Dark & Light – Chapter 11: A Night to Remember

A Well-Deserved Rest

The warm afternoon sun peeked through the wooden shutters, casting golden rays across the small room. The soft hum of the town outside mixed with the faint creaks of the inn's wooden frame.

Rai stirred in his bed, groaning as he stretched out his sore limbs. "Ugh… what time is it?"

Vael, who had been laying in the bed beside his, sighed deeply, still half-asleep. "Does it matter?"

Rai turned over, squinting toward the window. The sun was already high in the sky.

His eyes widened. "Wait—Vael! We slept in!"

Vael groaned, rubbing his forehead. "Good."

Rai sat up quickly. "But the carnival starts in a couple of hours!"

Vael rolled onto his side. "And?"

Rai scowled. "And?! We need to eat! We need to get ready!"

Vael exhaled sharply before finally sitting up. "Tch… fine." He stretched, his muscles stiff from weeks of waking up before dawn for training.

It had been a long time since either of them had a chance to sleep in.

Maybe it wasn't so bad.

Preparing for the Carnival

The streets of Redgrove were already bustling with activity when they stepped outside. The faint scent of roasted meat and spices drifted through the air, making Rai's stomach rumble.

They found a small outdoor food stall, settling in for a simple meal of grilled skewers and warm bread.

Rai, still half-awake, ate quickly. "So, do we just head straight to the carnival?"

Vael took a sip of his drink before shaking his head. "First, we get masks."

Rai perked up. "Masks?"

Vael gestured toward a nearby vendor, where handcrafted masks of different animals were displayed. The masks were made from carved wood and painted with intricate patterns—each representing a different symbol in Redgrove's traditions.

Rai's eyes lit up as he examined them. "These are so cool!"

He ran his fingers along the various designs before stopping at a wolf mask. The craftsmanship was stunning—deep blues and silvers decorating the wood, giving it a mystical, almost ethereal feel.

"I'll take this one!"

Vael, meanwhile, picked up a simple fox mask—painted in red and gold, the design elegant yet understated.

The vendor nodded approvingly. "Good choices. The wolf represents freedom and curiosity, while the fox represents wisdom and cunning."

Rai smirked. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

Vael simply handed over the coins. "Let's go."

A Night of Fun

The carnival was like nothing Rai had ever seen.

The streets were lined with colorful banners and glowing lanterns, the smell of sweets and spices thick in the air. Performers dressed in elaborate costumes danced through the streets, music echoing from every direction.

Rai practically bounced with excitement.

They wandered through the festival, stopping at different stalls to sample food, watch performers, and observe street games.

For the first time in what felt like forever, there were no fights, no training, no running. Just fun.

At one point, as they walked past a group of women, Rai noticed something… odd.

A group of them had gathered around Vael, giggling, whispering among themselves, trying to get his attention.

Vael, as always, looked completely uninterested.

Still, it happened again. And again.

Everywhere they went, women (and even a few men) kept trying to talk to Vael.

Rai frowned. "Vael?"

Vael didn't look at him. "Hm?"

Rai tilted his head. "Why do so many people keep talking to you?"

Vael finally sighed. "They're flirting."

Rai blinked. "Flirting?"

Vael glanced at him before exhaling deeply. "Tch. You're still too young to understand, but let's just say they're… interested."

Rai thought for a moment before nodding. "Oh! So like, they want to be your friend?"

Vael's eye twitched. "No. Not like that."

Rai frowned. "Then how?"

Vael rubbed his temple. "They're trying to see if I'm interested in them… romantically."

Rai furrowed his brows, still confused. "Romantically?"

Vael sighed. "They want to date me, Rai."

Rai blinked. "Ohhh."

There was a pause.

Then Rai asked, "Are you?"

Vael shot him a glare. "No."

"Why not?"

Vael rolled his eyes. "Because I have no interest in things like that."

Rai seemed to process that for a moment before nodding. "Huh. Okay."

Vael sighed, shaking his head. "One day, it might happen to you too."

Rai wrinkled his nose. "Weird."

Vael smirked. "Yeah. It is."

Fireworks and Drinks

As the festival reached its peak, fireworks exploded in the night sky, casting the entire town in shimmering colors.

Rai stared, eyes wide with awe. "Whoa…"

The lights danced in the sky, their reflections glowing in Rai's golden and crimson eyes.

For a moment, he forgot about everything else.

Then, as they made their way back toward the inn, a voice called out—

"Vael?"

Vael stopped mid-step.

Rai looked up in confusion as a man approached them from the crowd.

The man looked older—grizzled, his beard streaked with gray. He wore trader's clothes, sturdy and well-worn. His sharp eyes locked onto Vael with familiarity.

Then his face lit up in recognition.

"Ha! It is you!"

Vael narrowed his eyes for a moment before realization hit. "…Toban?"

The man—Toban—grinned. "Damn, it's been years!"

They went to a small tavern and had drinks, catching up on old times.

Toban then revealed his business struggles, asking Vael for help hunting.

At first, Vael refused.

Then, Toban offered them a horse in exchange.

Rai gave Vael the look.

Vael sighed. "Fine."

Toban, grinning, invited them to his home, saying they should stay instead of the inn.

"I've got a daughter around the kid's age. They can keep each other company while we handle the hunting."

Rai, excited at the idea of meeting someone his age, instantly agreed.

After Toban stepped away for a moment, Vael turned to Rai with a raised eyebrow. "Why'd you answer for both of us?"

Rai hesitated before shrugging. "I just… got excited. I've never had a friend before."

Vael exhaled, rubbing his temple. "Tch. Whatever. No helping it now."

Rai smiled. Tonight had been perfect.