✿ ᴇᴄʜᴏ ✿
Mid Dust Village, Sunset.
The moment I had stepped foot into Mid dust village, the feeling of entering a strange land was here again. Nothing here was familiar, but I didn't make it obvious by looking around like a fool, Nigel who was behind me did the opposite.
He kept making sounds of awe and looking around like this was his first time traveling. " There's so many incredible houses here, can you believe that Echo? Look at these tall trees. Back in my village tall trees were chopped down cos kids loved climbing them and then they'd fall and some might even… die."
" Let's hurry to Mid dust market as soon as we can. Since there's gonna be a festival tonight I heard a lot of the things sold today are gonna be at a cheaper rate."
" Really? Then we better hurry before the day's over." Two siblings carrying heavy boxes walks past I and Nigel and just as they head towards a carriage that seemed to be leaving for Mid Dust Market, Nigel hurries to my side and whispers.
" Echo, did you hear that? Those children just spoke about this village throwing a festival."
What an idiot. I was expecting he would talk about the idea of the things been sold today at a cheaper rate, instead he's talking about the festival. " We shall be going to Mid dust market to get you good clothes and maybe we can shop for anything we might need on our adventure."
" The sun's already setting. Let's just buy me clothes tomorrow."
" Are you deaf Nigel? Didn't you hear those children talk about things going to be sold on a cheaper rate tonight?"
" Right. So we'll have to go through the trouble and buy stuffs today, huh?" Nigel sighs and starts drawing back that he's no longer by my side. " Alright, let's go. But hang on Echo." Nigel meets up by my side again. " When we're done shopping, we'll stay for the festival right? It's been long since we had a festival back at home and I'm not leaving here until I have that feeling of a festival once again."
" We're not staying for the festival Nigel. We're staying because it would be too dangerous walking around at nighttime. I shall book us a room at an inn on our way back from the market." We soon reach the omnibus and get on with other people whose stop was also the market.
The ride to the market was peaceful, because Nigel fell asleep. " We're here Nigel, wake up."
" Huh? We are?" Nigel opens his eyes to see everyone was already out of the carriage, me too. With a sigh, he gets down from the carriage and then I toss the coachman a coin. " Wowwwwww." Nigel enunciates in awe as we stare at the buzzing market before us.
The market was buzzing with excitement as colorful stalls pop up under rows of string lights. Local vendors prepared handmade crafts, spices, woven baskets, and fresh street food. Music was floating through the air—drums, laughter, and the hum of voices. Children were running around with glowing lanterns, while elders sipped spiced tea and shared stories.
There's dancing in the center of the market square, with traditional clothes flowing and fire-breathers lighting up the night. The scent of roasted corn, grilled meat, and sweet treats fills the space. As artisans offer henna, beadwork, and face painting.
As night falls, the market glows—lit by candles, lanterns, and fireworks, celebrating community, culture, and joy. " These are awesome Echo." Said Nigel in awe as he touched the tough fabric of his new clothes.
" A retired traveler?" I ask the middle aged woman who did crafting for children.
" Yes. He lives just up that hill." I turn to the hill that was opposite this market's festival. " Rumor has it that he knows every location of every little thing. And since you claim to be in search of a flower, which is a living thing, I believe he can help you find it."
" Thank you." I say in gratitude and the young woman smiles at me.
" Anytime dear."
" Let's go, Nigel." I turn as I leave, heading straight towards the hill and far away from this noise of a festival.
" Now? Right this minute?" It seems Nigel doesn't want to leave, and I have no problem with that. He can stay if he wants, I don't care because I don't need him to acquire the golden rose petal.
" Yes."
" We're… umm… the festival. Aren't we staying for the festival?" Nigel questions.
" You can stay, if you want."
" Argh! You're so mean Echo!" I hear Nigel running after me. A few minutes passed and we're soon climbing up the hill.
" I'm so thirsty." Nigel staggers behind me with a whimper. " Let's go back to the market Echo. I'm starting to feel mosquitoes crying in my ears." Nigel groans and I grit trying to suppress the anger daring to burst out of me.
Nigel. Nigel. Nigellll!!!
He was so much nuisance, that I wish I could shut him up for good, I wish I hadn't brought him along with me, he isn't doing me anything good, not even a single favour that might make me treasure his presence with me.
He was a just a dumb loud kid.
He's no different from all the kids I've encountered.
" After we're done seeing the retired traveler, promise me we'll head back to the market to continue enjoying the Festival."
" I told you Nigel. I don't mind if you do not accompany me. You can go back there if you want."
" I can?!" He asks with a sudden gasp.
" How many times should I say that?" I shoot a glare at him.
" But I don't trust you, Echo. No one would." I roll my eyes at his words but it was true, I don't even trust myself. " I mean… what do I mean? Echo… will you come back to get me when you're done with the retired traveler? You won't leave this village without me, right?" Nigel inquires and I nod.
" Echo, are you for real?"
" Yes Nigel. I promise to come get you as soon as I'm done with the retired traveler. There. Are you happy now?" I stop to look at him with a deadpan expression.
" More than you've ever made me!" Nigel squeals in excitement and I watch him jump. " Have fun with the traveler Echo! I'll have my part of fun back in the market! I hope I see you there!" Waving at me, Nigel turns back as he runs off.
With a sigh of feeling the peace and quietness I once enjoyed flow back in, I continue heading up the hill as a lighted house comes into sight.