The Festival in Marici

Nai and Luan don't come across any more villages or people in need for the next two days, until they reach the outskirts of Marici, a large city that is home to the Crown Prince of Suri and his family.

The road was boring and plain. Mountain ranges were the only form of scenery for the whole two days, and there was the odd river or two that they had to cross. But trees were scarce and grass was surprisingly scarce too. Only rock after rock after rock provides some kind of scenery and it was BORING!

Luan was bored out of his mind until they finally arrived at the crest of a small hill, overlooking the city. Some kind of festival must be happening within the city, as numerous colorful flags, streamers, and banners hung in every street. The smell of food wafted even from up on the hill, making Luan's stomach growl. His lack of consistent, decent foods was messing with his stomach. He craved something delicious and surely he can make this god-like man spend a few coins on him after all the trouble he's gone through these past few days. Luan looks up at Nai, putting on his most innocent face as he squeezes his belly, showing how hungry he is.

But Nai isn't looking. He stares at the city before them, eyes glazed over and a small crease forming in between his eyebrows. Luan wonders what is making Nai seem to worried, but he instantly shakes away his wonder.

Acting as the child Noah, Luan tugs at Nai's white shirt. Nai snaps out of whatever thoughts were clouding his mind and looks down at Luan, his eyes soft.

"What's the matter, Noah?" Nai asks. "Hungry? Yes, I suppose you haven't eaten for a few days. We shall get you some food."

And with that, they set off towards the city, following the rocky path from the top of the hill to the bottom, where the city walls and gates rest. Two looming wooden gates, centred almost perfectly in the city's walls, are halfway opened, allowing an immediate envelopment in orange and yellow and red streamers as soon as you walk through them.

Luan coughs out a colourful cloud of confetti, which a man dressed completely in yellow threw in his face. He then throws the coloured papers in Nai's face, whose expression is stony and glazed. He glares at the man until he walks away, throwing handfuls of streamers at the other people who had just walked through the gates.

The main street is long and incredibly straight. Stalls coloured red, orange and yellow line either side of the street, selling a variety of items to customers dressed in the same colours. Nai's white shirt and black trousers stand out among the crowd of fiery colours, and Luan's completely black attire stands out even more. Just what is this festival about for everything to be coloured so uniformly?

Nai starts his trek through the main street, passing vendors selling a vast variety of local delicacies, consisting of delicious smelling food, colourful jewellery, household tools, toys for children, and a range of souvenirs.

The street is incredibly loud and busy, hundreds of people squeezed into these streets, yelling their conversations, as they would not be able to hear their companion if they didn't. Luan was full of contemplation earlier, as he did not know just how he felt being carried like a child in Nai's arms - forgetting that currently he was a child. But now he's glad to be cradled against his chest, for there would be fear of getting swept away in the crowd or trampled instantly if he had been walking in his own.

"If you see something you want to eat, just point at it and I will buy it for you." Nai says in his ear, focused on his task of weaving through the mass of people. Luan's ear grows warm. He knows Nai had to speak directly into his ear in order for Luan to hear his words, yet why did his face grow so warm?

Luan nods and looks around, searching for the most expensive-looking food stall he can find. But alas, this heavenly being's money pouch would not be emptying today. All food stalls were cheap and basic, and the permanent taverns scattered around the city were closed due to the festival in order to support the smaller local businesses.

Sighing internally, Luan points at the first food vendor he sees, and Nai's gaze follows his tiny, stubby child finger. A tall woman dressed in deep red stands behind a counter, ladling out soup from a massive pot into the bowls of eager customers. Upon arriving at the counter before the large woman, Luan finds the scent of the soup to be mouth-watering. Yellow in colour, the soup has a creamy texture, with large chunks of an assortment of vegetables and beef swirling around each other.

"Two bowls of your soup, please," Nai says in a sweet tone, shifting Luan in his arms so that he's only carrying him with one arm. The other fishes into his pockets, retrieving two gold coins from his pocket and placing them in the woman's extended hand. The woman blinks in shock.

"Oh no, young man," she says, gesturing for Nai to take the money back, "two silver coins will do."

Nai shakes his head and smiles. "It's alright, really."

The woman doesn't persist any more and instead fills their bowls to the absolute brim, a smile gleaming on her rosy lips. "Happy Blessing of the Sun day to you both!"

Luan tilts his head as Nai passes him his bowl. 'So that's what this festival is about,' he realises as he glances up at Nai. Nai's eyes are glazed and the smile on his face drops.

Wait!

What were those villagers calling Nai those few days ago?!