Chapter 159: First Day of the Festival

“Come oooon! Wake up, wake up, wake up!” a very naked Rosalyn cried, bouncing on Ann. “It’s today! The festival! I’m so excited I’ve never been to one in a big city, and now I can go, and I’ve gotta get stuff for my family and send it home, they’ll be so excited! Come on! You too, Kat?”

“Normally I’d love the sight of you bouncing on me,” Ann groaned. “But what time is it?”

“Ummmm, five? Maybe six. It’s early, but there’s so much to do!”

Kat let out a loud, unhappy noise and rolled over.

“Rosalyn, sweetheart, I love you, but give me like an hour or so more sleep. You kept me up really late last night.”

“Sorry,” Rosalyn deflated. “Was just having so much fun cause I was excited for today and couldn’t sleep, and all that energy had to go somewhere, so I guess it went into bouncing on your cock so deep and thick. Mmm, could go for more of that, but alright. Sleep. I’ll go… whittle or something? I dunno.” The druid rolled off the bed and padded her way into the other room, closing the door behind her.

“Snuggles?” Ann asked Kat.

“Mhm,” Kat responded. Soon, Ann was wrapped in thick arms and intertwined with even more muscular thighs. Slowly, they drifted back off.

“Alright, time to get up,” Ann groaned.

“Not yeeet,” Kat grumbled. “Still too early.”

“Kat, Rosalyn’s probably going to explode if we don’t get going. I don’t want Druid all over the living room.”

“Mm, aye. Could ‘ave ‘er all o’er the room in a different way.”

“Might have to if you don’t get up.”

“Fiiine,” Kat groaned. The princess sat up with Ann still clutched in her arms and stood.

“Hey! Let me down, you big lug!”

“Nae. Ye’re all warm an’ furry. Like it,” sleepy Kat said, carrying Ann like an oversized stuffed animal. “We’re up, Rosalyn.”

“Good! Let’s get bathed and get going! Unless you want sex, cause we could always do that, but that’s probably a bit too soon cause we did it last night and we can always do more later, cause it’s us and when are we not going to be going at it whenever we can?”

“Easy, shite,” Kat chuckled. “Just a bath. C’mon, ye little temptress.” Shifting her grip, Kat managed to snag Rosalyn as well, carrying both her girlfriends to the bathroom. “If ye’re gettin’ me up this early, ye’re washin’ me.”

“Deal!” Rosalyn agreed eagerly.

About an hour later, they made their way out of the rooms, fresh and dressed in their casual outfits. Ann chose one of her blue kilts today, forgoing pants, and a nice white shirt. Kat was in a tight, clean shirt and her usual leather pants. Rosalyn, meanwhile, was in a beautiful white and blue dress covered in crystalline patterns. The contrast with her skin made a striking appearance. Each of them had gotten in the habit of wearing the collars and earrings that they’d given each other that day at Orenous’ temple.

“So, where do we get started?” Ann asked, closing and locking the door behind her. “Lest you forget, I’ve never been to one of these things.”

“Breakfast first,” Kat said. “Hungry.”

“Rosalyn did ride us ragged,” Ann giggled.

“Sorry.”

“Nothin’ tae be sorry about. Just need tae refuel,” Kat said, patting the fluffy Druid’s hair. “Let’s just pop by the kitchens an’ grab somethin’ easy.”

The palace kitchens, as always, were chaos at this time of day. An entire city’s worth of people needed feeding. From servants to guards to anyone else residing in the complex, these kitchens fed them all. Kat waved down a cook, and he handed them a basket of fruit pastries to take with them. Thanking him, they set off into the city.

“Sure we shouldn’t be taking a carriage?” Ann asked as she munched.

“No point. Too many people an’ the exercise is good fer ye. Just ‘cause Remmi’s lettin’ ye take a few days off doesn’t mean ye can slack.”

“Aww,” Ann groaned, cracking a grin. “Was planning on getting fat.”

“Not on my watch, you aren’t,” Rosalyn huffed. “I’ve got the fluff in this relationship. You’re way too sexy all skinny like that.”

“Don’t want me to be all big and muscly like Kat?”

“No, it’d look really weird on your body, I think. Like someone tied blown up sacks on your arms and legs. Also, the canine legs would look really skinny under bigger thighs and just look disproportionate. Your looks fit you.”

“Thanks, lambchop,” Ann laughed. “I’ll watch my figure.”

“Not like we’ve gotta do much tae keep it up wit’ how much we do every day,” Kat shrugged. “Bein’ active is the best way tae stay fit.”

“Then you overdo it,” Ann said, poking Kat in the ribs. “Oh, you hear from Bren or Lucia?”

“Aye, said they’d be out an’ about today last night. Reckon we’ll run intae ‘em at some point.”

Before them, as they neared a familiar market, a new structure came into view. A massive arch of crystal had been erected across the road. It was raw and jagged, like ice, glittering with dancing lights, simulating ice. A large rectangular sign of the same material hung from the zenith. Stylised lettering spelled out “WELCOME TO THE EVERFROST FESTIVAL”. Crowds of all types streamed through the entrance, eagerly chatting with each other as everyone got worked up into a festive mood. No tickets were needed, and everyone was welcome. Ann could already hear merchants shouting and promoting their stalls, laughter, music, and the sounds of a great time.

“I… this is more than I thought it’d be,” Rosalyn said, her voice shaky. “I dunno about this.”

“Let’s get inside. It’ll thin out after a bit,” Kat promised. “The entrances are just choke points. Alleys are blocked off tae make sure the guards can keep an eye on comin’ an’ goin’.”

Sure enough, Ann spotted several members of the city guard posted up on roofs on either side of the entrance. While they were here to watch, they were also happily returning any waves the people sent their way. Some soldiers on street level were even getting draped with little wreaths on their helmets, or crystal ornaments for their spears. It seemed like everyone was in a great mood today, and it was quickly infecting Ann.

Wanting to avoid making Rosalyn more uncomfortable than she was, Kat and Ann pushed their way through the crowd, protecting their girlfriend from the crush. It took a bit, but the people thinned out just like Kat promised. Vendors and stalls lined every road as they proceeded. Food and games, attractions, souvenirs. Everything Ann associated with a fair was here. Every surface was decorated with patterns of ice and snow. Banners advertising the festival were in the shape of icicles with an ornate EF embroidered in silver. All in all, it was magical.

“Come on, let’s go play some games,” Kat urged. “Betcha I can break the hammer slammer again.”

“Again?” Rosalyn asked. “What’s the hammer slammer?”

“It’s a fun thing. Get a big wooden mallet an’ hit a lever as hard as ye can. See if ye can ring the bell an’ get a prize. Think they go easy on me ‘cause I’m a princess.”

Kat led them over to the contraption, and it was exactly what Ann expected. Truth be told, it was almost one to one with the carnival game from her time. “Guess time doesn’t change some games.”

“Ye had these?” Kat asked as she joined the line.

“Definitely. I was way too noodly to even give them a try, though.”

“Yeah, this isn’t my thing. Let’s see if they’ve got a pattern game or something after this,” Rosalyn said.

Once they got to the front of the line, the attendant noticed Kat and gave her a grin. “Back again, Highness?”

“Damn right. Gonna break this thing wide open again.”

“The day’s just started. Go easy on us!” the worker cried out in mock dismay. A few passersby took notice of the antics and stopped to watch.

“Go easy on ye? Think ye’re the one who went easy on me last year. Come on, give me a challenge.”

“A challenge, you say? Princess Farragher, I wouldn’t dare underestimate one of your pedigree.”

“Then walk the talk. Gimme a good weight this time.”

“As you wish! One moment, ladies and gentlemen!” the attendant cried, and hustled behind the machine. “There we go. As everyone knows, we have several weights to test strength. It’d be simply unfair to have an Inlon try to compare to a Grrn, much less one of our rare Mulsfar guests. The princess here is now testing her strength not against her fellow humans, Alfhindur, and Thrundol, but against the Grrn! Is the princess mightier than the great stone men?”

“Wish me luck,” Kat said, giving Ann and Rosalyn a quick kiss before walking up. She lifted the mallet easily, giving it a few test swings. “Thing feels lighter.”

“Same as always. Maybe you did get stronger over this last year, eh?”

“Sure did. Alright everyone, ye ready tae see me smash this thing?”

A round of cheers from those who’d stopped to watch Kat erupted. Men, women, and children stared as Kat rolled up her sleeves and placed the head of the mallet on the end of the lever.

“You know the rules, princess. Three tries to ring the bell. Give it your all and win a prize if you succeed. Whenever you’re ready!”

Kat took the handle, squeezing it as she flexed and lifted it overhead. With a loud whumph she slammed it down on the lever. Ann watched as the beam bent then launched the weight upward. It raced past marks until it slowed just about two-thirds of the way up.

“Aw, not even close, princess,” the attendant jeered. “Sure you were actually trying there?”

“Gotta get warmed up,” Kat chuckled, taking a few more swings. “First hit’s never the hardest.”

“I bet her opponents don’t feel the same! Whenever you’re ready!”

Kat shifted her stance, centring her balance. The next heave of the hammer knocked the weight up to the three-quarters mark, maybe a little over. Ann felt her breath catch as she watched it soar, then release in disappointment.

“Last try, big girl,” the attendant teased. “Give it a real good hit this time.”

“You can do it, Kat!” Rosalyn cheered!

“Give it everything!” Ann yelled, pumping her fist in the air.

Kat looked back at them. With a wry smile and a wink, she turned back to the game and hefted the hammer. “One!” she swung and stopped just before the lever. “Two!” The crowd counted with her. “Three!” Kat swung hard, and a familiar flash coated the face of the hammer. All In bent the board to a nearly absurd angle before the weight was catapulted skyward. The bell rang, then clanged as it was knocked free of the device, flying outwards toward the crowd.

“Not again!” the attendant cried, raising a hand. When he did, the objects stopped midair and floated over to him. “We’re raising you to Mulsfar weights next year, young lady.”

“I’ll break ‘em again next year too,” Kat promised. “What’re ye hawkin’ fer prizes?”

“Got the usual odds and ends. Animals stuffed with wool, some mugs with the festival crest, replica mallets, pins with the mallet and bell.”

“Give me the wolf one, aye, tha’,” Kat said, pointing to a brown wolf stuffed animal.

“For the winner! May she never come back!” the attendant cheered, holding up the toy to Kat.

Kat took the animal, waving it in the air for the audience, then handed it to Rosalyn. “Hold ‘er close. Just in case yer normal wolf isn’t around.”

“She’s great. Thanks Kat,” Rosalyn cried, jumping up into the princess’ arms.

Ann beamed as she joined the hug, dancing around happily. When they stopped, she gave Kat a curious look. “Did you have All In last year?”

“Damn straight I did,” Kat laughed. “Shoulda seen how far it flew that time. Wit’ all the stats I’ve gotten lately, thing’s way stronger.”

“He’s gonna need to come up with something crazy once you blow away the Mulsfar weight,” Ann snickered. “Bet you’ll clear that easily by next year.”

“The way we’re growin’? Don’t doubt it at all. Let’s move on. Can’t keep hoggin’ the show.”

“So, where to next?”

“Dinnae, let’s just walk fer a bit. It’s yer first times here, just let Eas guide ye.”

And so they did. Ann was in love with this festival. Everyone attending was dressed in a mix of blues and whites, seemingly a native costume for this celebration. Women were wrapped up in thick hooded cloaks and fur lined dresses, while the men wore coats and hats of the same material.

“Aren’t they all boiling with the mountain being so warm?”

“Nae. There’s been updates tae the tradition. That cloth looks heavy, but it’s light as a feather. Keeps the feelin’ o’ the season, but doesn’t kill ye if it’s not actually freezin’.”

“Yeah. My getup for back home was way heavier,” Rosalyn explained. “Not like I ever have to worry about the cold, but that’s what Mom gave me. Even then, the weight and how it kept snow off was really nice. Dad had his in a big double wrap over his shoulders that made his chest look all bulgy. I made fun of him a lot when I was a kid, but mom always thought he looked really handsome.”

“Your parents do the same?” Ann asked Kat.

“Eh? Fashion is different fer royalty. They’ll wear the colours, an’ Da’ tries tae keep wit’ the old style, but Ma’ prefers her armour.”

“When does she not?”

“Fair. She’ll get it painted fer the occasion, have the neck an’ joints filled up wit’ fur.”

“Viking looking queen, huh?” Ann muttered. “Guess I’ve gotta get myself something like that eventually. Think I’d look good in white and blue?”

“Maybe?” Rosalyn said. “It’d contrast with your fur like it does my skin, but I don’t think that’s really your colour. Honestly, that’s more Kat’s thing considering…” she put a hand to the back of her neck.

“Holy shite, you’re right. Once I get more, that’ll look really good wit’ the festival wear. Might need tae figure out me armour tae coordinate wit’ the scales.”

“Shhh, not yet,” Ann laughed. “Also, that’s so far away that we’ve gotta worry about how good our armour looks. Right now I’m just happy it works.”

“If only I weren’t such a stickler fer doin’ things meself, I’d have us all set up wit’ great gear. I’d spoil the shite outta ye.”

“But working for it makes things better,” Rosalyn said, repeating Kat’s words. “We’ve gotta earn our keep.”

“That’s right.”

“Oooh, what’s that?” Ann gasped, catching a twinkling in the air. Excitedly, she pulled Kat and Rosalyn through the crowd and found a juggler.

The juggler, despite the somewhat mundane profession, had something Ann had never seen. First, he was juggling crystals like the ones the gate was made of. Second, those crystals were being blasted with light from his hands, refracting rainbows across the crowd that watched him. He was human, but a mutation had given him four arms. Two were normal sized, attached at his shoulders like they should be, while the other two were smaller and further down his sides. As Ann watched, she noticed they only had three digits each. Despite the incongruity of his body, the man looked like he was enjoying himself greatly as he spun the crystals around, doing acrobatic twirls and flips before effortlessly catching each spike.

“Light magic is so cool! Think about all the illusions you could do with something like that!” Ann said, eyes still transfixed. “His arms are really neat, too. It’s crazy how varied everyone can be and still be functional. I really think tailors got lucky in this time. So much custom work to do. Oh! He almost dropped that one!”

“I can’t see,” Rosalyn pouted, bouncing on her feet trying to see past the crowd.

Kat, with a surprised squeak from the Druid, lifted her up and plopped the woman on her shoulders. “There.”

“Oooh, thanks Kat!” Rosalyn giggled, now watching the juggling as well. “He’s so good at that! We never got entertainers in River’s Crest. Everyone just did what they could to make everything fun, like bringing instruments or cooking, singing. Simple things. This is great!”

“Glad ye’re likin’ it,” Kat said.

Cheers rose as the juggler finished his routine, catching each spike with ease and taking a bow. The crowd dispersed as he left the stage, stepping down a set of wooden steps.

“Shows, games, food? We’re gonna be going all day,” Ann said excitedly.

“Go nuts. This is all fer ye two. Let’s have the best day we can,” Kat laughed. “Let’s try that next,” she said, pointing to another stall.