Chapter 871: Pedrarruna Forest Magical Blooming
The first day of Bloom Week dawned over Pedrarruna Forest, a gentle sun painting the sky in hues of optimistic rose and gold. This year, the cherry trees, usually shy bloomers, seemed to burst into life all at once. Thousands upon thousands of blossoms unfurled, a breathtaking spectacle of pink and white against the deep green of the ancient pines. It was as if the forest, after a particularly harsh winter, wanted to showcase the resilience of nature, a testament to its enduring spirit.
Lara, a young woman who worked as a Forest Watcher at the edge of the forest, woke with a smile. She’d been worried about Bloom Week a couple of weeks ago due to a heavy thunderstorm that fell in Elffire City; she feared that the strong rain had washed away all the cherry trees’ blossoms, which would make this year’s Bloom Week in Elffire City particularly flowerless—but seeing the forest awash in blossoms, a wave of happiness washed over her. She knew, instinctively, that this abundance was a good omen.
Deep within the forest, old Man Hemlock, the forest ranger, felt a similar surge of optimism. He’d dedicated his life to protecting Pedrarruna, weathering countless storms, both literal and metaphorical. The vibrant bloom was a reward, a confirmation that his tireless efforts weren’t in vain.
He felt a quiet pride in the forest’s triumphant display. Even the small creatures of the forest—the squirrels, the birds, the rabbits—seemed to share in the joy. Their usual cautious movements were replaced with a playful energy. They flitted among the blossoms, their small lives intertwined with the larger rhythm of the forest’s renewal.
The sun climbed higher, bathing the forest in its warm embrace. The air hummed with the gentle buzz of bees, diligently collecting nectar, ensuring the continuation of this beautiful cycle. The vibrant display of blossoms was not just a pretty sight; it was a promise of a bountiful harvest, a symbol of renewed life and hope.
Pedrarruna Forest, in its glorious bloom, offered a simple yet powerful message: even after the harshest winters, spring always arrives, and beauty always endures. The challenges faced were forgotten in the face of such overwhelming beauty, replaced with a quiet certainty of a bright future.
And the Pedrarruna Manor, located on a hill at the forest edge, was a location lucky enough to be surrounded by the amazing scene of this magic forest in the Blooming season.
It was Theo and Aurora’s first time witnessing the beauty of the Pedrarruna Forest in this house, and they were amazed by it.
Theo was very satisfied and happy that he chose this place to build their house.
While Theo and Ayia started cooking the family feast, Aurora and Shizuka went to the backyard to start decorating the place.
Pink petals, a blizzard of them, swirled on the breeze, coating the manicured lawn in a fragrant carpet. Aurora gasped, a delicate sound swallowed by the rustling of a thousand cherry blossoms. The manor, its stone and wood almost swallowed by the floral explosion, seemed to sigh contentedly. Shizuka, ever practical, still found herself mesmerized.
The lake, a mirror polished to perfection, reflected the riot of colour – a breathtaking panorama of pinks and whites punctuated by the deep green of the carefully sculpted hedges.
"Look," Aurora breathed, her hand reaching out as if to touch the mirrored blossoms dancing on the water.
Shizuka nodded, a slow smile spreading across her face. "Even after seeing this every day for the past month," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the gentle lapping of the water, "it still takes my breath away."
The scent of cherry blossoms hung heavy in the air, sweet and intoxicating. Even the usually crisp, cool morning air felt charged with the intensity of the blooming.
"Come on, let’s start," Aurora said as she excitedly pulled Shizuka with her.
Just like that, the two of them started decorating the place.
"These hyacinths smell divine, don’t they?" Aurora chirped, holding up a cluster of deep purple blooms.
Shizuka smiled, a rare and genuine smile that reached her eyes. "They do. And the way the light catches the daffodils...it’s magical."
It is obvious that during the Season of Blossoms, it wasn’t only the Cherry Trees that blossomed. The whole flora and fauna entered the blooming season. The cherry trees were only the most famous and abundant flowers in the Sakurean territory. But there are many other beautiful flowers, but in smaller quantities.
Aurora chuckled. "Almost as magical as finding someone who appreciates perfectly spaced fairy lights."
Shizuka playfully swatted at Aurora’s arm. "Don’t be ridiculous. It’s important to have the right ambiance."
"Oh, I agree completely! Ambiance is everything," Aurora declared, placing a terracotta pot filled with tulips near a birdbath.
"Now, are those cucumber sandwiches I spy?" Shizuka asked.
Aurora nodded with a mischievous smile, towards the dining table they were arranging. "Yes, I just stole from the kitchen."
"Oh, great!" Shizuka smiled as she started eating one while working on the decorations.
"This is going to be a great day." Aurora smiled as she ate the little sandwiches while working.
"Indeed," Shizuka replied, but her quiet tone held a warmth that matched the glow of the fairy lights. "Especially with good company."
"Of course! It is going to be the first family lunch that it isn’t only Theo and me." Aurora said with a lovely smile, "I’m so happy our family grew bigger this year."
Aurora’s words touched Shizuka’s heart. She knew that Aurora and Theo’s parents had passed away years ago, and that Theo had been taking care of Aurora ever since. She couldn’t imagine how hard it could have been for a teenager to take care of his little sister just after losing his parents.
This was one of the reasons that Shizuka deeply respected her brother-in-law. Just from his actions, she could see that no matter the difficulties, he wouldn’t abandon his loved ones.
"I’m happy to be part of the family as well, Ara-chan!" Shizuka said with a loving smile that only a big sister could give, "It’s great having a cute little sister." She giggled.
"Shizu-nee, you’re cute too!" Aurora laughed happily.
In such a way, the two sisters continued decorating the backyard for the family dinner.
Back in the kitchen, Theo and Ayia were busy cooking several dishes for the feast a few hours away.
In the fancy but cozy kitchen of Pedrarruna Manor, Theo and Ayia moved with practiced ease, their dance of preparation well-rehearsed for the traditional Bloom Week feast. The aroma of simmering stews and baking pastries filled the air, a comforting blend of spices and herbs. On the countertop, an array of freshly picked vegetables and fragrant herbs from the garden lay ready to be transformed into delicious dishes.
Theo, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, carefully stirred a large pot of hearty vegetable stew, the steam rising to meet his face. He added a handful of chopped herbs, their bright green colors a promise of flavor. Ayia, her eyes sparkling with joy, kneaded a ball of dough, her hands working the elastic mixture with a baker’s intuition. She shaped the dough into perfect circles and placed them gently into a pan, ready for baking. The oven, already busy with casseroles and pies, welcomed the new addition, its warmth a comforting embrace.
"How are the stews coming along, Theo?" Ayia called out, her hands deftly shaping another batch of dough.
"Almost ready!" Theo replied with a smile, his eyes shining with pride. "The vegetables are perfectly tender, and the herbs from the backyard forest added just the right touch."
Ayia nodded, her face illuminated by the glow of the oven as she peeked inside to check on the baking bread. "The forest truly has blessed us this Bloom Week. It’s my first time being in Elffire City for the Bloom Week, and I have to say that the Bloom Week here is as amazing as in Sakura City; the cherry and other trees have shown such a spectacular display."
"Of course, babe! Elffire City’s Bloom Week is one of the best in the country," Theo said with a proud voice, stirring the stew with a large wooden spoon. "We should tour around the city tomorrow to see the amazing scenes of the temples."
"That’s an amazing idea, Theo. It’s our first time spending the Bloom Week together, and we have to share these things together as a family," Ayia said softly, her eyes glistening with happiness. "You and Aurora-chan are my family now, so we have to spend these kinds of holidays together."
Theo set down the spoon and pulled Ayia into a warm embrace, careful to avoid the flour on her hands. "Thank you, babe. For a long time, it has been only me and Aurora. And I know that Aurora always wanted a female presence in her life. You and Shizuka becoming Aurora’s big sisters is one of the happiest things that happened. I’m grateful every day that we have each other. No matter what challenges we face, we always find a way to bloom again."
As they stood there, surrounded by the comforting smells of their labor, Theo and Ayia knew that this Bloom Week would be remembered as a time of hope and rebirth. The Pedrarruna Forest, with its vibrant display, had reminded them that beauty and abundance always follow the darkest times.