Post by Regan Lassiter on Dec 3, 2023 13:07:13 GMT -5
Regan’s face lit up, the toothy grin reigniting as she soaked up the warmth in his gaze. The glimpses of emotion in Cassian were rare, like the sun peeking out of Nevermerean clouds for only a moment, but that made them all the sweeter.
“Cassian it is,” She replied, savoring the syllables. Though only a drop of the liquor had touched her tongue she felt drunk on the novelty of it all. The temptation of the road yet traveled.
Regan released Cassian’s hand to take the drink he’d offered. She turned at took a deep swig, scanning the scene with the same wide smile. The man on the horse dismounted and stepped up on a makeshift stage at the end of the parade route. Cassian and Regan were within the crowd, standing toward the back but within the midst of the bustling commoners all clutching their cups.
The man was handed one of the flagons, and when he was, the music started to die down. Regan thought fleetingly there was something familiar about him, but the thought went as soon as it came. After a moment, the man started to speak:
“Countrymen: what a year of prosperity it has been. We have seen seasons of hardship over our lives, of bleak winters and lean harvests, but rarely have we experienced one of such bounty—and neither the rest of Nevermere. And what an honor it has been to share it with all of you.” There were cheers from the crowd. Regan turned, looking up at Cassian, eyes sparkling with the most obvious realization.
“These are your people.” She whispered as the cheers carried on, her eyes leaving again only when the man resumed his speech.
“Yet even in this plenty, there has been loss. My brother—rest his soul—and husbands and fathers, who will never return to us. Today, we drink in their memory.” He raised his flagon, and as he did so did the rest of the crowd. “To us, to the future, and to Nevermere.”
“Hear here!” The cheer was loud as the people drank from their cups. Regan drank deeply as the band struck up again. Putting flagons down wherever they could find, people started to pull partners into them and dance.