The Festival of Moons

Entry: The Festival of Moons *Fun Side Adventure*

Carter

Light happy music filled my ears. Elves of all kinds danced around preparing for the night to come. Some wrote down their wishes to ask of the moons and the stars. The scent of sweet, fried food made me drool all over myself. Crisp air hovered above us but a layer of magic over the town protected everyone from the snow. The small bit that was allowed in, was turned into large ice sculptures by the children- People our age… Those who weren’t tasked with saving the world or taking back their kingdoms or being infected with some disease. I smiled widely still, memories of my childhood flooded back. Noose always held The Festival of Moons each year and every time my mother brought me to them. I always ate myself full, I begged her for animals, and laughed alongside my father at the carnival. My brother loved to watch the animal show. We would always get the best seats. He would often join me in my chants for a dog. Our mother never listened, she claimed we had too many at home. She wasn’t wrong. We basically had a hobby farm but the festival didn’t help our wants. Ever since the incident, we hadn’t been back. Last year, I almost suggested we go but I couldn’t bring myself to it. I felt ill at the thought. It made me miss my little brother. I should get him a souvenir.

Morgan crossed her arms just at my side. The Prince gestured towards everything. It was his idea to stop, actually. Apparently, in order to get his father to approve of the journey he had to stop and give a letter to the Lady of Noose. Freddie stepped in front of our group. He insisted we shed our quote “Killing clothes and put on something more acceptable”. I threw on a pair of gray pants and a red short sleeved shirt Morgan suggested. It hugged my upper body in a rather suspicious fashion. I think she’s trying to get in my pants. Morgan, herself, sported a white bralette and black high waisted shorts. Zahyn was in his loose tunic showing off his chest and tight pants hugged his legs. Vincent refused to exit his armor. As for Ashlyn, she threw on a cute outfit with a white blouse and a black skirt. Our wonderful leader for the day was in a light blue fur jacket and perfectly tailored pants. All and all, we pretty much represented our homes in our style.

“Now, thank you for bathing. I know that was troubling for you all!” The Prince exclaimed.

“You’re the one that doesn’t wash his hair,” I told him. Morgan scrunched up her nose.

“True dude, you got fore-ne for real,” Ashlyn added.

“Fore-ne?”

“Forehead acne,” I answered. Ashlyn and I bumped fists.

“I don't- Okay, let us go! We have plenty to see!”

We walked through the city. Upea cheered Tumma which is unheard of outside the city. Noose acted as a neutral ground for the Elves, even those from Kapina. The only time I had ever seen the blonde Elves was when we were all cheering for the Moons and the Star. A couple of Kalpeas were smoking something spiritual . It caught my attention earning an eyebrow from the Princess. A Kapinar with a knotted beard down to his waist loudly sang an old sailing song. Dark haired and vulgar mannered Kalpeas joined and soon some Tumma and Upea sang along with them.

The center of Noose had been transformed into a giant fair. A wooden wheel spun people around and around. They were so high up it made my stomach twist. Merchants ran games from their stalls offering up stuffed animals which Ashlyn eyed. I, myself, couldn’t help but notice a golden teddy bear. Some shops sold antiques, strange goods from across the sea, and treasures from the Tumma caves. A wine merchant shouted about his vintage Kapinar wine, which according to Morgan, was the most delicious drink on the continent. A magician pulled something from his hat delighting a group of little Elves. Morgan glared as the man claimed to be from a great bloodline of sorcerers.

“I bet he can not even light a fire.” She looked at me.

“I’m sure you’re right. Probably just some sleight of hand tricks.” I pulled a coin from my pocket and showed her. “Pretty handy in a pinch.”

“I can do better.” She took my coin and melted it.

“I don’t think that’s the point, babe.” I threw my arm around her shoulder.

Freddie led us through the shops. Morgan stopped at a small one filled with dolls. Annabelle isn’t real… I mean technically she is. I crouched down so I was face to face with one. The head was made of soft cloth and a beautifully stitched face. Light blue looped across the skin making snowflake designs across her. The hair was made from a soft blonde thread. Morgan scooped it up and cradled it in her arms. A large smile crossed her face. She looked down at me.

“I had one just like this as a kid!” She squeezed it and laughed.

“It’s an authentic Elven doll,” The merchant told us. His blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun. A neat mustache curled up across his cheeks. He twitched his pointed ears. “It’s not for sale.”

“What?!” I shot up. I pulled out a couple of Fyles. “Come on, how much?”

“Not for sale!” Morgan’s face dropped. “Give it back.”

“Come, darling, Freddy is beckoning us.”

“Fine,” I grumbled, then glared at the merchant. “Go sit around and sell nothing! Just showing off your toys!”

“Ears.”

“Fine…”

Freddie led us to the front of the castle. The letter in his hand and nothing preventing him from completing his journey. He gestured for Morgan to open the door. She did not. Instead, my love looked at her freshly painted nails. He looked at Vincent who was busy looking at Ashlyn. He looked at me and then realized I would never openly enter a royal castle. The Prince gave Zahyn some wide eyes. The bard gracefully opened the door, shoved him in, then ran off as did the rest of us.

Ashlyn

I walked my way back to the darts game that held a certain stuffed tiger I wanted. Vincent followed me instead of Morgan. Maybe he realized she was gay for Carter and needed some consoling. I would have loved to lend him an ear but I needed that fucking tiger.

The stand had four rows of eight balloons. The different toys lined the sides of the wood construction. A purple skinned woman with long white hair shouted the prices. I dug in my pocket and slammed down two silver Fyles. The child next to me threw down five bronzes. You’re a confident little shit, aren’t you? Vincent chuckled at me. I waved him off and grabbed my fifteen darts. The little boy grabbed his three. I tossed a dart and another and another. I managed to hit two balloons. Not too bad. The boy, with his three, popped four and earned a prize. I shot a look down at him.

“I want another round!”

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Carter

Carter ran her freckled ass back to the merchants' center. I smiled at the thought of the doll. My mom had given me one when I was just a baby. She had picked it up on a trip to Kapina. I had it for years until I was about twelve. Juno found me playing with her. Out of some strange act of rage, she threw my dolly into the fire. I begged for another but not even my grandfather could find one. They were exclusively sold in Kapina and generally, no Southerners ever went to The Festival of Moons.

I found myself determined to prove that fucking magician was a liar. Zahyn strummed his guitar behind me. We soon found ourselves among the crowd of little children. Despite their different standings, the Upea and the Tumma little ones played alongside their other Elven counterparts with ease. I smiled down at a little girl with long black hair. Freckles splattered across her face. What an adorable little thing! I wonder if I’ll have one someday. She laughed as the liar pulled a frog from his hat.

“What an imbecile!?”

“I know! Imagine how much money we’d make.” Zahyn gestured towards the two of us. “I could be your soundtrack and you could put on a great show! Wait- Better idea! How do you feel about getting naked with Carter on stage?”

“How about this?” I grabbed his shoulders. “I can put on a show by setting on fire!”

“So, no porn?” I smacked him upside the head.

With Zahyn’s help, he and I set up a small stand beside the magician. He began to strum a rather foreboding set of chords. I began to give my introduction as a former professor of Bloodstone but the children did not seem interested. I attempted to gain their attention by creating a small thunderstorm, the size of Carter's large head, and letting it fly around.

“That’s fake!” One of the boys shouted.

“No,” I smiled at him. “It is one hundred-” He threw his stuffie at me.

Freddy

I can’t believe they just abandoned me. With my letter in hand, I marched down the hall of the castle. Well, I marched until a beautiful serving girl smiled at me. I flipped around and followed her along with her duties. I told her about my ability with two swords. Eventually, someone grabbed my shoulder. I whipped around.

“Young Lord Michael!” I threw my arms around my old friend. “How are your Lady mothers?”

“They are good, Mother has brought Mom down to the ferris wheel.” He smiled at me then shifted his gaze to the serving girl. His light purple skin blushed. “I see you have met my fiance, Mirabel.”

“He asked if I would like to see his tent later,” She whispered.

“Prince Frederick I believe you know what this means.”

“Oh shit… A fucking duel.”

Carter

While my love was busy playing magician, a poor magician- Oh gosh- I am awful at talking but Morgan could not get the horniest teenage boy to join her cause. I internally cringed but shouted my support as she gave a mundane explanation of her powers then proceeded to hurl vulgar insults (even for me, a Kalpea) at the man.

Anyway, I made my way back to the marketplace. I was prepared to give him three gold Fyles. It was all my money but I wanted that fucking doll. I dropped them in front of him with a wide smile. He stopped smoking his pipe then flicked a piece onto the ground.

“Not for sale!”

“Fine! I’ll get a loan from a friend!” I turned on my heels and marched back towards Ashlyn.

My blonde friend quickly rang up a tab but she gave me three silvers. On my way back, I saw the merchant chatting to a young Kapinar couple. The man handed him a couple of silvers and the merchant promptly handed over the doll. I growled loudly, earning a giggle from a nearby little girl. Shadow licked her cheek earning another sweet jingle.

“Puppy please!” She squeezed my leg. Unable to ignore her sweetness, I threw away my dignity and turned into the tiny thing. After a few pets, I was stricken with an amazing idea.

“Sweetheart, can I enlist your help?” I asked after resuming my usual form. She gave me a prompt nod. “Is there an arts and crafts store nearby?”

I tried my best to stitch the designs across the doll's face. I hissed as the needle jammed into my thumb. I sucked the blood away and returned to work. My new friend, Clara, watched me intently as I began to string the blonde hair on. Once I was done, I was met with a poor copy of Morgan’s childhood doll. I frowned. Well, this is shit. I sighed and stuffed the ratted thing into my bag.

“Maybe you could try him again?” She suggested.

“You know what? You’re right.” I patted her head and got her some ice cream.

“It’s still not for sale!” The man barked before I could even open my mouth.

“Why not?!”

“I don’t sell to fucking Southerners and their bitches! Especially not a Kalpea and her dog!” Not helping myself, I snapped my jaw and Shadow did too.

“So, you’re not gonna earn three gold Fyles because my girlfriend’s a Sorrowman?”

“Exactly! Bitches like her should stay there and if you love fucking them so much you should leave!”

This is the part of the story where I lost my shit. You will also see everyone else lose their shit. I grabbed an identical to the one sold, shoved it in my bag, and flipped the merchant off. He started to shout something but I had already turned into a run. I proceeded to knock into his stall until the entire thing was nothing but a pile of wood. That is also when the guards appeared.

Freddy

Lord Michael dragged me to the courtyard. Now, I admit, it had been a while since I dueled someone as skilled as the young Lord. His mothers were very serious in that aspect of life. You see there was only one real way to get out of the situation.

“You're a mama’s boy!” I shouted. I threw a rock at him and then ran away.

“Guards! Arrest that man! He’s insulted my fiance and I!”

Ashlyn

I threw another dart and another. I screamed as the third balloon popped. I tossed my arms around Vincent. He returned my hug with a laugh. Finally, the tiger was in my arms. I squeezed him so tight he might’ve popped. The little boy who was competing with me didn’t like it very much. Sore fucking lo- Ow The little fuck kicked me! Out of reaction… I kicked the Elf child’s shin. Then I ran as Vincent shoved the guards to the ground and soon we were running.

Morgan

The children kept their gaze on the liar. Zahyn sighed at his coinless bag. No one was biting our much more realistic display. I tapped my foot. How did Carter do that trick? I thought about the way her hands moved and fingers twisted. A grin popped up on my face. I marched over to the magician. I ripped off his stupid top hat and tossed it to the ground.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“You’re a phony!” I shouted.

Then I ripped his white glove off and Fyles spilled to the ground. Then I kicked the rabbit out from under his table. But- The strangest thing happened! The children started crying. Zahyn shouted at me but I ignored them. I attempted to soothe one of them but the brat bit me! That’s when I noticed the guards.

Freddie busted out of the castle doors with some Lord behind him. The Prince shouted for us to keep moving. Carter, the love of my life, swiped a cream puff off of a food stand we passed. Ashlyn gripped onto a stuffed tiger. Zahyn shouted obscenities at the guards, egging them on.

Carter

I caught my breath on the hillside. The town’s protection extended out far enough for us to lay in the grass. I stretched out my tight legs. Morgan plopped down beside me. I wiped a drop of sweat off her forehead. I couldn’t help but giggle. All of us managed to piss off the guards and escape them. It must have been a record.

Ashlyn and Freddie sat by side looking down at the lights of the town. She showed off her new prize while the Prince smacked himself with the letter he still had. Vincent and Zahyn both complained about the townsfolk. Shadow stared up at the sky by himself.

I emptied the contents of my bag and set it up against a tree alongside two pillows and a blanket. Morgan made her way over with some wine. She gave me a quick peck on my forehead once she sat down. We leaned together up against the tree, glass in hand. The three moons were full and shining down on us. Blizzard, the bright star, had shifted so it was just above them creating the point of a triangle. She played with my hair as I appreciated the celestial objects. Some say we came from the moons and the stars but I was always taught that Blizzard guided the Icerion with his messages of our world. If we prayed to him, she would bring us good things. I also heard, from my father, that Blizzard was the stillborn son of Icerion herself. She gifted us him, so we could all look upon him each night as a family. Family.

“Morgan…” I nuzzled into her neck. “I have a gift for you. Two… Well, one.” I reached around and grabbed the doll I stole.

“Darling…” She held onto it so gently. “I love her.” Morgan pressed a sweet kiss onto her forehead. “My mother had given me her when I was a baby. Thank you so much, Ears.” She pulled me tight up against her. I watched as she continued to admire her new doll. “You said two, love?”

“Oh-” I turned red. “Yeah… It’s not that good.” I grabbed the homemade doll and handed it to her. Her face brightened even more.

“Carter!” She squealed and gripped me even tighter than before. “I love her so much! Thank you! Thank you!”

She slipped her tongue into my mouth. She tasted of sweet juniper berries. I pressed myself deeper into her. Like an evil witch, she pulled away with a wicked grin. Morgan poured me another glass. We drank to each other’s health, love, and whatever would happen with the two of us both drunk. Morgan held the three of us in a death grip all night. I fell asleep with her head on my chest and wine/love drunk brain.