Chapter TWENTY-TWO: Festive Take-DEVIN

...

Alicia came to get Devin in the early afternoon of the first day of spring. Devin was ready for her this time and was tending to his wound from yesterday's incident.

"Alicia, how are you feeling today?" he asked immediately, upon seeing her enter the cottage.

"I'm more than fine, Devin. I spoke to father this morning. He said that he would like to talk to you later today, but the old man would not tell me anything else. Though...before I left, he surprised me and said that we could both enjoy the festival today! Devin, this must mean something. Perhaps, he will pardon you after all! I think you may just be able to return!" Alicia said cheerfully as she hugged her friend, accidentally brushing against his tender gash.

"Yikes! Alicia, that hurt!" Devin complained as he covered it with a cloth. "Er...but I'm happy to hear the news. Did he mention if he was going to have me catapulted as well?" he added sarcastically.

"No. He did not. Do not joke like that! And don't be such a big baby over a silly little cut! Here, let me look at it. I know a thing or two about wounds," she retorted and jerked his arm towards her to see it. "You really need to clean it more if you want it to get better. Now really, did you have one of those farm animals lather it with filth?-Here, let me do it."

"Uh...Talia use to tend them so...I...I never..." Devin stopped himself as Alicia glared at him, preventing him from moping again. She turned away quickly to get some water and pulled the cloth off his arm to let it soak.

Devin did his best not to cringe at first, but soon relaxed as she gently tended the broken skin.

"I am done. We should head to Thais now before we miss anymore of the festival," Alicia said, gazing at his now bandaged forearm. She looked up at Devin who was silently fixated on her, and clearly, deep in thought. Her hand moved down to his as she watched him.

Devin anxiously sighed, still lost in thought about losing Talia, and what would become of today; and the possibility that this may be the last day he would ever get to spend with Alicia. Concern was written all over his face.

"Queen Alicia, I'm glad to see you're doing better!" Frederick interrupted as he walked in with his brother-and also frog-in his hand.

"Thank you, Frederick. It was noble what you did yesterday...Are you planning on going to the Spring Equinox Festival today?" Alicia asked just to be courteous, but she began to hurriedly lead Devin towards the door. Devin suddenly snapped out it as she pulled him forward.

"Nice of you to ask, but I'm not much into festivals," Frederick replied.

"Well, okay then. We'll be on our way now..." Alicia said already half way out side.

"Come on, Frederick, I think you would like this one," Devin insisted to Alicia's dismay. "This maybe the last time we see each other for a while. I'm speaking with the king today."

"Alright. I guess I will go then," Frederick said as he put his frog brother down.

"Is there someone else you would like to take with you, Frederick? Because Devin and I will be very busy at some point and won't be good company to you. We wouldn't want to be rude, would we?" Alicia said now wishing she hadn't invited him.

"Well, I guess I can take Virginia the inn keeper. She likes to shape shift into a cow."

Both Devin and Alicia looked at each other in surprise but both smiled politely. Frederick then went to get Virginia, and all four of them headed towards Thais.

...

The kingdom was full of spirit and heartiness. The streets of Thais were crowded with citizens and visitors from all around for the celebration. As usual, festive music could be heard playing by street performers, but even more so today. Every alley was lined with something to attract a spectator's eye. Maypoles with beautiful streams of ribbon and banners stood high at large street intersections. A place was set for dancing, and another for sports and sword matches, outside the kingdom walls. Barrels of striking red apples from Candar fields decorated the streets and other goods from all over were sold by merchants in small stands.

Of all things, this was one thing about Thais that Devin had missed. He felt at home again after living so long amongst the animals. Although he grew to like them, they could not compare with being with his own kind.

As they walked further into the festival, the two pairs decided to split up. Frederick and his lady-cow friend headed to the tavern and Devin and Alicia went deeper into the streets.

The two walked around enjoying the vibrant day of the Equinox.

Alicia wrapped her arm around Devin's, which made the occasional acquaintance whisper amongst each other.

"Devin, look! Marionbells!" Alicia said suddenly when they crossed a florist stand. "They only grow in the Highlands, you know."

"Please take one for the lovely lady, young man," the old florist man offered Devin.

He happily accepted it and handed it to Alicia. With the vivid pink flower in her hands, Alicia gave Devin a glowing smile that just asked for more. He turned around and couldn't resist. The next minute he bought the rest of the dozen marionbells for her, taking Alicia by surprise, and leaving him broke for the rest of the event, and perhaps for weeks. He then hinted that they go watch the sword tournament that was soon to begin, but Alicia already had it in mind and did not need any further cues from him to make her go.

They arrived a little early to the sword tournament being held out in the forest's edge. Nearby, a dancing floor had been set up and many couples were moving elegantly according to the sweet melodious rhythms and tunes.

Alicia looked up at Devin catching his eye. She placed her flowers to the side on the ground, and tugged him onto the floor.

"We can have the dance we never had all the years ago at my ball," Alicia whispered into his ear. Devin smiled as he held her close and they began to dance.

The other couples seem to disintegrate into the tree filled background as the queen and her companion danced tentatively to the music. Even the music began to fade as they looked straight into each other's eyes. Devin felt the same driving force as he had a day ago towards Alicia. His head slowly fell closer to hers as they moved with their surroundings.

Suddenly, the music stopped and Devin backed away a little; but he still held her ready to dance some more. He peered over Alicia's shoulder and realized that the sword tournament had begun.

"Come on, Alicia, let's get your flowers and go see the tournament!" Devin said as he tried forgetting what had happened on the dance floor.

"Oh, yes...the tournament," Alicia said somewhat disappointed as they walked away from the floor.

They stood together watching the sword fight. Both of them were disappointed by the swordsman skills (obviously they had not attended the Collegium).

Devin suddenly looked to his side and saw a guardsman quickly approaching them. His instincts told him to pull out his sword, but he soon recognized who it was and did not.

"Tailor?" Devin said not sure if he was happy to see his old friend.

"So, you're not dead? I knew it! You fooled us all! You deserted your duties as knight!" Tailor shouted menacingly, as he pulled out his rapier, making a scene.

"I order you to put down your weapon at once knight!" Alicia commanded as she bravely stood in front of Devin. "Tailor, you don't understand...Devin is here upon the king's wishes. This matter will be solved by His Highness."

Tailor looking a bit sour for a moment, then went over to Devin, looked at him squarely in the face, and gave him a joyful hug.

"I knew you would be hard to kill, if ever! Where have you been all this time?" Tailor said ecstatic to see Devin alive and well.

Devin briefly explained what happened and the two agreed to speak more later on.

"Devin, I think we should go talk to father now, before we run into anymore troubles," Alicia interrupted, now extremely worried for Devin's life. She wondered if someone else would attempt to attack him and be less forgiving.