Festivals And Skyshows, in the city of Athenasie.

             The market was bustling and rustling, people turning every corner and browsing every shop. The stall-keepers calling to customers with their products in hand, each holding out various kinds of custom-made clothing and jewelry, from nice colorful skirts and hats to necklaces with patterns resembling the sun or the moon. I could feel the warm stone beneath my feet vibrate with the many stomps and steps of the crowd. I looked overhead and watched as the many Whalepilots sailed upon their companions overhead in slow, majestic formation for the festival-goers. One let out a long, light bellow which sounded charming to the ears. As I passed the many colorful stalls, I came across a wonderful display offering simple crystal-shaped gemstone necklaces, deeply enticed by one of rich velvet color.

“That’s a rare one, that. Dug out o’ the Shrike Valley by a friend of mine not even two weeks back. Seems a treasure, but I’s not yet got it seen.”

“How much would you want for it?”

“Could be yours for sixteen-and-two oppettes.”

I dug through my pocket and checked my coins. Sixteen-and-two would be nearly everything I had, but this necklace would be a perfect gift. I coerced myself to place the coins on the table, and took the necklace with me. I pocketed the gemstone and its silver chain, and wandered closer to the center of town. As I approached, I could see the imposing and magnificent Central Tower, which watched over the square. In the center, a lovely fountain that sung with water that shone a lovely translucent greenish-blue in the daylight. On every side were buildings from houses to apartments to shops, and now that I’d stepped into less-crowded streets, I could see trams rolling about on the rails in the roads, carrying their days passengers to and from the square. I stepped to the fountain, sat on the rim, and swung my feet over into the water.

Today was pleasant, and it was sure to be spectacular.