THE STRANGER AT THE FESTIVAL
750 Words
The next morning arrived with bright sunshine pouring through the dormitory windows.
Aurora groaned as she buried her face beneath her blanket.
"Five more minutes..."
Octavia laughed as she pulled the blanket away.
"You said that ten minutes ago."
"I was younger then."
A gentle knock came from the door.
"I hope you're both awake," Arina called from outside.
Aurora sighed dramatically.
"I liked her better before she became responsible."
Octavia opened the door, smiling.
"Good morning."
Arina smiled back.
"I thought we could have breakfast before our morning lecture."
"I love that idea," Aurora said, instantly awake. "Especially the breakfast part."
The three girls walked across the lively university grounds, where students hurried to class with books tucked beneath their arms.
The smell of fresh bread drifted from the university bakery, making Aurora stop in her tracks.
"I'm buying pastries."
"You said breakfast," Octavia reminded her.
"Pastries are breakfast."
Arina and Octavia exchanged amused glances before following her.
---
Their morning lecture was Introduction to Literature.
Their lecturer, Professor Eleanor Whitmore, was a cheerful woman with silver hair tied neatly into a bun.
She welcomed every student with a warm smile.
"Stories," she began, "are more powerful than swords."
The classroom became quiet.
"They preserve memories... inspire hope... and sometimes..."
She looked around the room.
"...they hide truths people are afraid to speak aloud."
Octavia couldn't explain why those words sent another chill through her.
She wrote them carefully into her notebook.
Professor Whitmore asked everyone to introduce themselves.
Students stood one by one, sharing where they came from.
Some had travelled across mountains.
Others had crossed the sea.
When it was Octavia's turn, she stood.
"My name is Octavia Ashford. I'm from Raven Hollow."
The professor smiled warmly.
"Welcome to Eldoria."
Aurora introduced herself next.
"I'm Aurora Whitmore... also from Raven Hollow."
She paused before adding,
"And yes... I'm the one who said the river was important because it had water."
The classroom burst into laughter.
Even Professor Eleanor Whitmore laughed.
"I've already heard that story."
Aurora covered her face.
"I'll never escape it."
When Arina stood, she simply said,
"My name is Arina. I was born and raised in Eldoria."
Nothing more.
No one asked another question.
---
Classes ended before sunset.
As the girls stepped outside, they noticed colourful ribbons hanging across the streets.
Musicians tuned their instruments.
Merchants decorated their stalls with flowers and lanterns.
Aurora's eyes sparkled.
"The beach festival!"
Arina smiled.
"I told you it happens every weekend."
"Then we're going."
Within an hour, the beautiful shoreline was alive with music and laughter.
Children built sandcastles near the water.
Couples danced barefoot along the beach.
Families shared meals beneath colourful tents.
Bonfires glowed warmly as the evening sky turned shades of orange and pink.
The scent of grilled fish, roasted corn, sweet pastries, and tropical fruits filled the air.
"This place is magical," Octavia whispered.
"It really is," Arina replied.
Aurora had already wandered toward a food stall.
"You two talk. I'm buying everything."
Octavia laughed.
"I believe her."
The girls spent hours exploring the festival.
They watched traditional dancers perform.
Listened to musicians from different kingdoms.
Browsed handmade jewellery and colourful fabrics.
For the first time since arriving in Eldoria...
Octavia felt completely at peace.
Until...
A cold breeze swept across the beach.
She stopped walking.
The laughter around her suddenly seemed distant.
Rain.
Pine.
That familiar scent.
Her heart began to race.
"Octavia?"
Aurora noticed her expression.
"Are you alright?"
"I..."
Octavia slowly turned toward the edge of the beach.
Beyond the lanterns...
Beyond the crowds...
A lone figure stood beneath an ancient oak tree.
The distance was too great to see his face.
He wore dark clothing.
He remained perfectly still.
Watching.
The cold breeze disappeared as quickly as it had come.
Someone walked between them.
When Octavia looked again...
The stranger was gone.
"What are you looking at?" Aurora asked.
Octavia blinked.
"Nothing."
She wasn't sure if she believed her own answer.
Arina quietly glanced toward the same tree.
For just a heartbeat...
A strange uneasiness settled inside her.
She couldn't explain why.
"Let's head back," she said gently.
"It's getting late."
The three friends began walking toward the university.
None of them noticed...
High above the beach...
From the balcony of the distant royal palace...
Someone else had been watching the festival in silence.
And somewhere far beyond the lights of Eldoria...
The ancient iron gate stood open beneath the moon, as though waiting for someone to return.
- Writer
