The arrival

It was around an hour before sunset, and soon they arrived at the market square where the festival was held. The market square is a place where different people from different village even ghost, witches and other creatures come to buy things, some people were aware of that and were careful not to be scape goats or even someone's meal.

"The festival was an opportune time for these creatures to play around as the portal use to be opened during the iria festivals every year"

During the time of the festival, people walk in groups and never trespass, not for any reason.

The festivals those days was like a new beginning of a year and it was cherished and celebrated every year but danger was always lurking, that was the curse of this festival, they were exposed to the creatures of the other world.

"The king had summoned the priest amongst the elders to bind the portal from opening" but it had backfired and there was an interference and it had awakened a very powerful ghost whom had been imprisoned for centuries, leaving the portal ajar.

"it was bound to be opened at this hour every year during the iria festival and manipulating their way out didn't bring them any good but more harm, unleashing the powerful accient ghost who had found his interest in ibitein, since the day he saw her, he had heard the whispers from the wind on how ibitein rejects men and he wasn't pleased.

'Today he will attend the festival just for her'

ibitein was excited and she rushed out of the carriage when she saw Agnes talking with Ayonadu.

Ayonadu was a very close cousin to Agnes and a secret admirer to Ibitein, he was a tall, handsome and attractive young man who was admired by people, especially the maidens. Although he hasn't told her due to the fear of being rejected after all men of calibers had been rejected so what makes him different, although she knew he had an interest in her but she was adamant.

'Be careful ibitein, her mother said

worried'

I'm okay mama, she walked ahead to join in the conversation.

She will be fine, Alfred said and Abigail nodded in response and they walked into the crowd. As usual ibitein made people heads turn, she was indeed the most beautiful girl.

Greetings, ibitein bowed at them to get their attention and they laughed.

What are you doing? asked Agnes with a smile.

Greeting of course Ayonadu replied with a gesture.

Don't mess with me, she slightly frowned

Oh okay, you're welcome, Agnes said sarcastically and they laughed.

Ibitein! someone called, she turned around to see who had called her and she smiled.

Nengi! she went to hug her, i thought you wouldn't come.

Just because I'm married doesn't mean I won't be attending the big festival, Nengi said smiling

Hmm, I thought as much ibitein added as the two continued to hold hands.

You look beautiful in this dress, Nengi complimented her.

Thank you cousin, you look beautiful as well, ibitein responded.

Seriously!

Yes! you look beautiful.. I mean you are beautiful, and they both laughed

Well what can I say my husband is the best, she blushed.

I have the best brother in-law then.

yes, you do, she nodded

Where's your husband then? asked ibitein

He should be around talking to my mother, Nengi replied.

Oh that's good, at least they're getting along.

Yes, after everything I was surprised by her change of heart.

Nengi was married to a man that her mother didn't approve of, only because he was from a far away village, she was worried for her daughter but had a change of heart for her daughter's happiness. She saw the love he had for her daughter and she was pleased. Her father Christopher, on the other hand approved their marriage from the beginning.

Here you are, the most beautiful ladies of the family a man said and they turned around.

Rafael! oh I mean brother in-law, ibitein smiled at him.

ibitein! it's been a while, he hugged her

'It's been five months Rafael' she shrugged.

I know you missed me, he said raising his brows, I saw you glowing from a far, you never stop giving people the spice, he teased.

Oh please Rafael, she rolled her eyes, I know where this discussion is heading to and he laughed.

Just her? Nengi asked with small frown

Oh I smell jealousy here, he sniffed

Stop it, slightly hitting his shoulder, she rolled her eyes.

'Of course not, my beautiful wife glows just like the sun, he said and she blushed, everyday he added'

Okay okay you got yourself a jealous wife, Agnes commented.

Agnes! Nengi eyed her

What? I'm sorry okay, she said raising her hands.

You better be.. Nengi said raising her brow.

I mean you're jealous, Agnes chuckled.

While Agnes and Nengi continued their argument, ibitein and Rafael were having their own conversation as well.

So it's a good progress for you and Aunt Sharon, ibitein whispered

Ah yes indeed, I'm glad that we are getting along now, I've been really worried, Rafael replied with a whisper.

You will be fine, if you need anything just let me know, okay? ibitein said patting his shoulder.

You don't know how grateful I'm to have you, he responded.

I'm grateful too, ibitein smiled.

What are you two whispering to each other, Nengi asked

Something you don't know about ibitein replied smiling at her.

You two are something else, Nengi said

I must say, they have a good brother and sister in-law relationship, Ayonadu commented

Exactly and I envy these two, Agnes responded

I envy them too, Nengi said with a gesture and they laughed.

So who's the lucky man, asked Rafael

There's no lucky man yet Rafael, she answered.

Why? you're yet to choose a man? he asked

Don't say it like it's that simple to do and besides I don't want to get into the wrong hands, she replied.

I understand, take your time okay, but don't take too much time, he said patting her shoulder playfully.

The iria festival started with the younger maidens coming out of their rooms with the iria usual. The maidens are dressed with feni wrapper covering only their lower part not entirely, just below knee level and leaving their bare breast to the audience to view. The lines of confidence would be drawn on each maidens showing the rich minerals of the land on their bodies.

The beautiful maidens walk and expose their beautiful breast showing elegance, pride and humility, and almost all the maidens in display will have a suitor at the end of the festival.

The beauty of this festival is that every iria festival have a winner and a prize.

Soon the music was played and the dancers entertained everyone. Men, women, children, maidens and the youths joined in and danced to the tone.

"Ibitein danced"

And everyone praised her, just when she raised her head she saw a man standing in the crowd, and she stopped dancing, due to the distance between them she couldn't see his face but then he started walking towards her and as he came closer she saw his face and soon he was standing in front of her.