The Forbidden Demon Of Tapelis

The Ceremony

The ceremony had commenced and everyone present was so excited, there was a long line of people on their way to the Garden of hearts. The garden was prepared, and the people were excited to see such beautiful flowers.

The entrance of the garden had peonies beside it, and then ahead there were sunflowers spread around, as kids came in, they took some of the sunflowers and ran around with them. Roses were used to decorate the stage and where the King and Queen would stay was decorated with peonies, roses, and dahlia. The Garden of hearts was beautified with all types of flowers and this caught everyone's gaze as they all were astonished by it.

Lilies, daisies, and asters were used to decorate the playground for the kids, the flowers surrounded their playground. The playground was close to the path where the Dougao river cut into the Garden of Hearts and this outlet was shallow. There was a barricade that prevented the kids from swinging across the river to the deep part. The kids played in the water and with the toy that was around, and they had a lady who watched over them and created more fun activities for the kids like races, kites, and hides and seeks.

The main ceremony spot for the people had a shed made out of dried leaves it was so beautiful because the flowers brightened the place. The shed was decorated with orchids, irises, and some rare exotic flowers.

The people walked around and were soon attracted to the different aromas of delicious food being prepared. They had different food stands in the garden aside from the teams that were invited by the Queen, some others came around and volunteered to give free food to celebrate as well.

The army joined the celebration with their families, and they announced that the King and the queen were going to be present by noon and that everyone should make sure they have a great time. The excitement in the garden was contagious as soon as they heard the news about the royal family. Some people also brought gifts for the pregnant Queen. The event was going to commence when the royal family arrived as the King would be giving the opening speech.

King Arkda and Queen Liya were preparing when the chief commander and the generals arrived at the palace to accompany them to the Garden of Hearts. They all left the palace together with the King and Queen in their horses. The path through the market was empty and, on their way, they were waved at by people going to the garden as well.

Their arrival at the garden made everyone cheer and applaud as they got out of their horses. King Arkda and Queen Liya held hands and walked majestically into the garden. Peonies were thrown on the ground as they walked directing them towards their table.

"I'll have to give my speech," King Arkda said to Queen Liya as they sat down.

"I also need to help the chefs set up and speak to the organizer about how the ceremony has been," Queen Liya said as she stood up as well. "Also, should they bring anything for you to eat once you are done with the speech?"

"I'll eat whatever you feel like eating," King Arkda said.

Queen Liya smiled and walked away. King Arkda left the table and had a short conversation with the seated generals then went on the stage to speak to the people. King Arkda waved as everyone gather to listen to him speak.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate Tapelis and ourselves. I know we are in our worse season of the year and things are tough for us but I want us to know, no matter how dark it gets we'll always have the light in our hearts to lead us and guide us to and through the right path.

"Let's all have a great time eating, and drinking let's celebrate with ourselves. We will have some performers from all around coming to the stage to entertain us with music, jokes, dance, and different tricks. Welcome them as they come out to perform, let's make sure we have the best time of our lives. We have enough security so I can ensure everyone is safe.

"From now on I have decided to make this celebration yearly. We'll celebrate during this season, we won't let it weighs us down, and no matter what happens we'll always love and protect each other."

The crowd applauded as King Arkda stepped down from the stage. The performance began and the crowd cheered on their favourite band and performers, they were excited to be entertained with music, dance, and different tricks. The sight was pleasant as the people interacted with each other participating in different types of events like arm-wrestling contests, gambling cards, dice, arrow shooting contests, and anything they could think of.

Queen Liya returned and met King Arkda seated, smiling, and watching the performances go on.

"I'm glad you are smiling," Queen Liya said. "Our food is on its way."

"Am just glad everyone is having a great time and I am here to witness it, the generals have also gone to hang out and the troops are having a great time." King Arkda said. "Now you need to relax my Queen I'll do all the walking and talking from now."

Queen Liya blushed and sat beside him. They were served spicy roasted beef with vegetable sauce on the side and with corn, bread, and scrambled eggs. They asked for water as they dug into their plates to eat.

General Kora'o met with his fiancé, Rane, Kora'o gave her a rose which made her smile.

"How are you doing?" general Kora'o asked.

"Am good, what about you?" Rane said.

"Am fine, let's have fun" general Kora'o said and pulled her closer to him and they danced to the music being performed.

"I am glad you came," Rane said.

"Me too, what have you had to eat?" General Kora'o asked.

"I ate chocolate and strawberry candy" Rane stated.

"Wow, let's get something to eat?" General Kora'o said.

"What do you want to eat?" Rane asked.

"Let's stroll around eating stake and talking," general Kora'o said. " I have news for you."

"Alright, I'll love that, we'll have chocolate as well," Rane said.

"Anything you want," general Kora'o said.

They strolled to the stake stand holding hands with Rane's head-on Kora'o shoulder. They saw general Lamit at the arm-wrestling table, he was the current champion. When he noticed them, he waved and yelled "come and join me Kora'o let's see who the champion is." General Kora'o was reluctant to join him but Rane pushed him over to the table and held their bowl of stake.

General Kora'o sat and stretched his powdered right hand, placed his right foot forward and his hip touched the table. The wrestle began and their hands went back and forth with the crowd cheering for both generals. The game went on for four minutes and while the judge was not paying attention general Lamit used his head to push his hand which lowered general Kora'o hand and he pushed it down and won.

"He cheated!" general Kora'o yelled.

"No, I did not" general Lamit stated. "Am the one true champion."

They both laughed and Kora'o left with Rane.

"My hand feels numb I don't think I can grab a stick" general Kora'o said.

"I'll help you" Rane directed them to a shed where they sat, and she fed Kora'o the stake. "You said we had to discuss."

"Yeah, it's about our wedding" general Kora'o stated.

"What about it?" Rane asked.

"I'll love us to get married before I go out to battle and we'll invite close friends and family because the King is going to be around" general Kora'o responded.

"Wow, that's amazing, how soon," Rane asked.

"Two days from now" general Kora'o replied.

"Wow, I have to prepare," Rane said as she smiled and hugged him. "I'll be ready I love you so much."

"I love you so much. You are beautiful and awesome the way you are I can't wait to make you my wife" general Kora'o said as they hugged. "Invite your close friends and families and I'll invite mine too, We'll get married here, in the Garden of Hearts."

It was evening and most kids had gone home already the adults around got up to dance as Mariana began her performance. Her voice was electrifying and soothing they all moved to her strong vocals and rhythm. King Arkda and Queen Liya stood up to dance as well, King Arkda kissed Queen Liya while they danced. As the song switched so did their pace and movements.

Mariana performed till it was dark out and everyone present cheered and applauded her as she bowed her head in appreciation and left the stage. The caterers gave free food to the people as they were on their way home.

King Arkda thanked Jamil and the organizers for helping in the success of the ceremony.

"Thanks a lot, you made this ceremony a beautiful and memorable one," King Arkda said.

"Thank you, my King, for trusting in me with your idea" Jamil added.

"I have one more celebration and we'll hold it here," King Arkda said.

"What is it?" Jamil asked.

"A friend is having a wedding and he'll decide what day, but the venue is here the Garden of Hearts" King Arkda responded.

"I can't wait we'll prepare the garden so any day he's ready it'll be ready as well" Jamil stated.

Jamil left to join his brothers and sister in arranging the garden and getting rid of the trash on the ground. King Arkda met up with the generals before they left for home.

"How are you all doing?" King Arkda said.

"We are good and noticed some of the troops just left on their way home the chief commander as well" general Lamit responded.

"We have sent some guards with your horses to the palace they'll bring the chariot to take you and the Queen home" general Kora'o added. "We'll escort you home before we depart."

"Where's Vernon and Barnil?" King Arkda asked.

"Vernon had too many drinks so Barnil took him home" general Kora'o replied.

"I'm glad we all had a great time. What about your sweetheart?" King Arkda asked.

"She has left already, and I told her about the wedding plans, we'll get married in two days" general Kora'o stated.

"Congratulations my friend the Garden of Hearts will be ready when you are," King Arkda said.

"Thanks a lot, my King," general Kora'o said.

"Who is your best man?" King Arkda asked.

"It's Lamit he's been there for me since we were kids and has always had my back," general Kora'o said.

"I am honoured to be your best man bro," general Lamit said and shook hands with Kora'o.

"Now that's is settled, let's go meet the Queen and wait for the chariot," King Arkda said.

This time the Garden of Hearts was empty as everyone had left, the only ones present were taking down decorations and cleaning the garden. King Arkda met with Queen Liya and she was looking tired and dizzy. King Arkda sat beside her and hugged her as she leans on him to rest.

"Don't worry my queen the chariot will be here any minute" King Arkda said while he kissed her head.

General Lamit called on the King as soon as the chariot arrived. King Arkda swept Queen Liya off her feet and carried her into the chariot. King Arkda and the generals slowly rode on their way back to the palace with the moon above leading the way.