When Worlds Collide

Six

I could spy the wild mane of my best friend before I saw her. The fiery red tresses bounced around with abandon as she twirled her skirts in front of anybody who would look at her. Judging by the size of the crowds, that would most likely be everybody. Having finished setting up the baked goods stall early this morning ready for a midday start, I had quickly gone home and dressed myself in a beautiful ,blush pink, cotton dress that I had been saving for the Spring Festival. My hair was falling in styled waves down my back, save for half which I had secured on the top of my head using a hair tie.

The Spring Festival was always held in the extensive grounds and gardens of the village hall. Independent market stalls full of all kinds of wares were laid out on the front gardens of the hall and the entertainment would be in the grounds at the back. I always looked forward to having a dance to the music playing and sneaking a glass or two of wine. This year however, I could perhaps have more than two. Immediately I spied three Lycan guards patrolling the entrance to the village hall and the sight of them almost dampened my spirits until I remembered whom I had just seen.

I picked the skirts of my dress and headed straight for Brietta only to be stopped in my tracks by a hand in the crease of my elbow.

"Where are you going?" My mother hissed beside me, "It is uncouth to stroll into the festival unaccompanied. Wait until we have been greeted, then you may find that wild friend of yours."

I sighed, but did I was asked, stepping gently in line with my mother and father as they joined a small queue at the gates of the village hall.

"We never had to queue before," I whispered.

"Increased security," My father hissed back, "There have been some rumours of Lycans' outside the village."

I could my heart beating faster in my chest as I recalled the conversation I had with that guard, Jared. If he were being honest, then were almost definitely Lycans' outside the village and they were not common either.

The King was less than a mile away from us.

"I hope they do not find our festival to be of interest to them," I replied.

"Oh surely not," My father dismissed my worries with a flick of his hand.

"Hello again," came a deeper, familiar voice.

I looked up to see Jared, arms folded and standing in full uniform beside the gate. He beckoned another family in before sending all his attention on me. I gulped and plastered a polite smile on my face.

"Hello Sir," I replied.

"Are you and your family looking forward to the festival?" He asked, looking up to observe my parents.

"Oh yes," I nodded, looking around him briefly to see if I could still see Brietta.

"I better not let you wait any longer then, in you go," he gestured with his arm to allow us to walk through.

"Thankyou," My father replied, though his tone was curt and clipped.

Once we were out of earshot, he turned to face me, "He seemed awfully familiar with you."

"Yes father, he comes into the bakery quite often."

"Will he be a problem?"

"I don't follow?" I questioned, cocking my head to the side.

My father pursed his lips and leaned down to be closer to me, I didn't like his tone and attitude and backed up slightly.

"Are you, in any way, involved with that beast?"

My eyes grew wide and I shook my head rapidly, "No I would never!"

"Good, you may go and find your friend. I don't want to see you conversing with any Lycan without us present, do you understand?"