Tarragon: Key Keeper

Chapter Two

ANWEN TOOK TWENTY MINUTES TO make herself look presentable. It had been some time since she'd last gone out with anyone. She felt more than a little awkward about it, especially since she didn't know the guy. She just hoped this time would not turn out the same way her last relationship had. Not that she intended for things to go too far. After all, she wasn't planning on staying for more than a week or two. But it wouldn't hurt to flirt just a little, let her hair down, in a manner of speaking.

As Anwen came down the stairs, Tyler stood from his seat and nodded in appreciation. He took in her white eyelet lace top, which she wore over a medium blue blouse with three quarter length sleeves. She also wore faded blue jeans and tan sandals. "No bad," he commented, causing her to blush.

Anwen looked around, focusing on a floral arrangement on a low table as she walked towards him. "So," she rubbed the toe of one foot across the wood floor, "when does this festival of yours start?"

Taking her hand, Tyler moved towards the front door of the inn. "Right now, actually. So, if you don't want to miss all the fun, I suggest you try to keep up."

Anwen followed him down the porch stairs and across the street to the green field. He led her to the area he'd pointed out when they'd first arrived. The tables sat, now filled with food and exotic looking flowers. In the center of the grass stood a large wooden stage, with low stairs leading to the smooth floor.

Tyler pulled Anwen to one side as a group of natives bustled by. "You need to be quick on your feet during a festival," he commented.

Sure the way was open once more; he led her towards a section of chairs facing the stage. "If you look that way," he pointed towards a copse of trees, "you'll see the start of the dragon parade. It should begin any time now."

Anwen took a seat and turned to look in the direction he indicated. She gasped in surprise as a long Eastern dragon appeared between the foliage, the red contrasting with the green shrubbery.

The sharp sounds of beating drums could be heard as the dragon snaked closer. Around two-dozen men held up the giant serpentine body with long poles. It reminded her of a New Year Celebration she'd seen on television.

Cymbals crashed as the procession came closer. The carriers intertwined between the various guests, tables, and chairs, making Anwen wonder how they didn't all trip. Tassels bounces off the long fabric body as the dragon's bearers moved their poles up and down, moving in time to the beating drums.

Behind the giant serpent, smaller dragons appeared on puppet strings, including Eastern and Western varieties with flapping wings. Further down the line, brightly costumed performers beat sticks and danced.

Anwen had to turn to follow the course of the parade. More people came over to find seats while children ran rampant around the dancing figures. They carried flowing streamers of red, blue, and green. She had to cover her ears as the procession moved closer. The drums, cymbals, and sticks clacked loudly until the Eastern dragon ascended the steps.

Once on stage, the creature seemed to tie itself into a knot. More people came forward, lining the sides of the platform, holding drums that reminded Anwen of bongos. They beat out a fast cadence that the dragon dancers followed with an almost fury of movement.

"Won't they fall off?" Anwen wondered, watching the intricate footwork. She gasped as one dancer got too close to the edge and seemed to falter.

Tyler leaned in to be heard over the noise. "No," he almost had to shout. "They practice for this. Only the best performers are selected to be part of the Dragon Procession."