As Louis ventured off to attend a meeting with the village elders, George and I settled outside his quaint hut, enveloped by the serene ambiance of the surroundings. Perched on makeshift stools, George unraveled tales of the village's rich heritage, spanning millennia of existence, sustained by its own resilience without reliance on external aid.
The revelation of the village's clandestine longevity struck me profoundly, realizing its hidden existence from the outside world.
Upon Louis's return, his voice broke the tranquil air, drawing my attention. "Odette?" he queried. "George might not have mentioned it, but there's a forest festival underway. I reckon it'd be quite the adventure to explore."
Rising from my spot beside George, I nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds delightful."
As Louis and I embarked on our journey towards the festivities, a silent exchange with George conveyed my unspoken invitation. "I'll stay put," George responded with a knowing grin, "Just don't let the night catch you off guard, lovebirds."
We exchanged amused glances before continuing on our way. Upon reaching the festival square, vibrant banners adorned the surroundings, while the air hummed with the chatter of villagers and the melodies of celebration.
While Louis engaged in conversation with the locals, I meandered through the lively array of stalls. A collection of offerings awaited, from tantalizing caramel confections to intricately crafted furniture. Yet, it was a modest stand tucked away at the end that called me closer.
Beneath a faded green canopy sat an elderly gnome, her weathered features exuding wisdom accumulated over years. Drawn to a particular bracelet, its deep blue hue captivated my gaze.
"How much for this one?" I inquired, breaking the serene ambiance.
The gnome's voice, tinged with age, responded, "Let me see... 14 Crete." Surprised by the currency, more common in distant Oryn, I hesitated only briefly before deciding.
"I'll take it," I declared, tendering the appropriate payment along with a little extra.
Her eyes sparkled with gratitude as she noticed the additional coins. "Thank you very much, ma'am," she expressed, a genuine smile gracing her weathered face.
After delicately fastening the bracelet around my wrist, I admired its intricate design, feeling its weight settle comfortably against my skin. Energized by the festival's festive atmosphere, I resumed my exploration, weaving through clusters of villagers immersed in jovial conversations and spirited dances.
As the golden hues of the setting sun bathed the scene in a warm glow, my gaze fell upon Louis seated at a table, engaged in animated discussion with a group of gnomes. Their laughter and lively movements suggested a carefree abandon that called me closer.
Approaching Louis with a smile, I interrupted their conversation. "Louis?" I called softly, capturing his attention.
He turned towards me, the soft radiance of the sunset reflected in his eyes, casting an enchanting glow. "Hm?" he responded, his focus shifting to me.
A surge of excitement coursed through me as I extended an invitation. "Would you like to dance?" I inquired eagerly.
A bashful grin tugged at the corners of his lips as he hesitated. "I don't really dance," he confessed, his tone tinged with self-deprecation. "I'm not very good."
Undeterred, I implored him, determined to coax him onto the dance floor. Before he could protest further, a mischievous gnome seated beside him intervened, playfully nudging his arm. "Come on, the lady wants to dance. Off you go," the gnome insisted with a playful wink.
With a gentle tug, I seized Louis's hand, pulling him from his seat and guiding him towards the heart of the festivities. Emboldened by the pulsating rhythm of the music, we surrendered to its sway, our movements synchronizing in a graceful waltz.
Amidst the whirl of dancers and the melodic strains of music, a lighthearted exchange of conversation ensued between us.
As the dance ended, Louis's expression turned serious, a hint of apprehension flickering in his eyes. "I have something I need to tell you," he confided, his voice barely above a whisper, laden with unspoken weight.
YOU ARE READING
The Land of the Lost
FantasyIn the realm of Oryn, Princess Odette bears the weight of her lineage, pressured to uphold her parents' legacy. Yet, as whispers of embarking into uncharted territories to help her kingdom and her people become a global superpower, she finds herself...
