Fanelia is already full of merry makers. Stalls are being set up to sell wares, food and drink. Musicians stroll the streets, playing merry tunes. Cherry Blossom and Cosima enter the busy streets.
"I need to find just the right place to set up, one where families go to enjoy, not the places where men go to look."
"Have you thought where you will go next, after this festival?
"No, but if I have no money, I won't be going anywhere, and with no food either." Cherry blossom sighs, " I haven't thought very far into the future have I. The cards told me to come here; It seemed as good a place as any. Who knows if people like what I tell them, I might stay here for a while."
"My spirit tells me he will guide us to the place for you to set up. We are to watch for the feather."
The two walk for some time, stopping to examine the booths along the way. They are not yet in the section Cherry Blossom wants to stop at, there are still too many men, talking and drinking among the booths here. Again they see a lone black feather fall as if from nowhere, to land between a tavern and a shop that sells wears for women.
"This can't be the spot, its still to close to those I want to avoid."
"I can't say this would be my first choice either, but he whispers to me to stop now, if you do not set up here you will find no other place, and will gain nothing."
Cosima is weary of this place too, but the spirit. It's so strong. Yet the way her mother described the bonding, she should know about her mate now. He is holding her at bay, keeping secrets. She shakes her head. It must just be her inexperience giving her these doubts.
Cherry Blossom takes off the pack she has been carrying, and removes a small brightly colored canvas. The two busy themselves setting it up, and placing a rug inside. On a hook in the center of the front Cherry Blossom hangs a small sign and a wind chime to draw attention to her stall. The day is going to be sunny and beautiful. People start to stop at her tent. First to look, then some start to stay, having their fortunes told.
Cosima gets the two lunch, this time hot food, paid for by the income from Cherry's readings. The two have time to talk between customers, both enjoying the festival.
The spirit caresses Cosima gently within her mind to gain her full attention. "I have grown to care for you in this short time, I know I have been distant, and this disturbs you, but now you must listen carefully to me. One is coming, he is on the brink, but you must do nothing no matter what happens, let the fate play its self out for awhile. You will know him for there is a spirit near him. Be not afraid, though you should be, I will protect you at this time. If you don't head my warning, they will be lost souls, both of them."
Both of who, she wants to know more, but the spirit is silent.