Aimless Ascension

Gale flew, pushing against the chilly wind. His traditional robe flattered against the wild wind as he propelled forward towards the town.

The Sun came down by the time he reached the town, but there was no shortage of light today or the clamour of people. The festival starts off officially tomorrow, but it seemed people couldn't just wait anymore after the long year.

From the marketplace to the most common houses in the town were lit with countless oil lamps and light constructs, as the harvesting festival had already taken over the town of Wayshire.

Gale came down on the land to get more of the excitement of the celebration. The air is filled with the smells of food from various vendors as well as the stench of burned fireworks. Some people couldn't really stop themselves. All of it was brimming with positive energy, enough to pull even a lost soul like him into the spirit of festivity.

The echo of drum rolls broke in the surrounding as if the drummer were contesting between themselves, while children danced to their tune, singing all the way.

Gale crept through the spirited walkways with colourful decorations, and banners added to the festive atmosphere. There were street performers, artists, and dancers preparing for their stands, and those that already did, were performing for the crowds.

As the night fell, the festival reached a new spirit of excitement, with the lights from the various stalls and performances illuminating the streets. The energy levels continue to rise, with people dancing and singing along to the music.

Gale merely crept on the walkway, staring at the spirited people celebrating. It was already crowded, but not to the point of making it a disoriented wave of people. The only risk now was children running on the walkway, clashing against people.

Thankfully, Gale's perception was enough to let him have a minute adjustment of his position before the children could collide.

Sadly, not everyone was so lucky or proficient. Gale found not too far away a girl literally falling on her four limbs after clashing against a kid. The kid simply ran away, yelling excuses, and leaving the girl on the ground.

It took an extended moment for the fallen girl to understand her plight.

"Are you alright?" Gale asked, coming to her rescue. He held his hand for her to take it, but he found no change in her body language to take his hand, as if she was lost in her world.

"Yes," the girl said softly.

She had a couple of feet-long cane with her, which made Gale reconsider the circumstances of the girl. She was tall as most women could be, in her early twenties with jet-black hair and the fair complexion of the common people of Tianhui, though an extra bit more delicate than most girls.

She was pretty, but the most beautiful part of her was her clear, gem-like eyes. There was also a beauty mark below her left eye, enhancing her beauty. Although she was nothing otherworldly like Xiaolin after her advancement, the girl was readily appealing to the eye.

The girl didn't have a single ornament on her other than her cane, which seemed to curve out with dark rubies in some spirit tree branch. On second thought, that seemed like a manifestation of a fate lock.

However, what held Gale's most attention was simply how she turned to him, only listening to his voice, and still taking an extended moment to figure out his position.

"Sorry, I can't see, and I'm a little clumsy at this moment."

Gale lifted an eyebrow and supported her by pulling her arm to make her stand back up.

"Thank you," the girl said, bowing to him politely.

"Do you need any help getting somewhere?" Gale asked, considering her circumstances.

A look of contemplation appeared on the face of the blind girl. She was torn between agreeing to the stranger, but worried she would inconvenience him.

"If it pleases, sir," she said at last, giving in.

"No worries," Gale chuckled. "The name's Gale. I love to help pretty girls whenever I can."

The blind girl seemed momentarily lost in what to reply to him, hadn't hoped to get such a flirty compliment offhandedly.

The blind girl drew her palm for Gale to take it. Gale took it graciously, although she couldn't see it.

"Then I guess I have to trouble you, good Sir," she said. "As Ai is not pretty at most things she does."

"Ai?" Gale recited, "that's a pretty name."

"Thank you," Ai said. "I named myself."

Now it was Gale's turn to pause at her casual words.

"So, where do you want to go?" Gale asked. "Do you have some relatives or other residence ready?"

Ai considered for a second to answer. "I guess I figured out where I have to be," she mumbled. "As for the place, do you know Len's crew?"

"No, but I'm confident in figuring it out after searching for a little."

"Well, you won't have to bother. Just take me to the middle of the town. If you see a circus, take me to them."

"As you wish, my lady."

Gale led her to the centre of the town. It wasn't that great of a distance, but with the crowds and their slow pace, it took some time.

"So the circus, are you by any chance--"

"I'm a performer," Ai said, "though still an apprentice at best."

Gale wasn't that startled, but curious hearing that out.

"So, your spirituality doesn't help you much or is there a restriction on you?" Gale asked after some consideration. Her strength shouldn't her this helpless as far as how spirituality went.

This world was a terrible palace for a blind girl like her alone. Even though she seemed to have iron strength, the blindness was a big detriment to render her helpless the way she was now.

"I can figure out my way most times," Ai said, a little embarrassed. "It is just some restrictions of my Fate lock. It makes me clumsy at times."

Gale raised an eyebrow, curious about what kind of clumsiness, but asking about someone's weakness in spirit arts was considered bad manners, so he refrained from getting into that topic.

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