Something's Wrong With the Different Realms

Four: Preternatural

Allaira Parisseiniviani

"Put this up, will you dear?" My mother called out to me, handing me a long, flimsy, silver banner to hang. "Preferably before those two trees?"

"M'kay mom," I replied and proceeded to hang one of the long, silver banners.

We were finally decorating this mundane and dull place and sprucing it up to make the place look as festive and visually appealing as possible. We were celebrating the anniversary of our village, Zenobia. Funnily enough, the anniversary of the town was just seven days after Horizon's birthday.

The celebrations were to be located in the drab square near the bustling and lively central hub of our village. Though the central hub would have been the preferable location, with its twinkling lights, bustling creatures in all shapes and sizes, lively chatters, and colorful stalls, it was much too crowded. It would have been too difficult to usher all of the creatures away to set up decorations for the anniversary celebrations. That was why the large, flat, plain and desolate square was used. Heck, it was even called a celebration square! Its only purpose was to be used for celebrations and festivities! Otherwise, having that measly drab thing hanging around would have been useless!

After the banner was placed, I stood there admiring my handiwork, my cold hands on my narrow hips, thinking. The banner's slightly crooked, I gotta move it to the left a little more. I quickly tilted the banner to the left just a touch, then gave the banner a stern look. That's perfect, I thought. I patted the dust off my frock and smiled to myself, the decorations are coming along just fine.

"Young madam, we have loads to do to get this place in the most delightful shape possible for the festival." My thoughts were interrupted by my mother, Ruania.

I jumped a bit before turning to face her. I took in my mother's dark Hillyrien witch eyes the color of the night sky, her pale skin that was the same shade as Allurie's, and her night-sky hair color which was common for witches but not elves. I opened my mouth, gaping, staring at my mother; but before I could say anything, I was interrupted by my mother.

"What are you standing around for? We have plenty more to do?"

So for the next chimes, or what humans referred to as "hours" we spruced up the place and got decorating.

"Hey Lair, I think it's right around here somewhere," Horizon pulled me in the general direction where the sun begins to fall from the coral-streaked sky.

He ushered me around a corner where a cluster of booths was placed so narrowly together it seemed like they were hugging. Passing many creatures at a standstill, admiring the dazzling environment of the festivities, we finally made it where a sole tree stood. The tree stood colorful and altitudinous, completely obscuring us. The tree's colorful needles flashed every color imaginable, from dull shades of rust to violent garnets to soft sea foams.

Horizon hopped up to his tiptoes, trying to make his miniature height more imposing. "This tree contains exhibits of art from creatures all around Zenobia. We can manipulate it using the red lever at the foot of the tree to see the pieces that we want to."

"And?" I arched an eyebrow, taking in Horizon's chestnut skin, pointed ears and wide tanzanite eyes.

"I reckon we can find some of my captured light pieces here."

"That's amazing!" I exclaimed.

We find Horizon's pieces in no time. One showcased the beauty of the Forest on a snowy winter day. The snowflakes fell gently from the sky in the piece, giving the Forest a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere. The other one showed the bustle and hustle of Zenobia's central hub. Looking at it, I could almost hear the voices of creatures screaming at each other, trying to barter for the lowest prices.