With the sun setting, casting a golden glow through the branches, Lin busily sketched plans for the various stalls they would set up. ‘How about a storytelling booth where people can share their favorite memories?’ she proposed, biting her lip in concentration.
Dax leaned back against a tree, a thoughtful expression on his face. ‘That’s great, Lin. And we could have an area for dream catchers where everyone can make their own and share the dreams they want to catch!’
Elara floated around, gathering petals and leaves to use as natural decorations. ‘And we must have music! Let’s invite local musicians to join and create a blend of sounds that echo through the woods.’
Leena, who had just landed gracefully, twirled around emitting contagious energy. ‘I’ll coordinate the performances! Trust me, I’ll bring life to it all!’
Just as they were discussing, a soft voice called from behind, ‘Is this the meeting point for the Festival of Echoes?’
Startled, the friends turned to find a gentle man with long hair, carrying a wooden flute slung over his shoulder. ‘I am Arlin; I’ve heard whispers of your festival and wanted to join!’
Lin’s eyes lit up. ‘Absolutely! Would you play music for us? All kinds of music will amplify the magic.’
Arlin smiled warmly. ‘I would love to. I have some songs that speak of dreams and echoes.’
As they talked about music, an idea sparked in Elara’s mind. ‘What if we create a circle where everyone can share their songs and stories? In the middle, we can light a large bonfire to keep warm!’
Dax clapped his hands together, excited. ‘A storytelling circle by the fire, right before the stars start twinkling! We could invite anyone passing by to join in.’
Eager to get started, Leena suggested, ‘Let’s gather materials for the bonfire! We’ll need large stones to create a fire pit.’
As they set off to gather stones and wood, they stumbled upon a group of children playing near the stream. Curious, Lin approached them. ‘Hey there! Are you excited about our festival?’
The children, wide-eyed and filled with curiosity, nodded vigorously. ‘Can we help?’ one little girl asked, her voice bright.
Elara knelt down to their level, smiling. ‘Of course! We’d love your help. Would you like to design banners and decorations with us?’
The children squealed with excitement, jumping up and down. ‘We can make them colorful!’ another exclaimed.
Dax grinned. ‘The more the merrier! Let’s gather everyone around the oak tree to paint and design all the beautiful things for the festival.’
As the day turned to evening, they all settled under the oak tree. Paints, brushes, and laughter filled the air while the children created their masterpieces.
Lin turned to Arlin, who was calmly playing his flute, filling the atmosphere with melodic sounds. ‘Your music makes this even more special,’ she said with appreciation.
Arlin nodded, ‘Music brings everything together; it’s an echo of our hearts and spirits.’
Later in the night, the friends sat in a circle with the children, sharing stories of their childhood filled with dreams and adventures.
Leena looked around at the happy faces illuminated by the soft glow of firelight. ‘This festival isn’t just ours; it’s about everyone who believes in dreams,’ she said.
Brimming with warmth, Lin added, ‘It’s about our shared echoes of laughter, experiences, and what we aspire to be.’
As stars began to twinkle, Dax raised his hands. ‘Tomorrow is going to be magical; let our stories and dreams resonate through the night!’
With hearts full of hope and connection, they ended their preparations, knowing tomorrow would indeed be a day to remember.
As they lay down underneath the oak tree, the lullaby of the gentle stream and whispers of the trees echoed with dreams yet to unfold, each friend drifting off to sleep with visions of the Festival of Echoes dancing in their minds.
They dreamed of a festival that would not only echo their dreams but also amplify the hearts of everyone who walked through the forest.