"Well, it all started when I got this small town just outside the Rose Kingdom," Malik started, but Rana silenced him with a wave of her hand.
"A good story requires the right amprashere. The caravan is coming this way follow me, and we can continue this conversation in my wagon," she said already walking back, leading them with no choice but to follow. It was not even five minutes later when they saw it.
It seemed like a hundred ornate wagons pushing through the forest surrounded by the strangest people that Primrose had ever seen. Shirtless men wearing the funniest puffy pants. Women were walking around in half shirts that barely covered their breasts and practically transparent flowy skirts. She saw one woman who looked as though all the color drained from her skin standing next to a woman who was identical to her, except her skin was black as a night sky. There were men in dresses and women in trousers. It was not only their appearances that shocked primrose. Some the people were standing on top of wagons, contorting their bodies in unnatural ways, and people walked about playing interments that she had never seen and singing songs in tongues that she had never heard before. Primrose felt very overwhelmed by the assembly, and part of her thought that they had stumbled upon some sort of fairy parade, and soon they would all be pulled away like in a fairy tale. Rana stepped proudly in front of then and gestured to the group with outspread arms," Welcome to the Seven Veils carnival. My family."
Malik turned and saw Primrose's frighten expression and patted her on the back, "There's no need to worry Prim. We made be freaks, but no one here will hurt you." he said.
"Wait, so they aren't fae?" she asked, shaking a little.
"Fae?" Malik asked cocking his head to the side before he quickly figured out what she meant. He laughed so hard that he fell to the floor.
Rana giggled a little too, shaking her head," I appreciate that you think my simple trope is so otherworldly, but I assure you that everyone here is as human as you." she said.
She had such a kind tone, it was like they had been friends for years and knew each other better than anyone else, that Primrose instantly relaxed. Her fear turns into annoyance at the still laughing Malik.
Before she could yell at him, though, Rana bobbed him hard on the head," I know you have more sense than to laugh at a friend's fear Malik." She scolded, and Malik quelled under her.
"Come on, Rana, you know that was hilarious." he winced, rubbing his head. He looked so much like a sulking child that Primrose couldn't help but laugh at him.
It seemed they were making a lot of noise because someone came running towards them, "Rana!" they shouted, throwing their arms around her.
"Ashe, I was only gone for twenty minutes," Rana said, laughing.
"Well, I still missed you, my love," Ashe said, kissing the back of her neck before noticing Malik and Primrose.
"Oh, Malik! How's my favorite brother in law," they said before letting Rana go and giving Malik a bear hug.
"Loving life, how about you, my favorite sibling in law," Malik said, returning the hug.
Ashe let go of him and turn to Primrose," And who is this little knight?"
"How did I know you I was a knight?" Primrose asked, amazed.
Ashe spread their hands out in a showy fashion, "Magic!" they exclaimed. The longer Primrose looked at Ashe, the less she sure of what they were. At first, Primrose assumed they were male from their brightly colored cavalier costume and short hair, but as she looks at them more, they had certain female features and mannerisms too. Something told her now was not the best time to ask about it, so she didn't.
"They could tell because your sheath has the insignia of the Rose Kingdom and your general demeanor and stance denotes military training," A severe-looking man said coldly from behind Primrose. He was wearing an ankle-length white robe with the sleeves rolled up and saddles He had a similar complexion to Rana, but his skin had large sections of white pigmentation. Primrose was surprised by this sudden intrusion that she pulled out her sword and pointed at the new person.
The man remained expressionless and even went as far as to lean closer to her sword," On second glance, the insignia has been disfigured. Dishonorable discharged?" he asked.
Primrose felt all the eyes on her and knew she was in the wrong right now, so she quickly reshefted her sword, "In a manner of speaking, yes." she said
"For what reason?" he asked.
"I see no need to go into that with you," Primrose said, meeting his cold tone with an equally cold glare.
"You walk up to our caravan with my wife and her brother. I will ask you whatever I please," he said.
"Aadril, that was inappropriate. "Malik said, stepping between them," she's my friend. There's no need to interrogate her."
His stern look was replaced with surprise," You can make friends?" he asked deadpan.
"Stop being so mean to our little Malik Aadril. If he thinks she's trustworthy, then she is." Rana said, walking over to him and putting a hand on his arm.
He looked at her for a minute, then nodded," If it is your wish, my love. I'll continue leading the caravans so you can talk to Malik and his...friend."
Ashe hugged his other arm," I'll go with you and help darling," they said, pulling Aadril away," make sure you tell me everything later, Rana."
"Of course, love. Have fun!" she shouted after them then started walking into the parade.
"Wait, are you married to Aadril or Ashe?" Primrose asked, getting more confused by the moment.
Rana looked back at her with a small smile," Yes." she said simply.
"Oh," Primrose responded and then just silently followed behind her.