45: Festival

Chapter 45: Festival

**Awkward Morning After:**

The morning sun illuminated the room in the Waterfall Village inn as Synoh and Captain Elara woke up in a tangled mess, having inadvertently fallen asleep while hugging each other. Startled by their position, both knights promptly screamed and tumbled off the bed in surprise.

**Synoh:** (stammering) Sorry! I didn't mean to...

**Captain Elara:** (blushing furiously) No, it's... I mean, I didn't either...

They quickly composed themselves and spent the rest of the morning in awkward silence, avoiding eye contact as they ventured out into the village. Captain Elara broke the tension first, attempting to shift the conversation away from their embarrassing moment.

**Captain Elara:** (embarrassed) Um, do you know much about the other captains and the general?

**Synoh:** (equally embarrassed) Actually, I don't know them at all.

As they walked through the peaceful village streets, Captain Elara took the opportunity to enlighten Synoh about the hierarchy and strength of the knights.

**Captain Elara:** The most powerful knight is the Head General, and after him is the Vice General.

**Synoh:** How strong is the general, exactly?

**Captain Elara:** If all twelve captains were to combine their strength, they still wouldn't be a match for him. With the Vice General on our side, though, we might stand a chance.

**Synoh:** That's incredible... And who's the strongest captain?

**Captain Elara:** The captain of Division 2 is considered the strongest. They call her the Trident Queen.

**Synoh:** Ah, I see. Thanks for filling me in.

**Captain Elara:** No problem.

Their conversation shifted some of the lingering awkwardness, allowing them to focus on the village and the day ahead, albeit with a newfound awareness of each other that lingered from their intimate morning mishap.

**At the Waterfall:**

As Synoh and Captain Elara arrived at the waterfall, they were greeted by an unexpected sight—members of Division 10 were already there, enjoying a refreshing bath and playful time under the cascading waters. Laughter filled the air as their comrades teased them, assuming they were already romantically involved.

**Dred:** (grinning mischievously) Looks like Captain and Synoh already have a thing, huh?

**Meth:** (teasingly) So... what about us?

Meth playfully teased Dred by showing off, causing Dred to react dramatically with a nosebleed.

**Dred:** (nose bleeding) Oh my... Meth, you can't just...!

**Aloy:** (chuckling) Here we go again.

Synoh and Captain Elara, though slightly embarrassed by the assumptions, chuckled along with their teammates. They exchanged knowing glances, accepting the good-natured teasing with good humor.

**Synoh:** (smiling) Guess we've become the entertainment for today.

**Captain Elara:** (grinning) Seems like it.

The playful banter continued as everyone enjoyed the natural beauty of the waterfall, the tension from earlier moments easing in the camaraderie of their division. Despite the teasing, it was clear that they all shared a strong bond and mutual respect, strengthened by their shared experiences and missions.

**Synoh:** (looking around) This place is really something. I'm glad we came here.

**Captain Elara:** (nodding) Me too. It's a nice break from everything.

Their day at the waterfall village turned into a memorable one, filled with laughter, relaxation, and the warmth of companionship. As the sun began to set, they gathered together, grateful for moments like these amidst their duties as knights of Division 10

**At the Festival:**

As the village festival began, Division 10 found themselves immersed in the lively atmosphere, enjoying the music, food, and festivities. However, their relaxed enjoyment was interrupted when the village chief insisted they change into traditional festival attire.

**Village Chief:** (insisting) No, no, no! You can't walk around like that! Here, put these on.

Reluctantly, all of Division 10, including Synoh and Captain Elara, changed into the festival attire. Captain Elara's outfit was particularly stunning, catching Synoh's attention and causing his heart to skip a beat.

**Synoh:** (blushing) You look... really good in that dress.

**Captain Elara:** (blushing too) Thank you. You look quite handsome too.

Their exchange didn't go unnoticed by their fellow knights, who whispered amongst themselves, teasing about a potential kiss between the two.

**Knight:** (whispering) They might kiss tonight, after all.

Undeterred by the teasing, Synoh and Captain Elara continued to enjoy the festival together. Eventually, they found themselves alone at a quiet hillside, enjoying a meal and waiting for the fireworks display.

**Synoh:** (admiring the fireworks) It's beautiful, isn't it?

**Captain Elara:** (gazing at the fireworks) Yes, it is.

As the vibrant colors lit up the sky, their gazes met, and in a moment of unexpected closeness, they accidentally kissed. Their hearts raced with surprise and warmth, realizing the depth of their feelings in that tender moment.

**Synoh:** (softly) I... I'm sorry...

**Captain Elara:** (smiling gently) It's okay...

The fireworks continued to illuminate the night sky, casting a magical glow over their shared moment. As they watched together, the unspoken connection between Synoh and Captain Elara deepened, promising new possibilities beyond their duties as knights of Division 10.