"Mew.. mew..." Yellow eyes squinted at the banner that hung above the archway entrance of the park, while the small mouth stumbled over syllables and fingers curled against palms, as though trying to pluck the correct sounds out of the air.

"Keep trying. You'll get it." A taller girl stood at her side and reassured her gently, while a man that dwarfed the both of them watched the stirring crowd around them (with an occasional glance being shot at the child), but he snorted at the girl's effort. "William, don't be rude."

"Mew... mew... sick? Music... fez.. festi? Vall. Music.. festival?" The cat-like eyes turned in question towards the other girl, gazing over the taller man at her side airily and paying him little attention. Her gaze did not have to travel up as much as it had just a month or so prior - another development that the child was rather pleased about.

"That's wonderful! Very good, Tsuji!" The Chinese girl clapped in delight, and the child beamed at her approval. She took her hand and held her head high, as though displaying the praise on her chest. William rolled his eyes at her little display and marched on his sister's other side as they walked under the archway.

March and April were especially beautiful this year, given the streak of wonderfully warm temperatures. It wasn't quite shorts and sandals weather, but light sweaters and t-shirts made their appearance. Flowering trees were taking full advantage of the climate and blooming brightly, and with the coming of spring came the coming of the spring celebrations. Art shows and community events sprung up every other weekend, and the music festival during this particular time was no exception.

The crowds had come out to enjoy the late afternoon and naturally there were people everywhere, but luckily not elbow-to-elbow. Tsuji personally enjoyed the crowd, and she enjoyed being out late among this many people. She felt awkward with her hair tucked up beneath one of William's old baseball caps, but at least Huan Yi had allowed her to run around with her tattoo showing (the face painting booth for the children saved them this time).

"Let's go!" she urged, tugging on Huan Yi's hand. The girl laughed and followed, giving her brother a nudge as he too followed. He frowned at the cavorting Ashe, who continued to wear her smug look for her guardian's earlier praise.

"As long as ye behave yerself. I've no interest in yer shenanigans." The girl stuck her tongue out at him but he ignored her, instead paying attention to his sister. "Who's playin' tonight?"

"Some kind of swing band." Huan Yi shrugged. "Whomever they are, they sound like fun." Mingled with the sounds of laughing children and conversation was the sound of trumpets and drums from the innermost section of the park, and the trio moved towards it (for the most part) excitedly in the twilight.