The mood in Vhalgren is steady again by mid morning. After Brann gifted one of his cows to
Rowan silencing whispers and winning hearts the village settles into its rhythm. But the talk
hasn't stopped. Word of the missing cows spreads. While many still believe they wandered
off, others seem unsure.
Still, life moves. The village square fills with men, elders, traders, farmers, smiths, all
gathered under the open sky for the Mahashivratri planning. Children dart past the circle,
playing with sticks and stones.
Brann Harken steps forward, resting his hands on his belt. "Alright, let's talk festival. We've
only two weeks left."
Darrek Ashford nods beside him. "We start from the temple. What needs fixing?"
Old man Garrick says "The front archway's cracked" adjusts his shawl. "It won't hold
garlands the way it is."
Brann replies "I'll send Aldric and Konrad tomorrow, They'll help patch it."
Darrek chuckles "They better work faster than they eat" the other men laugh.
Thomas leans on a wooden post. "I'll go too. Just don't give me paintwork again I still smell
of it from last year."
Brann smirks. "You'll carry wood, not a brush"
Kael the potter speaks next. "We'll need stalls five on each side of the square. One for
sweets, one for clay idols, one for grain, and two for flowers."
Darrek replies "Pavi and the girls can do the garlands and maybe some lanterns too."
"I'll speak to Saela" says Brann's wife Meera, stepping in with a smile. "We women will
handle the food and rangoli." Garrick says "Good, Let the boys handle the cleaning. The
temple path's already muddy."
Kael asks "And what of music? Last year, the drums were late."
Darrek raises his hand. "Handled. I've spoken to Erek. His sons have practiced all winter for
that."
A hush falls as Garrick clears his throat. "And what of the cows?" The tone shifts slightly.
Rowan says softly. "They…They 're gone Vanished. But maybe they broke free."
Garrick murmurs, stroking his beard, "Still... we should keep watch. First cows, next what?"
Brann lifts his voice. "Let's not darken the day. We'll keep eyes open. One man from each
street every night until Shivratri ends. Quiet patrol. Nothing more."
The group nods. Unease lingers, but hope weighs heavier.
Darrek says "Then it's settled Let's work hard. Let's bring Vhalgren together."
The men begin splitting into groups woodcutters to the forest edge, the potter's boys
carrying clay, Aldric and Konrad heading off to check the damaged arch, Life moves again.