Aeon Nuhility

VOTA PRAECIPIO

That morning was going to be pancakes and chocolate overload. It was a shame that Ellik along with the rest had woken up after midday. He quickly showered and changed into simple clothes. As he entered the hallway he couldn't believe the smell wafting from the kitchen. He raced to the lounge and found Feana and Seth already digging into their pancakes. Ellik had seated at the end of the small table with Feana to his right and Seth to his left. The trio was still groggy over the early morning experience. The Guardian gently set down the water and sat opposite Ellik. Now with the golden rays filling the house Ellik could clearly see the woman that had been taking care of him his entire life. She ate slowly and gracefully yet somehow retaining a stern look. Her most distinctive feature is her red hair which she wore in a bob cut. If the Guardian was on the graceful side of the 'eating manner spectrum', the trio was on the opposite. Pancakes are a child's best breakfast since there was nothing else like it and therefore Seth and Ellik devoured their meal. Feana ate slowly, but only because she stuffed huge amounts at once. The Guardian watched over the three and smiled, delighted that they had enjoyed her recipe.

"Never grow up my children." The Guardian said as she began to collect the empty dishes.

"Never." Seth vouched.

"- in a million years." Feana added.

"You guys know the routine. Get out, help out and be back in time for the display."

"Actually, we sort of thought that maybe you could meet us there?" Feana asked.

Seth and Ellik looked at Feana as if she crossed the line then anticipated a scolding. Instead she turned to Ellik.

"Will this make you happy?"

Ellik felt like it was a weird question to ask. Why would it matter if it made him feel happy? It didn't seem like she would turn and ask the others. Feana subtly nodded her head towards Ellik.

"Sure." Ellik muttered.

The Guardian's smile stretched wider.

"Great. As long as you guys don't do anything that I wouldn't do."

"Of course!" Seth and Feana saluted in unison.

The trio got up from their seats and raced out of the house. The street was busy as can be. At least twenty people were present, each doing something different. One had been hanging colorful string above the cottages' roofs since dawn, another spraying paint powder into the air. A few stopped their activities and their faces lit up at the sight of the three. The sky was cloudless and a crispy breeze blew through. A lady- aged around early thirties- walked up to Feana and the rest.

"Vota Praecipio! Another eleven days for sacrifice!"

That statement... it seemed familiar to Ellik somehow. Almost like déjà vu had slapped him across the face. The lady had brown straight hair with a hunched back, but for a split second she had the look of a young black-haired model.

"Vota Praecipio!" They wished the lady together.

"How can we help?" Feana eagerly asked.

The lady giggled silently and stepped closer.

"You kids be kids, us adults can handle the preparations."

"We're not kids anymore you know." Seth crossed his arms.

"And this week is supposed to be for sacrifice. All these years, carrying on 'till now, all we have to sacrifice is time and labor." Feana argued.

"First thing: you're the only kids around here. Second thing: you're sacrificing your happiness. I know you guys hate working on holiday when you've been working whole year throughout. "