The start of mid-shemesh, marking the start of the warmer season, was marked with a party by the tribe that lived in the canyons and ravines. A ceremonial opening of the extra ventilation they kept closed during the winter, a time for airing out and cleaning before the true heat of the desert settled in.

Sunlight and Inky were visiting for the celebration, bringing some gifts and snacks. Some others of Skyward colony were there to celebrate, but they were off in the crowd as Sunlight and Inky unpacked the flyer and walked out onto the transport pad. It was filled with flyers of all shapes and sizes, and Sunlight could see the tracks of ground vehicles on the sand below, making for the lower hangar.

A dark aerobic that Glow had said was named Boti waved a wing at them. "Welcome!"

"Hello! We've got some supplies, where should we put it-?"

"Follow me, follow me. First time here?"

"Well, yes."

"We've heard stories, though," Inky added.

"Good ones, I hope?"

"Of course!"

Boti snorted a laugh, and led them down a walkway that dropped below the surface of the mesa, walls rising to either side as they descended into the network of ravines. The sandstone was warm shades of red and orange and yellow, striated and wavy like the currents of a river. The sand crunched under Sunlight's feet and rasped against Inky's scales, but it made for comfortable footing as they descended.

Boti talked about the general locations of where things were, and guided them to the stockrooms to drop off their stuff. Once it was packed away, they took Inky and Sunlight on a more proper tour, showing them the main areas festivities would take place in, the kitchens, and most importantly - the pool.

Inky and Sunlight regarded the wide expanse of underground water with round eyes, even as some others splashed or relaxed in its cool depths. Boti only laughed at their amazed expressions and told them the hours it was open.

"I am definitely trying that out," Inky muttered, still wide eyed as they headed out.

"You're welcome to! But things are about to start soon - maybe after?"

Inky and Sunlight nodded, conceding the point. The pool would always be there, but this celebration was only once a year.

Boti bid them goodbye and went off to their duties, while Sunlight and Inky followed the gathering crowds to the main ravine. A clever system of mirrors made it so that it was comfortably bright even at the bottom, and a murmuring crowd had gathered, waiting for the announcement to kick off the celebrations.

"Everyone, everyone! Thank you for being here!"

Sunlight craned, but couldn't see the speakers, while Inky reared up and elongated, supporting over half their body in the air. Sunlight stared jealously, but listened as Inky reported who it was before settling back down.

"Show-off," Sunlight muttered good naturedly, but then the festivities began to kick off. The ventilation system had been cleaned out over the past week, and at the end of the speech, vents clacked and clattered open all over the ravine, sending a blast of air through it. Everyone cheered, and soon the party began in earnest.

Inky and Sunlight happily joined in, getting food and chatting with people. Some small shops selling various handmade goods had popped up, people from all around being drawn here for the celebration. The sounds of instruments sang through the ravines, and Sunlight felt their mood lift. Inky seemed to be in similarly good spirits,

They went around, haggled for a few things, and then ended up watching a troupe of musicians play. Inky swayed happily to the music, along with a few other draconics in the crowd, reminding Sunlight of garden eels. Inky did not appreciate being compared to an eel, but that slight was soon forgotten in the contagious good time. There was so much to see, to listen, to experience - it was overwhelming.

It was a busy night and when Sunlight and Inky headed for their temporary quarters their eyes drooped and movements were slow, exhausted. But as they slipped into their beds, they were more than content at the good time they had had.