A new day, a new adventure for them. Belda was this time still on Luzalé's horse. They were following the path of the next to the river that seemed to be without an end.
Léol was playing with his guitar a ryhtmic melodie, one invitating to dance. Everyone, except Régidal and Diésir, were dancing with their head. Luzalé was even humming with her calming voice. They finally arrived at a city, there they decided to take a break.
-We will go inside, undercover preferably. It would problematic to attract attention. Said Régidal to all the members of the order.
-Understood. Replied Diésir.
While walking on the streets of the city, they realised that it was quite animated today, The merchant were busy screaming to pick the interest of potential client, some restaurant were there and here, some shop too. One thing caught the attention of Belda. The musiciens playing some kind of silly and funny music for the kids there and some of the adults who had the courage to stay and play along. The musiciens were singing this.
-Hey hop it goes, hey hop it goes, hey hop it goes, hey hop it goes, the little, little, litlle rabbit !
Children were jumping on their tippy toes and saying the same thing. Of course, in a fraction of second, Belda ran towards them while saying to Léol and the other.
-I want to do it !
-Belda ! Loudly said Léol.
More surprisingly she was followed by Osmadrey and Sarika. She immediately started hopping around with the other kids.
-Come on Belda, you can't do that now, we have stuff to do. Said Osmadrey.
-You will play later. Continued Sarika.
-You are no fun ! She said a little bit angry.
She even crossed her arms and poutted. It was enough to touch the heart of her uncles.
-Oh truly sorry, please play.
-Yay !
And then, together, thay started jumping on their tippy toes, left, right, left, right while singing the song.
-Hey hop it goes, hey hop it goes, hey hop it goes...
-What are they doing ? Asked confused Crecio.
-I don't know but it is embarrassing. Replied Diésir.
He was almost disgusted by what he was seeing. Aesta talked.
-It looks fun.
She joined them and together, the four of them started doing the same thing. Luzalé was amused, Léol was almost embarrassed by the behaviour of those grown ass adults. It was not even necessary to say what was the face of Crécio and Diésir. Régidal looking at them and said.
-I thought i had seem strange in my life, but now i know stranger things.
-This what life is about. Comented Luzalé. She is smiling and having fun, that is what matters.
-It's true.
After a couple of minutes, they were all normal again.
-It was really funny. I want to do it again later !
The princess was still full of energy.
-No, we don't have more time for this. Replied Régidal.
-Oh no, that sucks !
-Behave and you might have a surprise later.
-Really ?
-Only if you behave.
-You will not hear me. She expressed confidently.
Régidal smiled as well as the other, Luzalé was happy to see some light on the face of their chief.
-What do we have to do now ? Demanded Osmadrey while eating grilled corn.
-We have to meet our spies, buy some food and a pair of shoes for Belda, she break her spare ones. Responded Régidal while being aware of his environment for some reason.
-How did you do that.
Aesta was asking this to the little girl. Her only answer was the kid raising her shoulders, she didn't. Then she started miming something with her fingers. It seemed to run and jump, even slide on something and after that it was difficult to understand what she saying with that.
-Talk, you have a mouth. Resumed Léol.
She shook her head, she pointed at her mouth and then showed the "no" sign with her finger. Then with a bit of cleverness, Léol said.
-We can't understand what you trying to show.
She was angry and answered.
-I can't talk because i said to papa Régidal that i wouldn't talk.
-Sorry. He replied.
-Aw, papa Régidal. Added Aesta.
It was cute to hear that.
-Don't start now, you might embarrassed him. He will say "This is not a appropriate behaviour for us". Said mockingly Osmadrey.
-Or "Be mindful of you words, not everything is suited for you". Added Sarika on top of that.
Even Crecio was trying to retain a smile even, Léol laughed a bit and Diésir seemed also amused. Luzalé was always smiling with an heavenly aura.
-Sometimes i feel like there is more than one child here.
Even thought he said it calmly, it was easy to sense that he was kindly embarrassed by that.
-It does sometimes. Added Luzalé.
They arrived at some tavern, it was not the best looking one.
-It's here. Luzalé come with me, you stay here and please, behave. Crecio and Diésir i am counting on you. Watch them for us.
-We will. Replied Diésir.
-Are you putting me in the same case as them ? Asked Léol insulted by that statement.
-You are easily influenced by them and particularely Belda.
-Yes but that's not the often.
Régidal stared at him dead in the eye, he was not buying it.
-I am offended.
Régidal walked inside the tavern followed by a radiant Luzalé.
-We will be back soon.
-Tsk. uttered Léol.
Once inside, the lord and the lady approached some lonely man sitting at a table near the dark spot of the place. He recognized them immediately.
-I have interesting news.
-Talk.
-I hear rumors about all the Reformist leaders preparing their troops for what they called a new phase of the war. They seem eager to finish with this war once and for all.
-I see.
-But that's not everything. The Knights of the Moon and the Regent Daubé are apparently talking about some shadow people in the forest of Majaka. I first i thought it was a mistake or a secret message but they are taking this thing very seriously. They...huh..they look kind of worried about those things.
-Do you know more about this ? Asked Luzalé.
-No, sorry. They don't talk about it in public often.
-Thank you, is it all or are they other thing you want to talk about.
-No.
-Then we will leave you be. Keep working like that and will be greatly rewarded.
-Thank you. Said the spy.
They stood up and left the old and nasty tavern.
-This shadow people story is giving bad feelings. Said quietly Luzalé.
-For me it's the Reformist leaders, they are ready for war but not us. We have to do something about it before we are taken off guard by them.
-So much for ideals and dreams.
-Humans are often slaves to it, i am no different.
When they finished talking they realised it was too quiet here. Then they saw that their companions were not here anymore but a couple meters far looking at something behind the window of a shop. Diésir and Crécio looked annoyed by it. They could not do a single thing about this.
-Grown adults acting like childrens. Said Régidal exasperated.
-At least they didn't do anything stupid. Comented the Lady with optimism.
-I wonder if they don't have some sort of mental ilness.
-Hey ! That's not a good thing to say, you should be happy for them. Thanks to Belda they can smile and live again.
-I guess.
-"I guess", you should hear the sound of your own voice. She said teasingly.
-Let's join them before they do anything foolish.
She walked with him until reaching them. They were all staring at pinkish pair of shoes for the little girl.
-That's so pretty. Said Aesta.
Belda had now a new pair of shoes, pink with a cute ribbon on it.
-A cute shoes for a cute little girl. Expressed Aesta.
Belda was happy with shoes and the candy in her hand. While Luzalé was holding her other, the princess was eating her sweet with joy.
Despite the bad news, the sun was setting on a good day and this made Belda smile. Régidal ruffled her hair while stroking her there. He didn't smile but his eyes were softer. Luzalé and Belda could see it clearly. She smiled for him and that was everything he needed.