[A day after the banquet]
The South truly was a colorful place, and it was even more so at the festival's opening ceremony.
The streets were filled with the sound of music and laughter.
Performers danced across decorated platforms while fire spirit mages created brilliant displays overhead, painting dragons, phoenixes, and other mythical creatures across the sky using flames.
Colorful banners bearing the crests of the Empire's greatest powers hung from buildings and bridges alike.
Children ran through the streets carrying wooden swords while merchants sold everything from grilled seafood to volcanic crystal trinkets.
Even the usually stern nobles appeared more relaxed than normal.
Of course, appearances were often deceiving.
But none cared for the masks others were putting on, after all, today was the Convergence Festival.
At the center of the South's capital stood this year's Convergence Arena.
