The Magic of Three

Chapter 23

The celebration was held at a clear landscape that was somewhere between the woods and the fields. At sun down, tables bearing fresh and seasoned meats, harvest crops, and barrels of beer, cider, and rum were set up, and bonfire was built. Soon a full moon the color of crimson rose up into the sky and thus ignited festivities. Vampires, goblins, werewolves, witches, and warlocks gathered around to dance and cheer. Sing and drink around the roaring bonfire. They were all just enjoying each other's company and having a good time, not at all caring that they were different.

"This is amazing." Erza said, awestruck by the sight. "I can't remember the last time I ever saw so many monsters and magic users getting along like this. Or if I even ever saw it in the first place. I gotta write this down."

"Oh save your note taking for later." Lucy said. "We're here to have fun remember? Have a glass of cider, dance with somebody."

"But Lucy this is the experience of a lifetime. A moment in history that must be recorded for the world to- Oh are those strawberries?"

Erza search for knowledge vanished as soon as she saw the large basket of wild strawberries getting placed on a table and she couldn't resist going over to help herself.

"The only organ bigger than Erza's brain is her stomach." Lucy chuckled.

"I can relate." Natsu said, drooling over the huge pig roasting on a spit over the bonfire. "We are going to eat good tonight ladies."

With that he rushed over to try to get a little morsel of the meat before it was done cooking, leaving just Lucy and Juvia after that. At once, almost all the warlocks were flocking around Lucy, begging her to share a dance with them or a drink or just a moment of her time. She was tempted to accept but then turned to look at Juvia who was silently observing her surroundings. She seemed impressed and intrigued but still so very hesitant.

"Do you want to dance?" Lucy asked her.

"No." Juvia said bashfully. "I'm more of just sit and watch girl."

"Are you sure? Those types of girls usually miss out on all the fun."

"Well maybe I'm just not ready for this kind of fun yet."

"I understand. Do you just want to sit by the fire and talk then?"

"But don't you want to dance?"

"Sure but dancing is no fun alone. Besides, I probably shouldn't leave you alone in this place. At least not until you've had a couple more visits."

"I suppose."

Lucy dismissed her admirers and the girls found a nice, sturdy log, not too close to the fire to sit on. Juvia carefully set down her bag, and not once did she notice the black cat slip out.

"Alright now, which way to Elfman's house?"

Juvia tried to think of something to say to her cousin but she couldn't. So she just stared off into the fire, letting her mind go blank, though the rest of her was still trembling. Lucy noticed this. She had never met anyone so nervous and afraid before. If she didn't know better, she'd swear that Juvia was pretty much afraid of everything. Including herself.

"Can I ask you something?" Lucy requested.

"Sure." Juvia replied, turning her gaze from the fire.

"How come you don't want to be a witch?"

"I never said I didn't want to be one."

"Nanny said you did when you first found out and even though you are trying to participate in the lessons, you;re obviously not all that into it. How come? Don't you think that it could be exciting to do magic?"