☉NARIEL
The murky tendrils dissipated, and with a swift shift, I distanced myself from Vaelin. We were in an alley, but it was flooded with light, as if it were daytime beyond the alley, though I could tell it was night from the darkness at its edges. The radiance seemed to emanate from myriad lanterns, perchance, but exceeded the illumination witnessed through Vaelin’s window by far.
In the distance, I could hear drumming, a rhythmic beat that seemed to pulse with merriment or perhaps some kind of challenge, the sound building with each beat.
“What's happening?” I asked, my voice betraying my curiosity.
“A festival. Though minor, they find it pleasing to stay all night and revel in their merriment,” Vaelin explained casually, nodding his head for me to lead the way. I hesitated, mome
