[seasonal event] Fake smiles and happy never after

Maea Big dreamers shoot for open skies There existed an odd duality in grief during festive times, Maea decided. On one hand she was an emotional mess, her thoughts and feelings a fractured mess of sharp angles and bleeding cuts, like a cracked mirror held together only by a vague drive to keep going, though to what end she didn't know. On the other, she kept smiling and talking to those around her, helping out where she was needed and keeping busy with the farm and the feast even when she was not. Flowerbirth had arrived, flowers poked their heads from the ground with each day and between the thunder storms and the perpetual rain showers, the sun filled every inch of the world with light. A new year, a new beginning. Fiat Lux was just around the corner, but for the first time the could remember, Maea was just not in the mood for celebrations. "It's starting to smell good" she remarked, mostly to herself as she looked the lid from the huge kettle and fragrant steam wafted out into the room. Her stomach rumbled in response, but the girl ignored it. Turning back to the chopping block, she reclaimed the knife and resumed her task of cleaning and prepairing what others brought in for the feast. In particular the Magna Vermis, both abundant and delicious around this time of year. Outside the makeshift kitchen, the bustle of the marketplace filled the air with a lively cheer, aided by preparations well under way. Stores lined with banners, people laughing and working... Maea sighed and lowered her gaze, thoroughly disinterested. Kiada