It felt as though it had taken forever for summer to finally release it's stranglehold and grudgingly fade into fall. The harvests were beginning to come in, and despite the hours that many would spend collecting and storing for the sometimes brutal winter months, Polaris needed to do none of that. Instead, he spent his days agreeing with advisors on who to tell to store what, and where, and when it needed completed. Still, despite the renewed energy from the release of oppressive heat, and the work that clearly was yet to be done, he knew that there was more to consider.
Many of the surrounding areas were starting to organize events. Some as simple as tales around a bonfire, and some as elaborate as all day festivals. Without asking a single advisor for their opinion, he decided it was only right that the palace host it's own festivities, making sure that any attended were well fed, entertained, and had time away from their duties so they could actually enjoy the season. His people made his kingdom, and they deserved to enjoy the fruits of their labor. A festival seemed to be the least he could do in order to thank them.
All of it rather felt like work to him, as he had to convince the advisors to go along with it all, figure out the funding, reassure those overseeing the fields, and ensure that the planned games and feast were all arranged to cater to his people. Polaris had much to be thankful for, but the large event was more of a time of stress and posturing, always the king on the pedestal rather than someone who actually got to partake in the events.
So it only made sense for him to attend a different festival himself, not in his own lands, but just over the border. He would be able to let his hair down and just enjoy what there was to offer, rather than worrying about how crowded the streets were, if there were enough apples to be bobbed for, if those tending to the bonfire were taking short enough shifts that they too were enjoying themselves.
Part of that was not being trailed by guards. He knew they were there for him, but the current batch was particularly stodgy. During the festival they came across as so strict and unforgiving that no one seemed to want to approach him, simply bowing and murmuring meaningless thanks in his direction. A young filly had stumbled into his path, and looked at him with startled surprise, but her face had been filled with joy and she started to blurt out how awesome the festival was, only to have a guard blocking her from view mere seconds later, her elation cut off as the guards hustled to get him to "safety."
So no, today was not a day for guards, it was a day for himself. He'd slipped them before, and he would again. All he reliably needed to do was head out before dawn, and the world was his.
He reached the festival in the mid afternoon. It was smaller than his own he had held, but it was still a boisterous affair. Laughter, whiffs of apple, and music filled the air. He would still stick out, but he had tried to make sure he wasn't glowing, his crown left behind to help him blend in just a bit more. There was ample food for all, and once he had filled he continued on, listening to the local tales for a while before getting antsy.
He then played a game, one that he had watched many before him lose, and surprisingly he won one of the top prizes, passing it along to a youngling that was gazing at him with no little amount of envy.
The sun was setting, so many gathered for the lighting of the bonfire, and now he held back. The stars were beginning to twinkle, and he held no fear of the dark. Perhaps it was time to return to his people, and leave these fine folk to enjoy the rest of their harvest. He turned to leave, taking a turn toward the forest as he left the eyesight of the main festivities, and felt something jar his flank.
He'd been thinking a bit to himself, but he still had no idea how he'd been surrounded so quickly, a stallion on either side of him and a mare just ahead in the middle of his path, sneering at him. "Think you can just waltz in here, eat our harvest and take our goods, and leave without paying your way?"
"I am sorry, I thought all were welcome at the harvest celebrations, we always welcome guests at ours," he answered honestly, realizing belatedly how it may seem to those that had little. He had nothing to give on him, he was trying to downplay his standing, and with a moment of regret he realized he truly had nothing to give towards their celebration. "I currently do not have a way to pay you, but I can repay you after I return home."
