EPISODE 7: THE FESTIVAL ## CHAPTER 1: THE INVITATION "The Winter's End Festival," Silas explained, "is the most important event in Willowmere's social calendar. Every magical family participates. Every business contributes. And Thistledown House has always hosted the closing celebration." "Every year?" "For one hundred and seventy-six years. Without exception." Penny looked at the calendar. She had been in Willowmere for four months. She had handled difficult guests, earned her charter, performed the Ward of Renewal, and begun to feel like she actually belonged here. But hosting the biggest party in town? That felt like a completely different challenge. "How many people are we talking about?" "Everyone. The entire magical community of Willowmere. Plus guests from neighboring regions, visiting dignitaries, and anyone who happens to be passing through." "How many is that in numbers?" "Three to four hundred, typically." Penny sat down hard. "I don't know how to host four hundred people." "Fortunately, you have help." --- ## CHAPTER 2: THE PREPARATION Mrs. Bramble, it turned out, had been preparing for the festival for weeks. "Started the planning in October," she said cheerfully, showing Penny a notebook that contained detailed menus, decoration schemes, and entertainment schedules. "This isn't my first festival, dear. I know what Willowmere expects." "Why didn't anyone tell me?" "Because you needed to focus on your...