NORMINOT_OTaye

From Riches to Realms
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Strange events had begun to unfold:missing children, vanishing women, and widowed husbands—all while bodies disappeared without a trace. But worst of all— whispers around of the dead walking among the living. They said dead men tell no tales—until you force them silent.
.......
Marie Antoine Lisette, or Liz as she preferred, never thought her life would spiral from riches to rags. She thought her future was set: a husband on the way, with gold, silver, pearls, lands, mansions, manors, and accounts she could scarcely keep track of. She had it all.

But one fateful day, everything changed. Her head spun, her legs buckled, and then—darkness enveloped her.

When she finally awakened, a circle of concerned faces surrounded her (her body) —friends and family, all eager for her recovery. Yet something felt amiss. When the prince arrived, Liz gushed, blushed, and her lips pursed as she shyly batted it at the prince.  
(Liz: Ew...)  
(???: So, you do like the prince)  
(Liz: What prince? Who?)

As Liz opened her eyes again, a spiders crept through the damp wall. Her luxurious clothes had vanished, replaced by rags, and her hair lay matted and dirty.  
"A prison cell," she thought. Her voice quivered on the brink of tears, "My luxurious life."  
(???: About the prince...)  
"What could he possibly have to complain about?” she snarked.  
"..."

When your world unravels in the most bewildering ways, do you ignore it or seek the truth? And when those answers come, will you accept them, or will they shatter everything you believe?

**Presenting Liz, the first novel of yours truly for fun.** Follow her on her journey—a thrilling quest where adventure and budding romance await amidst danger and mystery.

Destined for the unknown

In a specific city called Zerathorne.

Streets were as thin as spider webs. Their patterns as delicate as cicada wings, quietly concealing their secrets from the publics' keen eye.

Two moons filled the sky, one crescent the other full.

Today is known as the moon-eating festival, a widespread celebration for the people living in Enderwaul.

No matter your race, ethnicity, country, religion, organization, community, or family.

People crowded the streets, smiling and chatting. Each pillar or home was decked in red, and dazzling lights illuminated the streets. Holding shopping bags, cakes, food, and beverages.

"Daddy! "Higher! Higher!!" a brown-haired child exclaimed, laughing along his father who was amused by his anthics and raised him high. The boy's mother was beaming beside him.

And just over the shop, there was an entirely unrelated scene: "Look at that." A girl exclaimed, gawking.

"Who?" Curious, the other inquired.

"Who, him???, Girl, is your taste that...?"

"What! ", the girl blushed, as she took a sip."He looked kind of nice."

"Nice", the other raised a brow before sipping her own coffee.

the girl's voice shifted, only to receive a bombastic side eye.

Two lime-dyed youngsters sipped their pricey coffee and chatted away once more. Their voices blended with the crowd.

Next, The town square is brimming with happiness. It's a plaza full of inhabitants dancing.

Tree leaves colored red, green, yellowish, and some already falling. The natural scenery captivates the hearts of its residents. Shops brimming with games, and streets lined with performers. Vendors shouted to sell, as aunties haggled with crooks and the helpless. People on the main street smiled, chuckled, and bustled with activity.

Finally, fireworks blossomed in the capital city and five other cities, including this one. The moon-eating festival was enjoyed by everyone in the globe, from royals, nobles, and honest farmers to intellectuals, knights, and even crooks. Oh, and don't forget about the bandits. Sneered a transparent yet observant eye. It was going stay to watch a little more when she felt her heart jump. Oh my god, she thought anxiously. I'm forgetting something. Before rushing west where the sun could be seen sheding its light for the moon. Finally, she arrived at her destination, a little late. She mused. Looking at her watch, she grinned to herself. 12 o'clock , just right.

In a little herder village near the borders of Zerathorne, an unsettling bunch gathered to celebrate the same festival.

"Hahaha, see, brothers!! It's a haul," said the leader, laughing boisterously. His men joined him in guffaw as he felt like they had stroked gold.

The neighboring mining country recently needed a lot of miners. Although women and children doesn't catch much. Children are still worth something. They don't even eat that much and if we can't sell them there , we can always contact our old customers.

The leader grinned , his beard ruffling with every laugh. He was in such a good mood that he ordered a feast. His subordinates jumped behind him, their excitement overflowing and their saliva dripping.

Roasted duck, grilled pig, BBQ, marinated beef, and roasted corn. Red wine, white wine, apple beer, plus rice wine. Grapes, dates, pineapples, and oranges.

Of course, women: Slender, petite, little, tall, big tops, big bottoms, voluptuous, and suitable of all ages. Well, marriageable ages.

Different celebrations