The Raven Festival was a spring celebration held in Ravenfell every year.
Coincidentally, this year, it had occurred between the First and the Second Trials of the Grand Magus Tournant, serving as a brief respite for the participants.
It also brought great joy to the citizens of the city as they honored the founding of Ravenfell and its patron beast, the raven.
The ravens that dotted the skyline seed strangely quiet today. They perched atop rooftops and trees as they silently gazed at the people crowded down below.
All of them wore half-masks shaped like raven beaks—black, sleek, and elegantly crafted.
Of course, these masks were given to every resident by Saratoga Castle as a token of appreciation. They were normal items, not magical.
But beyond the mask spectacle, the festival was a vibrant celebration of magic, tradition, and community.
Like the Sky Lantern Ceremony, for example.
It was the most anticipated event of the Raven Festival, held on the first night of spring after sunset.
As the sky darkened, thousands of people gathered at various public squares scattered throughout the city, in the courtyards of luxurious mansions, and on open terraces.
Each of them—or a small group of them—held a lantern crafted from delicate paper and powered by a small wisp of fire.
Everyone patiently waited for the sun to completely set. The sky was dyed in shades of crimson as the last vestiges of sunlight finally retreated below the horizon.
Then...
All the ravens in the city cawed in unison, their cries echoing through every nook and cranny of Ravenfell.
As the signal was given, a mont of silence spread across the crowd. Then, with bright smiles on their faces, everyone released their lanterns into the night sky.
For several breathtaking minutes, all six districts of Ravenfell were covered in brilliant specks of warm light.
The lanterns floated upward, glowing softly in shades of gold, violet, and deep blue. Each color representing a different wish: wisdom, strength, or fortune.
They rose slowly, trailing glittering arcs behind them.
As the sky was filled with these drifting lights, a low hum of soft music weaved through the air.
It was a quiet, magical mont. One that reminded everyone of hope, dreams, and the greater mysteries that lay ahead.
***
The sky above Saratoga Castle was similarly dotted with glowing lanterns.
All the students, the professors, other faculty mbers, and lastly the visitors from the Four Pillars and the Baja High Forest had gathered at the vast courtyards of the castle.
Furthermore, the rogue Magi were also present, and so were the friends and families of all the participants.
After the countless lanterns had disappeared behind the dark clouds, everyone in Saratoga headed towards the grand dining hall. Of course, there was more than enough space to accommodate everyone.
This was known as the Feast of Ravens. It was a banquet held in Saratoga every year during the festival, where exotic dishes from all over the Acadian Empire were served under the magical lights of the dining hall.
The ambiance mirrored twilight, honoring Dendar Saratoga, the first headmaster and the founder of Ravenfell, who was said to have conjured a domain of dusk with his magic.
The banquet continued on till late at night. As the freshly-cooked food kept coming and the fantastic wine kept flowing, the people gathered in the ancient castle had a wonderful ti.
Of course, there were several mbers of the Ravenfell’s aristocracy who had also gathered here.
But not everyone could attend the Feast of Ravens. They would either have to be students of Saratoga, participants of the tournant, or high-ranking nobles who wielded great influence.
As the feast carried on into the latter half of the night, the participants of the tournant gradually broke off into smaller groups, each engaged in animated discussions about the Second Trial.
The details regarding the trial had already been made known to them by the overseer, Professor Mathilda Whitaker. It would take place in two days. As for the location... that was yet to be known.
As for the other guests who weren’t participating, they also split into smaller groups, engaging in their own conversations.
Naturally, many among them were eager to et the Dark King. But most of them did not have the courage to step forward.
He was, after all, a powerful Mana Vortex Magus and the youngest in history to be titled King.
Of course, Adam was also selective about whom he chose to speak with. At the mont, he was seated at a table in one of the castle’s smaller courtyards, casually conversing with the parents of his students.
"Lord Constantine, what do you suggest we should do?" Asked a middle-aged woman who had a striking resemblance to Eleiney.
"Lady Strange," Adam began with a faint smile, "your daughter has shown remarkable talent in the art of herbalism. I believe her potential lies more in that path than in artificing, despite your family’s distinguished legacy in it."
The woman’s eyes flickered with hesitation. She turned around and saw her daughter standing behind her with a blank expression on her face, but she knew her far too well...
Eleiney was, in fact, brimming with excitent.
In the end, her mother sighed. She turned to Adam and asked, "The Herbalists’ Guild seems to be the best option, then?"
"Indeed." Adam smiled. "I will speak with the master of the Herbalists’ Guild regarding her mbership. There should be no problems at all. He’s a... good friend."
He then turned to the two n sitting beside Eleiney’s mother and added, "As for Arthur and Aiden, my only advice is for them to never remain in the sa place for too long. I wish for them to travel this world and not remain cooped up within the walls of a library."
Their parents readily agreed. Since neither Aiden nor Arthur was the eldest son of their families, they were encouraged to focus more on the arcane arts rather than the responsibilities tied to their family inheritance.
As the parents continued discussing important matters concerning their children’s future as Magi, the three students in question quietly excused themselves after informing them.
Adam suddenly called out to them, "Wait."
"Yes, ntor?" They turned around, and Aiden asked respectfully.
"Have you found people for your party in the Second Trial yet?" Adam asked curiously.
"We have." Eleiney nodded. "Including your friends from the Tower, two from Coral Cove, two from Greenfield Ridge, and one rogue Magus, we’ve ford two parties."
Adam’s brows furrowed ever so slightly. "What about Daneli?"
Arthur said with a wry smile. "The elves from Baja were, uhm... quite insistent that he participate in the Second Trial with them."
"I see." Adam nodded.
Several monts later, he turned to look at them and said, "Well, I have a person in mind. If he joins, then both your parties will have six mbers each."
"You do?" Aiden was pleasantly surprised. "Who is it?"
Adam smiled mysteriously and asked instead, "Are you going to et the rest of your party mbers now?"
The students nodded.
"Very well, then." Adam’s lips ford a smirk.
"Tell where you all will be gathering. I’ll have the final mber of your party et you there directly."
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