Revelations

17- Vasileios

17- Vasileios

We finally got back to the celebration after what seemed an endless walk, but had actually only lasted about fifteen minutes. It made me realise how far I actually ran away from the centre. The rain died down and the stars twinkled next to the moon like tiny diamonds. The air was nippy and I could feel myself shivering. I rubbed my arms trying to generate some heat to warm myself up.

"Hey, here take this you're shivering like mad." Joseph said holding out his leather jacket, which I grabbed with no hesitation.

"Thanks." I said with a smile.

"Hey Darius, Marco how you doing? You guys enjoying the celebration?" Joseph said to two of the guards and did the strange man hug thing, where they shake hands then merge into a hug. I don't understand it, why don't they just hug?

"Great, I have to say Valentina is looking ravishing tonight, not that you don't look great too Andie, is it?" The one named Marco said, the last part came out slightly nervously. I recognise him now, they were the two guards who showed me around the first time and wouldn't tell me where I was. I thought they didn't speak.

"But you just spoke." I said slightly confused.

"Yes that's what people do, Andie." Joseph said, as Darius and Marco laughed.

"See you guys later." Darius said as him and Marco walked off.

"What was so funny? I don't understand." I still feel confused.

"Oh, you don't know do you?" Joseph said chuckling to himself.

"Do I look like I know?" I said clearly not sounding amused.

"Okay!" He replied holding up his hands. "The guards have a little, let's call it a prank that they do on each time a new person comes to Nova, normally ones who have come for their tests. The guards don't respond to anything they say. It's a tradition, it is quite funny the reactions are the best especially yours!"

"Oh, shut up!" I said half annoyed, but half laughing.

"Oh, Andromeda you are in trouble." Joseph said pointing towards a angry Lilah walking right in my direction.

"Trouble? I'm dead."

"Well, you are on your own my dear friend. May the Gods have mercy on your soul." Joseph said running off laughing.

"But! Argh!" I cried out, Lilah is going to skin me alive.

"Andie! What have you done?! It took me ages to make this and its, well look at it. " Lilah huffed.

"I'm sorry, I really am it rained and I tripped over in the mud. I lost my shoes and it kind of got ripped as I got up, I'm really sorry Lilah."

"It's fine don't worry, oh god here comes one of the council members." Lilah sighed.

"Oh Lilah dear, what a marvellous look you have done on our Andromeda." Raissa said examining me, she looked elegant in a simple mink coloured gown with one of her ever interesting hair pins. It was a pink chrysanthemum on a silver pin studded with tiny, tanzanite gems.

"Er, uh um-"

"It's a natural look, Raissa." I said saving Lilah who shot me a thankful look, she looked relieved.

"It is incredible, I don't know where you young people come up with these wonderful creations. Good job, Lilah!" Raissa replied smiling; I think she has had a little too much to drink because I look like a mess.

"I think I need a drink, maybe five." Lilah said wandering off.

I walked over to one of the tables. I really needed a drink, my throat felt bone dry. I poured an orange looking liquid into one of the glass cups. As the drink touched the glass, purple swirls appeared along the sides. I now am a bit wary as to whether I should drink it or not. Ah well, what's the worst that could happen?