A Fox Surrounded in Darkness (Twisted Wonderland x Encanto f!reader)

Chapter 62

Your Pov...

"Howdy, Epel!" an old lady is standing outside the assembly hall as our group approaches. She had short purple hair like Epel and was wearing a variant of the winter outfit that was native in this town. "Glad to have ya back home."

"Thanks, Granny Marja," Epel smiles in excitement as he hugs his grandma. "I'm glad to BE back!"

"Ya eatin' right at Night Raven College," Epel's grandma questions. "Y'know you won't grow big an' strong if'n yer picky. And do y'still gulp down the stuff ya don't like in one bite? Ah remember you used to choke all the time..."

"Meemaw, please," Epel whines. "Yer gonna embarrass me in fronta alla these folks!"

"So that's Epel's grandma," Idia mutters with a smile. "Neat."

"She seems friendly enough," Jade comments.

"Their accents are a bit thick, though," Sebek frowns. I roughly step on Sebek's foot and he glares at me.

"Some places have distinctive local dialects," Jade explains. "I'm sure this is one of them."

"Hello there," Epel's grandma greets the group. "You must be Epel's friends. I'm his grandmother, Marja."

"Oh, you've adjusted your accent for us," Jade was surprised, but quickly recovered. "That's very welcoming of you."

"Well, sure," Mrs. Marja smiles. "I switch it up when I'm selling goods in another town. I know it can be tricky for people outside Harveston to understand."

"Don't worry," Epel chuckles. "If you get confused by something someone says, I'll interpret for you."

"It's just wonderful that you all came out," Mrs. Marja says. "I appreciate you being so kind to my grandson."

"Epel's very kind to us," Jade places a hand on his chest.

"...I barely interact with him, TBH," Idia mutters.

"Ah, but where are my manners," Jade sighs. "My name is Jade Leech. I'd like to thank you for your generous invitation to partake in Harveston's festival."

"I'm Sebek Zigvolt," Sebek introduces himself. "Thank you for having us, Marja!"

"Whoa, you just called her Marja? No Ms. or Mrs.? That's like skipping past no manners and diving straight into NEGATIVE manners. Um, yes..." Idia slightly scolds Sebek before switching to his tablet to speak. "Hello, ma'am. I'm Idia Shroud, ma'am."

"Gracious, city folk sure have an interesting way of greeting people," Mrs. Marja lets out a laugh.

"No, that's just Idia," Epel exclaims.

"Hello, my name is Y/n," I introduce myself. "It's a nice to meet you."

"Ah," Mrs. Marja looks at me in realization. "I've heard so much 'bout ya from my grandson."

"All good things I hope," I nervously laugh.

"Of course, my dear," Mrs. Marja reassures me. "My grandson speaks very highly of ya."

"I wouldn't dream of bad mouthing you, Y/n," Epel smiles at me.

"Young'uns are always so full of energy," Marja laughs. "You're as lively as an apple sapling. I can't offer you anythin' fancy, but I hope you enjoy the sights and have fun in the race!"

"Thank you," our group, excluding Epel, thanks Mrs. Marja and she waves us off. She leads us into the assembly hall. The hall was covered with different fabrics that were on display.