I can still see the blood on my hands even though I washed them. I scrubbed them clean until they were stinging, and Alice had to stop me, but I still saw only red. I can't take my mind off of that man's death. He was a bandit, a murder and someone who would have killed or at least hurt countless people if I had not have stopped him, but I am still horrified about the fact that I killed him. I can't even close my eyes without seeing the look on his face as the life drained from his eyes.
"No one is going to be able to keep their eyes off of you tonight," I forgot Alice was helping me dress for the festival. I can remember her offering to help me dress and letting me borrow one of her old dresses, but it is all a blur. "You look so cute. I am tempted to lock you up and keep you all to myself."
I doubt she would try something like that, but I know I no longer possessed the strength to fight her off if she did. I feel her start brushing my hair, but I don't react. I just continue to stare at my hands, feeling the need to wash them again. Alice has been trying to cheer me u ever since she found me trying to scrub the skin off my fingers, but even her efforts can't get through to me. He had to die. I keep telling myself that I had to do it, but I still don't feel any better.
"I knew this dress would look good on you," Alice tells me, and I take a quick peek in the mirror for the first time since she started getting me ready.
The blue dress isn't as fancy as some of the clothing I wore before, but I like the frills, and Alice is right about how it suits me. As for my hair, Alice has brushed and pleated it while also weaving some flowers into it. I do my best to smile and thank her for the help, but I can barely force my lips to turn upwards.
"Don't worry about it," Alice says, placing a hand on my shoulder and smiling at me through the mirror. "Just go out and have some fun. I'm sure whatever is bothering you will disappear after you enjoy yourself tonight."
"…" I slowly nod my head, hoping what Alice just said is true.
"Now come on, I'm sure my mother would like to see you before you disappear for the night," Alice says, taking my hand. I am sure she was helping me to my feet in her mind, but in reality, she nearly yanks my arm off. "I'm sure she is going to be jealous of how adorable you look."
I don't have much of a choice about whether I go or not, as before I can even respond, Alice is pulling me towards the door. It's not like I mind, but I wish she would slow down before I trip and fall. It doesn't take long before Alice is dragging me down the stairs, and it seems like no time at all before we reach the front desk and Alice is pushing me forward.
"Oh, that brings back memories. I can still remember watching you, Alice running through the inn wearing that dress, causing all sorts of trouble," Sue smiles fondly when she sees me. "I must say it suits you well, Maria. I hope you won't get the dress as dirty as my daughter used to."
"…" I shake my head and smile as Alice frowns.
"You are making it sound like I was a troubled child," Alice moans.
"You still are a troubled child, dear," Sue replies, making Alice grumble something under her breath that I didn't quite catch. "Now, you should get going, Maria, and meet up with your friends before they start to worry about you."
"…" I nod my head and wave goodbye. I still have some time before we agreed to meet up so I can take a pleasant casual stroll through the town.
I can hear the festival before I even get near it. I can hear soft music being played and childish laughter in the distance. At least I don't have to worry about getting lost on my way there. I agreed to meet up with Lucas and Nori at the fountain in the main square where the festival is taking place, and I hope it isn't too crowded so we can find each other quickly.
Approaching the festival, I quickly find myself joining a flow of people approaching the movement and laughter. This must be what water feels like as it is carried downstream. I do my best to stay on course for the fountain, but that is harder than it looks with so many people around me. In the end, I make it, but I have been elbowed and pushed multiple times along the way. But at least I am not the first person to arrive.
Nori is already there by the fountain wearing a beautiful outfit with a colourful flowery design. Unlike me, who has a hidden pocket for my coins, Nori is carrying hers in a purse that hangs from her wrist. Nori notices me approaching and waves, nearly dropping her coin purse.
"You look beautiful, Maria," Nori smiles as I reach her.
"…" I smile and nod before pointing at her trying to say she does too.
"Come on, you look way more cuter," Nori replies before leaning in closer. "You better not be trying to beat me."
"…" I shake my head. I didn't even pick this outfit myself.
"It doesn't matter if you are," Nori tells me. "Because I know I will always win."
"Oh, you both are here,"
I smile and turn to face him, and I catch Nori doing the same out of the corner of my eye. Lucas appears out of the crowd with multiple children clinging to him. He isn't as dressed up as Nori and me, but he still looks good in casual clothing. The children cling to him tighter the closer he gets and looks at us nervously. There are three of them. Two girls with Lucas's eyes but lighter hair and a boy who looks just like a cuter younger version of Lucas… I am not trying to say that the Lucas I know isn't cute, but… let's just forget about it and move on.
"Are these your brother and sisters you mentioned?" Nori asks, jumping forward, but the kids only cower closer to Lucas.
"Yeah," Lacus nods. "They are a bit shy soo be nice to them."
"Hey there, I'm Nori," Nori introduces herself, kneeling down to their level while I just smile.
"The girl next to her is Maria," Lucas says, introducing me himself. "She's the one I told you about who can't talk."
"You're the one who saved big brother?" One of the girl's eyes suddenly lights up.
"You don't look strong enough to take down a group of goblins," The boy adds, looking me up and down.
"Oh, she did something like that," Even Nori sounds sceptical about it as she turns to look at me.
Lucas quickly confirms I did, in fact, do as he claimed and tells a quick story about the battle before they seem to believe him. Nori is still slightly sceptical, but I think she feels more jealous that I made an impression on Lucas like that than about my combat abilities. After a brief moment where Lucas answers the questions, I can't with a nod, we all agree to drop the subject. With Lucas taking the lead, we all follow him into the main street where the festival is being held.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everything is so bright and cheerful. Stand owners advertise their wares while the food stalls fill the air with a delicious scent. I can feel my mouth water, and I want to try each and every one of the tasty looking snacks on offer. I wish my parents would have taken me to this festival even if it was just only once. Seeing all the children running around enjoying themselves makes me wonder if maybe I could have made a friend if I came here as a child.
"…" I jump when I suddenly bumped into something, only to regret it when I see that something was Lucas's back. I quickly put my hands up and try to tell him I was sorry.
"Are you okay?" He asks with a smile despite the fact I just walked into him.
"…" I nod my head feeling embarrassed and like a little kid.
"Be careful okay," I nod my head again. "Is there any stand you wanted to go to?"
"…" I shake my head. I don't even know what most of these stands are.
"Let me know if you see something you want to do," Lucas replies with a smile. "My sisters want to play some games first. Is that okay with you two?"
"Sure," Nori quickly replies, and I simply nod my head.
The first stand we arrive at is for a game called Pick a Duck. It doesn't look like much, but there are plenty of children around waiting to have a go. From what I can tell from watching others, you have to pick a wooden duck at random as they float around in a small pool of water. Some of the ducks have colours that determine your prize, while others have nothing, and it is sad to see the look on the children's faces when they walk away empty-handed. At least the stand's owner is kind enough to give them a piece of candy before they go. There is a line, but it doesn't take long before it is our turn.
"Pick for me, big brother,"
"Pick for me too,"
The two girls jump up and down excitedly, pleading for Lucas to pick a duck for them. The younger brother looks like he wants to ask Lucas to pick for him as well, but in the end, he walks over to the pool and picks his own duck.
"A red dot!" The stand owner cheers. "You young man can choose anything from the third shelf or lower."
From what I can tell, there are four colours. Gold is the first place where you can choose anything from any of the four shelves. Red is the second place where you can pick from the third one down, green is the third place, and blue is in fourth place. The prizes are really the same on every shelf in terms of value. The top shelf has wooden toys, the next one has stuffed toys, the one after that has balls and bats, while the bottom shelf has bags of candy. For his prize, Lucas's little brother choices a small ball that fits into his fist.
"Pick for us now,"
"Yes, hurry up and pick,"
The two girls pull their brother forward and nearly into the pool of water. Lucas smiles as he struggles to free his hands, telling his sisters if they don't let go, he can't pick for them. With great reluctance, they let him go, and Lucas picks two ducks at once.
"A blue dot and nothing!" The stand owner declares.
"Sorry," Lucas says, but his sisters smile back.
"Don't worry, we can share,"
"Yeah, that bag is both our prize,"
"You can have some too big brother,"
"Thank you," Lucas smiles back before accepting the bag from the stand owner.
"I put a little extra in there for them," The stand owner tells him, and Lucas quickly thanks him.
Neither Nori or I felt like playing this game, so we quickly move on afterwards, letting a swarm of children rush the stand. We quickly make our way over to the next game stand a few meters away from the duck game stand. This one doesn't look much different. There are shelves with prizes, but instead of a pool of wooden ducks, there is a wheel people spin. It doesn't take long for Lucas to be pulled towards the wheel with his siblings asking him to spin it for them again. Even his younger brother asks this time as well.
Lucas smiles and laughs as his younger siblings push him forward. I can't help but smile too when I see how happy he looks. I wish I had something like that growing up. When I was little, my parents would hold me, and we could play together, but that didn't last long. Maybe if we had a relationship like Lucas has with his brother and sisters, I might not have run away from home. I shake my head and whip away the tear that fell from the thought before anyone notices.
Lucas finally spins the wheel, and there is a sort of thrill as you watch it spin, praying it lands on something good. I almost giggle when I see Lucas's sisters watching the wheel go around and around, moving their heads with the wheels spin. I hope they get something good. Around and around, the wheel spins until it finally lands on green, and we all smile while the kids cheer.
"We have a winner!" The stand owner calls out, handing Lucas a small box with a green sticker on top. "Here is your mystery box."
To be honest, I was tempted to give the wheel a spin myself, but I followed Lucas over to the side, curious as to what he managed to win. Lucas finds a bench to sit on, and with his sisters by his side and me, his younger brother and Nori looking over his shoulder, he flips open the lid.
"It's pretty,"
"Can I wear it?"
"No, let me wear it,"
"No fair, I asked first,"
"Come on, you two, no fighting," Lucas smiles, stopping his sisters from fighting.
When Lucas opened the box, I was surprised to such a pretty hair clip in there. It is probably cheap, but it looks like it is made of gold with how it is painted and shimmers in the nearby torchlight. It really is pretty. It doesn't matter which of Lucas's sisters ends up wearing it. They will both look good with this clip in their hair.
"How about we give it to mother as a present when we get back?" Lucas suggests, and his siblings quickly agree.
"Hey, I think the fireworks are about to start," Nori suddenly speaks up. "We should head over there now if we want a good spot."
"Your right," Lucas says, quickly jumping to his feet. "Come on, guys, you don't want to miss the fireworks, do you?"
"Yeah, I want to watch the pretty explosions,"
"Me too,"
Lucas is quickly lead by his sisters while his brother follows close behind him. I was about to move with him, but Nori quickly stops me. Grabbing my hand, she bites her bottom lip. She looks around nervously for a minute before glancing at Lucas as he gets further and further away. Finally, Nori takes a deep breath.
"Hey, after the fireworks, can you distract the kids?" Nori asks me, struggling to look me in the eye. "It is just there is a dance right after, and I wanted… to ask Lucas to dance with me…."
"…" I nod my head.
"Thank you," Nori shyly smiles. "Now, let us go and catch up with them."
We both jog after Lucas and the kids. Thankfully they didn't get too far ahead of us, and we could still see them. I wonder what this dance will be like. My parent's had a tutor teach me a few ballroom dances before, but this hardly seems the place for something like those dances. It might be fun watching the dance… but I am starting to want to take part in it myself.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
They were beautiful. I only saw the fireworks before from a distance. I always enjoyed the show, but being so much closer was incredible. I could feel every explosion, and the colours of each firework were so much brighter and more vibrant up close. I could only stare up in awe at the sight long after the show had finished, and if Lucas wouldn't have shaken my shoulder when it was time to leave, I probably wouldn't even notice they had left. I am glad I came tonight.
"Hey big brother, they are lighting the bonfire,"
One of Lucas sisters suddenly cheers as a large pile of straw and wood. It must be covered in some kind of oil as the thing goes up in flames after just a single torch is thrown onto the pile and a pleasant smell fills the air. Musicians on a stage to the left of the area suddenly starts to play a song more upbeat than anything I have ever heard. At the same time, couples come together to dance around the bonfire.
This must be the dance Nori want to do with Lucas. I cast a glance at her and see Nori looking nervously at Lucas while chewing on her lower lip. I hate that part of me wants her not to ask Lucas to dance. It is selfish, and I should want Lucas to be happy with Nori if she wants to. Mainly because if my family guards are still searching for me, I may have to leave town. I shouldn't get in the way of their happiness. In the end, I take a step forward and tap Lucas on the shoulder. When he looks at me, I point towards Nori, and he seems to get the message.
"Can you watch the kids?" I nod and watch him walk over to Nori, who looks horrified at what I had done.
I'm worried I may have done something wrong, but Lucas takes her hand, and they head to the dance area after a few seconds. On their way towards the bonfire, Nori mouths thankyou as they pass us by. They seem happy as they start to dance. I smile, but I still feel a pain in my chest but a tugging at my hands soon reminds me of what I had agreed to do.
"We should all dance together,"
"Yes, let's dance as well,"
"What I don't want to dance,"
The two sisters quickly take my hands, excited to dance, but Lucas's little brother shakes his head until one of his sister's lets go of my hand and takes his. I feel bad for him as we are both dragged towards the bonfire.
"Do you know how to dance,"
"…" I nod my head.
I know who to dance but not this one. Looking around, it seems simple enough as I see the couples holding each other's hands as they twirl together around the bonfire. It looks easy to do and something anyone can quickly pick up on. We quickly pair ourselves up with Lucas's younger brother dancing with one sister and me with the other.
We start to move slowly and try to get used to the dance. At first, we stumble, and the sister I am dancing with steps on my foot more than once. But soon we are moving smoothly together and starting to enjoy the dance. I keep an eye on the other two siblings who seem to be having fun, although the brother is trying to hide it. I also occasionally spot Lucas and Nori amongst the dances. Although her face is red, Nori does look like she is enjoying herself.
"Big brother talks a lot about you," I look down at the girl I am dancing with. "He keeps telling us about the beautiful girl that saved his life. He told us about how strong and brave you were. That you were willing to fight a large group of goblins so he could escape. He said he was able to fight beside you that day because you made him feel like victory was certain."
"…" I stand there with my mouth open, unable to say anything even if I could as my cheeks heat up.
"I'm glad you meet my brother," The girl continues. "He doesn't seem to worry as much over the last few days."
I didn't do that much. If anything, I should be thankful that Lucas came into my life. If it hadn't had been for him, I would have struggled to find a party to join and maybe had to go back home. I might already have been married off if it wasn't for Lucas. I shake my head and try not to think about it and just enjoy the dance. Unfortunately, it appears to be coming to an end. Slowly the dance stops, and the people watching start to clap. We make our way back to the side of the dance area with the other siblings right behind us, and it isn't long before Lucas joins us.
"Big brother, did you see me dance,"
"I danced too,"
"I sure did," Lucas smiles, patting his sister's heads as they quickly swarm him. "They weren't too much trouble, were they?"
"…" I shake my head.
"Lucas," Nori shoves him towards me for some reason.
"Oh right," Lucas quickly mutters before extending his hand to me. "Would you like to dance with me, Maria?"
"…" I nod my head and blush when I take his hand.
"Don't worry, I will keep an eye on the kids," Nori assures him before we make our way towards the bonfire.
After a few seconds, the music starts to play again, and Lucas and I circle the bonfire repeating the same dance from before. Lucas seems used to this dance. I don't know whether it is because he just danced with Nori or if he danced with someone else before, but Lucas doesn't miss a step. To my embarrassment, I am the only one to make a mistake, but Lucas doesn't seem to mind and just laughs it off.
My heart is pounding in my chest, and my face must be bright red. I can hear the other couples flirting around us, which only adds to my embarrassment. Everyone here is a couple apart from a few children dancing with their parents. Does that mean that people watching think Lucas and I are a… don't think about it. Twirling around the bonfire, I can't even feel the heat as I stare up at Lucas. His eyes lock onto mine, and I can't think of anything else other than the way they look.
"It has been a few years since I last danced here," Lucas speaks up after what feels like an eternity has passed. "I used to dance with my mother every year. She loved coming here, and I'm sure she would if she could."
I want to ask more about it, but I hear the music coming to an end. We start to slow down, and the crowd starts to cheer. All too soon, our dance comes to an end, and I find myself wishing to dance again. We are both smiling as we step apart. It may not have been a long dance, but Lucas seemed to have enjoyed it as much as I had. Returning to Nori and Lucas's siblings, we find them clapping too, and it doesn't take long for Lucas to be swarmed by his sisters again.
"You both look so good out there," They shrieks as Nori approaches me.
"Don't think I am giving up on Lucas," Nori whispers into my ear. "That was just a thank you for earlier."
"Big brother, let's go see the Holy Sword now,"
"I want to see it too,"
"Me too,"
This time Lucas's brother joins in and agrees with his sisters.
"Well, Lucas, you are finally old enough that they will let you hold it," Nori chimes in. "How about me, you and Maria, see if any of us are chosen hero's?"
"Are you okay with that?" Lucas asks me, and I nod my head. Even if I don't turn out to be a hero, I am not going to pass up the opportunity to hold a Holy Sword.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you would expect from the festival's main attraction, the Right of the Holy Sword is far busier than any other part of the festival. Knights from both the church and the Royal Army guard the area, keeping order and watch over the Holy Sword. There is a long line to take the Right of the Holy Sword with people both poor and rich from all works of life lining up to see if they are a hero.
If the books my parents gave me are correct, then the last time a hero appeared was nearly a hundred years ago. An army of demons was invading back then, and every army sent to stop them was whipped out. But when all hope seemed lost, the hero appeared and lead our worlds combined army to victory against the demons. It is said that a hero would always appear when the world was under threat, but that makes me nervous about the Right of the Holy Sword. If you think about it, if someone were to be discovered to be a hero, then that would mean the world is in grave danger.
"Wow, it looks so powerful," Nori says as we catch a glimpse of the Holy Sword.
The sword isn't as long as a longsword but still longer than a shortsword. It is hard to believe anyone could wield such a sword because, as Nori said, the sword gives off a mighty feeling. The handle is golden in colour, and the blade is sharp enough to piece the bolder that has imprisoned it. But despite the sharpness of the blade, no one can pull it free of the stone.
It is said that only a hero can free the sword from the bolder, and that is what the Right of the Holy Sword tests for. One by one, people come up to the sword, but it won't even budge an inch. Legend says that the sword has a will of its own and will only move if the sword deems the person holding it worthy. But as more and more people fail to move the sword, I am starting to feel like no one will ever be worthy to wield the Holy Sword.
"Let's get in line," Nori excitedly says, acting more like a child than Lucas's younger siblings.
We follow her in line, and as Nori starts jumping up and down, I feel like I have to keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't try and skip the queue. Lucas is calmer as he tells his brother and sisters about the stories her heard of hero's and I find myself listening too. Some of the stories seem too good to be true, but others I find could be possible. Still, the more I listen, the more I wonder if the hero really did exist.
It is finally our turn, and Nori goes first, rushing to the sword and roughly attempting to free it. Unfortunately, it doesn't move in the slightest, and Nori finds herself falling over. Reluctantly she admits defeat and steps to the side, although judging from the look in her eyes, it is clear she wants to try again. I hope she doesn't bring out her hammer and try to smash the rock to pieces.
"You can go next, Maria," Lucas says, and I nod my head.
"You can do it, Maria," The sister I danced with cheers.
I smile at her before stepping up to the Holy Sword. The feeling of power is like nothing I have ever felt before. I feel like I would be able to defeat any opponent. It would be good to have such a weapon, but I don't think I could handle the responsibility of having to save the world. Nervously I grip the weapon's handle, feeling a spark journey through my hand and up my arm. Maybe there is some truth to the story about the Holy Weapon choosing its wielder because that felt like it was accessing me. I try to lift the sword, but it doesn't move. It feels like part of the rock, and no matter how hard I struggle, I can't make it move at all. Maybe if I could activate Ability, I might be able to move it, but that feels like it would be cheating.
"Go for it, big brother,"
"You can do it,"
I hear Lucas's sisters cheer as I step aside to let Lucas attempt to move the Holy Sword. I smile and nod, wishing him luck.
"Good Luck, Lucas," Nori cheers coming to my side.
"Ha. Some kid thinks he's a hero just because he has some girls cheering for him," I hear someone mutter, but a glare from both Nori and me makes him look like he regretted his little slip of the tongue.
Turning back to Lucas, I see him nervously gripping the sword. It doesn't look like he will pull out the sword as he tries to move it, but then something unexpected happens. A golden glow enveloped the area, forcing me to close my eyes. By the time I can open them again, everything is silent. The crowd is silent. The crackling of a nearby fire is the only thing I can hear. My eyes and everyone else's is on Lucas as he stands there with the Holy Sword in his hand. I can't believe it. The immovable sword came free of the bolder, and no one even had to smash that rock open. But it has happened. Lucas has pulled the Holy Sword free. He has been chosen as a hero.
"He really pulled it free,"
"Big brother,"
"Lucas,"
This is real. I am not just imagining it. Lucas really has pulled the sword three. I can hear people muttering to themselves as the shock wears off. Several knights approach Lucas staring at the sword in disbelief. Lucas hasn't moved an inch since pulling the sword free. He has been just standing there staring at the Holy Sword. I can't believe it. Even though it is happening right before my eyes, it still doesn't seem…
"Lucas!"
"Lucas!"
"Big brother!"
"…"
Nori and his sisters all cry out his name as Lucas suddenly collapses. Please be okay. I run towards him with Nori as his siblings also rush to their brother's side. Please be okay.