Chapter 22: Night Two and a Duchess662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjHr7nPFQo
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Next day with the morning sun was the breath of Goddess Liasa’s night to be honored. The event stands and games had begun to be cleaned up. The Inn as well as outside was filling with the scent of wonderful things. Food was being prepared by those who had asked to earlier on. Alura and Marenzo got up and ready before heading downstairs to have some of the delicious smelling food. “Oh what smells so good?” she asked as they entered the dining area.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygYI9ZEDSM
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“That is food for the banquet tonight.” The cook responded as he came from the kitchen. “Others are also cooking up delicious dishes that will be all served tonight.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWUYy2CjMs
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“Can we try some of it early?” she asked as they approached the bar counter.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1D1LuLUGd
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“No you may not. The food is prepared all day and when night comes is when everyone together shares in it.” He nodded with a snort. “Most will just snack to get through the day and save their appetite for the banquet.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MRKCCWn4t
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Alura pouted as she folded her arms. “What happens with people who don’t want to wait and save their appetite for the banquet?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3qCy9tTar
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“Then they fix themselves something or go to a restaurant and purchase food.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJy9lU9qs9
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Marenzo nodded in agreement to the cook’s statement. “That sounds reasonable.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbe68i9TksJ
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Alura looked down to her stomach as it growled before looking around moved to a table and grabbed herself an apple from the fruit bowl. “So…what kinds of food are served at the banquet?” she questioned before taking a bite and making her way back to the bar where she sat.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnx3n9J9UeS
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“All sorts! There’s a variety of ways meat is prepared such as smoked, barbequed, stewed, roasted just to name a few. Then there are stews and soups.” He sighed happily as he thought about it. “Along with salads, fruit and vegetable mixes, soy and other plant dishes. It has something for everyone of all types.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA2YTenMWOO
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“Sounds wonderful! So, when does it begin?” Marenzo asked as he decided to focus and teleported himself a peach. Once he had it, he took a bite and looked to the cook who was walking away to check on the food in the back.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUQAByL1GV
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“It happens once dusk falls and the lanterns are lit. We then set all the food up and after all are seated, we give thanks to the Goddess of Life for all she’s given us and we eat.” He was glad to see nothing burned as he stirred the mixed stew. “We have a table set up so she may dine with us. We place some or a piece of all the food we fixed on for her and leave it.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5AuubY6GK
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“What do you do with the extra food?” she took a bite of her apple.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTmzHQD4dA
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“We pick it up, store I and finish serving it on the final night during the performances.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOx2Ozgobk
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“Oh…that’s a good way to avoid waste.” The cook nodded to Marenzo’s comment as he came back out.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHD8U6WCMvn
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“So…” Alura took a bite and swallowed before continuing. “What do we do as we wait?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinBwhqg14Y
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Marenzo took another couple bites as he thought it over. “Hmm…maybe we could find someone to give us a lift and we get a tour of the countryside or of one of the other cities.” He took another bite and spoke while being careful not to spit any peach out. “Or we could go back to bed and sleep the day away.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42SDvvDK2Z
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Alura twisted her face at the wizard’s rude manners as she shot him a small glare. Sleeping in does sound good but I’m curious to see more of the area. Maybe we could do that tomorrow morning and even visit the shrine that’s in the center of the cities in the country area. She smiled liking the idea. “Let’s just relax for today then tomorrow we could see if there’s a way to get a ride and tour of the area surrounding the city. And maybe we could see if we could see the shrine to leave an offering before the final night’s festivities.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcjNRcbCQ0
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Marenzo nodded as he finished up his peach. “Sounds good,” he said with his mouth semi full.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oNgZNuytr
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“Please start showing the manners I know you got.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5HwgSMHCF
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He gulped down the rest. “Hehe, sorry,” he rubbed the back of his head. “I wasn’t thinking for some reason.” She nodded and began to head towards the stairs to go back to their room. “Thanks for the info. Could someone come and wake us in case we doze off before things start?” the cook nodded and Marenzo followed after Alura. “Thanks!” he called and caught up with her.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZwMKyTjzZ
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They entered and closed the door as Alura yawned and stretched. “I think a nap sounds good.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJu4x4ZKJuV
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Marenzo nodded as he moved towards the bed. “I agree or we could go with you practicing your magic some more.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQyNUgbokm
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“Do I have to? I don’t want to do it when it might make me hungry faster before the feast.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7VW4riC3c
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“I guess you do got a point there.” He nodded, “okay then, let’s take a nap.” She sighed relieved and made her way to then into the bed with him. She got under the blankets as he stayed on top of them. She got in close as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his head atop her head. “Have a good nap.” He softly whispered as he began to play with her hair some.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyD8MlMZFp
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“Thanks…you too, if you doze off.” She whispered back as she started to close her eyes, her body relaxing as he played with her hair.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uICPAHk4A
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Hours would pass with the pair resting in the other’s arms. A soft knock came to the door as the room keeper woke them so they wouldn’t be late for the banquet. They woke, got ready and headed out to the circle.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCIkI63ssi
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In the circle was a large layout that caused Alura’s jaw to drop in shock. Lanterns were hanging over top and giving a soft warm atmosphere to the setting. There were several long tables set with seating for fourteen at each. There was a main long table set in the center with a chair that had a higher back in the middle of the seven seats. At the head of the tables setting was a round table with three high back chairs.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsotN3Gjzcw
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“Wow…” she whispered as she stared in awe before blinking as a strong form came and bumped into her side. She was about to yell at the person but smiled as she saw a familiar demon. “Oh, hey Quartz!” she greeted in a friendly tone. “How are you? Have you decided to give Marenzo back his property?”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0PdG0SFEh
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“Oh damn!” the baries exclaimed while hitting his palm of his hand against his forehead. “I completely forgot to bring that with me. I didn’t think either of you would be coming to the banquet.” He had a remorseful tone to his voice which Alura nodded in understanding. Marenzo, however, wasn’t so forthcoming to ‘understand’ the beasts dilemma.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm2QNGcP8o
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“Why don’t you go back and get it from your room?” the wizard asked in a quiet, smooth and somewhat dangerous tone, his hands on his hips while he locked eyes with the beast.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1blg94uRL
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“I would but…you see I don’t want to miss the speech from our gracious leader on this finest of nights.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjbfTkk83G
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“Come on Marenzo,” Alura looked to him. “I’m sure he can bring it to us on tomorrow morning or tomorrow night at the end of the festival.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OePfuM6ga
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He took a breath and released it in a hard huff. “Fine…” he grumbled.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneBIVIeNKo
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“Follow and you can sit with me. Then if you have any questions about anything I’ll be happy to answer.” Quartz offered as he led the way to one of the tables. Alura pulled a reluctant Marenzo along as Quartz pulled out a chair for her. “Here you are, my lady.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KQbrFY5NZ
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“Thank you!” she sat and he pushed it in before taking his seat beside her as Marenzo sat on the other side of her. “I bet this is going to be wonderful!”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFltit9ImO
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Quartz nodded, “it is wonderful and it brings everyone together that can attend to show unity. This unity is great when there is a threat of war or invasion.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlTSg0tHku
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“War?” she questioned softly with her excitement quickly draining away to allow dread to surface.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bHvQDA9BI
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He nodded with a sigh as his eyes closed. “I’m sure you’ve already heard about Natta’s military being on the move. Word is they were sighted in Zento some months back.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj0iMyXKVD
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“Not shocking, Zento’s Empress is considered a close friend of Emperor Amoxious.” Marenzo chimed in while leaning on the table with one elbow, his head supported in the resting arm’s hand.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWousDxzle
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“True but something was different. Some people have said the Empress has been more to herself for some time now.” He shook his head. “I’ve no idea why but no doubt it is due to Natta taking a stronger hold there.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM2RqvByKu
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“But they haven’t gone back to Flora, right?” Alura questioned a bit quickly with worry.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn9jA9eHgv
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Quartz looked slightly confused to her but quickly regained himself and shook his head. “I’ve heard their forces aren’t there and others say they are. So, I’m not for sure which is right.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUD5etg0M1h
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“Oh…okay.” She said sadly as she looked at the table.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25Ypa6nKS2
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“Look,” he gently placed a hand like paw on her back. “I’m sure the Goddesses after this night will help and make sure your home is safe. After all, you’re here to show unity in this festival that pays them respect, honor and praise.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GnfcYgq1p
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Slowly Alura smiled hearing that. “I hope you’re right.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKwTAIVNv4
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“I’m sure I am. The Goddesses have never let us down.” With this assurance more people filed into their seats as others brought out the warm eatery. Shortly after that the food in beautifully designed serving dishes was brought out. Each table was soon set with a variety of foods. It ranged from meats to soups to stews to salads and even mixed dishes.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiX7YXdv0Vw
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“It looks delicious!” she licked her lips as her stomach growled in desire for the many scents assaulting her senses. “That’s interesting.” She looked the dish over that had curved edges so it looked like someone had mixed a plate and a bowl.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybxla4B52h
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“Yea it’s to help lower on the number of plates to bowls.” Quartz stated before smacking Alura’s hand that had begun to reach out for one of the serving utensils.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMe2yJkG4l9
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“Hey!” she snapped upon jerking her hand back and rubbing it.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XIv3ZfzAm
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“We don’t eat until the Duchess arrives and the High Priestess makes the honorary speech that the Duchess approved.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGbN2f2mSh
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“I’m beginning to like Flora’s public democracy more than this government style.” Alura grumbled as she put her elbows on the table and pouted with her chin resting in her hands.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1wxNcGvHb
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A minute or so passed before the people stood and thus so did Alura and Marenzo. They watched as a soldier in light weight metal armor lead the way in with two women and another soldier. One woman stood tall with a slim build as her large feline ears twitched. She came to a stop, the guard pulled out her chair and she continued before sitting in her sleeveless, around the neck dress of blue. Its midnight fabric had silky strips of sky blue one would see on a clear sunny day. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQTEp6T1TA
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On her bar arms were metal bracelets around her upper and lower arms. She also had one ring on both hands and a jeweled necklace around her neck. Her headdress was a golden circlet which held a radiant stone that looked as if it were plucked from the night sky. Her bangs were parted and grown so they hung around her shoulders where they were secured by gold bands. The rest of her hair fell around the middle of her back and was held looped up by a golden band, allowing it to rest gently against her upper back. She made a motion with one delicate hand towards the other woman who wore equally as elegant clothing. 662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCyo6Wscq62
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The second woman stood in front of her chair in soft tan colored pants that were somewhat wider than her legs. They now, as she stood still, appeared to be an ankle length skirt. Her top consisted of detached, forest green tinted sleeves that were held onto her upper arms by snuggly tied ribbons. The ends of the sleeves dipped some to allow her a quick place to store talismans and charms. She shifted her footing in her coppery-tan colored, flat bottomed shoes. Her main watery blue colored top looked sleeveless with fine starry blue colored satin wrapped loosely around her shoulders. Attached to this was a light tannish-blue colored hood resting on her semi-long, dirty yellow-brown hair.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZl4r6BICw
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She lowered the hood to show it was pulled back into a simple ponytail, held by a tied piece of fabric. Her bangs were sort of spiky looking as the sides were braided and secured under the ponytail. She cleared her throat and looked up and over the people with her amber colored eyes. “Good people of Lunar! We come in joined unity in this feast provided by the Goddess of Life as well as allies who join us!” she said in a loud voice that called for those who heard her to listen.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xfaWE4syQ
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The High Priestess looked the people over. “The Goddesses have all assured me we all are safe and grace us all with their thanks!” she turned her head to look at the Duchess questioningly as the woman stood.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6CbRRzX1N
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“The High Priestess brings us good news and this shall bring forth a tighter unity against Natta!” the woman nearly shouted with her strong slightly deep voice. “I am sure you all know of Natta’s military making its way to gain a strong hold of the other islands. But they shall never take control of ours!” the people clapped and cheered to her words.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE27q7jxzH0
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The Duchess raised a hand and all grew quiet once more. “We shall show them the mighty fury the creatures of the night can bring.” She lifted a hand and curled it into a fist. “They will fall to our strength!” her wings shot out of her opened back dress which brought more cheers. “They may have control of Flora and are gaining a hold on Zento but they will not take us. Right?” a cheer came. “We have the Goddesses on our aid and our flight to rip their pitiful airships out of the sky, along with their pitiful demons!”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYq3vJcPpF
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Cheers filled the air with clapping before doing down again as she made the motion and closed her wings against her back. “We shall now partake in the banquet displaying this unity in honor of our protectors, and those who gave us such wonderful gifts.” She took her seat and the meal began. People began to serve themselves with talk taking place along with the passing of dishes.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZjg9b3J7N
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During this after some minutes of enjoying the food, Alura began poking at hers with her mind going over a few thoughts. This caught the attention of Marenzo who popped a caramel peach slice into his mouth. “You okay?” he asked after swallowing.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0uLwUisat
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“Huh?” she looked up and nodded. “Yea, I’m fine.” He raised an eyebrow at this and she sighed. “Okay,” she lowered her voice as she spoke and took a bite of mashed potatoes. “I’m worried about this place. I’m scared Amoxious will invade and they will fall to him like Flora did that time.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzwDP9fP9B
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“Don’t worry.” He put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. “We’re here so nothing to worry about. If anyone shows up trying to hurt this place then we’ll help take care of them.”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR2wP9sNBd
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“Thank you.” She smiled and moved closer before landing a quick peck on his lips. Her cheeks along with his immediately heated up with eyes widening. “Uh…sorry!” she squeaked quietly. “I’m not sure what I was thinking! I don’t think I was thinking!”662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3iNFlv7fp
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Marenzo shook his head to try and clear the shock. “It’s-it’s fine, really. Um…how about we get back to this delicious food and drink?” she nodded and they went back to the meal. At times she would look to Quartz and ask him about any other traditions the country had.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ9DRcExkW
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At the end of the meal, people conversed with stories of their homes. Into the night things quieted as the participants tired. Once they had gone after the Duchess and High Priestess departed, those tasked with cleanup began this before they too could retire.662Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ2Qi1HF9G
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