Shadows Of Roses

As the thunder roared, her sharp eyes followed every movement within the hall, taking in the contrasting scenes of tension and warmth. Mothers clung protectively to their children, hiding them behind layers of shawls and cloaks, while the innocent giggles of the little ones lightened the oppressive mood. The elders were embroiled in their usual bickering—an endless, familiar routine that seemed oddly comforting in its predictability. This village, serene and sheltered, felt like a world apart from the unrelenting cruelty beyond its borders, a world devoid of mercy even for an injured sparrow struggling to survive.

"Why are you sitting here all by your lonesome, hm?"

The voice, soft yet brimming with curiosity, drew her from her thoughts. Seraphina turned her head to see its owner—a strikingly beautiful woman. Her long hair cascaded like the vines of an ancient willow, black as the midnight sky. Despite her youthful appearance, there was an air of maturity in her demeanor, though Seraphina guessed she might even be younger than herself. Her round, delicate face framed dark, mysterious eyes partially veiled by long lashes that seemed to hold secrets of their own. The curious glint in her gaze was almost disarming.

Seraphina returned a polite smile and responded, "I really have no idea what I'm supposed to do, honestly."

For a moment, the woman regarded her with an expression of puzzlement, her head tilted slightly, before a sudden realization lit up her face. "Oh! I'm so sorry—you must be the woman Adolphus rescued! I've heard so much about you from Ama."

The name sparked confusion in Seraphina's mind. Ama? She couldn't recall ever meeting someone by that name. Noticing her expression, the woman pointed toward the elders' table, where an older figure sat with a familiar sharpness in her posture.

"Amara—the cranky old woman over there. She's actually my grandmother."

That revelation left Seraphina momentarily stunned. Old Amara, with her sharp tongue and fiery demeanor, had a granddaughter? It seemed inconceivable.

"You didn't expect that, did you?" the woman said with a laugh, extending her hand warmly. "I'm Rosa, by the way."

Her smile was the kindest Seraphina had seen in a long time, so she took the offered hand without hesitation. "Nice to meet you, Rosa. Please, have a seat," she said, gesturing to the open space beside her.

Rosa accepted the invitation, settling down gracefully as her attention shifted to Alina, cradled in Seraphina's arms. The little girl was on the verge of sleep, her breaths soft and rhythmic, her tiny hands curling into delicate fists.

"She's precious," Rosa cooed, her voice gentle, as though afraid to disturb the serene scene.

Before Seraphina could respond, a commanding voice echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs.

"Now, let the meeting begin."

It was Lukas, one of the elders, who had spoken, his authoritative tone immediately drawing the attention of everyone present.

"The moon is going to shine on Arimath in three days," Adolpus began. "That means we need to prepare. Five hundred lanterns must be completed, and the wooden beams will arrive in two days—"

"Oh, shut up, you old bag of bones!" Amara's sharp voice cut through his words like a blade. She waved a shoe in one hand, a comical yet menacing gesture. "It's the same thing every year. We all know what to do for the Festival of Arimath!"

Her interruption drew a wave of laughter that rippled through the hall, breaking the tension and uniting everyone in a shared moment of joy. The elders, true to form, began bickering anew, with Edmund and Lukas scrambling to keep peace between Amara and Adolphus, who looked ready to retaliate.

As laughter and lively conversation filled the room, the storm outside seemed to lose its ferocity. The thunder that once shook the village faded into silence, and the relentless rain dwindled to a gentle drizzle. For a brief moment, the world outside seemed to mirror the harmony within the hall—a fleeting respite from the storm, both outside and within.

"Wait, I thought everyone came here for an important meeting?" Seraphina asked, her confusion evident as she glanced around the lively hall. Her gaze lingered on Rosa, who was still laughing heartily at the elders' antics.

Wiping a tear of amusement from the corner of her eye, Rosa turned to her, her laughter finally subsiding. "Oh, it's all for pretense," she admitted with a grin. "We never really have a meeting unless it's something truly urgent. This is just a tradition we keep up for those who came before us."

Seraphina's brow furrowed as she absorbed Rosa's words. "A tradition? You mean, everyone gathers like this... just for show?"

"Not just for show," Rosa clarified, her tone softening. "It's more about remembering. The Festival of Arimath is deeply tied to our history. Long ago, our ancestors would hold meetings like this before the festival, preparing for both the celebration and the trials they faced back then. Over time, the dangers faded, but the tradition stayed."

She gestured toward the elders, now locked in their good-natured squabble, their animated gestures and sharp remarks eliciting chuckles from the crowd. "These gatherings remind us of who we are and where we come from. It's less about the details of the meeting and more about the sense of togetherness."

Seraphina's gaze softened as she watched the scene unfold. The hall, filled with laughter and warmth, carried an unmistakable sense of unity, even amid the chaos. For a village so small and isolated, the bonds between its people were undeniable.

"I see," she said finally, her lips curving into a small smile. "It's like a thread connecting the past to the present."

"Exactly," Rosa said with a nod, her eyes sparkling. "And besides," she added, leaning in conspiratorially, "who doesn't enjoy a good excuse to poke fun at cranky old Ama?"

At that, both women dissolved into quiet laughter, their shared mirth adding yet another layer of connection to the vibrant tapestry of the room.