Some guards of the city were stationed in the hall to help keep order in case Luminear and Bella got overwhelmed, or if citizens turned sour or disruptive, but Bella was about the only sour apple of the bunch. The townsfolk were very well behaved and enjoyed partaking in the event.
It was a long hall, similar to a church with long pews leading toward the stage. For the town meetings, Bella and Luminear sat behind a large table addressing the people before and below them while keeping quill pens and booklets to jot down the ideas gathered from the function. Luminear had a few pages worth of notes as several ideas had been proposed, but the main topic had been about hosting a grand city fair, which most everyone approved. Bella’s booklet included no words, but she had scribbled a picture of a dog pulling at a tree branch trying to rip it from the stalk. The tree had angry eyes and a mouth screaming at the dog to leave him be. Before the old peddler came forward requesting help with his neighbor problem, the meeting had been ending other than Luminear asking if there were questions.
“If that is all, then we can consider the meeting adjourned,” Luminear stated while eyeing the crowd in case there were further comments or questions. Bella wanted to jump from her seat, but a short, skinny middle-aged woman in a tan wool dress and an off-white wimple, which covered most of her brunette hair, took a stand raising her hand.
“If I may, Lady Luna, Lady Luminear,” she began. Luminear smiled and nodded while Bella raised her eyebrows, pretending to care.
“You may,” Luminear answered with a gracious smile.
“What about a new play for the days of the city fair too? We could request a visit from Ozentough's Traveling Theater. I hear they are in Kald's Rest.”
“I know nothing about them,” Luminear admitted, however, her curiosity was piqued.
“They are a touring talent. Live on the road and travel town to town throughout Divox,” Bella answered her sister as her mood seemed to lift instantly. “Mark told me about them. He used to want to join them as a laborer if not an actor. They do several famous plays and have an illusionist performer act too. Great talent. Sure to draw in some from out of town willing to drop some coin.”
“Yes, Lady Luna,” the woman agreed as did several others in the crowd.
“That would be up to ruling Lord and Lady of Garroth. Laella and Laelliandir would have to agree on commission work. The fair must be both enjoyable and profitable. The bigger the talent, the heftier the fee. I like the idea --” Luminear began.
“And we will bring it to the ruling Lord and Lady's attention and have an answer by next meet! We will have the Traveling Theater contacted for such services and price inquiries in haste and booking if permitted,” Bella exclaimed more uplifted than she had been the entire previous two hours of the function. “That is a good request.” Luminear eyed her sister a little confused, but happy to see Bella's change in behavior and she grinned.
“As...” Luminear turned from her sister back to the crowd once more, “As Lady Luna Javalla declares. We will see what we can do. This meeting is running over so we will close with that, but continue thinking of ideas for the next meet in twelve days. Keep practical and consider affordable attractions. Next function we should have a date set, and Lady of Garroth will be attending.”
The city fair had been Luminear's big plan, and she had brought it before the people during their very first official meeting. She wasn't sure how the idea would be received, but Garroth needed some merriment to anticipate. To her surprise, the City Fair had become the talk of Garroth ever since, and a budding enthusiasm filled the city. Now with talk of a famous theater act possibly coming, the people’s excitement was sure to only grow in fervor. The city folk left the hall in high spirits.
“What was that back there?” Luminear teased her sister after everyone evacuated and the sisters took their leave to stroll the city streets together.
“What was what?” Bella pretended she hadn't a clue what her sister was talking about.
“Ozentough's Traveling Theater and your sudden interest in any of this? I thought you were about to storm out until that.”
“I wanted to. That's more your trade than mine. You like this fancy Lady Javalla business. I can tell it. You love this. I will never be the person Laella wants me to be,” Bella shrugged. “But I'll do it for you. I don't want to leave you alone with that muddle. “
“I don't want you to do it for me, and I want to continue for Laella. She gave us a great honor.” But Bella did not need Luminear’s reminder.
“Aye, and I wish she hadn't. It felt good at first, but I feel like I'm being primped into some---” Bella looked down at what she was wearing and then to Luminear's clothing. “Just look at us! Fair Maidens of the court.” She moaned, but, at the same time, snickered at the irony.
Both young women were dolled up in long sleeveless red dresses made from elegant fabrics with rich embroidery, and the dresses were lined with fur, keeping them warm but also comfortable. Ornamental bands adorned the hems of their dresses, around the neckline, and the sleeves’ borders, while silver, golden and pearl embellishments sparkled all over the garments. Under the dresses they wore long girdles wrapped around them emphasizing their waists and hips. Luminear's straight long black hair was done up clasped by a brooch, while Bella's blonde wavy hair had been styled into several elaborate braids dangling down her back.
Luminear appreciated their new look and knew they both looked stunning, but she understood Bella was far from enthused. “Oh, stop, Bella. You're beautiful. You catch the eyes of many boys.” Bella kept fidgeting with her girdle as they walked, not caring about boys or men suitors.
“Aye, and if they're staring at me like this, then they're getting the wrong impression. I'm so done with these fur infestations when I'm out of this place, Lumi. Wolf would laugh his arse off seeing this.” Luminear nodded, agreeing she was right, at least as far as Bella was concerned.
“Zynoa would be proud, though. “
“She would. For her memory, I'll continue this routine for now. Mark enjoys seeing me in this getup too. The difference is he doesn't expect it like the Lady of Garroth. High noblewoman and her steep demands.”
“It's not what you think, Bella. Laella wishes something for us she didn't have in youth. She says she was more like you than me growing up?” Luminear said.
“So you say.”
“Marrying Orion Javalla changed her, but she says she was a lot like you. Sees a lot of herself in you. She grew into this lifestyle, after her binding with Orion. I believe he must have tamed her. She was wilder than he.” Bella shrugged. She was unaware of the things Laella had told Luminear, but then again, she was not as close to the Lady of Garroth. Still her alleged tale made her think of Laelliandir when considering Laella and Orion in their younger years. It was a nice thought immediately followed by an infuriated one. Laelliandir had left promising to be back soon, and he still hadn't returned. Two years later. He was now a liar by Bella's view, and her heart was still recovering.
“Maybe she shouldn't have married a dull humbling sard that manipulated her to his level.” Bella suggested unapologetic for her insults. Luminear sheepishly looked around to make sure no one overheard her sister, but the city guard accompanying them was a good dozen paces behind and were talking among themselves. “I didn't mean it like that. “
“He will return. You can't hate him forever, Bell.” Luminear whispered.
“I don't hate anyone or anything. I just--” Bella stopped short. All this time later she still thought about Laelliandir more than she wished, and truth be told, she wasn't even angry. Bella missed him madly. She was still upset with herself for holding him in such high regard. She kept him on a pedestal that she couldn't knock down no matter how hard she tried. “Whatever. Doesn't matter.” Luminear decided it was best to change topics.
“Ozentough's Traveling Theater,” Luminear blurted out after a moment. “You’re familiar with them? I like the idea if we can get them here.” Bella shook her head.
“Mark told me they passed through the area years ago when he was a little boy. He's still talking about seeing if he could work for them. He's into the whole scene. Always has been.”
“He enjoys going to plays, and said he would like to be an actor, but he never told me much about it.”
“He's wary about it. I told him we have the leverage to get him in with the local performing lyceum, but he's strange about it. Lacks confidence. But they are supposed to be a big deal, the Traveling Theater. Been around Divox forever, mostly contained to Novanian lands and the wealthier regions in recent years. Can't blame them for being cautious in their travels with crusades, tyrants, and rebels popping up every other year. Nova is about the safest spot away from the rotten mongrel insurgents.” Luminear stayed her tongue for she knew more than Bella on the matter thanks to Laella slipping up and revealing more than Luminear wanted to hear. Bella was adamant that the rebels were just as Nova claimed them to be. Villains and tyrants needing to be crushed.
“I'll speak to Laella about contacting them after stopping by the Steward of Enforcement's tower. Or you can if you want.”
“I still have plans with Mark. I will get changed, and we're supposed to go to the falls. He's been busy this week and asked if I would meet with him awhile. “
“Are you not going out with him tomorrow too?” Luminear inquired, slightly surprised.
“Life as a laborer isn't easy. He's getting tomorrow free, and we have plans then too, but he wanted to do something tonight. So do I. I don't want to be cooped up in the castle. Nothing wrong with that.” Luminear smiled.
“I said nothing. Laella knows too. She's fine with you two missing feast tomorrow. I'm glad you're making more time for Markus is all,” Luminear admitted. She had hoped she'd eventually come around to Markus' attempts to win her hand at a date. Luminear always believed the two would be suitable for one another if Bella could ever open her eyes and see the ever-loyal boy in her life. Bella still denied they were anything but friends, but the fact they were going on a date the very next day told Luminear otherwise.
“I always make time for Mark. And Fern. You know I'm always here for you too, right?” Bella gave her sister a friendly bump with her shoulder and tossed her a look for reassurance.
“Yes Bell. You never miss an opportunity to remind me. These meetings have been good for us. With you and your lessons and my time with Laella and the children, it leaves us less time with each other than we used to have. I miss it sometimes, but we're there when it counts. And I'm here for you if you need anything. Help me figure this City Fair out. I'd rather have you as a partner than Laella. I think it could be special.” Bella smiled.
“Oh, I don’t know about special. But I'll be around. Not sure how much I can help either, but I'll do what I can.”
“That's all I'll ever want from you. Being around and being you.”
Chapter Nine
Unexpected Guest
I saw that sister of mine again last night. It was the first time since she showed me this cave of hers. That dream must have been right before Zynoa died. She looked different, not even like Bella. Maybe she wasn’t. Perhaps this person I’ve seen over the years was never Bella at all. I’m not sure anymore, but she was tall and beautiful. White gown and a royal circlet upon her head. Flawless and wonderful, but she was not mortal. There was such a high power about her, and a surreal holy glow radiating almost from within. So comely.
A Queen with many subjects she is now. She is not the Bella from here in the real world, but she is my sister there, no doubt about it. She was the same kin I remember from all other dreams over the years. That same scared girl I protected and cared for until we grew up and parted ways. Now she’s confident, strong and flawless. She doesn’t need me anymore, but she wants me close. The look about her and the long embrace we shared expressed her love and bliss. It felt good, like being whole again.
Whatever had happened between us seemed to have passed for our reunion was a joyous event.
Mortal-kind and animals alike gathered to what I can only guess was our reunion. My Twilight Prince was not present, but in my words, I told my sister, “I was wrong. They are not bad. I love him and will bless him to prove my undying devotion. I thank you, sister.”
Then I woke and here I am jotting all of this down in a mad frenzy. I don’t know what this means. Maybe I’m stark insane. Fern knows all of this. I couldn’t contain myself and had to tell someone. This isn’t normal and something must be horribly wrong with me or my imagination, but I can’t help my heart. I love my Twilight Prince.
Forever yours,
Maiden of the Moon
- Luminear’s Journal
“I might as well mention that I sent word at sunrise to a friend of mine in Kald’s Rest concerning Ozentough’s Traveling Theater. Consider it official. They’ll be here,” Laella told Luminear. She’d been waiting for Luminear to inquire about it for hours but sensing Luminear didn’t want to push the subject too much, Laella confessed.
“Really? That fas- how? Why?” Luminear stuttered both in surprise, wondering how Laella could be so sure.
“Minotaur have a strange connection with animal-kind. Our diligent carrier birds are fast and very reliable of late. At any rate, the current master of the theater owes a debt to the Javalla and Maelor lines that can truly never be paid. He will honor my request and will be here. Four months. That’s enough time to send invitations throughout Gargurthian along with approaching prominent figures for donations. I want the entire city booming and outfitted to amaze. You’ll give Magwhen’s past city fairs a challenge, love, and when all is said and done, everyone here will know your name and adore you.” Laella smiled as Luminear’s eyes grew three sizes, and her jaw dropped so far it might have fallen off as a mix of sheer excitement and a sinking feeling in her chest and stomach smacked her all at once. She realized just how enormous planning the event might become, and with her at the heart of it.
“My Lady, I have no idea what I’m doing.” Laella patted the side of her cheek and kissed her brow.
“Why did you want to do this in the first place?” Laella asked. Why was the easy part for Luminear. How she might put together an affair of such a grand scale was another matter.
“For the people,” Luminear blurted out.
“Why?”
“Because.” Luminear paused a moment considering what the ruling Lady of Gargurthian wanted to hear. “Because they need festivities. They’ve been through so much over the years. Now disorder is behind them, and they get their lives back, but it’s been nothing but work rebuilding. I want them to remember how to have fun. But I also want to give back what you and they have given me too. I want to show appreciation for my family,” Without hesitation, the words tumbled from her and every word was true. Laella approved.
“And that’s why it will be grand. You’re genuine. Much more than I. Garroth is just a place to me, and not one I’m particularly fond of. I will govern as I am expected to, but I have no passion for it. You do. I will be with you on everything you need, as will your sister, but this is your undertaking. You will not disappoint.”
“And if I do?”
“Then I’ll apologize publicly and behead you and sweep your sister into the dungeons to the end of days.” Laella winked.
“Oh, that’s not so bad, I guess. Or I’ll tell them it was all your idea if they don’t like it,” Luminear retorted playfully.
The two had formed a far closer relationship than Bella had with any of the Javalla family. Luminear didn’t understand why, but she was at ease here. It certainly didn’t hurt that Laella treated Luminear so well. Laella had also been surprised by the relationship she had formed with Luminear, but if she was honest, Luminear’s obedience and respect played a large part. Luminear was a rock a raging river would break itself against, being far stronger than most gave her credit. The world had plucked her up and shaken her every which way and spat her back out, and still, she took it all with a sm
ile. Her will was incorruptible, and she seemed to love and forgive everyone. Over a short time, Laella grew attached to Luminear like a daughter or even younger sister.
The two, this day, were preparing and cooking their own meal as had become a weekly ritual for the Javallas. Several months earlier, Luminear had proposed that once a week, the core family would eat alone without the household help. “Why not give the servants one day of rest? Bring the family closer together, and we can cook our own meals.” It was an idea Laella, her real children, and Albatros all liked. Bella was Bella. She joined in with reluctance, but ended up having fun too. Markus and Fern were invited and required to attend as the boys were also adopted into the family. They were not held in the same regard as the girls or even given the family name, but cared for nonetheless. Overall, the weekly feast had been a great success, and Luminear got the credit.
Bella and Markus, having planned a date at the opera house could miss this one time, but Laella insisted that it not become habitual. If Markus’ work schedule had to be adjusted, then she’d see to it. Otherwise family members were expected to attend and to take part.
The large cooking hall at the back of the castle was where servants prepared the daily feast for the Javalla family. A wall divided the vast room into a cooking area, and a dining area with a large wooden table arranged right outside the kitchen. On ordinary days, servants ate their meals at this table, while the Javalla household ate in a more exquisite dining hall. However on the day Javalla family members prepared their own meals, they sat in the servant’s dining hall, which wasn’t as bad as it sounded. From their dining table, they enjoyed a stunning view of the outside world where, in the distance, a towering mountain served as the backdrop along with a waterfall tumbling from the rocks into a small river below. Down the hill the water flowed, falling off cliffs creating a massive waterfall with the water resting in a pool at the base of the mountains. Trees shaded the water, making it the perfect place to swim in the fall after supper on their weekly meet-up.
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