The celebration was in full swing by the time Kalen returned to the plaza.

At the street which he arrived from, many other people moved about. It was easy to catch the proud expressions in his parents' faces whenever they overheard someone around them gasp with their first view of the Festival.

Under a night sky the many ornaments and lighting devices he had seen earlier became alive, brightening every corner of the plaza. Colorful balloons were hanged, marking a square perimeter on one side, where the many stalls created a tunnel through which the townsfolk traveled slowly.

A number of families in Iroyama were known for their dedication to the art of cooking. From particular dishes to desserts, they all took pride in perfecting the flavor of their recipes. It was no exaggeration to say some of the residents looked forward to the Festival mostly because it was the night of the year to sample the best food their palate could wish for.

The aroma of herbs and spices assaulted Kalen's senses and he quickly searched the row of stands from where he was, locating the Korami. The matriarch of the family was unmatched in incorporating unique scents to accompany the deep flavor of her dishes.

Kalen's mouth began watering, his body unconsciously turning towards the stand. In his hypnotized-like state he struggled to resist the temptation but the food would have to wait. He wanted to enjoy the Festival and if he started eating he knew how difficult it would be to stop.

His stomach tried arguing but ultimately quiet down and Kalen resumed following his parents. They moved around the plaza, meeting with close friends and checking in with other members of the Festival Committee.

On stage a group had already began the night's performances. Their instruments bringing joy to the faces of many watching while getting others up from where they sat to dance under the lanterns, just as the town's tradition had taught them to. Whenever a pair stopped and left the area under the carefully designed layer of lights to catch their breath, another quickly filled the space left behind. Men and women smiling and singing, turning and spinning.

A set of hands appeared from behind and blinded him. Kalen carefully touched them and studied the delicate fingers over his eyes. Despite the smoothness of the skin he noticed the knuckles were hardened. Hands of a female fighter, no doubt.

"If I guess right," Kalen said. "I earn a dance."

He heard a chuckle but no response.

"She... or he," his mother said. "nodded."

Kalen smiled. "Better get ready then, miss Shiori."

The hands released him and he turned to find his girlfriend. Her hair was styled beautifully and she was dressed with a long sleeved red blouse and a black skirt over leggings of the same color. Shiori's attractive physique took his breath away for a second, and he couldn't help but feel pride for being chosen by her.

After Shiori and Ryuji exchanged greetings with him and his parents, Kalen removed his jacket and offered her a hand.

"Would you care to dance, my lady?" Kalen asked, mimicking how he imagined rich people of the capital talked at the Emperor's Gala.

Shiori laughed, then took his hand. "I would be delighted, my lord."

He led her to the dance area and as soon as the music stopped, allowing for couples to leave or enter, he found them a spot under the lanterns.

Kalen was nervous, not because he worried about dancing — he had years of practice under the best instructor in town, his mother — but rather due to his desire to give Shiori the most incredible night she ever had. It would culminate with him asking the question which was the real source of his apprehension.

The music began, as did the dancing. Relaxing and letting his body move in the motions which were already second nature to him, Kalen noticed the calling reaching out in his mind. This might be the perfect opportunity, he thought.

It was a strange sensation, like feeling his senses expand drastically. The first time he ever listened to the calling he could barely make sense of what was happening but he embraced it instead of denying it.

Fear of the unknown was usually the common response one would expect but not when it came to Kalen. Curiosity was much more prevalent in him than doubt. With time he began understanding how to let the calling guide him, and what was at first only instinct slowly became a familiar action. Like a small child learning to control their breathing intensity. When he focused on the calling he felt as though his mind was deeply connected to the World around him.

Kalen moved with ease and confidence. His body had become so light he barely felt the floor he knew should have been supporting all the weight of his dance steps. His muscles were eager, more solid. He needed to thoroughly control the intensity with which he led Shiori, lest he could hurt her. All the other couples dancing around them seemed to move so slow he could predict exactly when to fill the gaps left behind, allowing Kalen to perform more than a few steps he might not have been able to in such a crowded space.

They continued dancing happily, enjoying the music, spinning under the lanterns.

When the group playing ended their performance, Shiori had a look of admiration. "It is so easy to dance with you. I am never able to move so fluidly when dancing with others."

"You flatter me, my lady." Kalen said, bowing slightly.

"I am serious. It's almost as if we were floating."

Kalen felt his cheeks burning and thanked the fact they had been dancing for awhile. Otherwise, Shiori would have easily noticed him flushing. Listening to the calling could make him taste incomprehensible strength, but it didn't change the fact he was helpless before the girl he loved.

The Festival proceeded with them meeting and dancing with friends and family, later exploring the unending flavors available on the various stalls until neither could consider eating anytime soon. Gathering his determination, Kalen signaled to his mother.

Natalie nodded and removed an item from her jacket, giving it to him without anyone else around them noticing.

As she hugged him, Kalen saw tears accumulating on the corner of her eyes. "Good luck, son." Natalie said in his ears.

Thanking his mother, Kalen put the item away, then grabbed Shiori's hand. "Come, I want to show you that viewpoint I talked about."