Cult of the Lamb : The Man in the Forest

Chapter 24: A Much Needed Respite

[Author's Note: 6/20/23 - I'm still rather new to Wattpad, as in I have not read any fics on this site before and I've only just started posting on it last year with these two fics. So, I am not sure if those of you who follow are getting notifications or not, but I have been re-publishing past chapters with some edits. Just wanted to let you all know so no one is confused if notifications go out for edits! Nothing big has changed, its only grammar, spelling, minor wording... That sort of thing.]

They arrived at the cottage shortly before seven. Merida was surprised by what awaited them even though she knew about the party. The trees edging the property were strung with brightly colored ribbons and fall flowers. A table had been set out and draped in lovely yellow fabric, sitting atop were three pitches of cherry red liquid, most likely some sort of punch. Plates of simple snacks were waiting, and she could tell a good portion had already been eaten. The most beautiful, and eye-catching decorations were in the form of lighting. Balls of fire were hovering in mid air, each was surrounded by a small cage of painted glass and suspended by a thin chain that attached to nothing at all. The light from these floating fixtures caused a rippling rainbow effect over the yard and front of the cottage. The guests were outside, talking amongst each other, some held glasses of the punch. Merida was relieved to see Aerwyn and Dallion there as they were the only ones she was unsure of. Narinder was present of course. He was standing on his porch well away from the others, having a glass of punch for himself. To Merida's surprise, Khalyn was standing on the other side of the railing talking to him.

"What... what is this?" Kenedra asked breathlessly, looking at Merida.

"Another birthday party for you." She answered, smiling.

"How did... when...?" She grinned, too pleasantly shocked to speak properly.

"Don't worry, everyone's been given permission to come. You should go thank your Dad though, it was mostly his idea." Merida said, nudging Kenedra's back to get her to step forward. She took a single step into the shimmering firelight, still gazing around with a sweet look of wonder in her eyes. Narinder noticed her then, and stood a bit straighter. Khalyn looked back too and waved.

"Hey, guys! Happy birthday, Ken!" With her announcement, the other guests looked around to spot Kenedra. The cheerful words echoed in messy unison around the yard. Kenedra giggled and ran off to meet her father as he stepped down from the porch. She flung her arms over his shoulders, hugging him tightly. He hugged her in return, visibly squeezing her close. Merida smiled, and walked over to Lydie. She and Cassius had been standing at the edge of the yard, a few feet from the forest.

"That's kind of sweet." Lydie admitted, her arms crossed.

"Yeah, I'm glad she's happy. I mean, she would have been happy with anything knowing her, but she's elated." Merida said proudly, resting a hand on her hip. She looked at her sister, "You've been here for about an hour, how are you feeling?"

"Okay, I suppose." She sighed, "He's been keeping to himself, so I can more or less ignore him."

"Yeah, I figured he would. He's not very sociable anyway." Merida nodded and motioned to the cup in Cassius' hand. "What's that?"

"Ah, spiced punch. Lemon and berries, I think."

"I see you don't have any." Merida smirked, looking at Lydie. "Afraid he was going to poison everyone?"

"No..." Lydie grumbled, looking off.

"Yes, she was." Cassius said with a little laugh.

"He's a lot shorter than I imagined." Said a girl from behind. Merida turned to see Laurana. The doe was smiling a bit nervously.