Echo Of Dreams: Legacy Of The Past

Episode 4

It was getting dark and with Mia's high heels on, I was trying harder than necessary to walk on the stony path leading to the carnival. Since I was focusing all my attention on walking, I was surprised that I could notice the crackling sound coming from the darkness ahead. My heart accelerated and my breathing became rapid. During the carnival, it was not uncommon for people to get crazy and get involved with fortune tellers in magnificent tents, vendors who wanted to sell you a pair of glasses that predicted the future, or singers who could hum melodies that would make you dance forever when you listened to them. Fortunately, this simple insanity always passed within a few days. They weren't harmful, but they were annoying and the last thing I wanted to deal with tonight. I wondered if I could run fast enough with the shoes on my feet. I stood and waited with bated breath for another sound, perhaps a sight; At that moment I heard a loud laugh and a second laugh from next to him.

Tilly emerged from the darkness and was lying on the ground laughing with Elm next to her. "I'm sorry Lyra, Elm was sure it would be hilarious if we scared you."

Even though he didn't seem very upset, I couldn't be that angry about this joke after the scenario I had prepared myself for. "It doesn't matter, we'll get even on the lunar anniversary night," I said with a sly grin. Tilly had always been afraid of lunar nights and the silly masks worn during harvest time. Tilly, who had become serious with a sudden panic, looked sincerely regretful.

"I saw Elm on the road, she was going to the carnival, I told her she could come with us, the more crowded the better," She said to digress. Tilly, who immediately regained her joy, took my arm and started walking. Tilly was my closest friend in the whole kingdom. Unlike me, he was friendly and loved chatting with people. It was a good thing he came across Elm tonight. This meant I wouldn't have to be the only one watching the fire dancers that Tilly loved all night long.

The gate of the carnival was covered with huge tent fabrics, and a road was made on both sides with huge torches stuck into the ground. The sound of the revelry coming from inside could be heard through the door. Lights of different colors and objects are scattered into the air on every side; Even though I know it was done with simple light tricks, I cannot deny that it was impressive. Gazelles, rabbits and many other figures made of light were wandering freely in the sky. While Tilly and Elm are engrossed in the show, I leave them for a short while and head towards the stalls. Tonight I came not only to have fun but also to find some useful stones. I head towards the colorful blood stones and sapphires that catch my eye on a counter ahead. Standing at the counter is an old woman who appears to be sleeping. Her long white hair was covered with an emerald embroidered shawl that had nothing to do with her clothes. She must have bartered with a customer, I wondered what kind of enchantment she gave in exchange for this shawl. As my eyes fell on the counter, the old woman I thought was sleeping

"What are you looking for? I can give you endless beauty, girl, you can stay young and beautiful like this forever." she said.

He was making these promises to every customer. I said, "I'm looking for a simple reading stone."

After thinking for a second, he said, "Wealth? I have stones that will make you richer than you ever wanted. Here, look." Simple

He didn't seem to want to settle for a reading stone. If I tried to take that stone, I could make a deal that would take fifty years of my life without even realizing it.

I pushed his hand holding the amber stone and said, "No, keep it."

"You know, the stone you are looking for is here." He was turning his nose up at me for saying no to such a lucrative deal.

I looked at the stone he held in his hand, which he extended towards me. Great, I was planning to buy this with one simple payment; It was worth ten gold coins at most. While I was reaching for the stone that was emitting a yellow light around it, someone from the crowd bumped into my shoulder. When I lost my balance, I couldn't see where the stone that flew out of the old woman's hand was going. As the old woman searched for the yellow haloed stone, I could hear her muttering not-too-pleasant words. In this chaos, I was trying to turn back and see who hit me. I felt the grip of a hand that, although it had a soft grip, I could tell was strong without seeing it. At the same time, I heard the scent of fresh cherries and a voice with the same tone as this sweet scent coming from near my ear.

"We need to talk, princess."