The Pain in My Heart [Completed]

Chapter Sixteen - Zaria

After a couple more hours, we finally make it to the other side of the river and arrive at the Spring Equinox Festival.

The sun shines on the field like a midsummer's day. Rolling meadows become clear as we ride up closer. The sight is like nothing I've ever seen before. I've only ever felt closed in. Whether it be running through the allies of Flesherg or winding myself back and forth within the walls of Lumbridge, there has always been a place to hide. But not here. Acres upon acres of vast fields spread until they meet the sky's horizon.

Thousands of tiny tents cluster in the distance. The thrum of flutes and drums travel through the terrain. The hustle and bustle of civilians talking and laughing, running and jumping through the crowds echo through the meadow.

So alive and vibrant. So joyful and bright.

"What is this place?" I ask Lucy in awe. What is this wonderful place that has been just out of reach?

I take a moment and realize how foolish I have become. My only interests have been to perfect taking over the magic system and aid in protecting Lumbridge from Malaka. I had never taken the time to discover and learn about other foreign lands. They seemed to have no significance to my research. But now, looking upon this land, it has all the significance in the world.

It is places like this that we fight for. It is people like this for whom we strive to protect, their innocence and joy that should be kept alive.

"OakenValley," she says brightly, and by the gleam in her eyes I can tell she's been here before... and not alone.

"So, tell me," I say. "What's the festival like?"

She answers me with sincerity. "It is like nothing I've ever experienced in Lumbridge. Costumes and music, performances and dancing, the most delicious food I've ever tasted, and the sweetest smells that make you drunk of sugar." She pauses for a while and in a soft voice whispers, "I know how blessed I am to have the magic that was given to me, but I always saw this magic as meaning so much more." And in that moment, I understood her completely.

"Stella. We're going to have to drop her off somewhere."

"How about right over here." I look to my right where Lucy is pointing. There is a small gathering of horses tied to the bushel of trees. "She'll feel more at home with the other horses than alone."

Without hesitation, I ride her to the small band of horses and ponies. "Just for a while," I tell her as Lucy leaps off the saddle and fixes her skirt. She gives a slight chuff and I gently kiss her nose, fish out a sugar cube from my pocket and wave goodbye.

Lucy giggles under her breath.

"What?"

"You love that horse," she says humorously.

Shoving her side, I walk past her towards the festival. "Shut up."

***

As we walk through the festival I am at a loss for words. When I was in Flesherg I would attend festivals with John, but none have ever felt like this. Just like our mall outings, any festival that came to town was a right of passage to take off of work and enjoy a night.

We would weave in and out of booths and circus tents just like anyone else. It was our rare chance to just blend into the crowd and be... normal. It was at that moment that I realized so many people strive to be something extraordinary, something spectacular, never quite satisfied with anything average. For me, the average was extraordinary.

It was in the most average of times I felt most alive. Having a race, listening to music and dancing my heart out because why not, drinking a gallon of apple cider because that was the only time of the year we could drink it, getting sick on caramel apples and a sugar high from honey sticks.