The gates of Pilris opened wide, and the throng of Zodiac cns entered the city to the cheers of its citizens. The air buzzed with excitement, a palpable mix of curiosity and camaraderie as the two groups mingled for the first time. Spirits flitted through the streets, their ethereal forms adding a touch of magic to the bustling scene as the feast preparations began in earnest.

  The city square, once a humble gathering pce, had been transformed into a vibrant hub of celebration. Long tables den with food stretched across the pza, groaning under the weight of roasted meats, fresh bread, stews, fruits, and delicacies unique to the pins. The fountain at the center of the square shimmered in the firelight, casting dancing reflections across the crowd. Citizens and cnspeople alike shared seats, their voices rising in ughter and conversation as they passed ptes and cups of ale.

  Citizens of Pilris proudly showed off their achievements. The murals on the city walls were a particur point of pride, their vibrant colors and intricate details telling stories of unity, triumph, and the city's connection with the spirits. Groups gathered to admire the art, with Ryden leading a tour and expining the meaning behind each scene.

  "The water spirit of the Katu tribe inspired this one," Ryden said, pointing to a sweeping mural of a great ke shimmering with iridescent hues. A group of Monkey Cn warriors nodded appreciatively, their eyes sparkling with admiration.

  The citizens also guided their guests to the Great Lake just beyond the city's boundaries. Its surface glittered under the moonlight, reflecting the spirits that danced along its edges. The cns were awestruck by its beauty, and more than a few warriors from the Rabbit and Horse Cns eagerly asked about its spiritual significance.

  Meanwhile, the Zodiac cns showcased their own skills. The Horse Cn, ever proud of their horsemanship, gave an impromptu demonstration of mounted combat in an open field just beyond the city gates. Crowds gathered to watch as riders performed daring stunts and precise maneuvers, their horses galloping at full speed as they struck targets with spears and arrows.

  The Goat Cn dispyed their prowess in climbing and acrobatics, scaling walls and performing feats of bance that left the citizens of Pilris in awe. The Snake Cn, true to their cunning nature, demonstrated traps and defensive mechanisms they had designed for their territories, drawing curious questions from Pilris's engineers.

  Children from the cns and the city bonded quickly, chasing each other through the square and ughing as spirits joined in their games. Even the toddlers of Pilris toddled fearlessly among the festivities, their tiny hands reaching for the glowing spirits that floated near.

  Not to be outdone by the Goat Cn, the Monkey Cn transformed an open square into a jungle of activity. Warriors climbed ropes and swung from hastily assembled poles, their movements fluid and pyful. They demonstrated their mastery of agility-based combat, spinning staffs and slings with deadly precision while darting between imaginary foes. Citizens cpped in delight, and several artisans began sketching designs inspired by the Monkey Cn's dynamic dispys.

  Near the Great Lake, the Moon Step Cn set up a mesmerizing performance under the rising moon. Using their feline and rabbit spirits and the natural shadows of the evening, they staged a coordinated dance of stealth and elegance. Warriors moved like whispers through the dark, their figures blending seamlessly with the shifting light of nterns. The audience, captivated by the fluidity of their movements, erupted into appuse when the final act—a quintuple flip that turned unto a backwards somersault—concluded the performance.

  The Burning Cw Cn, true to their fiery spirit, lit up the night with a grand dispy of fire-based combat techniques. Warriors wielded fming weapons with precision, their strikes creating arcs of fire that illuminated the square. Their wolf and tiger spirits, wreathed in fme, bounded through rings of fire with snarls that sent shivers of awe through the crowd. Children gasped, and some of the younger warriors from other cns immediately began asking how they, too, could learn to master fire.

  Amidst the dispys, the citizens of Pilris shared their own innovations and culture. Bcksmiths brought out finely crafted bronze tools and weapons, demonstrating their sturdiness by striking them against stone and the newly discovered iron. Artisans showed off pottery decorated with intricate patterns, and musicians pyed flutes and drums that filled the air with vibrant melodies.

  The Toquiri farmers set up small exhibits near the fountain, offering tastings of their test creations. Bowls of sweetened grains, roasted meats seasoned with rare herbs, and refreshing drinks made from fermented fruits were passed around, earning praise from the cns. Rice couldn't help but dive in, loudly decring every dish a masterpiece.

  Spirits wandered freely through the festivities, their presence woven into the tapestry of celebration. A water spirit swirled gracefully through the crowd, sending gentle mists to cool the warm night air. A pyful fox spirit from the Shadow Tail Cn darted between tables, occasionally stealing a morsel of food, only to leave it beside a giggling child.

  Games sprang up spontaneously as the evening wore on. Warriors and citizens competed in friendly bouts of arm wrestling, foot races, and even stone-throwing contests, ughter and good-natured ribbing echoing across the square. A particurly loud cheer went up when one of the city's bcksmiths managed to out-arm-wrestle a member of the Dragon Cn, though he was quick to credit his "stubborn ox-like endurance."

  Memories were made at every turn—friendships forged over shared meals, ughter carried on the wind, and the joyous blend of two worlds coming together under the watchful gaze of spirits and stars alike.

  At a raised table overlooking the feast, the leaders of Pilris—Arika Venn, Zovar Drenn, and Orvek Drenn—sat with the chiefs of the Zodiac cns. Ptes and mugs were passed freely as they exchanged stories and insights about their nds and cultures.

  Torran of the Dog Cn leaned forward, his deep voice rumbling as he asked, "Tell me about these spirit contracts. They seem to run deeper here than in the pins."

  Orvek, his once-gruff demeanor softened into something more approachable, expined, "It was a gradual process. The spirits grew more attuned to the city as it became a pce of safety and growth. The contracts deepened as trust built between the people and the spirits. It also helps that the source of spirits, the spirit ke is right next door"

  Zael of the Horse Cn grinned. "And that trust extends to all your people? Even newcomers like us?"

  "Of course," Zovar said, his tone warm. His transformation from a hardened warrior into a kind and fatherly figure was evident in every gesture. "Pilris thrives on unity. Any friend of the city is welcome here."

  As the leaders exchanged stories, Rice stood nearby, talking animatedly with a group of warriors. His attention shifted, though, when he noticed Orvek and Zovar seated together, their shoulders brushing as they ughed at a shared memory. Something about their dynamic struck him as odd—closer than he remembered.

  "Wait a second," Rice said, narrowing his eyes. He walked over to the table, pnting his hands on his hips. "Hold on I saw your st names when we got here. You two got married?!"

  The table fell silent. Arika raised an amused brow, while Orvek and Zovar exchanged a gnce before breaking into sheepish smiles.

  "Uh, yes," Orvek said, his tone calm but his eyes glinting with humor. "We did."

  "You got married?" Rice repeated, his voice an octave higher. He turned to Ryden and Darius, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief. "Did anyone even know marriage existed in this world?"

  Ryden winced, scratching the back of his neck. "Uh… so, about that. I may have… described the concept to Orvek once."

  Orvek confirmed with a small ugh. "He did. Said something about it being a bond of partnership and trust." He gestured above his head, where glowing letters shimmered into view: The First Couple.

  Rice gawked at the title. "They gave you a title for it?"

  Zovar leaned back, her face softening further as she gnced toward a group of children pying near the fountain. "It's more than a title. It's a commitment. And," she added with a smile, "it helps when you have three little ones to raise."

  "Three?" Rice excimed, his voice cracking. He colpsed into a nearby chair, his hands clutching his head. "You have kids? How much time has actually passed?"