The Dark Covenant

THE FESTIVAL III

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༺ROYAL REPUBLIC ༻

A whiff of choking smoke bullied its way into her nostrils. She spat out the sip of coffee she had trapped between her jaws. The smell wasn't pleasant, it ruined her drink, and she tossed the cup of coffee she had. Sunset was approaching fast. She gave the outside one last long look before shutting the blinders hanging over the window.

" M' lady the emperor has requested for your appearance. He's holding a meeting today and would like for you to attend. "

Albert said standing at the doorstep.

Lora looked back at him she couldn't help but reply with a smirk painted on her face

" Is everything okay, my lady? "

"I was just thinking about how five years ago, when I used to be tied to your leash.... Now look at you, l*****g my boots."

She giggled, giving him a cold look.

"Tell him I'll be there." She said. As soon as Albert started walking off, she turned back to him.

"Oh and Albert, you said you wanted to be the commander to the Independent States right?"

"... Ye... Yes my lady."

"Well, I have a mission for you. And if you are successful, I might consider giving you the title."

Albert's eyes lit up,"Yes my lady, I am prepared to serve you in any way."

"... Can you still survive without your left arm?"

"What...."

༺Sals Village ༻

The festival was at its peak. As the sun was setting, more villagers gathered at the town centre. It seemed like all afternoon was just about preparations and the main event was set to begin.

Reene relentlessly plucked the strings of the citole as he danced around the podium bruising people's eardrums with his torturous voice. Others booed him, others showed appreciation for his effort, while others just laughed out loud. He never cared none the less, and pushed on with his performance. Alicia stood by the podium, masking her laughter. She covered her face with her palms and tried hard to act as composed as she could hope to be in that situation.

With one last heavy Crescendo that drained out all his breath, he raised his arms and gave the crowd a bow before he choked himself out. They all clapped, others thankful for the end of the t*****e, others appreciative of the effort, while others just thanked him for giving them a good laugh. He walked over to Alicia.

"So. . . How was it? "

She couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst out laughing so hard she started snorting. She knew it was awkward but there was no way of stopping it. Although the laughter of the crowd masked her's, being so close to her Reene could clearly hear it, her laugh, for the first time in his entire life.

She was laughing so hard she gasped for air as her arms entangled her ribs.

"It was terrible!!! " She said, struggling to utter every word.

"That bad!?! At least give me a summary. In my opinion I nailed a note or two, the last one seemed off but I'm quite sure the rest I did good."

She kept on laughing and Reene enjoyed every moment of it.

"Alright next on the stage we have our very own drama society who have prepared for us a special play." Said the man who was now on the podium announcing to the other villagers. "But the play will start later on in the night, so keep on enjoying the festival and come back when they are all set."

The villagers dispersed to other kiosks and venues. Alicia and Reene headed towards a food kiosk at the edge of the town centre. There they met up with the other state guards.

"Sweet mother of Mercy!!!" Exclaimed Salron with a mouth stuff with roasted meat. He watched in disbelief as Reene walked over with the most feared person living amongst them. His twin brother was lost for words as well, all day long he thought Reene was joking about bringing her to the festival. As the two got closer, the others' disbelief grew.

" How are you doing guys?" Reene asked. Nobody gathered up the courage to respond, Robert, courageous out of all the others stepped forward and extended his hand to greet his commander.

"How are you finding the festival commander? "

"I already told you Robert, there's no need for formalities. You can just call me Alicia, and the festival is very fun. Thank you for asking." She turned to Armani, " Hello, Carrs, I haven't seen you in a long time."

"Commander, uhm... Sorry I mean Alicia, nice to see you too. I'm glad you are enjoying the festival. I just came by to celebrate with you."

" Welcome... Will you be staying for long? "

"No actually I'll just be here for the next few days before I head back to the temple."

"We are glad to have you. That reminds me, I promised my mother some antiques before the end of the festival. So I'd better search for some before the kiosks close. I will meet you all back at the podium at the start of the play." She said.

They waved her off as she strolled back into the town square. As soon as he disappeared the other state guards turned to Reene in surprise.

"I cannot believe you pulled it off!!! "

"From now on you have earned my respect"

"What did you even tell her... Some vurhans were planning to attack the festival? "

They laughed.

For a moment it seemed peaceful. The air was filled with laughter, and people took time off to forget about everything around them except what made them happy at that moment. Time flew by, the state guards reunited. But not everything can be perfect, and as the cast for the play set the stage for their performance, they would unknowingly do something that was to disrupt what was built that day.

With everyone gathered they began their first scene. A narrator walked up the stage, the crowd laughed at his comical garments

" As the sun smeared yellow

As the clouds cleared the sky

As the ground sang a hello

And the trees waved by

The story begins of a young beautiful princess... And her journey believed for her to find her prince!!!" He narrated, adding theatrics to every word. As he waved himself off a Young actress jumped onto the scene.

The narrator shouted from behind the curtains, "her name was Lady Ironheart!!" The crowd laughed once more... It was then established who the actress was portraying.

" And from the castle a young king called for the princess..

For she was the only one without a mistress

He sent her on a journey to find his other half

The young ruler's name was King Nobleman, sent her on his behalf,"

Another actor jumped from behind the curtains, wearing a bedsheet as a cloak, on his head he had on a crown that was tilted to one side, the crowd laughed once more for they knew who was being portrayed.

" Lady Ironheart he said..

Bring back my other half into the the castle

So he can free me from this deathly curse, this cycle...

But the other half, was prodigal at best

He cowardly ran when he was put to the test...

With him he accompanied the traitor at best

They were called Mr. Coward, and Mr.Pest"

The narrator said, and soon after two more actors jumped onto the stage, one short and chubby with red paint tainted across his face to portray a scar, and the other was tall and muscular, with a wig draped over his forehead to cover his eyes... The crowd booed at them ironically, they were also identified as the people they portrayed.

All this seemed funny to the villagers, but not to Alicia... Who stood amongst the crowd building up with rage. Reene knew what it could be doing to her and he immediately started looking for her...

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