The oasis buzzed with life as the villagers prepared for the annual Desert Festival. Brightly colored banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of spiced meats and sweet pastries wafted through the air. Musicians tuned their instruments while performers practiced intricate dances under the shade of towering palm trees.
Mallory watched the commotion from her cushioned perch in the middle of the village square. A platter of fresh dates, honey-drenched baklava, and iced tea sat within arm's reach.
"This is what I live for," she said, biting into a date.
Greg, pacing nearby, frowned. "We're in the middle of a zombie apocalypse, and you're lounging at a festival?"
Mallory shrugged. "Hey, I didn't organize the festival. I'm just enjoying it."
Altair strolled up, adjusting his coat. "Come on, Greg. Even heroes need a break. Let her have this."
Greg muttered something about misplaced priorities, but Alex chimed in. "Honestly, I think she's onto something. This might be the last celebration these people have for a while."
Mallory smiled at Alex. "See? Someone appreciates my philosophy."
---
Just as Mallory settled deeper into her cushion, Zara approached with her usual air of importance. Behind her, the chieftain walked slowly, his expression serious.
"Mallory," the chieftain said, his voice calm but firm, "we need your help during the festival."
Mallory groaned. "Help? Isn't this supposed to be a party?"
Zara crossed her arms. "The festival is more than a celebration. It's a time to honor our ancestors and ensure the prosperity of the oasis. As the ones who saved the artifact, you've been chosen to lead the ceremonial procession."
Mallory's eyes widened in horror. "Procession? No thanks. I'm allergic to effort."
The chieftain's gaze didn't waver. "It is a great honor. The villagers are expecting it."
Altair leaned in, smirking. "Think of it this way—you'll be the center of attention. Isn't that what you love?"
"Attention, yes," Mallory said. "Walking, no."
---
Despite her protests, Mallory found herself being roped into the festival preparations. Zara personally escorted her to a dressing tent, where a group of attendants fussed over her.
"What's with all this fabric?" Mallory grumbled as layers of intricate golden robes were draped over her.
"It's tradition," Zara said curtly.
Mallory caught her reflection in a polished brass mirror. The robes were undeniably stunning, with shimmering patterns that caught the light. She had to admit she looked impressive—like a queen who ruled from her couch.
"Okay, I look good," Mallory conceded. "But I'm still not walking."
Zara pinched the bridge of her nose. "Fine. We'll find a camel for you."
---
The festival reached its peak as the procession began. Villagers lined the streets, cheering and tossing flower petals. Greg and Alex walked ahead, looking stoic and heroic. Altair followed, giving charming winks to the crowd.
And then came Mallory, lounging on a richly adorned camel, looking as indifferent as ever.
"Wave to the crowd," Zara hissed from beside her.
Mallory half-heartedly raised a hand. "Happy festival or whatever."
The crowd erupted into laughter and applause. Apparently, Mallory's apathy was endearing to them.
Halfway through the procession, the camel suddenly stopped, letting out a loud bray. Mallory's cushion slipped, and she clung to the saddle with wide eyes.
"What's happening?!" she yelled.
The camel began to trot in circles, clearly agitated. The crowd roared with laughter as Zara tried to calm the animal.
Altair ran up, his voice barely concealing his amusement. "Having fun up there, princess?"
"Do something!" Mallory shouted.
Altair grabbed the camel's reins and managed to steady it, but not before Mallory accidentally knocked over a basket of ceremonial offerings.
"Oops," she said, trying not to laugh as she waved awkwardly at the villagers.
---
As the procession ended, the group gathered near the central stage where the chieftain was about to give a speech. Mallory, still perched on her camel, munched on a kebab she had snatched from a nearby stall.
Zara approached, looking more annoyed than usual. "You're lucky the villagers find you amusing. That procession was a disaster."
Mallory shrugged. "A memorable disaster."
Before Zara could retort, a familiar voice rang out from the crowd.
"Well, well, if it isn't the laziest hero in the desert."
The group turned to see Mallory's self-proclaimed nemesis, Vivian, strutting toward them. Vivian was the epitome of arrogance, with her perfectly styled hair and condescending smirk.
"Vivian?" Mallory groaned. "What are you doing here?"
Vivian flipped her hair dramatically. "I was invited, obviously. The chieftain wanted a real hero to attend his festival."
Greg crossed his arms. "We just saved their oasis. What exactly have you done?"
Vivian smirked. "Oh, you'll see. I've prepared a little… demonstration."
---
The chieftain announced a surprise event: a talent showcase to celebrate the festival. Mallory immediately tried to bow out, but Zara and the others insisted she participate.
Vivian, of course, went first. She performed an elaborate sword dance, complete with flips and dramatic poses. The crowd clapped politely, though it was clear they were more amused than impressed.
"Top that," Vivian sneered as she finished.
Mallory rolled her eyes. "I don't need to 'top' anything. But if you insist…"
She grabbed her Staff of Lazula and stepped onto the stage.
---
Mallory stood in the center of the stage, looking completely unenthused. She waved her staff lazily, and a series of glowing orbs floated into the air, forming a simple pattern.
The crowd murmured, unimpressed.
"Boring," Vivian called out.
Mallory smirked. "Hold on to your overpriced jewelry."
With another wave of her staff, the orbs began to move in intricate patterns, creating an elaborate light show that filled the square. The villagers gasped as the lights formed images of the oasis, the desert, and even their beloved artifact.
"Still boring?" Mallory asked, glancing at Vivian.
Vivian's jaw dropped as the crowd erupted into cheers and applause.
---
After the festival, the group returned to the palace, where a quiet dinner was prepared for them. The atmosphere was relaxed, and even Zara seemed less tense than usual.
Altair poured himself a glass of wine and leaned back in his chair. "You know, Mallory, you've got a knack for stealing the spotlight."
"I don't steal anything," she said, taking a bite of baklava. "The spotlight just likes me."
Greg shook his head. "You're insufferable."
"And yet, here we are," Mallory replied with a grin.
Zara sighed but smiled faintly. "For what it's worth, you did make the festival unforgettable."
Mallory raised her glass. "To unforgettable disasters."
The group laughed, and for a moment, the weight of the apocalypse outside the desert seemed far away.
---
To be continued...