[center][img]https://i.ibb.co/h8XfdBf/file.png[/img][/center]
[h1][center][color=#D35400]Dawnhaven - Town Square[/color][/center][/h1]
[h2][center][color=#D35400]A Fiery Gathering[/color][/center][/h2]
[h3][sub][center][color=#D35400]An ember in the crowd[/color][/center][/sub][/h3]

Ashe stepped out of the bathhouse and walked with purpose, their form still radiating residual warmth from the hot springs as they made their way to the half-built shop they'd claimed as their own. The structure loomed just ahead—a large, nearly finished building that would soon serve as their storefront. However, with stone slabs missing and window frames bare, it still had a way to go before it would become a proper shop. For now, it served as storage and a quiet place to keep their things.

Once inside, Ashe took a moment to check the space. The moonlight filtered through the gaps in the walls, illuminating their belongings—carefully organised, though minimal. The bag they sought lay among a few other possessions, tucked away in a corner. They knelt, quickly rummaging through their things to ensure everything was still in place: supplies, notes, a few pieces of fabric, and most importantly, the two small statues of the goddesses—their gifts for the prince and princess. They wrapped the delicate figures in soft cloth before slipping them into the bag. Satisfied, Ashe stood up, slinging the bag over their shoulder.

It was time to head toward the town square. 

Ashe’s footsteps quickened as they made their way toward the town square, the low hum of voices growing louder with each step, the crowd already thickening as townsfolk made their way toward the hastily constructed stage. The Aurelian and Lunarian guards were already in position, their gleaming armour reflecting the moonlight as they stood vigil beside the wooden platform. The sight of the two factions standing side by side made the gravity of the event feel even bigger than before.

The square was filling up fast, and Ashe needed to get closer. As they approached, they felt the press of bodies, the murmurs of anticipation. Without hesitation, they let their inner flame flare gently, increasing the heat around them. It wasn’t an aggressive move—just enough to make the air around them warmer, like standing too close to a fire on a cold night.

People in the crowd began to shift uncomfortably, some stepping aside as the heat became noticeable. No one wanted to be near the walking furnace, especially not when pressed together in such close quarters. Ashe moved steadily forward, using the natural discomfort to clear a path without confrontation, feeling the shuffling bodies make way as they edged closer to the stage.

Eventually, they found themselves near the front, just within the acceptable distance the guards allowed. Their eyes, reflecting the moon's glow, focused on the empty stage ahead, their bag held securely by their side.

Despite the tension hanging in the square, Ashe found a small sense of peace. Here, at the front of the gathering, with the cool night air mixing with their carefully controlled warmth, they felt like an ember among the townspeople—quiet but glowing, waiting for the spark that would set everything into motion.