13. The bonfire
The fire roared in the middle of the palace courtyard, the logs crackling as people danced round it to the sonds of drums, cymbals, and chants. The atmosphere was truly lively, the smell of roasted meat filled the air, as wine flowed freely. He was leaning on a pillar watching the bleak and empty that didn't seem to recognize that people were celebrating. He thought of what he had heard during the day and smiled sadly knowing he wouldn't get an answer, and that he really couldn't ask. He saw her walk out the main door, she was dressed in a white and azure evening dress, gold earrings dangling from her ears, her hair parked high up In a bun, with a little of it let down at the front framing her face. 'she is beautiful', and he had always known that, but tonight she seemed ethereal. He was in a daze as she smiled and waved at him, before she was dragged away by Dena's daughter into the crowd. He kept watching her as she danced, chanting along with the others, as they clapped their. She was at home, a peaceful and joyful smile on her face, and he smiled back, a large and unreserved smile for the first time but only she saw it. A cool breeze filled the desert palace courtyard, causing the fire to roar widely while highlighting her beautiful face before it went another way.
Dena's daughter, Elora ran to where he stood and grabbed him by his hands. She dragged him into the crowd, resisting all his pleas and protests as she laughed loudly. It seemed to reign in this place, laughter and hospitality, something he had seen in the few days he had been here. He worried about the things he had been told by Elora on the second day, after they had been brought here, but he let it all go and danced along with everyone, the lively atmosphere infecting him.
They heard it before it came, a loud sound of explosion, the festivity pausing abruptly as another one boomed through the air shaking the land. They ran in different directions, the once joyful atmosphere now chaotic. Dena stood in the forefront her face a mask of calm, she had been expecting this.
Yue got a hold of Emma who had been pushed down by people who were fleeing to the stronghold that Elora was directing them to. He helped her up "are you alright?" he asked, holding unto her hands even after she nodded in affirmation. The Bato soldiers and shamans joined Dena at the front and arranged themselves prepared for whatever was coming. She created a big wind shield with the desert sand increasing it in size to cove the entire lands as her shamans joined her. Emma let go of his hands and went to join Dena, but Dena requested her to join Elora in the stronghold "go to the stronghold, protect them. We will do our best out here." and Emma left with Yue following her shortly.
They went through a door in Dena's study, down many flights of stairs before they got to where it was. People sat on the floor, adults struggling to quiet their wailing children, while Elora did her best to assuage the fears of the people, even as her mind rested on her mother who was out there. She ran to Emma as soon as she saw her "she said she wants me here to assist you" Emma said knowing what she was going to ask. She nodded her head in understanding going back to the people and assuring them that all would be fine, but she was doing it more for her own peace. The place shook, the pillars looked as though they were about to give way as sand fell from the ceiling unto the people, the lights shaking. Emma longed to be with her friend, but stayed put knowing that she really wanted her to protect her daughter who would put her life at risk for the others.
The building shook once again, but it seemed different this time. A pillar gave way, but Elora used her wind to hold it up, even as cracks began spreading round the ceiling.