say." She packed everything up and turned to Raden. "Are you going to get your sleepy ass up and help me or willI have to do this myself?"

"Sure," He groaned as he pulled him up off the floor. Every muscle protesting from the harsh wood.

Azrael grabbed the bag and headed for the door. "I'll be downstairs."

~~~*~~~

The bar was completely full as Azrael appeared at the bottom of the steps. She glanced around for an open seat but there wasn't one. A whistle from behind the bar caught her attention and the innkeeper gestured for the kitchen door.

"Here is a plate of breakfast for you." The innkeeper welcomed Azrael in and stepped aside for Azrael to see a small table. "Thought you'd enjoy a place to enjoy it before you head out." He winked.

"Thank you."

"No need."

"Oh!" Azrael stopped him. "Would you tell Raden I'm in here when he comes down?"

The innkeeper smiled and nodded before heading back out to the mob of patrons.

Azrael enjoyed her meal while listening to the kitchen staff yell at each other over the sounds of the kitchen in full force. Pots clanged together as they were tossed to be washed and the roar of the fire as it was stoked. Azrael liked the organized chaos here. It was almost calming.

The door swung open and Azrael waited for one of the runners to barge in, but it was Raden. He towered over her chair as she lifted her head back to see him. She smiled and offered one of the sausage links.

Raden gladly took it.

"Out of the way." A runner shoved Raden's wing out of her way.

Azrael giggled. "You ready?"

"Yeah." Raden peered around trying to get a better look at whoever had the balls to mouth off at him.

"Oh come on big boy." Azrael dragged him away. "They're just trying to work."

Raden allowed himself to be pulled from the kitchen into the sea of people. They managed to survive the rough trek and made it to the door.

The walk from the inn to the town square wasn't too bad. Blue skies stretched for miles without a cloud in sight making for a hopeful night. Leaves blew in the breeze across the cobblestone path dancing in colorful patterns. Nearer to the square the two came, the more decorations became apparent.

Flowers were tied together and along the banisters of the balconies overlooking the streets below. Rows of pink tulips lined the banisters of two apartments all nicely tied together. Across the street a lady was tying together massive blue and purple hydrangeas. Azrael could swear they were as big as her head.

A large arch of roses was set over the main path into the square. Blood red blooms welcoming the visitors as they enter. The entire square had been transformed in just a few short hours and Azrael could hardly recognise it. Small groups were scattered around decorating their designated section. Some had bundles of flowers in hand debating on where they would go. While others placed gifts on the shrines that were already completed. The ground was completely covered in a rainbow of flower petals as the wind swept away in beautiful swirls. Azrael was in awe at the site before her, but the one place that caught her attention most was the willow tree. Long shimmering ribbons had been tied to the tree's limbs creating a waterfall of pink and gold. The place was even more beautiful than it had been just a few hours before.

Azrael led Raden through the river of petals, hoping to find an empty space. It wasn't easy as many had come early in the morning to stake claims. Luckily, there was a small area near the alley that hadn't been claimed.

There was a small wooden crate that had been abandoned that Azrael snatched away to use as a makeshift table. She pulled out the mums and began weaving them through the spaces between each plank. The entire crate was covered in the bright orange flowers as Azrael sat it upside down. She set up the incense and a small bottle of chocolate shavings.

"You don't have to do this, you know." Raden spoke up.

Azrael stood up, dusting off a few petals that were attached to her skirt. "I know I don't have to but I want to." She took a moment to appreciate her work then turned to Raden. "What do you think?"

"Simple and straightforward." He smiled. "He'll see this as acceptable."

Azrael was cupping her hands together and resting her chin on them as she looked at her little creation. "I hope he likes it."

I pray he doesn't show.

~~~*~~~

By early afternoon, the streets were packed with visitors ready to begin celebrating. Some were making last minute touches why others had already begun the festivities with one too many drinks. The festival wouldn't start for another few hours.

Azrael was up in the room braiding her hair. She had started over at least five, finding little imperfections each time. Finally, she got it and sighed in relief. As she was readying to change outfits, Raden walked in looking like he had come from the pub. "Are you seriously not ready? Go get dressed."

"I am dressed," Raden pointed out. He was wearing just a simple white shirt and black riding pants. He had gone to tend to his new furry companion in the stalls.

Azrael huffed and tossed her dress down. She began pushing Raden towards the bed where she had generously laid out his clothes. "You know what I mean."

"Oh... you mean my festival clothing. Well, why didn't you just say that?" Raden moved, causing Azrael to fall off balance. Raden with lightning reflexes caught her before she hit the ground. She gave a playful glare and Raden picked her up. They were inches apart and Azrael felt her breath catch in her throat. Raden leaned in a bit closer with his signature smirk. "I can't say I've seen someone actually fall for me." Then he leaned back and walked off chuckling to himself.

Azrael gathered her composure. "You bastard!"

Raden had dressed quickly. He looked at himself in the mirror and let out a deep breath. He traded in his simple white shirt for a midnight blue long-sleeved shirt. He had opted to roll the sleeve up a bit. A black vest that fit quite nicely. He chose black pants and boots with some silver lining in them. All in all, he didn't look too shabby and still felt comfortable even if this wasn't something he would wear on any normal occasion. A witch had kindly offered to work with him so that his wings would feel more comfortable while the clothing could magically be altered around his wings.

"Can I turn around?" Raden asked

"Yes."

He turned and was met with a beautiful girl. Azrael had the simple lavender dress on but had placed a corset on that had little silver flowers sewn into it. Her hair had been placed in braids and tied in the back letting the rest fall down her back in loose curls. There were small snippets of baby's breath woven into the braids on the sides of her head. Small clear crystal earrings dangled from her ears and she had a matching necklace.

She stood there nervously as Raden took in the sight of her. He smiled, "You look good."

She giggled. Raden wasn't much for careful compliments and she took it at deeper value. "Well thank you for that sweet compliment." She walked past and grabbed her bag that had what she needed for her little section of the celebration. "You look very handsome."

"I always do."

"And there's that cockiness." She rolled her eyes.

He held out his arm and Azrael gladly took him. "I wouldn't be me without it."

~~~*~~~

The afternoon quickly turned to evening and the festival officially began. All walks of life had come to Asra for the celebration. Fey creatures kept close together as they roamed the streets, and a few woodland elves were seen congregating under a grove of trees in deep conversation. Wizards and witches mingled in their best attire. Beautiful vibrant robes and peculiar hats on display. Common humans intertwined with magic folk enjoying each other's company.

Azrael walked down the street taking in everything, but she wished she had about fifty more eyes. There was too much to see even now. However, would she be able to take everything in?

On the other end, Raden had wished he stayed in the room. While all walks of life had shown up, he still was the strangest creature to set foot here. Celestials weren't known to make their presents known often. Those that passed by exchanged worried glances or rushed away. Whispers followed Raden and he simply shook them off.

A bad omen I would say.

Azrael turned to look at a few wands a witch was happily handing out to some children that had run up to her. Azrael saw Raden glancing around nervously and seemingly on guard. "Raden?" He shot his gaze to her in urgency. "Are you okay to be out here?"

"Of course." He shot her a stomach twisting smile and played off the anxiety. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Raden."

He sighed, "Alright. I just have this gut feeling that something isn't right."

Azrael gave him a reassuring smile. "You're just not used to the crowds here. Go back to the room and let your nerves calm."

"My nerves are fine. It's just..."

"Everyone staring."

He leaned down, brushing his lips across her ear. His breath sent shivers down her spine. "It's not good for me to be the center of attention."

Azrael nodded, pulling away to meet his gaze. "Get out of here," she answered. "I'll be okay here. Go keep watch like a good soldier."

Raden shook his head at her little joke and headed off. He still couldn't shake the feeling as he left the crowd. Clearly this was more than anxiety.

~~~*~~~

Each night Azrael would come back to the inn during the early morning hours. Her face glowing with joy as she entered into the room quietly, praying she didn't wake Raden. However, he wouldn't sleep until he knew she was safe. That gut feeling hadn't gone away for days now and he grew more worried each day.

Azrael had all sorts of stories for Raden. From dancing with a Dragonborn to learning about new Gods she had never heard of before. Raden listened intently and was happy for Azrael. She showed him some knickknacks she had acquired from the festival and then gave him a small gold bracelet. She explained that it was an act of friendship when one is given.

On the last day of the festival, Azrael had come back early that day to bring Raden some snacks.

Raden turned from the window and smiled lazily. "What can I do for your pretty little self?"

Azrael rolled her eyes and ignored the comment. "I thought I would come to see if you'd join me this evening."

"I would much rather stay up here to keep a lookout," Raden answered in a not-so-playful tone.

Azrael's smile fell a bit and she nodded. "I was thinking though. You could keep an eye on whatever you're worried about..."

"If I thought it was safe to be in the square then that's where I would be. It's better for me to stay here." Raden interjected rather harshly. He saw the hurt in Azrael's eyes.

"Right," Azrael whispered, dropping her gaze to the floor. "Well um... have a good rest of your night." Azrael handed Raden a wrapping before she turned to leave. "I thought you might enjoy this. The bakery down the street was handing out these little raspberry pastries." She gave her signature smile although not as bright and walked out the door.

You dick.