Chapter 7 Come dance
When Eli and Lyriel emerged from the forest, Lyriel stood in awe at the crowd of humans moving about. Farmers rolled carts filled with vegetables and produce, while children laughed and chased one another through the streets. It felt like another world entirely—a place bursting with life.
Lyriel’s eyes lit up. “It’s like a living painting.” Leaving Eloria suddenly didn’t feel like such a mistake.
Eli smirked. " This is just a poor village on the outskirts of the kingdom. The king doesn’t even know we exist.”
Lyriel shrugged. “That doesn’t matter. Everyone looks happy.”
They both wandered through the village aimlessly, and Lyriel acted all naive and childlike. Everyone could tell she was a newbie, much to Eli's dismay. She pointed at everything she thought was magical. She just couldn't get enough of this human world, it was indeed very magical and peculiar.
A woman passed out flowers near a stall, and Lyriel slowed, captivated by their soft fragrance and fleeting grace. "These are daisies," the florist said with a smile. "Would you like one, dear?"
Lyriel nodded eagerly. "Yes! They are very beautiful!"
The woman laughed. "That's a new one." She tucked a daisy behind Lyriel's ear. "Pretty as a spring morning, you are."
Eli grabbed Lyriel's arms softly and whispered into her ear. It sounded as though he wanted to describe how beautiful the flowers were, but what he said left Lyriel speechless.
"Remove the flower from your hair and tell the woman you're not interested in buying it."
"But… but why should I tell her I'm not interested in buying the flowers? They are very beautiful!" she asked loudly, loud enough for the florist to hear. The daisies were the most beautiful she had ever seen, so why would he say that?
Eli, surprised that she had spoken out, held her more tightly and whispered roughly into her ear. "Do you have money? Because I don't have a coin on me."
Lyriel's eyes widened in realization, and she eyed Eli from head to toe, surprised that such a handsome young man had no money. For one thing, he had the aura of a wealthy prince in disguise. Turns out he wasn't one. By the way, what was he thinking when he decided to show her around the market square with no money on him? Were they just going to smile at the faces of every shopkeeper?
Lyriel turned to him, feigning innocence. "You should have told me you had no money."
Eli was about to reply with a frown when a group of children darted past them, chasing a dog with a stick. One of them tripped and fell, landing in a puddle with a loud splash. Lyriel gasped and hurried over, kneeling beside the boy.
"Are you hurt?" she asked, touching his arm.
The boy stared at her wide-eyed, mouth agape. "You're… very preety!," he whispered.
Eli coughed to hide a laugh. For some reason, it sounded funny to him.
Lyriel smiled softly. "That's kind of you to say, little one." She whispered something under her breath and the scrape on his elbow faded.
Eli didn't seem to notice. "Come on, hero," he said, helping the boy up. "You'll scare your mum half to death looking like that."
As they walked on, Lyriel glanced back at the child, who stared after her with wonder. She felt a twinge of guilt. Using magic here could draw attention, but the boy's smile had been worth it.
They came upon a stable where a few horses were tethered. Lyriel's eyes widened.
"What are these?"
"Horses," Eli said simply.
"They're magnificent." She approached one cautiously, extending a hand. The chestnut mare sniffed her fingers, then nuzzled her palm. Lyriel giggled. "She's soft!"
Lyriel stroked the horse's muzzle. "Do all humans ride these creatures?"
"Mostly the ones who can afford them," he said. "Why? Thinking of learning?"
She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Though I'd rather fly."
He chuckled. "You and your invisible wings again."
Lyriel frowned.
By midday, the village square was alive with music. A group of musicians played at its center while children clapped excitedly and people danced along, spinning and jumping about—if that could even be called dancing.
"What's happening?" she asked.
"It's market day," Eli explained. "Sometimes they play to celebrate and dance. You know—make work feel less like work."
Lyriel stepped closer, her eyes wide. “This looks more like children’s play than a dance. They’re just hopping and running about,” She remarked, waving the dust away as it drifted into her face.
Eli laughed. "That's one way to describe it."
Before she could respond, someone grabbed her hand—a laughing girl her age.
"Hey! My name is Mira. Come dance!"
"I don't—" Lyriel began, but the girl had already pulled her into the circle.
As the music surged, they stamped their feet, sending clouds of dust into the air. Lyriel stumbled at first, coughing, but soon laughter carried her forward. The girl joined in, spinning her around with a grin. "Just follow the rhythm!" she said.
"I don't know the rhythm!" Lyriel replied.
"I'll teach you. Follow my footsteps!" the girl yelled amidst the loud music. She showed Lyriel the dancing steps everyone was following and urged her to copy them.
Lyriel laughed—a bright, bubbling sound that drew eyes. Her movements grew bolder, freer, her hair catching the sunlight as she spun. For the first time since she'd lost her wings, Lyriel felt weightless again.
The musician tempo quickened, people clapped, and exchanged dancing partners until they all stumbled, breathless. She looked at Eli, who stood quietly at the corner, arms folded. He wore an unreadable expression, and she wondered what he was thinking. He was missing all the fun! She ran over to him. The thought of hugging him crossed her mind, but she shook his hands instead, wiggling them up and down excitedly.
"What are you doing here all alone? You're missing all the fun," she whispered. "In my world, we danced for power, and also during festivals, but I have never felt so happy… and free."
Eli smiled faintly. "Dancing is freedom."
Lyriel blinked, thoughtful. "Perhaps you're right."
Just as the laughter swelled again, a sharp cry cut through the music.
"Stop! Thief!"
A woman near the fountain clutched her empty purse, pointing down the street where a boy bolted through the crowd.
Lyriel froze. "He's stealing?"
Before Eli could say a word, she darted into the alley, her long gown brushing the cobblestones—the same gown she had worn since yesterday at the Festival of Blossoms. Thankfully, it wasn't heavy. The thief, a scrawny boy, no older than twelve scrambled up a crate. She raised a hand, murmuring a word and the ground beneath him became as slippery as glass.
He yelped, tumbling down, the purse spilling open beside him. Eli caught up, eyes wide. "How did you catch up with him"
"I am a fast runner," She smiled brightly, keeping the thief close by holding his collar.
The boy groaned, rubbing his head. Lyriel knelt beside him. "Why did you steal?"
He sobbed at first trying to hide his emotions, but then broke into tears. "Because I am hungry!"