Twisted Wonderland: Glorious Masquerade - Let the Bell of Solace Ring

Chapter 2-5: A Cryptic Meaning

After having food and souvenir shopping, the group walks around.

"Well, we've eaten our fill and procured souvenirs. Let's stroll over to the festival grounds, shall we?" Azul says.

"Okay!" Epel says.

The group begins walking around to see the many different stalls, vendors, and stores.

"Oh man, that's a lot of stalls," Epel says.

"I see fruit, vegetables, bread, fish, processed meats, cheeses..." Azul says, looking around, "They even have antique shops as well. I suppose there are no restrictions on what shops can sell here. One could do brisk business if they planned well and avoided competition. There are no shortage of customers, either. Yes, what a fine place for trade."

"You always see things as a seller rather than a buyer, huh..." Epel says.

"Of course. I have to keep a sharp eye out at all times, or I could miss a golden opportunity," Azul says.

Suddenly, Grim walks over, "Oh, hey. If it ain't Deuce's group."

The boys turn to see Professor Trein, Briar, and her group.

"Hello, Group A. Are you enjoying yourselves?" Trein says.

"Why, hello, Professor Trein. And greetings to you as well, Briar and Grim," Azul says.

"Hi guys. You too, Sereia and Trinket," Epel says.

"You too, Tanzanite and Jasper," Deuce says.

Then Azul says, "Yes, we're having a most enlightening time. I do so enjoy fieldwork!"

"Find anything interesting?" Tanzanite asks.

"Oh, yes. We found the perfect study aids for Deuce and Epel," Azul says.

"What are you..." Deuce questions, shocked, "Wait, you're not talking about the building blocks, are you?! Don't believe him, guys! That's just Azul's idea of a joke."

"Okay," Briar says.

Then Jasper asks, "Have you found anything good?"

"Like food?" Grim adds.

Azul answers, "Oh, yes. We've sampled many local breads and sweets. It was all positively sublime."

"Azul's an amazing food critic. He really gets into all the details, You should hear him sometime," Epel says.

"Mrah, now I'm all jelly... I wanted to eat good food too," Grim says.

"You ate PLENTY on our way here..." Trein says.

"That's true. You've eaten a lot on the way here," Sereia says.

Then Trein asks, "Were you about to walk around this street? We could join you, if you'd like."

"I'd be delighted to have your invaluable guidance, Professor Trein. By all means, do," Azul says.

Epel & Deuce happily say, "Welcome aboard."

The group begins walking along the stalls.

Epel notices, "Oh hey, that stall there sells accessories."

"Hm? What's this?" Azul wonders.

The group walks over to see a necklace that seems to be like a dream catch and other kinds of accessories.

"Looks like a necklace," Deuce says.

"The pendant's a wooden frame with some kind of setting inside. What an odd design," Epel says.

"There's just a dinky rock in the center. BO-RING. My ribbon looks way cooler than that janky necklace. Myahahah!" Grim says.

Deuce turns to Grim, "You're REALLY into your outfit, huh?"

"Let me see that," Trein says and looks at the necklaces, " ...Ah, that's a classic Fleur City charm necklace."

Soon, the shopkeeper approaches, "Well, well. I took you for a tourist, but you know your stuff."

"Oh, anyone my age would know that," Trein says.

"What's the charm supposed to do?" Deuce asks.

"There's an old saying about it... 'When you wear this woven band, you hold the city in your hand.'" The shopkeeper says.

"Interesting. So when someone wears it... They become rich enough to buy a city? Do I have that right?" Azul asks.

"Come on, that's silly," Briar says.

And the shopkeeper says, "Well, ah... Hard to say. Nobody knows what it's really supposed to mean these days."

"So no one knows what it does? That's kind of a letdown, considering it's a charm," Epel says.

Then Trein says, "I recall more stalls carrying them the last time I was here."

"Yeah, well, they're kinda hard to explain, and they went out of style a while ago. Nowadays tourists barely know what they are. They're more for the locals than anyone else," The shopkeeper says.

"A curious design with a cryptic meaning... They'd get a kick out of that," Azul says, "I think I'll pick up two for Jade and Floyd."

"So you're getting souvenirs for them too!" Deuce says.

"More like compensation for minding the dorm while I'm out. The necklaces are suitable and not too expensive," Azul says.

Then turns to Briar, "Say, Briar. Are you and the others buying any gifts for people?"

"Well, I'm still trying to decide on what to get, and I do want to wait until I find the right thing. So I like to look around a little more," Briar says.

"It's always wise to be careful," Azul says, "Do let me know if you find anything particularly memorable. I might consider picking it up for myself."

"Maybe, but I like to get myself that necklace, it looks really pretty and it reminds me of a dreamcatcher," Briar says.

"Hmm, well, I do agree they look nice in their own way," Azul replies.

"They kind of are, huh," Jasper says.

"I'm good as long as I can eat my weight in snacks! But hey, maybe I'll get Ace somethin'. If I feel like it," Grim says.