The Crimson Jubilee

Antler stood in the dark of the night, alone besides his lover standing a ways in front of him.

She was beautiful, illuminated by the crimson moon that held her attention. It bathed her in Ruby red light; he knew she would berat him if he said what was on his mind, she truly looked like a goddess in his eyes.

It was mildly annoying that Apricity had him wear the red robes that was tradition. What did he care of tradition? However, even if it clashed with his hair and eyes he would don them if only to see her happy. The garb certainly looked better on her; although, he supposed it made sense that a milqilin would look better in clothes for a milqilin festival.

He was pulled from his thoughts as she turned to him with a big smile on her face.

“Thank you Antler. I really appreciate you being here. It means a lot to me.”

He was glad for the red glow being cast on everything as it hid the blush on his cheeks.

“Of course my dear. I know this is your favorite festival of the year. I wouldn’t let you sleep through it.”

This was true, being a winter being, she was prone to sleeping through the warmer months of year; however, she always insisted on being awoken in time for this festival, and who was Antler to refuse such a simple desire from his love?

“Dearest, I know you enjoy simply gazing at the moon; however, I will say that I’m sure Ash would love us to return with a gift or two for him.”

She nodded and began to walk down the hill to where festival booths lined the walkways, beckoning possible patrons as they walked by. She took his arm as he offered it, leading him through the maze of booths all illuminated by the soft red glow of lanterns decorated to mirror the moon above them.

As a food booth with simmering candy apples tempted her, he stepped away. A trinket catching his eye from among the masses.

It seemed to be a modified hair pin, decorated with a floral motif of strange flowers Antler had never seen before. It was beautiful, and so reminded him of his lover a few booths down.

The old woman tending the booth explained that she made all of this by hand, each one unique. This particular one was based on spider lilies, a flower that only bloomed for a short time, however would return each year around the same time; although many considered them to be an Ill omen.

With haste, Antler bought the hair pin; what  lovely symbolism. It seemed to mirror the festival and he couldn’t help but think of Apricity as one of this flowers, disappearing for a time in slumber, only to reawaken around the same time each year.

He noticed one that his son might like a well so he made sure to grab it as well before thanking the mistress of the stand and returning to his lover, who had seemed to purchase food from seemingly every stall that offered any.

“Now we can go relax and moon watch with treats!”

Her smile lit up the night much more than any moon could. 

With a chuckle he took some of her haul and they carried on to find a suitable place to enjoy the rest of their evening.