The central plaza had been transformed for Valentra's first anniversary celebration. Long wooden tables formed large circles, their surfaces laden with an abundance of food.
Steam rose from roasted meat that had been turning on spits since dawn, the rich aroma mixing with the scent of fresh bread from the settlement's bakery. There were also bowls of fruits and platters of vegetables from their expanded gardens.
Maria stood at the fountain's edge, watching residents stream into the plaza. Families emerged from the residential blocks, their children running ahead with excited laughter. Workshop crews arrived still dusted with sawdust and metal filings, having worked through the morning to finish projects before joining the celebration.
The River Pact traders had contributed generously, adding exotic spices and preserved delicacies from their trading routes. Captain Thessa moved between their tables, ensuring the foreign foods were properly arranged and explained to curious residents.
"Look at this turnout," Lily said, appearing at Maria's side with Noah and Isaac in tow.
"Nearly 400 people," Maria replied, still somewhat amazed by the number.
Thomas approached carrying a wooden cask, his face creased with satisfaction. "Fresh ale," he announced, setting it down near the fountain. "Harold's finally got his brewing method sorted out."
Harold was a hobbyist brewer before the wish event, he had dedicated the past couple months to attempting to brew ale. As Thomas mentioned, he had finally figured out a semi reliable method adding ale to the list of Valentra's products.
The organised chaos of the feast preparation continued around them. Claire directed a team arranging displays of crafted goods—furniture, tools, decorative items—that showcased the settlement's growing capabilities. Robert had contributed an impressive array of metalwork, from practical implements to ornate pieces.
Near the plaza's northern edge, AJ worked with several residents to arrange seating areas. Benches and chairs had been carried from houses and workshops, creating comfortable spaces for the elderly and families with young children.
"The new arrivals seem to be settling in well," Walter observed, gesturing towards a group of recent refugees who were helping with the food preparation. They'd arrived just days ago from a coastal settlement that had been abandoned after repeated creature attacks.
Maria agreed. "Even with the large amount of new arrivals there have been surprisingly few issues."
Victor emerged from the administrative building, his eyes scanning the growing crowd. He paused near Maria, his expression thoughtful.
"Everything seems to be proceeding smoothly," he said, though something in his tone suggested mild preoccupation.
"Problems?" Maria asked.
"Nothing specific. Just... keeping an eye on things."
Ethan's booming laugh carried across the plaza as he shared stories with a group of construction workers. His team had positioned themselves near one of the food tables, their animated conversation drawing curious listeners from nearby families.
"Time for the recognition speech," Walter suggested, noting how the crowd had settled into a comfortable rhythm of eating and socialising.
Maria nodded, making her way towards the fountain where a small raised platform had been erected. The conversations gradually quieted as residents noticed her, parents shushing children and workers setting down their plates.
"Friends, neighbours, fellow residents of Valentra," Maria began, her voice carrying clearly across the plaza. "One year ago, we faced a choice. We could continue living under fear and oppression, or we could take responsibility for our own future."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. Several residents nodded, their faces reflecting memories of those difficult early days.
"Today, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but what we've accomplished together. 400 people now call this place home. Workshops producing goods that other settlements seek to trade for. Farms feeding everyone with surplus to spare. Defences that protect us from the dangers of this changed world."
She gestured towards the various workshop displays. "Robert and his apprentices have created invaluable tools and implements. Thomas and our construction crews have built homes, walls, and other various structures. Our cultivation training programs have helped dozens of residents reach the Realm of Man, strengthening our community."
Applause broke out spontaneously, residents clapping for their neighbours' achievements. Robert's face reddened with mild embarrassment as people turned to acknowledge his contributions.
"Catherine's engineering work has improved the settlement's infrastructure. Sam has brought us electric lighting and his research continues expanding our understanding of this new world. Our agricultural teams have provided food security that allows us to focus on growth rather than mere survival."
The acknowledgment of everyone's contributions continued for several more minutes, Maria highlighting contributions from residents across all areas of settlement life. She mentioned the mining expeditions, the successful trade relationships, the integration of new arrivals, and even briefly mentioned the work performed by the Iron Vanguard prisoners.
"But most importantly," she concluded, "we've demonstrated that the old world's collapse wasn't an ending—it was a new beginning, an opportunity. This is only the beginning—with the same dedication and cooperation that brought us here, there's no limit to what we can achieve together."
The applause that followed was sustained and genuine, residents clearly proud of what they'd accomplished. Children cheered, adults embraced, and even some of the prisoners nodded approval from their positions at the plaza's edge.
As Maria stepped down from the platform, the celebration resumed with renewed energy. Musicians had appeared with improvised instruments—wooden flutes, drums made from stretched hide, even a crude violin. Their music added a festive atmosphere that drew people into dancing and singing.
Games emerged spontaneously throughout the plaza. Children chased each other around the fountain while adults organised arm-wrestling contests. Several residents that were inspired by Harold had brought samples of their brewing experiments, leading to impromptu tastings and spirited discussions about recipes.
The storytelling began as the afternoon sun started its descent towards the horizon. Sam had volunteered to share tales from their journey, his notebook providing reference for details about the Tower of Trials and their encounters with strange creatures.
"The mammoth was twice the size of our largest bison," he explained to a captivated audience, his hands gesturing to illustrate the creature's massive proportions. "Its tusks gleamed like polished bone, and when it charged..."
Other residents contributed their own stories. A trader shared news from distant settlements, while one of the recent arrivals described the coastal region they'd abandoned. Veterans of Richard's rule told carefully edited tales of the settlement's early days.
Victor found himself drawn to observe rather than participate directly. His position near the administrative building provided good sight lines across the entire plaza, allowing him to monitor the celebration's progress while noting details others might miss.
Something's off, he thought, his eyes scanning the crowd methodically. But what?
His attention settled on a figure near the River Pact trading area—a man of middle years who seemed to blend perfectly with the other traders, yet he carried himself with a subtle sense of importance. The stranger's clothing appeared well-made but unremarkable, though Victor's experienced eye noted the quality of the materials and craftsmanship.
More intriguingly, the man wasn't participating in the celebration like the other River Pact traders. Instead, he observed with quiet intensity, his gaze moving around the plaza as if cataloguing what he saw.
He's not a resident or part of the River Pact traders, Victor realised. He seems to be evaluating us.
The stranger eyed the workshop displays, the residential areas, and the interactions between residents and leadership. When Maria gave her speech, his attention had been focused on her words and the crowd's response.
Captain Thessa appeared near the man briefly, their conversation too quiet and quick for Victor to overhear. But her body language suggested familiarity and respect.
Victor continued his discrete observation as the afternoon progressed. The stranger never drew attention to himself. When residents approached the River Pact area, he faded into the background. When they moved away, he resumed his observations.
Definitely not a regular trader, Victor concluded. Who is he and what is he doing here?
As evening approached and the celebration began winding down, families with young children started departing for their homes. The musicians packed up their instruments while clean up crews began collecting dishes and rearranging furniture.
The stranger chose this moment to move, walking directly towards Maria with confident strides.
Victor tensed, his hand moving unconsciously towards the dagger at his belt as he moved in, but the man's approach was open and non-threatening. He stopped a respectful distance from Maria and waited for her to finish her conversation with Lily before speaking.
"Maria?" he asked, his voice carrying a slight foreign accent.
"That's me," Maria replied, turning to face him.
"My name is Aldric Fenway. I was hoping we might have a private conversation, if you have time."
Maria studied him for a moment, noting the some of the details Victor had observed—quality clothing, and a confident bearing.
"Of course," she said. "Would you prefer to talk now, or...?"
"After your celebration concludes is fine," Aldric replied. "I wouldn't want to interrupt such a meaningful day for your community."
"I'll find you when things wrap up," Maria nodded.
Aldric quietly withdrew, resuming his patient observation while Maria returned to her hosting duties.
The celebration continued for another hour as the remaining residents finished their meals and conversations. Gradually, the plaza emptied as people returned to their evening routines or headed home to rest.
Victor had moved closer to Maria and continued to monitor Aldric, his curiosity overriding his usual preference for direct involvement. Whatever Aldric represented, the timing of his appearance and his demeanour suggested this matter shouldn't be overlooked.
When the last of the regular residents had departed, leaving only the core leadership and cleanup crews, Maria made her way towards Aldric. Victor followed at a discrete distance, noting that Captain Thessa had also moved closer.
"Mr. Fenway," Maria said as she approached. "You mentioned wanting to speak privately."
"Indeed," Aldric replied, glancing around at the nearby figures. "Though I suspect your colleagues will want to hear what I have to say."
"This is Victor, one of the leaders," Maria said by way of introduction.
Aldric nodded, then looked directly at Maria. "To be completely transparent, Mrs. Thompson, I'm not simply a trader. I represent an organisation called the River's Eye—the group that coordinates and supports the River Pact trading network."
Captain Thessa stepped forwards at this revelation. "I can vouch for Mr. Fenway's credentials," she said quietly.
"The River's Eye?" Victor asked, his tone neutral.
"You might think of us as... facilitators," Aldric explained. "We maintain information networks, coordinate trade opportunities, and occasionally make connections between communities that might benefit from expanded relationships."
Maria nodded slowly, processing this information. "And you're here because...?"
"Because Valentra has become something worth our attention," Aldric replied with a slight smile. "Your community's growth, stability, and reputation have created opportunities that extend well beyond your immediate region."
The plaza had grown quiet around them, the celebration's cheerful noise replaced by subtle tension.
"What kind of opportunities?" Maria asked.
Aldric's expression grew more serious. "The kind that could connect Valentra to markets and resources wouldn't have even heard of otherwise. But also the kind that come with responsibilities and expectations."
Victor's eyes narrowed slightly. "Meaning?"
"Meaning," Aldric said, his gaze moving between Maria and Victor, "that success attracts attention, both positive and otherwise. The River's Eye helps communities navigate those waters, but not for free."
Maria exchanged a meaningful glance with Victor before responding. "I think we should continue this in a more private setting. Would you join us for a proper meeting tomorrow?"
"I would be honoured," Aldric replied with a small smile.
As the group began walking towards the administrative building to arrange details, Victor couldn't shake the feeling that this conversation would mark another significant turning point for Valentra.
One year of growth and progress, he thought, and now we're being noticed.
The celebration had ended on a note of triumph and satisfaction, but Aldric's presence suggested that their next chapter would involve challenges and opportunities on a larger scale.