I really have nothing to say, except I hope you enjoy. :D
Clock Town was bustling; the Carnival of Time was soon approaching. It was one of the busiest times for the simple town. The town that was normally known for their services and producing finished goods seemed wide awake. The Carnival of Time was the celebration of the season of harmony; the moon and sun were going to align.
Anju stared at the wall before her, trying to ignore the sounds drifting in from outside. The Stock Pot Inn was never known for being busy, except for during the carnival. To secure a room during the carnival, one would have to make preparations months in advance.
However…
Today they were expecting one new guest. For one guest, Anju had to stand behind the desk, staring blankly at the wall. Sometimes she missed the times that the Inn was notorious as a cafeteria. Those were the days of business; things were a great deal different when her father was still alive.
She missed him, her father. He always took her to the carnival when she was younger. Sometimes, he would even lift her onto his shoulders so she could see over the crowd that gathered to light their candles. He would point out the different races and explain to her where they had come from. Father had once even taken her to the Great Bay, where she was lucky enough to see a golden seahorse in the fisherman's hut.
But father was dead, and it was mother's iron fist that ruled the Stock Pot Inn now. Her mother had become very protective of her only daughter, especially after the death of her husband. Anju had not seen another carnival since his accident.
Sigh.
Anju fidgeted, tugging on a stray string on her blouse. She had always loved the Carnival of Time; it was her favorite time of year. Especially because it always fell on the day after her birthday, it was like the world was celebrating her life.
"Stop fidgeting, stand up straight."
A stern voice startled her out of her thoughts, Anju turned to watch her mother march out of the kitchen. A frown was plastered on her face. "Our guests are not going to like being greeted by such a sour looking face."
"…Yes mother…"
The older women studied her daughter carefully before addressing her again. "You should be grateful for me, you know. The Gods be good that they didn't take both of your parents away. You should be indebted that you have a roof over your head and a good meal in your belly."
Anju said nothing.
"A good child would thank their mother." Mama reprimanded her.
Finally, Anju turned back to her mother. Blue eyes sparked with defiance before dulling. Her head bobbed in a slow nod. "Yes mother, I am thankful that the Gods spared you."
The pair stared at each other until her mother nodded briskly and announced she was going out for a walk. Anju always appreciated these nights, when her mother decided to leave the Inn and her daughter for a while.
It would seem that as soon as mother had left that there was a pounding of feet down the stairs. A giggle accompanied the rumbling down the stairs and around the corner slid one of the few people Anju actually enjoyed being around.
Cremia flashed her pearly whites and plopped down on the desk. "A good child would thank their mother" She repeated in a mocking tone, batting her long eyelashes as she teased her best friend.
"I thought you weren't going to be here until tomorrow evening for the dance?" Anju quizzed her friend as she returned to her stray string. She was trying, unsuccessfully to pretend that she wasn't jealous of her friend.
While Cremia had lost both parents, she still had her younger sister and the freedoms that Anju could only dream of. She lived on a Ranch far from Termina and the dull people who lived there. She could travel to all the amazing places outside of the brick walls without having to answer to anyone. There was even the doggy lady there to watch Romani when she wanted to go places.
"I realized, I just couldn't do it this year. I couldn't go another year, spinning in handsome men's arms and know you were here all by yourself. It is just dreadful." Cremia smiled.
"So?"
"So, my depressed little friend, I am taking you with me. Isn't that delightful? We will have Granny cover for you. She will tell your Mom you are out at the Laundry Pool or the bank, something. And by night fall she will be asleep. She does the same thing every year, Anju"
The idea did make her smile a little bit. She never got to be around people, let alone people her own age. It would be a great occurrence, something her father would have certainty wanted her to experience. But still.
Cremia must have noticed her slight hesitation, because she leaned towards her friend. The Bowser brooch catching the light; as she placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Besides, you really need to meet a man."
