Together, we take a step out of the forest and enter the magnificent city. For years I’ve thought that Fairy Village was the prettiest place of all time, I had no idea I was about to see this.
“Oh, Ector, it’s stunning.”
“It is,” he answers. Neither of us can process this beautiful place. ”Let’s go, we need to ask someone where to stay the night.” He continues, taking a hold of my hand and dragging me with him.
With each step, we move deeper into the warm city. Among the huge buildings, several look newer. Made of stone, they have wooden beams as decor, and dry hay on the roof.
People are still outside in the lingering evening warmth. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot three men sitting on a tree stump, holding three different instruments.
One of them is holding a vibrant purple Ocarina, wearing a tight cream smock with golden pockets and buttons. The second is holding his emerald green violin that matches his tight suit in the same color, looking more than ready to start playing his music. The last one is holding a steady grip around his big, wooden, contrabass and looked proud to be right where he was.
The three of them look excited and ready to begin the late evening with their music.
I let go of Ector’s hand and left his side without the slightest hesitation, my dress flowing beautifully around my legs.
“Where are you going?” I could hear his muffled voice behind me.
Too focused on the path before me, I ignore his worried question and continue forward. “Are the three of you going to play anything tonight?” I ask the elves sitting before me.
“Of course, just for you, pretty lady.” The one in a green suit answers with his interesting accent.
They count down and begin playing in unison. Around us, fairies, witches, and elves gather, ready to enjoy whatever is about to happen. Choosing partners, they start dancing around us, not only adults but their children too.
Suddenly, I feel a steady grip around my upper arm, and I am being dragged into the dancing crowd. Turning my head to see who’s holding me, it’s obvious that he’s an elf, one that I have never seen before.
His heavy eyes, dark as the deep ocean, are looking into my soul, and his long golden hair is put into a low tail behind his head. He’s wearing tight cream white pants and a light green vest. His boots, adorned in rich brown and gold, reach just below his knees.
An acorn necklace dangles against his chest, and it’s impossible to ignore his huge bow and arrows on display behind his broad shoulder.
“What’s your name, mi lady?” His deep, masculine voice is gentle.
“I’m Genevieve. What is yours?”
“My name is Castello, the best archer in the city.” He pauses. “I’ve never seen you around before. Are you from here?”
“I’m not. I live in Fairy Village, which is much smaller than this place.” Just as the words leave my mouth, I regret sharing them with a stranger.
“I’ve heard about that place.” He answers me with a warm smile, making me feel safer in an instant.
As I place my hands on each of his shoulders, he tightens his grip around my waist. Suddenly, I don’t feel comfortable anymore. I try to remind myself that Ector is still here, somewhere in the growing crowd.
The music keeps playing for a few minutes, and when it abruptly stops, everyone around us starts cheering and shouting.
“One more time! One more time!”
“Are you staying here? I mean, staying the night?” Castello asks, giving me a flirtatious look.
Before I get the chance to gather my thoughts and give him a proper answer, Ector’s voice echoes from behind me. “Yes,weare staying the night.”
Castello is much shorter than Ector and lacks his strong facial features, making them look like total opposites.
“Well, then I shouldn’t interfere with your visit.” He replies coldly, giving Ector an intense look.
“No, it’s totally fine, I promise.” I say, stopping him from leaving. “Can I ask you, do you know where we could spend the night? We need somewhere to sleep.” I ask him kindly.
“We have multiple places you can stay at, I would recommend Coral's Bed and Breakfast. Everyone loves that place.” He responds before leaving our side.
Coral’s Bed and Breakfast.
