With a few things gained from their victory, the team was ready to continue their journey of finding Alkanzur the Great, in hopes of breaking Saka's curse.
-Farewell, king Praise, the prince told his goodbyes.
-Farewell, prince Sakandir. You and your team were a (asverdar redutabil).
After leaving the castle, the king was once again left alone with his thoughts. He did enjoy the team's company and he felt as if he didn't want them to leave. His belongings sure did bring him some sort of joy, but, as Alwenn said, nothing could replace a human being.
-Wait! he suddenly stopped them.
The team turned around.
-I uh...there will be a music festival in town tomorrow so if you'll still be here by then, I'd be honoured to see you.
Alwenn was surprised by the king's sudden offer. They were on a mission though. They didn't have time to waste.
-It's nice of you, your majesty, but I don't think we...
-Will Olyvia be there? little Al cut him off.
-I think so, Praise responded.
-Alwenn, can we go? Please! She's my favourite singer!
Al persuaded him to accept the offer like a little kid crying for a doll.
-No!? Out of discussion! We're not here to go to festivals!
-Oh, come on, Alwenn! We could have some fun too, don't you think? Saka insisted.
-Don't mind me but you two sound like a married couple fighting, Tharia whispered to them.
They both looked flustered in opposite directions.
-Listen, Alwenn leaned to whisper to him, it wouldn't be that smart to stay in crowded places. You know what almost happened today.
-I know. I'll be careful. I swear. The last thing I wanna do is hurt someone.
-Saka, just think about it for a second.
-Relax. Trust me on this one. It'll be fine, okay?
Saka looked at Alwenn with his big hopeful eyes. Alwenn knew he couldn't resist them so he looked the other way. He'd been through a lot. It hurt him to refuse his wish.
Maybe if they'd stay there for a bit, it wouldn't be a problem, right?
-Alright, Alwenn finally said.
-Yes! Saka and little Al both said.
-But we won't be long! Just one song and we're leaving. Got it?
-Married couple, Tharia continued.
-Great! I'll see you guys there then!
They finally left.
-Thanks for the free cake! Saka shouted.
-What?
-What?***
Festivals in Di'alora were a big deal. In the capital city (name) there was always a festival or an event that you could go to. Tarabe with souvenirs, food, clothing; games, dances, and a concert. Social gatherings with aim for a positive impact were part of the Di'alorian culture. Of course, not everyone gains their energy by socialising or surrounding themselves with people, so there were also days that celebrated having some alone time. If you're looking for a place where obtaining positivity is cherished in any way shape or form, Di'alora was the place for you.
Arrived at the festival, the team was astonished by the variety of people that were there - not just Di'alorians. There were people from all three of Nym's kingdoms.
-Alright everyone, here are the rules: One...
-Blueberry muffins! Saka and Al both said when they saw a tarabă thay was selling their favourite dish.
-And they left, Tharia said.
-Rule number one is don't separate from the group, Alwenn facepalmed.
-Good luck keeping track of your kid and your husband, she joked.
-Oh, yeah? Where's Adri with Zola?
Tharia looked around realising that they weren't behind her anymore.
-Oh Nym! Can this woman tell me where she goes?! Stay with the others. I'll go find them.
Alwenn did as he was told. He was a bit overwhelmed by the many people around him but he was holding it well. Part of it was the fear that Saka would glitch in any moment and he had to be there to hide him somehow. And that was adding up to his already stressed state.
He saw the both munching on their muffins with delighted expressions on their faces.
-Want some? Saka asked Alwenn.
-No. Thanks.
-Stop being so stressed! Saka hit him. We're here to have fun, remember? Forget about the daily problems. Have no worries, Saka put his hand over his shoulder, showing him the world with the cupcake in his hand.
Alwenn shook it off.
-I know. But we've gotta be careful. Don't wander around like that.
-Really, Alwenn? Can't you stop talking about...that?
Saka was disappointed. It was the only time he could forget about the curse. But the only thing Alwenn was doing was reminding him of it. He already knew how dangerous he was.
But as much as Alwenn wanted to make him feel at ease, he couldn't avoid precautions for his own safety. Though realising that Saka's mental health was also very important, he decided that it'd be indicate to take his mind off of the curse for the day.
-Right. Sorry. I won't mention it again.
He clapped cluelessly.
-Where...should we go first?
-I don't know, Saka said while chewing. You've been to festivals before, right?
Alwenn shook his head.
-No?! Son, we've gotta teach big Alwenn how to have fun NOW! It's an emergency!
-I'm on my positions and I have my Have Fun master degree with me, little Al replied.
-Alright then Team Fun Makers to the rescue!
YOU ARE READING
The Soul of Aoora [EDITING]
FantasyAfter he made a mistake that got his parents to disappear, Alwenn has lived his life in guilt. Taken in by Queen Ren of On'svalor in a luxurious castle, with her spoiled brat of a son, prince Saka, an elf about his age, Alwenn can't help but want to...