Serena nearly begged for respite, her calves were burning. She was not even sure how long she had been on her feet, but what she did know was that she had been knocked out of her bed. She could swear on her left eye that the sun had not risen by the time Livia had burst in. She was already in her riding clothes, her hair in a slick bun, and looked like she had been awake for hours.
"Get up," were her only words before Serena was hauled into a simple dress and practically pushed out of the castle.
She needed to stay close to Livia at all times and assist in whatever she needed help with. And help she did. It was a minor obligation after all.
Longdale had come alive well before the sun had fully crested the mountains. According to Livia, it was the central location for the upcoming communal feast, a long-standing Ironshade tradition that had taken on greater meaning now that Dawnbreak wolves would be in attendance. This was no longer just about celebrating seasonal abundance. Politics had come into play, this was a spectacle to show off to the proud wolves from Dawnbreak.
"Two of the Dawnbreak wolves already split off," Livia said curtly as they walked the outer edge of the venue. "One has gone with Iris to Embermere, the other with Evelyn to Redhollow. Let them see what they want. The rest will stay here with us"
Serena had barely nodded before she was given a stack of woven garlands to carry and told to help with the stage arrangements. Fires were lit. Tables were scrubbed and set. Large barrels of berry wine were rolled into position, and children ran underfoot, trying to sneak early tastes of the sweet rolls cooling in the shade.
Despite the ache in her limbs and the relentless pace Livia set, Serena couldn’t help but be slightly awed. The transformation of Longdale was almost magical. The air buzzed with quiet anticipation, and even the gruffest wolves had an air of celebration about them.
Livia, meanwhile, moved through it all with her usual precision. She gave orders with a clipped tone and sharp nods, but more than once Serena caught her picking up a fallen plate herself or straightening a crooked sign. For all her bark, she worked as hard as any of them.
By late afternoon, the stage was nearly ready, banners fluttered above, and the scent of roasted roots and smoked fish filled the square. The early autumn sky turned a soft gold, and Serena finally paused beside one of the trellises to catch her breath. Her arms felt like lead.
A boy no older than eight came racing past, then doubled back when he spotted her. "Are you helping too?" he asked, eyes wide.
Serena blinked, startled and then she chuckled. "I suppose I am."
"Miss Livia told us this is the biggest banquet we’ve ever had! I can not wait for the fire dances. And there’s going to be honey-butter bread!"
He shot off again without waiting for a reply, laughing as he went. Serena allowed herself a small smile, one that didn’t quite fade even when Livia appeared a few minutes later, wiping her hands.
"I need to check on the bread stall. Walk with me," she said, not pausing for a response.
Serena did, though more slowly now. Her body protested every step. She bit back a groan and looked up to the sky as though a saviour would descend down and spare her from this cruel fate.
As they passed the edge of the square, Livia surprised her by speaking again. "You did not complain once today."
"I knew it would not help," Serena said mildly. ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ꜰʀᴏᴍ novel⁂fire.net
Livia hummed. "You are right, it would not have. But still." That was all. She gave no praise or any further comment. Just the faintest flicker of something Serena couldn’t name.
When evening arrived in full, the lanterns were lit, soft and glowing across the open space. It felt like another world. Serena stood like one of the children with her mouth slightly open and eyes wide. It was so beautiful to her.
Livia had vanished again, likely tending to something urgent, so Serena took the rare opportunity to wander off. She drifted toward the edge of the field, where the lights began to thin and the noise gave way to quiet.
She moved past the apple carts, past the stacked logs for the bonfire, and turned down a small path behind one of the food tents. The cool air kissed her cheeks, welcome after the heat of the day. And then, as if the quiet was waiting for someone to break it, she rounded a corner and nearly bumped into someone.
"Elen?" Serena blinked.
The woman turned at the sound of her name, her frame half-shadowed beneath the low-hung lantern light.
Serena could only stare. "What are you doing here?"
Elen gave a slow, bemused smile. "You look like you have run a footrace against a horse."
"I feel like I did," Serena said with a sigh.
The two stood in easy silence for a breath. The blonde woman wiped her hands on her skirt and then offer a smile to the smaller woman.
"I wasn’t expecting to see you," Serena said eventually. "Truly."
Elen tucked her hands into the sleeves of her cloak. "I came with the Dawnbreak envoy. Of course I would be here...not exactly dressed for a party, am I?"
Serena’s lips quirked. "You are more welcome here than most."
"That’s saying something," Elen replied.
They exchanged looks, faint smiles forming on both their lips.
"I should get back soon," Serena murmured.
Elen nodded. "Of course."
But just before Serena turned, Elen added, "It is good to see you, Serena. I hope Ironshade keeps surprising you."
Serena met her gaze and nodded. "So do I."
As she made her way back toward the firelight and warmth of the square, her heart beat a little lighter.