An important day

Sunlight slid across the glass roofs of Crystal City, flooding the streets with soft light. The morning of Humanity's Day had arrived, and the city was filled with movement: plumiis dressed in their best outfits, spreading the scents of berry desserts and fruit drinks, painting souvenir human figures, preparing for the annual celebration.

Cytherea ran her palm over the light veil on her head, checking to see if the fabric was well arranged. Carefully smoothing the dress and adjusting the lantern sleeves, she looked at herself in the mirror. Today was the big day. And although she had managed to sing many times, performing in the most beautiful halls, this evening promised to be special.

Turning away, the girl stood at the window of her room and began to watch the city fill with life. Outside, citizens smiled carelessly at each other, discussing the upcoming celebration. Their graceful movements merged into a leisurely dance of morning bustle.

But she wasn't interested in fun.

She knew the responsibility she had. Everyone would be listening.

Breathing in. Breathing out.

The door opened, and an elegant figure walked slowly through the streets, listening to the sounds of the festivities. Sunlight reflected off the crystals embedded in the sidewalk, the surroundings turned into a shimmering flash. Colors were already beginning to be thrown in the squares, the squealing of the crowds could be heard, and the air was filled with the smell of sweetness and freshness.

Cytherea stopped at one of the vendors whose tray was stacked with human figurines. Carefully taking one of them, she ran her fingers over its smooth wooden surface.

- Aren't you going to paint it? - A familiar voice sounded.

Zefir stood in front of her, holding a metal pipe. He looked especially gorgeous today, his fur boa resting in soft folds on his shoulder and the rings on his fingers glistening with gold.

- No, I'm just remembering.

- Remembering what?

The girl thought for a moment before answering:

- That they are our ancestors. About the fact that I am to be their voice today.

Zefir squinted his eyes, looking at her curiously.

- You're too serious.

- This is an important day.

- It's a holiday, Cytherea. A celebration, not mourning.

She tightened her fingers on the figurine, then set it back down carefully.

- Perhaps for some it almost is.

The boy grinned, but didn't argue. Instead, he merely held out a small paper bundle to her.

- It's a yula. Take it. I don't think you'll have time to eat anything before the show.

Uncertainly holding out her hands, Cytherea accepted the treat, feeling the warmth emanating from the dessert.

- Thank you, - she said sincerely.

The friends stood around for a while longer, watching the festivities. Zefir occasionally lifted his pipe to his lips, releasing a light smoke into the air.

- I'm coming to the theater, - he said carelessly. - I want to hear you make the town listen to you.

A faint smile followed.

- Then try not to be late.

- I'm always on time.

With these words he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving behind him a slight odor of perfume and smoke. Cytherea, however, remained standing still, continuing to clutch the treat. Turning her gaze to her hands, she closed her lips, frowning her eyebrows slightly with tension.

The festivities around them continued. The voices, the music, the lights.

And she had to get going. Time was running out.

---

The Crystal City Theater shone like a jewel. Her footsteps rumbled in the empty hallways, echoing to the stage.

She was already prepared.

When the curtain rises, when thousands of eyes stare at her, when silence hangs in the air- then she will sing.

Not just a song.

She would sing a story. Their past and their present.